Suzuki V Strom 650 ABS Adventure

[tbln930]

I ordered the new Denali DR1's and Denali V-Strom mounts (after I saw various lights demo'd and read all of the related threads on the V-Strom forum). They were a bit steep but should blast the deer and bunnies from the roads. I just found out (waiting for owners manual which was missing and is being shipped to me) that there is an accessories circuit under the dash for my phone/gps that will work for my camera as well. I am skipping wiring the power box for now and taking the lights to the battery per various recommendations.

I may still get an Eastern Beaver PC8 fuse box with harness specific for my bike and then connect stuff to it slowly as a longer term projects (since my wife is letting me spend the funds now ).

Haha, I live in south Africa, and don't have as much choices. I'll get what ever lights that are available. I still have to go scrounge the local bike shops. I'm also a bit of a scrooge, so will spend a long time researching my options.

Yes, higher the better, as you'll get less shadows. Study also shows that if you get your lights to look like a face, people will see you better. True fact.....

[tbln930]

I like my Hondas and Honda makes a great adventure touring bike but they just don't sell it in the US.

Isn't it great.

Are you getting used to the new bike? I decided after 600 miles I have bonded with mine.


The best part is accessorizing the V-Strom...
F.A.R.K.L.E. -- Fancy Accessory Really Kool Likely Expensive

Bonding has occurred. I got about 300 miles so far. The CTX 700N handles really well and I'm getting comfortable on it. Like wei2go I have the DCT and really enjoying it.

[dkazzed]

Let us know when you've spent more on accessories than the bike itself.

[tbln930]

$1500 and counting.... I bought a Sena Comm set too.

[wei2go]

The guy that I bought my bike from, spent about R20 000 farkling. Then when he wanted to trade in the bike for an upgrade, they told him they only consider the cost of the bike for the trade in value.

I then managed to convince him to sell me the bike at trade in value, with the 'free' farkles . SCORE.

[tbln930]

Right - you have to sell private party to get anything at all back on Farkles and you are better off moving them if you can. Just installed the tool tube, fork brace, and am starting the knuckle guards. The DR1's can always be moved to another bike which is the biggest item so far. Folks here I noticed only sell V-Strom's to get newer ones. They are real popular.

If my wife makes me sell the Forza it basically has no accessories except the windshield and Givi Monokey mount.

[dkazzed]

Lol the Sena headset can be used with any of your bikes. Which one did you get? I'm still happy with mine.

[tbln930]

Absolutely. Just the basic SMH10 plus SMH-A0304 Helmet Clamp Kit.

My garage is starting to look like a cycle shop.

[wei2go]

My garage is starting to look like a cycle shop.

Me too. 1 Scooter, 1 motorbike, 2 mountain bikes, 2 road racing bikes, 2 road commuting bikes. Bunch of parts

[tbln930]

I was hoping to get a photo of the fleet if it brightens up a bit but a chance of storms here. I have to move the handlebar back a bit so the knuckle guards don't touch the windshield on wide turns and I hoped to test out the fork brace added stability and see if I can tell a difference. Except for case locks that came from the dealer I have everything installed that was delivered so far.

Isn't it hard to get on a bicycle after riding around on a motorbike?

If you ride on the interstate a lot I noticed these guys on Stromtrooper are all going to the Givi Airflow WS. They are also mounting auxiliary high foot pegs in front for long rides on the highway.

[Steph]

Isn't it hard to get on a bicycle after riding around on a motorbike?

That happened to my Husband and I. We rode at least 600 miles on our bicycles the year before we got our scoots. Lucky if we went 20 miles last year. Kind of sad. But, We have a blast on our motorbikes. Think I'm a little fatter though. Lol.

[tbln930]

I have to stop Farkling - I am out of signature space.

I attached my new Sena SMH10 to my GMax helmet and it really works well paired to my phone. That was money well spent.

[dkazzed]

Enjoy! I love my Sena unit. It is quite expensive but riding is just so much better with music. I used an LG bluetooth headset prior to this but it was not glove friendly.

[tbln930]

I like the speed dial for home and my wife.

[tbln930]

My Beaver arrived from Japan! I was adding too many electronics and needed to do it properly.

[Steph]

Nice Beaver!

[you you]

Nice Beaver!

Where?

[tbln930]

Nice Beaver!

I decided for easier chain maintenance on the road I need a center stand which are absent from many of these adv touring bikes. My wife says I am pushing the limit on buying stuff.

[dkazzed]

I decided for easier chain maintenance on the road I need a center stand which are absent from many of these adv touring bikes. My wife says I am pushing the limit on buying stuff.

Hopefully not a FARKLE? Chain maintenance with a centre stand is a pain in the *beep*.

How's the Forza situation?

[tbln930]

I just ordered the SW Motech center stand (another $250). They work well with the Weld86 Skid Plate I have. I forgot to tell the wife. I have purchased most of the important FARKLE's I needed. Items beyond this point are luxury.

I switched chain lubes to DuPont Chain Saver which is a dry wax based lube. It seems to be popular for these adv bikes although chain lubes are like engine oils in that everyone has their own opinion. Many guys are now just applying the Chain saver frequently and not even cleaning the chain (which has orings and internal sealed grease lube anyways). They still claim to get 30k miles out of them.