Suzuki DL1000AL4 V-Strom 1000ABS - Owners 6 Year summary & recommended modifications.

A quick walkabout of my DL1000A, VStrom. I've had the bike for 6 years since new and had many adventures, covering 28000 seasonal riding miles. The bike still rides as good if not better, now the engine is looser and Clutch basket modified. This is only a quick road side overview, feel free to ask any questions in the comments

[@UncleWally3]

I’ve bought three new ‘Stroms, cumulatively ridden over 200 000 trouble-free kilometers. The fact that I’ve owned three is evidence of my admiration; I don’t think they’re great bikes, but they’re damn good bikes. That said, especially compared to my other motorcycles, each ‘Strom I’ve owned has been a farkle magnet. I think I look at V-Strom’s like my wife looked at me when we first met, she loved me so much she couldn’t wait to change me . . .

[@hopsl69]

🤣🤣🤣

[@1001CP]

Great review of a great bike my friend! I bought mine new in 14, run it nearly every day and only had to replace a weak battery and normal maintenance. I run year round on/off road with good tires and love it. I had set mine up nearly like yours and it is always evolving with accessories. I have the adv package but rud soft pans off road and usually on since they are bigger/lighter unless I visit a city where I need a lock then the hard pans slip on. I have had no issues with this bike and think I made a great decision buying it. Thank you again for the great reviews and vids. Take care and be safe in your travels my friend!

[@Leafster1973]

Thank you for your feedback. You too, stay safe and happy Strom travels 😎👍

[@GK5143]

6 Year ? wow
nice video!

[@azdesertdog]

You've done an excellent job modifying the V Strom. They a great bikes for sure. Have you done much with the suspension settings. My gen 1 really lacked much in the way of adjustment. Thanks for showing us your ride.

[@Leafster1973]

Thanks for your feedback 👍. The forks have preload, damping and compression adjustments and setting them up for a personalised ride does take a few attempts. They have a wide range of adjustment. On the rear, it feels firm and I run about 30 % preload and the shock damper is about 50% set in the middle. I find it rides stable, no fork dive, even 2 up, and feels a very tuned ride. I would say a great improvement on the first generation 1000s

[@j.f.aristaran214]

Hi. Great vid of your Vstrom life.
Please, could you tell me the Renthal handlebar code that you install??? I`m thinking about replace my 22mm handlebar in my L8 DL1000 by other more thick (28mm). Yours could fit perfect.
Regards

[@ianyoung2696]

Good vidio, have you ever had any electrical problems with water getting in some of the unsealed electrical plugs at the front under the tank (known problem) keep safe & keep on enjoying your bike.

[@Leafster1973]

Thanks 👍. When I bought the bike I took the tank and airbox off and sleeved all the connectors in a sealed rubber tube as I'd heard this was an issue. Touch wood so far, everything had been fine. I would recommend anyone to do the same. I cut up an old bike inner tube

[@alexbygrave4836]

Hi, what mirrors are you using?

[@benb2058]

Hey man I got the same bike and nearly identical mods just wondering is the KTM 1290 been calling to you? It's like a siren Call to me right now LOL an additional 60 horsepower and a few more farkles like cruise control and Hey wait did I say in additional 60 horsepower LOL I'm having a hard time fighting it off would love to compare notes on my DL1K great bike Suzuki just needs to upgrade the power plant to something a little more spicy !!!
Cheers thanks for posting🍻

[@Leafster1973]

Hi Ben, I've gone the other way and bought a RE Himalayan to accompany the Strom for more relaxed adventures. KTM great bikes more refined and more expensive to maintain for sure looking at the service information

[@martinv3000]

Can you please elaborate on why and how was that clutch modification done?

[@Leafster1973]

ua-cam.com/video/2ODCirYk0T0/v-deo.html

[@robertbates1079]

Have you checked the valve clearances by any chance ? Ta.

[@Leafster1973]

Done at the last service,no action required.

[@archiemillington306]

had mine 4 years now and the forks are pitted and fooked up the fork seal its never been out in the rain its done 12 k

[@Leafster1973]

Lack of maintenance there.

[@chrisbryant9263]

Where do I get one of the sump guards

[@Leafster1973]

Hi the one in the video is made by Ravetech

[@cjtom72]

Hi , what Centre stand is fitted ?
Thanks.

[@Leafster1973]

Hi, centre stand is a genuine Suzuki stand