Motorcycles

This section contains all the information related to the bikes we will be riding for the trip... the Suzuki V-Strom 650 (DL650).

In our article "The Contenders" we discuss how we came to the conclusion that the V-Strom is the best bike for the trip.

Modifications: The V-Strom 650 isn't 100% ready for this adventure until we deck it out. Our V-Strom page has a list of the modifications and equipment upgrades necessary to make the journey.

The Contenders: Picking the right bike

The Dual Sport

We knew that we would need some capable machines for this trip. We will be riding 20-30 thousand miles through areas unfamiliar to us, carrying all the gear that we would need for three months. We would need a couple of reliable dual sport bikes. A dual sport is a bike set up for street and some off road use. They are very versatile and a number of manufacturers make some great models. Features we will look for include:

  • Street and off road capabilities
  • Load carrying ability
  • Fuel efficiency
  • Reliability
  • Frequency, ease, and cost of maintenance
  • Long distance comfort and a lot more...

 

New or Used?

We decided that we would prefer to buy and ride new bikes. We can preform simple maintenance and figure out how to take a part and fix things pretty well but we're not mechanics. New bikes have warranties, haven't been abused, and are generally all fuel injected (at least the ones we looked at). Also we want to ride the same bike so that parts and maintenance are the same.

Initial Contenders

It came down to the following bikes:

  • Suzuki V-Strom 650 or 1000
  • BMW R1200 GS or R1200 GS Adventure
  • BMW F800 GS
  • BMW F650 GS
  • Buell Ulysses XB12XT
  • KTM 990 Adventure
  • Kawasaki KLR 650

 

Eliminations

Kawasaki KLR 650 The first to go was the KLR 650. This is a great bike but some drawbacks include the fact that it's a single cylinder engine, and a little on the small side. Tony is a big guy. They are a great value though and would be great for regional touring.

Buell Ulysses XB12XT The Buell Ulysses boasts some pretty cool features including 64 MPG out of a 103 HP 1200 cc engine. It also comes with factory cases (though small and not tough) and a 2 year warranty. It also has perimeter mounted brakes and an underslung muffler which keeps weight low. Our reasons for elimination: it is on the expensive side, five speed gear box, inaccessibility of parts/service in South America, least capable off road. This would be a good touring bike in the United States.

KTM 990 Adventure KTM has a committed following. A lot of guys love these bikes, and this bike has good reviews. However, neither of us have any experience with them and we had to cut this choice due to fears of unavailability of parts and service.

BMW F650GS Too small.

BMW F800GS This is a new BMW model and is set to be a pretty popular one. Very cool bike. However, it is set up a little bit more like a dirt bike than we would prefer. Also because it's a new model this year (2009) there is the concern that some bugs may need to be worked out before a trip like this. And parts and service aren't as available. There are more tried and trusted alternatives so we had to eliminate this one.

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 (DL 1000) The V-Strom is a great bike. It has a very reliable engine and has a great track record. Parts are everywhere and apparently anybody that knows an engine can work on them. Both the 650 and the 1000 are big enough (same size bike) to carry us and our gear and are capable enough off road. We eliminated the 1000 because it is more expensive and not as fuel efficient as the 650, and everybody we talked to / everything we read said you only need the 1000 if you're riding 2-up. Which we're NOT!

Down to the last two

It came down to the BMW R1200GS and the Suzuki V-Strom 650. Some pros and cons of both:

Suzuki V-Strom 650 ($6,999)

  • Pro: Relative low cost
  • Pro: More common parts
  • Pro: Easier to find people who can work on the engine
  • Pro: Range- A bigger gas tank than the standard 1200GS (5.8 gallons vs. 5.3 gallons) and better fuel efficiency (by about 10-15 MPG) means more miles between gas stops. However, the 1200GS Adventure does have an 8.7 gallon gas tank. Which is huge.
  • Pro: Excellent record of reliability
  • Con: Not rugged enough- These bikes will need more modifications and upgrades to make them trip-ready.

