Picked up my new (to me) 2008 Wee from Fredericksburg, VA yesterday. Spent the morning riding home and it was AWESOME.

Of course, I was up early and internet shopping this morning. We have almost 2 months until we move to our new place with garage. So I ordered a cover and disk lock for peace of mind in the parking lot.

I also ordered a Murph's Kits centerstand. When that comes it's:
1. Install centerstand
2. Change oil
3. Lube chain

Any recommendations on specific tools? I have a basic socket set, and know I'll need a torque wrench, oil filter wrench and a bottle of medium loctite for the centerstand bolts.

So far, including gear, I've spent $375 on "accessories." Hopefully I can stop there...but I'm already in the market for a 3/4 length textile armored jacket...

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You'll need a 12mm Hex (allenhead) wrench to remove the front axle when the time comes for a new front tire........that particular hex wrench is NOT included in your vstrom toolkit. They are not expensive.......

Lots of screws (bolts) on the Vstrom are JIS (Jap Std) screws.......which look identical to Phillipsheads. Some members have stripped the screw slots using regular phillipshead screwdrivers (chain guard comes to mind). Just be cautious when removing these type screws.......

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Current Rides: 2008 Yeller Wee + 2000 ZRX1100
2013 May Rally: http://2013easterngathering.weebly.com
I'm so ugly I stuck my head out the window and got arrested for mooning.
Apparel Security Cables... http://www.stromtrooper.com/group-bu...m-apparel.html

Congrats. I've had good luck with Motorcycle Jackets - Atomic Moto for jackets, boots, etc. I hit a sale day and got a First Gear 3/4 armored. Some may be last years model but that type of stuff doesn't concern me. I'm 51 so I'm more than last years model.

Have you seen this???

V-Strom Get Together East X - 17-20 May 2012

Come to the Rally and see almost every vstrom "farkle" known to mankind there........over 40 riders have said they are coming........should be "interesting". PM me with any questions!!

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Current Rides: 2008 Yeller Wee + 2000 ZRX1100
2013 May Rally: http://2013easterngathering.weebly.com
I'm so ugly I stuck my head out the window and got arrested for mooning.
Apparel Security Cables... http://www.stromtrooper.com/group-bu...m-apparel.html

Oh man, I hear you. Just picked up a new 2011 on Saturday. Between insurance, new crash bars and a skid plate, I'm in another $800. I'm joining the Greeks in their austerity plan for the next few months.

Getting the retractor springs hooked onto the centerstand can be a challenge - lots of tricks to use. I slipped a long screwdriver in one end of the spring hook, to make a T-handle grip of sorts, and used my best rowing technique to pull back and slip the springs (one at a time) onto the centerstand tangs.....good luck with it!

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"Side effects may include: Mild kidney explosions...Testicular cranberrying... And Rectal hallucinations."

Very good advice. ALL "phillips" screws on Japanese bikes are actually JIS. A set of JIS screwdrivers saves a lot of aggravation and is money well spent. I have the three piece set at the bottom of this page:

McMaster-Carr

AutoZone usually has the 12mm socket-drive hex bit, as part of a three piece set with a 14 and 17mm. Just $13-14.

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Rich Desmond
'07 DL650, '01 DR-Z400S, '99 SV650 (race bike), '80 GS1000S, '85 RZ350, '08 Ducati 848

If you're looking for a great jacket, I can tell you I'm extremely happy with my Tourmaster Flex. It isn't a 3/4 length but is extremely well made and versatile, as it goes from fully lined, to shell, to mesh in one jacket. I love mine and got it for appx $150 this winter and though it was a great deal. They're on clearance right now at motorcycle gear for under $100 which is crazy. I've been very pleased with the products and service from these folks.

Tour Master Flex Series 2 Jacket :: MotorcycleGear.com

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Current bikes
2010 DL650 (BlackBetty2)


Previously
2006 Suzuki DL650 (FREDA)
2000 Suzuki VS800 Intruder (BlackBetty)
1987 Yamaha Virago 535
1972 Keystone mini-bike

It's not orange... paint it orange.

(just kidding). Nice bike!

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Murray

I love my wee Wee,
And my wee Wee loves me!



2010 DL650SEA

Congrats on your new bike! I just picked up a new-to-me DL650K7 and had already ordered a Richland Rick fork brace & lowered footpeg brackets, Sargent seat, and Madstad windshield brackets before the bike was even in my possession.

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Kevin in VA

'12 DL650 (aka "Betty" - Shiro Nakama san-jū-go #035)
'07 DL650 (RIP "Grey Wind", totaled by an idiot driving the wrong way in traffic )
'70 CT90
'68 CD175
'75 CB500T
'68 CL450