V Strom 650 Mods

[Shep]

I have had my 650 V Strom for 3 months and to be honest there are the makings of a truly superb bike here.

I have completed the following mods.

1 I replaced the standard handelbars with a set of Renthals standard road/trail bars which are slightly lower and not bent back as much. The originals were too high putting too much weight on my back and too angled back for my wrists. The Renthals are far better and also a much better quality bar.

Cost 22 pounds

2 I fitted a set of Renthal bar end weights as these bars are thicker walled so the standard bar end weights do not fit

Cost 7 pounds

3 I bought a set of Roxter heated grips, identical to the latest oxford grips but chaeper.

Cost 30 Pounds

3 I bought a Madstad Engineering windscreen bracket from the states THIS IS REALLY SUPERB. The original screen had far too much turbulence. The Madstad is fully adjustable and gives the quitest ride i have ever experienced on any motorcycle, far better now than the Africa Twin and Varadero set up.

Cost 61 pounds

4 I bought a set of Hagon progressive fork springs and matching damping oil. The standard set up is OK but still provides a slightly choppy ride over rough surfaces, these are far, far superior.

Cost 55 pounds

5 I swapped my standard DL650 seat for a seat off a DL1000 V Strom. This seater is higher and much more padded much better.

6 Finally i bought GIVI PL Pannier racks so that i can mount my Givi E21 panniers that i kept off my Honda VFR800 VTEC.

Cost 94 pounds

This bike is now easily the best adventure bike that i have owned, I have sorted the riding position, screen, seat, and front forks for a total of 175 pounds.

It is a real go anywhere bike now, Fuel consumption is averaging 60 to 65mpg

[Offroader]

I have just taken my standard WEE Strom on a trip to the French Alps with Cabbage & Eamon Fantastic trip

The only mods so far are bar risers £24
Rear Givi Panier Racks £80
Moved the standard screen forward with new spaces & bolts £0.50 (saw this on an American Wee Strom Site and am amazed at the difference)

There are other mods to come incuding fork springs, crash bars & sump Guard but so far what a surprisingly great little bike so far, it is growing on me all the time.

I will still keep the @ but certainly have no plans to get rid of the Wee.

PS Thanks Mart & Eamon for looking after me in France

[J]

Hi Bob,dont tell sharry you have a DL 650 she likes them. Spoke to my mate in Thunder road Honda/Suzuki dealership and advised on getting a good bash plate as your oil filter is a bit exposed and only takes a loose stone to smash it off J