BMW R 1200 GS ($14,600 or $16,600 for the Adventure model)

  • Pro: Tougher bikes. Less plastic, more like a huge dirt bike... but very comfortable (especially the Adventure model)
  • Pro: Easier engine maintenance - Valves are easily accessible with the boxer-style engine
  • Pro: The little things - Telelever front suspension, electronic immobilizer, etc.
  • Pro: Less modification necessary - already packed with features we need. Most dealers order them with heated grips, trip computers, ABS (on/off with a switch!), etc.
  • Pro: Switchable ABS. Turn anti-lock brakes on and off with a switch!
  • Pro: Bigger engine - more hauling power
  • Con: Price tag: $20,000 for a moderately loaded Adventure model
  • Con: Weight: especially the Adventure model
  • Con: Availability of parts and service

The Winner: Suzuki V-Strom 650

These are all great bikes. The last two are especially suitable for this trip. The pros and cons can be listed, argued, and debated for days (and they are all over the internet). We chose the V-Strom primarily because it is a very reliable bike, very capable, and a great value. Check out the links page under "The Trip" menu for links to great resources for research on these bikes.

Update: I (Nick) have since bought my V-Strom and I love it. I'm still in the process of getting it trip ready. I am 100% confident that we made the right choice.

Update: I (Tony) have also now purchased my V-Strom.  What an excellent machine!  Every time I get in the saddle, I go into adventure mode - looking for trails, back roads, puddles, and challenges.  I can't keep it clean for more than a day!  Short story about getting my bike - apparently the geniuses at Suzuki don't think the Black/Orange ABS model will sell in the States, but will in Canada.  I flew up to Vancouver, BC, where I had put a deposit down on the machine, and rode it home to Portland that night. 

The following is a table comparing the specifications of most of the bikes we considered. It is very interesting and makes picking one "best" bike very difficult... impossible.

  BMW R 1200 GS BMW F 650 GS BMW F 800 GS Suzuki V-Strom 650 (DL 650) KTM 990 Adventure Buell Ulysses XB12XT
Engine            

Type

 Air/Oil Cooled, Boxer Twin Liquid Cooled, Parallel Twin Liquid Cooled, Parallel Twin Liquid Cooled, 90 Deg. V-Twin Liquid Cooled, 75 Deg. V-Twin Air/Oil Cooled, 45 Deg. V-Twin
Displacement 1170 cc 798 cc 798 cc 645 cc 999 cc 1203 cc
Horsepower 105 hp @ 7500 RPM 71 hp @ 7000 RPM 85 hp @ 7500 RPM     103 hp @ 6800 RPM
Torque 85 lb/ft @ 5750 RPM 55 lb/ft @ 4500 RPM 62 lb/ft @ 5750 RPM     84 lb/ft @ 6000 RPM
Valves Per Cylinder 4 4 4 4   2
Fuel System Fuel Injection Fuel Injection Fuel Injection Fuel Injection Fuel Injection Fuel Injection
             
Drivetrain            
Transmission 6 Speed 6 Speed 6 Speed 6 Speed 6 Speed 5 Speed
Clutch 180 mm dry, single plate with hydraulic actuation Wet multi plate Wet multi plate   Wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically Wet, multi-plate, compensated
Final Drive Shaft Chain Chain Chain   Belt
             
Dimensions            
Overall Length 87.0" 89.7" 91.0" 90.2"   91.3"
Overall Width 36.6" 33.2" 34.2" 33.1"   39.6"
Overall Height       54.7"    
Seat Height 33.5/34.3" 32.2" 33.5/34.6" 32.3" 33.86" 30.7"
Ground Clearance       6.5" 10.28" 5.94"
Wheel Base 59.3" 62.0" 62.1" 61.2" 61.81 ± 0.39" 53.9"
Dry Weight   377 lbs 392 lbs 479 lbs 438.7 lbs 465 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 968 lbs 952 lbs 975 lbs     950 lbs
Load Capacity   575 lbs 583 lbs     414 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity 5.3 US gal 4.2 US gal 4.2 US gal 5.8 US gal 5.81 US gal 4.4 US gal
Mileage City           51 MPG
Mileage Highway           64 MPG
Tires (Front) 110/80-19 110/80 x 19 tubeless 90/90-21 110/80 R19 M/C 59H, tubeless   Pirelli® Diablo® Strada 120/70ZR-17
Tires (Rear) 150/70-17 140/80 x 17 tubeless 150/70-17 150/70 R17 M/C 69H, tubeless   Pirelli® Diablo® Strada 180/55ZR-17
             
