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The 424,303 mile (and last?) K3 DL1000 writeup

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19K views 37 replies 17 participants last post by  DesertBike  
#1 ·
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
 
#3 ·
I think you'll love the S10; I know I love mine (also a 2014, non ES). Now, I only have 30,000 miles on mine, but in that time, the only things that have actually failed are the headlight bulbs (three months apart). I've gone looking at some other bikes this summer, but nothing suits me like the Yamaha. I wanted to love the FJR1300 so bad, but once I sat on it, it felt so cramped compared to the S10 that I kind of wrote it off. So, rather than buying a new bike, I'l probably put the money into suspension upgrades and a better seat.

Your mileage accomplishment is really impressive. It's good to know just how long you can actually keep a bike in service.
 
#5 ·
"I would rather the Old Kat be "retired" before it can fail you."

Just what does one do with a retired bike? Put it on a pedestal? Sell to some unwitting bloke and don't mention the 400K miles?
Sell the parts? Anybody need some severely worn bits and pieces?
Although, there are lot of good bits and pieces to offer up.
 
#6 ·
By the odometer it 'only' has 24,303 miles >:) It's barely broke in, only a little over 2000 miles a year! I sold my high mileage HD FXR for $2900 last year but because it has been basically rebuilt there wasn't too much that had 363K on it. I believe it went to Asia for resale. Maybe I'll see it again one day cruising the Japanese countryside.

There really isn't many 'good' parts left. Most everything is original. I'd say that Realshelby's clutch basket would be the best thing on the bike as far as longevity and resale.

It won't officially be retired and will still handle the everyday duties until no longer able hopefully for 75,000 more miles. Long trips will be accomplished by the S10.
 
#8 ·
Oct 11, 2017 - an update on the Strom. It's now at 430,300 miles and hanging in there. I rode it every day the last 3 weeks in place of the Yam Super Tenere while the S10's seat was in CA being adjusted by Russell Day Long. The Strom feels a little crude compared to the S10 at this point and is still leaking from the rear cylinder base gasket. It's a tolerable leak and I don't feel it's worth the time or $ to fix the engine with that many miles. I wore out the second set of front rotors with 230K on them, the first set was around 197K I believe. As a backup bike and being ridden locally it's doing just fine.

I read an article from Cycle World online (June 2017) on the 2018 V-Strom 1000 and they actually mention my bike. I think that's kind of cool. Avery Innis was the Suzuki rep I met when I stopped by corporate offices in 2016.

Here's the quote:The end result is a big twin that’s easy to love, and is ideal for a long term adventurous relationship. Suzuki points out that there’s a documented case of a V-Strom 1000 owner who has logged more than 400,000 miles, the two-wheeled equivalent of a successful 50-year marriage.

Funny, I've met a number of Strom owners that also have a S10. I've owned the S10 for almost a year and have put a little over 46,000 on it with no issues whatsoever. Both are great bikes, we'll see if it holds up to the Mighty V-Strom :)

Kith
 
#29 ·
Oct 11, 2017 -

I read an article from Cycle World online (June 2017) on the 2018 V-Strom 1000 and they actually mention my bike. I think that's kind of cool. Avery Innis was the Suzuki rep I met when I stopped by corporate offices in 2016.

Here's the quote:The end result is a big twin that’s easy to love, and is ideal for a long term adventurous relationship. Suzuki points out that there’s a documented case of a V-Strom 1000 owner who has logged more than 400,000 miles, the two-wheeled equivalent of a successful 50-year marriage.

Kith
Coincidentally, I went to High School with an Avery Innis. How many could there be? Looked him up on LinkedIn and sent him a message. Hey man, I ride one one of yours!

Thanks for the write-ups. Interesting stuff.
 
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#10 ·
I've had my SV1000S since new in 2005. Just rode it yesterday. It has around 75k on it. Another SV'er on the portal has 110k on his SV.

The thing about the older bikes is that they wear out and get costly to repair and break down more frequently. Which makes it really hard to stick it out and replace parts when there are awesome bikes out there that you can afford. Rebuilding the slave cylinder now.

