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!