Chassis            
Brakes (Front) Twin disc, 12.0" Single disc, 11.8" Twin disc, 11.8" Twin disc Twin disc, 11.81" Single disc, 375 mm, perimeter mounted
Brakes (Rear) Single disc, 10.4" Single disc, 10.4" Single disc, 10.4" Single disc Single disc, 9.45" Single disc, 240 mm
Suspention Travel (Front) 7.5" 7.1" 9.0"   8.27" 4.92"
Suspension Travel (Rear) 7.9" 6.7" 8.5"   8.27" 4.92"
Suspention Type (Front) BMW Telelever 43 mm telescopic fork 45mm USD Fork Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped WP USD Ø 48 mm (1.89")  
Suspension Type (Rear) BMW Paralever Double sided aluminum swingarm Double sided aluminum swingarm Link type, coil spring, oil damped WP mono shock PDS with hydr. spring preload  
             
Fuel Requirements            
Warranty       12 Months   24 Months Unlimited Mileage
             
             
             

The Bike: Suzuki V-Strom 650 (DL 650)

In the article "The Contenders" we discussed why we picked the V-Strom 650. It's reliable, relatively inexpensive, parts are available, easy to service, and it's more than capable. Or we'll make it capable!

The V-Strom 650 isn't 100% ready for this adventure until we deck it out. This section is full of the modifications and equipment upgrades necessary to make the journey.


Bash/Skid Plate

Just looking at the vulnerable underside of the V-Strom necessitates the installation of a bash plate for protection.

The Adventure MotoStuff engine protectors look pretty good but aren't available yet (Feb 2009).  These look more rugged than the SW-Motech so these will probably be what we'll use.  Adventure MotoStuff

The SW-Motech bash plate, engine guards, and center stand have a decent reputation, so that's an option. TwistedThrottle.com has the bash plate for $200.

 

 

 

Center Stand

One very important addition to these bikes is a center stand. It makes maintenance easier (changing tires, changing oil, repairing the chain, etc.) and helps with parking under load or on unstable ground. SW-Motech makes one that matches their set of crash bars and bash plate - it's on TwistedThrottle.com for $165.

Crash Bars/Engine Guard

To protect the engine and fairings from slide damage in the event of a lay-down, we're installing crash bars.  The skid plates will also mount to these.

Option 1: SW-Motech
We found them for $160 on TwistedThrottle.com

Option 2: Givi
$153 on Adventure MotoStuff

Option 3: Hepco Becker
$220 on Adventure Motostuff

Electrical: Fuse Box and Relay

We added fuse boxes and relays so that we can hook up more accessories and have them shut off automatically when the key is off.  We went with Blue Sea 6 circuit fuse boxes and some relays from our local Baxter auto parts.  Got the Blue Sea boxes from West Marine.  Also we got the Eastern Beaver "Rear Brake Connector Switching Adaptor" for switching the realy on and off.  Also a 30 amp inline fuse available at Baxter and West Marine.

 

Blue Sea fuse box

Rear Brake Connector Switching Adaptor

 

Installation: (I'll add photos soon)

I am not a mechanic.  This installation should be pretty easy for just about anyone.  I didn't have to take apary anything significant on my bike.  Also I'm not an electrician so my electrical lingo is probably way off.  Sorry.  I used heat shrink electrical connectors for just about everything.

