Vstrom neurotics

[ST Guy]

The VStrom attracts a very peculiar segment of the population. Guys that love a good value, practicality, and efficiency.

So you start with an affordably priced, reliable, decently well performing platform. Why not improve its longevity and reduce maintenance by installing some zerk fittings? Sure! Some auxiliary lights and flashing brake lights would be a nice touch for added safety at night, and some heated grips for inclement weather. Top it off with some adjustable handlebar risers to put them in the most perfectly ergonomic position, and a 3 foot tall windscreen with 3 lips on it for superior airflow. Now that the bike is set up for serious mileage, I should keep track of how much money I'm saving by tracking fuel mileage and oil consumption!

I will say - fork braces and speed bleeders are fricken awesome. I have both of them on my VStrom. Don't forget gold valves!

Sounds like the ST1100/1300 forums I've frequented. Once you've made an exceptional bike, people want to keep it and put money into anything and everything to "improve" it.

 

[GPzPop]

v-strom dudes got nothin' on airheads forums

the one on adv rider got so annoying, I had to limit my viewing

seems to me they were more interested in taking their bikes apart and putting them back together in the name of preventative maintenance than actually riding them

 

[gixxerjeff]

v-strom dudes got nothin' on airheads forums

the one on adv rider got so annoying, I had to limit my viewing

seems to me they were more interested in taking their bikes apart and putting them back together in the name of preventative maintenance than actually riding them

Zerk fittings man. You gotta have them Zerk fittings. :laughing

 

[kuksul08]

My 2017 DL650 has the twitchiest throttle of any bike I've ever ridden. It like an on/off switch. I've gotten used to it but I sure would like to fix it. My wrist is calibrated for rolling on the throttle but rolling off the throttle sometimes catches me off guard. I've searched and Googled and never really found a fix.
It cracks me up how many inmates tout the benefits of the fork brace. "It finally feels planted" and the famous "my fork brace now tames crosswinds" I've had mine on and off of 2 Vstroms and never really felt a difference.

I did notice the throttle on the 2017 650 I rode was twitchier than my 2007, but by no means twitchy in the grand scheme of things. A good solution to the abrupt on-off throttle is to just pin it at all times.

 

[vaara]

I did notice the throttle on the 2017 650 I rode was twitchier than my 2007, but by no means twitchy in the grand scheme of things. A good solution to the abrupt on-off throttle is to just pin it at all times.

I've had a 2007 and now a 2018, and never noticed a twitchy throttle on either.

 

[planegray]

My 2017 DL650 has the twitchiest throttle of any bike I've ever ridden. It like an on/off switch. I've gotten used to it but I sure would like to fix it. My wrist is calibrated for rolling on the throttle but rolling off the throttle sometimes catches me off guard. I've searched and Googled and never really found a fix.
It cracks me up how many inmates tout the benefits of the fork brace. "It finally feels planted" and the famous "my fork brace now tames crosswinds" I've had mine on and off of 2 Vstroms and never really felt a difference.

Switch to Rotella oil, that will take care of the twitchy throttle

 

[dravnx]

Will Rotella sooth my twitch?

 

[Wrider]

Great thread. I felt the same about my KLR, one of the worst motorcycles I ever owned. Yet, with about $7,500 worth of investment, it could have been one of the best motorcycles I ever owned. Or so I read...in the forums. Instead, I sold it and moved on.

 

[Maddevill]

I'm on a ZX14 forum. Tons of really good information on there but they also, unlike Barf, they allow political bullshit. So the same guy that helps you with a problem, is often the same guy who will tear you a new asshole on the political stuff. I don't like it.

Mad

 

[norcalkid]

I love my V-Strom. If money was no object it wouldn't be my first choice. But as a guy that is on a limited budget, only has storage for one bike and wants a bike I can both do a Sunday ride in the twisties with friends or a couple week trip the Wee fits the bill.

All the extras in bold can be removed and sold or just put on my next bike.

What I have done to mine (came with heated grips and skid plate)
Top luggage box bought used off ebay
fork springs (replaced W my weight when seals blew anyway)
heated grips and Hippo Hands
Givi winshield
lowered foot pegs
A electrical outlet to charge phone
Ram swivel cup holder
Garmin GPS (which I hate)
Tank bag
Alaska Leather sheepskin seat cover (I love)
Skid plate
Center stand
Bark Busters

I'd love to have a shinny new GS. No question it would eliminate a lot of the DL's shortcomings. But I'd rather ride and travel than work and make bike payments... The Wee is simply the best tool for the role I was looking to fill within a my budget.

I haven't really spent time on the DL forums. I did switch to full synthetic oil. I actually prefer the way it shifts with mineral oil but it starts to shift like it needs an oil change around 2300mi. With full synthetic I can do a 4k+ mile trip with no oil change.



I guess you could say I'm a huge Wee-Strom fanboy. If budget is an issue this is a bike you can buy already setup for under 5k, run 87 octane gas, my liability insurance is $110 a year. Change the oil and go!!

PXL_20201008_214931909 by Norcalkid, on Flickr