Then there is all the tire changes!
 
#13 ·
Assuming the following; average speed 40 miles per hour and typical rpm average of 4,000 rpm. For simplicity lets neglect anytime spent idling.

lets see, multiply, divide, convert the units, push the buttons and walla............2,550,000,000 times one piston has gone up and down.:nerd:
 
#17 ·
Yes I would love to see what the cylinders look like myself. I know it is down on power compared to riding a friends '07 model, so I assume that the compression is down and I assume the fuel injectors are also pretty worn. When I was at corporate HQ I offered Suzuki the bike to tear down, etc but they didn't seem interested. Looking and reading about the 2018 Strom ADV, I really like it, the only negative for me is that I want shaft drive.

Really it has held up remarkably well over the miles, much better than my high mileage H-D FXR I used to have. In the scheme of things, I think a bike would need to have a few more miles say 600-700K before a new one is given.
 
#18 ·
I doubt you think anyone "owes" you a bike! You have certainly got your moneys worth out of the DL 1000. To me what makes this bike special beyond just the mammoth number of miles is that it has not needed much in the way of repair beyond what most would call straight forward maintenance. Replacing rotors, caliper brackets, bearings and all the stuff you have on your list is simply wear and tear. Even the clutch basket that was replaced had not "failed" you, but was simply worn.

My definition of reliable is the bike gets you back to where you want to go.

If I have to work on the bike in the shop at home before the next ride, that is completely different to me.
 
#19 ·
:grin2: Miles impress me big time! When you hear quality over quantity it usually is from a all most non rider on a drive way jewel! Have owned over 30 bikes and rode a lot of miles but not near as many as some. Main means of travel by far since 1973 but never put 100,000 on any one bike. Am so hard on them that I usually tear something up so bad the cost is not worth fixing and just buy a low mile used one cheap or a left over new one with a big cut.A 01 Nomad got new had over 82,000 in less than four years and put over 27,000 on a left over new 82 Virago in 22 months. Have not been down to less than two riders since the 60s. IMO mc market right now is as flat as I can remember for used bikes. Bought two used ones end of last year because they seemed cheap. I do this too often and now have five runners and more than that not.Two Sr 500 with one over 80,000 and the other close.Two GS750 fours,one a old worn out drag bike. GS650 and GS550 fours.Others with some parts parted out and lots of old parts.My wife says I am sick and at 71 now tend to agree but its what I do :grin2:
 
#21 · (Edited)
Goes to show you how well the plated cylinders hold up. I heard the plated cylinders go all the way back to the TL's of 1997. Not 100% sure but...

DL650's didn't get plated cylinders until 2012.

If the plated cylinders are scratched all you really need to do is find a cheap set on fleabay with low miles. Probably new rings on the pistons too and you are back in business.
 
#28 · (Edited)
I'm pretty sure all the 1000 v twins SV/TL/DL have plated cylinders. I know my 01 TLR does, and as far as I know the only mechanical changes on those during the production run was the addition of an extra clutch disc and plate. There are a couple of other changes on the TLS models but if I remember those changes were to the heads and going from a 5 bolt clutch plate to a 6 bolt same as the one always used on the R. I'd bet any of the 1000 cylinders would be compatible. That doesn't include the newest 1000's as I think they may be a slightly larger bore.
 
#22 ·
Suzuki's literature listed SCEM plating as far back as there have been V-Stroms.
 
#27 ·
I've gone back and forth over believing it and not believing it. I'm sure there is a liner. That's obvious from the picture. The only question is whether the liner is SCEM coated. Notice I'm not saying it is. I'm saying Suzuki says it is.
 
#35 ·
There is a difference in the cams, beyond what I mentioned so I am surprised the parts book isn't showing that. What I was thinking about is the SV's 8 bumps on the stator that are used for timing ( DL has 4 ). I was thinking some years SV had a camshaft sensor as well and that was where I thought the cam problems might come in.