  1. Connect the Eastern Beaver part.  I removed the battery holder thing which was easy.  The connection is made under the coolant overflow reservoir (behind and slightly beneath the gas tank). Run the wire back toward the battery.
  2. Connect the wire from the Eastern Beaver part to your relay.  The relay should have instructions on which prong to connect it to, mine did.  You should now be able to turn the key on and off and hear/feel the relay switching.
  3. Connect the positive and negative battery terminals to the correct places on the relay.
  4. Connect the remaining prong on the relay (if four prong, otherwise consult instructions w/relay as to which prong to connect to) to the positive side of the Blue Sea fuse box.
  5. Connect the negative side of the Blue Sea box to the negative terminal on the battery.
  6. Done.  Hook up accessories, clean up your mess.
  7. Optional but recommended: Put 30 amp inline fuse between positive battery termianl and relay so if your relay goes bad you'll have an extra safety thing.  Yes thing.

 

Footpegs

Footpegs...

Front Suspension

John Clemens of motobrothers.net recommended installing some Race Tech springs in our front forks.  We probably will.  More info coming soon.

Grip Puppies

Update: We won't be using these.  The heated grips we have on are the perfect diameter and adding these would reduce heating ability.

To reduce vibration and increase the diameter of the handles, we'll slide on some Grip Puppies (maybe). They're only $8.20 from California Sport Touring

Hand Guards

We'll need some hand guards to keep debris, wind, and rain off our hands during the ride. Suzuki's OEM set has received some great reviews, so we'll probably pick up a set for $43 from Westfield.  They're pretty cheap, go on easy, and deflect wind well.  They aren't very tough though.  They won't do much in the event of a crash.

Handlebar Crossbar

The crossbar will increase handlebar durability, while doubling as a mounting surface for some of our electronics. It's $20 from TwistedThrottle.com

Heated Grips

Update: We won't be using the outrageously overpriced Suzuki grips.  We will be using Oxford Heaterz (Hot Grips OUTSIDE the USA).  These grips are very nice.  Slightly larger diameter, soft rubber, install easily, and an adjustable heat controller.  We also installed fuse boxes and relays to shut off all of our acceessories when the bikes are off.

 

Installation Notes:

  • See our electrical page for fuse box/relay instructions and info
  • I cut the factory grips off with a razor.  Trying to remove them for future use would be a huge waste of time.  If anybody has successfully done this I'd be impressed.
  • I used a Dremel to grind down the Suzuki throttle sleeve.  It has grooves and some other features that prevent the Oxford grips from going on.  Nice of Suzuki to do that to us.
  • I used enamel remover to remove the factory grip glue from the left handlebar.

Luggage (Sides)

We will need somewhere to put all of our stuff. We will use hard luggage as opposed to soft (bags) to keep everything not stolen and protected. Update: We decided on the Jesse bags, we both have them installed and love them.  Durable, waterproof, and spacious.

For the aluminum panniers on the sides we will go with either the Touratech Vega cases or the Jesse Luggage Odyssey II system. Right now we're leaning towards the Jesse system, but here they both are:

Jesse Luggage makes the Odyssey II system for the V-Strom 650 (above). These cases are stronger than the Touratech cases, are more angular, are shaped to fit around the exhaust pipe and bike, have a unique sliding mounting system, and cost $950. Also, the locking mechanism seems much stronger than the Touratech which seems like it could be broken with a screwdriver. Jesse Luggage web site

 

Touratech makes a 35/41L system for $1100 (above). Because the V-Strom 650 only has one muffler and it is on the right side, that case is slightly smaller. These cases have great reviews, are watertight, large, and durable. They are on the expensive side though. Touratech website.

Luggage (Top)

We will also carry a Givi top case (below). They make a 52 liter model that seems to work pretty well. It has a pop out carry handle and brake light built in. It also has a mounting system that makes taking it off quick and easy. The 52 liter model is Givi's largest. Givi web site

The alternative would be to carry large dry bags but they would be hard to keep secure. A knife can open up a dry bag much quicker than it can open up a thick hard plastic box.

Windscreen

The stock V-Strom windscreen is lame (too short, turbulent airflow), and Givi makes a very good replacement that protects the rider and provides a much more comfortable ride. We found the windscreen for $113 on TwistedThrottle.com

To get the perfect angle and height on the windscreen, we'll use Madstad's Adjustable Windshield Mount, available from their website for $90.  These are really cool!