I bought an 08 Vstrom 650 in September 2015 to have a dual sport bike. Recently, I decided to take a 48 state tour in July. I also own a 1999 Triumph Sprint ST. It took me some time to decide which bike to ride on my trip, but I decided on the Vstrom even though it will be all pavement.
Pic of both bikes:
The previous owner modified the bike quite a bit. He had custom fork made to lift the bike several inches. Also, the rear shock is aftermarket and shorter than the OEM shock because with the factory dogbones, the bike is lifted in the rear too. The bike has big aluminum side boxes and he had a fabricated mount for a generic top box (kinda looks like a Givi but no labels on it) There are aftermarket engine guards, headlight guards, bash plate, and two 12V accessory sockets. There is also the factory windscreen and a really tall touring Cee Bailey windscreen.
The side case brakets and headlight guard were powdercoated yellow. I painted them black using epoxy paint. They look MUCH better.
Since owning the bike, I added factory handguards and I had the seat custom shaped for my comfort. I also added a throttlelock I had from another bike. I happen to have a Suzuki tank bag. I added a Superbrace fork brace.
To prep for the trip, I installed the Cee Bailey windscreen and I found a Givi adjustable rack on craiglists so I can mount a 36L Givi top box I had. Its very solidly mounted.
Here's my plan:
Lower the suspension to stock or even a bit lower. This should make the bike more stable and reduce the effects of wind...maybe Ill get a bit better gas mileage. I will need lowering links for the rear and factory forks for the front.
I need to go through the bike and change all fluids, inspect air filter or replace with K & N filter
Change the tires to touring tires
Get a GPS unit, probably Garmin. Looking for suggestions here.
Replace brake lines with Steel braided lines.
I want auxiliary lights and light bar, preferably small and bright.
I plan to replace the headlights with the brightest bulbs I can find. I love the light from HIDs but they seem unreliable.
Any suggestions for bike prep would be much appreciated.
Pics:
Pic of both bikes:
The previous owner modified the bike quite a bit. He had custom fork made to lift the bike several inches. Also, the rear shock is aftermarket and shorter than the OEM shock because with the factory dogbones, the bike is lifted in the rear too. The bike has big aluminum side boxes and he had a fabricated mount for a generic top box (kinda looks like a Givi but no labels on it) There are aftermarket engine guards, headlight guards, bash plate, and two 12V accessory sockets. There is also the factory windscreen and a really tall touring Cee Bailey windscreen.
The side case brakets and headlight guard were powdercoated yellow. I painted them black using epoxy paint. They look MUCH better.
Since owning the bike, I added factory handguards and I had the seat custom shaped for my comfort. I also added a throttlelock I had from another bike. I happen to have a Suzuki tank bag. I added a Superbrace fork brace.
To prep for the trip, I installed the Cee Bailey windscreen and I found a Givi adjustable rack on craiglists so I can mount a 36L Givi top box I had. Its very solidly mounted.
Here's my plan:
Lower the suspension to stock or even a bit lower. This should make the bike more stable and reduce the effects of wind...maybe Ill get a bit better gas mileage. I will need lowering links for the rear and factory forks for the front.
I need to go through the bike and change all fluids, inspect air filter or replace with K & N filter
Change the tires to touring tires
Get a GPS unit, probably Garmin. Looking for suggestions here.
Replace brake lines with Steel braided lines.
I want auxiliary lights and light bar, preferably small and bright.
I plan to replace the headlights with the brightest bulbs I can find. I love the light from HIDs but they seem unreliable.
Any suggestions for bike prep would be much appreciated.
Pics: