I usually do these writeups in 25,000 mile increments but I'll do this one a few miles early this time. No odo pic- how boring would it be to see just '24,303'? Suzuki takes the fun out of a 6 digit odometer reading 
After 400K, the question would be: Will the second 'new' odometer stop at 199,999 or will this one continue? Answer: it stops. I sent the odometer to Hamp's Speedometer Repair in Alpharetta GA to be reset. He said the extreme left position digit was only made with one space and was not designed in the shape of an 'eight' to count other numbers than '1'. He reset it to the miles the tripmeter was counting from 400K. Reset cost was $166.
Only routine maintenance was performed since the last writeup: oil & filter changes (Castrol syntec 10x40 oil every 7000 miles/Fram P6018 filters), replaced radiator fluid (last replaced two summers ago), iridium spark plugs (@54,975m) and another clutch pushrod seal (you should buy these in quantity!)
At 407K I noticed it was starting to leak a little around the rear cylinder base gasket. I kept an eye on it over the miles and at 422K finally ordered the parts to replace the base gasket, head gasket and 4 engine bolts. We got the rear cylinder ready to be removed and realized the cam drive sprocket cant be removed without engine drop/removal. After scratching our heads we only replaced the 4 engine bolts and was hoping the re-torque would fix the problem. Negative Ghostrider. We inspected the rear cams and shims, they all looked like new, no wear whatsoever. We buttoned it back up and it ran like a top as usual. Looking at the backside of the front/rear cylinder valves there was a black carbon build up and some white specks (carbon) that was seen. The plugs burn a nice tan color just as they are supposed to. We didn't even check the valve clearances while in there.
A few days later I went to the mountains to a Horizons Unlimited riders gathering (I recommend this group for those who travel by motorcycle) and the leak was progressively becoming much worse. It wasn't the base gasket, I found it to be the crankshaft seal/o-ring. Parts are on order and the bike is apart in the garage. Riding duties are being carried out on the DR650.
Which brings me to a decision that had to be made. Since my bike is showing its age and wear and this might be the start of having reliability issues, I have long been looking at a replacement bike. I was told earlier this summer about a new/revised bike that Suzuki would be coming out with this fall which turned out to be the 2017 V-Strom 1000. After it was unveiled last week, I knew the direction I would go. I will purchase a slightly used (9000 miles) 2014 Yamaha Super Tenere that has been maintained by a loving and doting owner in Chicago. It has everything I would have added if I had bought a new 2016 Tenere. The tipping point for me: shaft drive and the 6.1 gallon tank. I'm sure I'll add an aux tank. A goal of mine is to 'ride the world'... sooner than later. I knew that I would have to have another bike for this mega trip. Merrill Glos just finished RTW trip on his S10, no issues. It sealed the choice in my mind.
With that said I will put the Warbeast Strom back together and use it for commuting and local southeastern states trips. I'll probably still ride the Strom more than the S10. I would like to get 500K on it as a personal goal. I know the Suzuki can do it. I dont get attached to motorcycles or inanimate objects but with the Strom I have to say I'm a little sad as I type this. It's like, hey old cat, meet the new kitten.
Also, pick up the latest copy of "On Suzuki' magazine, their corporate publication. You can find it at the dealer or maybe they mail it? There is an article on the bike that closely mirrors my 400K writeup.
Ride more, Type less.
-Kith
Newnan, GA
After 400K, the question would be: Will the second 'new' odometer stop at 199,999 or will this one continue? Answer: it stops. I sent the odometer to Hamp's Speedometer Repair in Alpharetta GA to be reset. He said the extreme left position digit was only made with one space and was not designed in the shape of an 'eight' to count other numbers than '1'. He reset it to the miles the tripmeter was counting from 400K. Reset cost was $166.
Only routine maintenance was performed since the last writeup: oil & filter changes (Castrol syntec 10x40 oil every 7000 miles/Fram P6018 filters), replaced radiator fluid (last replaced two summers ago), iridium spark plugs (@54,975m) and another clutch pushrod seal (you should buy these in quantity!)
At 407K I noticed it was starting to leak a little around the rear cylinder base gasket. I kept an eye on it over the miles and at 422K finally ordered the parts to replace the base gasket, head gasket and 4 engine bolts. We got the rear cylinder ready to be removed and realized the cam drive sprocket cant be removed without engine drop/removal. After scratching our heads we only replaced the 4 engine bolts and was hoping the re-torque would fix the problem. Negative Ghostrider. We inspected the rear cams and shims, they all looked like new, no wear whatsoever. We buttoned it back up and it ran like a top as usual. Looking at the backside of the front/rear cylinder valves there was a black carbon build up and some white specks (carbon) that was seen. The plugs burn a nice tan color just as they are supposed to. We didn't even check the valve clearances while in there.
A few days later I went to the mountains to a Horizons Unlimited riders gathering (I recommend this group for those who travel by motorcycle) and the leak was progressively becoming much worse. It wasn't the base gasket, I found it to be the crankshaft seal/o-ring. Parts are on order and the bike is apart in the garage. Riding duties are being carried out on the DR650.
Which brings me to a decision that had to be made. Since my bike is showing its age and wear and this might be the start of having reliability issues, I have long been looking at a replacement bike. I was told earlier this summer about a new/revised bike that Suzuki would be coming out with this fall which turned out to be the 2017 V-Strom 1000. After it was unveiled last week, I knew the direction I would go. I will purchase a slightly used (9000 miles) 2014 Yamaha Super Tenere that has been maintained by a loving and doting owner in Chicago. It has everything I would have added if I had bought a new 2016 Tenere. The tipping point for me: shaft drive and the 6.1 gallon tank. I'm sure I'll add an aux tank. A goal of mine is to 'ride the world'... sooner than later. I knew that I would have to have another bike for this mega trip. Merrill Glos just finished RTW trip on his S10, no issues. It sealed the choice in my mind.
With that said I will put the Warbeast Strom back together and use it for commuting and local southeastern states trips. I'll probably still ride the Strom more than the S10. I would like to get 500K on it as a personal goal. I know the Suzuki can do it. I dont get attached to motorcycles or inanimate objects but with the Strom I have to say I'm a little sad as I type this. It's like, hey old cat, meet the new kitten.
Also, pick up the latest copy of "On Suzuki' magazine, their corporate publication. You can find it at the dealer or maybe they mail it? There is an article on the bike that closely mirrors my 400K writeup.
Ride more, Type less.
-Kith
Newnan, GA