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Considering buying an '06 DL1000. Pros & Cons?

5K views 14 replies 14 participants last post by  Lesman 
#1 ·
I've been considering getting a used adventure/touring bike. The V-Strom keeps coming up in my research. A local dealer is offering a 2006 V-Strom DL1000 with 40K miles for $3,595 US. I have a small budget so I'm not interested in opinions about getting a new one. I am capable of doing some in depth maintenance on my own but I wanted to see what I could expect as far as reliability from a machine that old with that many miles. I appreciate the input.
 
#15 ·
There were certain frame range numbers for Suzuki"unknown " recall of ecu's in the 2005-2006. A few people were "allowed" to take advantage of a newer ecu. My 2006 fell into this range. I never had a problem. Many people bought PC's for real or imagined problems.
I thought going to a 47 rear sprocket and TB sync made the bike much better than when I installed a PC111. If you have knowledge the maintenance that is really helpful. Good luck on your purchase
 
#3 ·
There will not be any issues with the bike with that mileage, just a few maintenance items.

It may need new chain and sprockets soon if they have not been replaced recently, that is only a few hundred bucks if you do it yourself. Replace all fluids, oil/coolant/brake/clutch/fork oil etc. Possibly the clutch push rod seal and front sprocket seal. Easy to do. Maybe it has been done recently too.

Bearings are probably OK. Might need new tires. Battery possibly.

Does it have bags? Those cost a chunk to add on later with racks etc., so best if it comes with. Hopefully it has crash bars and a skid plate already.

Hook up a voltage meter to the battery and start the bike to see if it is charging OK when you rev the engine a little. I would imagine the dealer will warranty it for at least 30 days after purchase too right?
 
#6 ·
As far as reliability goes, about the only thing that will leave you stranded is the charging system. If I brought that bike home I would pull the magneto cover and inspect the magnets in the rotor. These have been known to come loose and migrate together. This, we think, can lead to early stator failures. If you find one or more loose, there is a cheap easy fix. Known as the JB Weld fix, it seems to be a permanent solution to the problem. Put a voltmeter on it. That puts you in good shape for reliability. Of course you will want to check chain and sprockets and maybe plan on checking valve clearance if you cannot prove they have been checked. Common sense stuff. Some of these bikes get sold due to a bad vibration in the clutch baskets. Below 4000 rpm when accelerating or under load should be very smooth. If not, there is a fix for that as well.
 
#8 ·
Shelby, Your JBWeld fix for the stators failing is a revelation to me! I've read lots of posts about this problem and know a couple guys who have had their stators fail, but I've never read about this fix! Thank you for sharing.
Is 'welding' the magnets something you would recommend preventatively?
I was thinking I might want to invest in an SH755 Polaris "series" regulator as has been recommended here. My '11 Wee has 46k on it. You think I should do that anyway?
 
#7 ·
Shelby won't self advertise but also one thing to always been observant of on the DL1000 is the infamous "chudder". It's not terrible to fix and can certainly transform the bike from shaky to running like a sewing machine but It's worth asking the PO if they have experienced it or taken care of it already.
 
#11 ·
We can assume you "fit" the Vee, or it fits you? It's tall, and most consider it top-heavy but after that its ergonomics for a right-sized rider are down-right comfortable. The engine is very satisfying -- lotsa torque and revs out the wazoo. For me, it was a go-too-fast machine -- I never got a speeding ticket but that was just luck because I was seldom within the legal speed limit. Any issues with the "long legs" are alleviated by simple sprocket changes from the 17/41 OEM gearing. I finally settled on 17/43. Other choices go all the way to 16/45, which is probably ideal if you don't like too much rubber on your rear tire. :wink2: And it's a road bike, not an off-road enduro machine for single-tracking.
 
#13 ·
Agreed with sprocket and chain update, don't forget the cush drives. And check the tread of course. Quick fix with spark plugs, air filter, and throttle body sync, all are pretty easy today and be patient when first getting into the plastic. Check the forum for folks unloading goodies and accessories. Farkles are thick and fairly inexpensive compare with other brands.
 
#14 ·
That's not worn out yet.

Buy it. My 2007 Vee has 176,000km and runs perfectly and is as reliable as when it was new.
 
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