Screwdriver and hex key missing. and a little expensive - I saw a complete set on ebay for 30 bucks.
I got the bike with a complete set, and I have enough for maintenance and minor work.
new 2011 dl650 owner with a couple of questions
Hi all,
I made a switch to a dl650 after my Yamaha FZ1 was totaled by a guy opening a door as I was passing by and knocking me over... Figured I'll do some more chill riding and go for some nice and easy off-pavement roads. So now I'm a new proud owner of a 2011 dl650:
![Tire Wheel Fuel tank Automotive fuel system Automotive lighting]()
I was wondering if you could help me with couple of initial questions:
It's got an aftermarket seat that seems more roomy than the stock and perhaps for someone with longer legs, arms, and bigger butt, it would be perfect, but I am 5'7 and slim, so I find myself sliding back during acceleration and then having to scoot back forward closer to the gas tank.
Should I try to find a stock one or are there other aftermarket ones that would prevent me from sliding back while also not increasing the height (since I'm already on my tip toes when stopping)?
![Vehicle Automotive tire Automotive lighting Hood Motor vehicle]()
Givi windshield is pretty rattly. I can see that one bolt doesn't have anything on it, and I could put a nut there, but I see that all other bolts have some sort of rubber-like things that don't even look like nuts, so I wonder if a regular nut could crack it. Maybe I could find some rubber shim to put under it.
What's the best way to fix it?
Also, there are 2 sets of t-tracks, one controlled by knobs I could turn with my hands, and other just have loose nuts and bolts there. If I tighten those I'll lose the ability to adjust the windshield by hand. Is there supposed to be a second set of knobs? Easy enough to put them there, just wondering whether I'm missing something about why it's like this in the first place.
![Tire Shoe Wheel Sports equipment Automotive tire]()
Came with no tools and no manual, is the stock tool kit easy to find? I see some on ebay, but not sure if they're complete.
Or are there other common ones you'd recommend that I buy?
The skid plate doesn't go up as high as ones I see online, it covers the oil filter but not that little radiator right above it. Is that something anyone would concern themselves with?
By the way, back where I grew up, people used to just hang a piece of rubber off the back of the fender preventing any extra rocks or dirt flying onto the frame. Granted, it's not a particularly aesthetically pleasing solution, but it worked and you don't have to give up extra clearance with the skid plate. I don't imagine skid plate actually protects from impact if you scrape the ground, does it?
Thаnk you in advance.
I made a switch to a dl650 after my Yamaha FZ1 was totaled by a guy opening a door as I was passing by and knocking me over... Figured I'll do some more chill riding and go for some nice and easy off-pavement roads. So now I'm a new proud owner of a 2011 dl650:
I was wondering if you could help me with couple of initial questions:
It's got an aftermarket seat that seems more roomy than the stock and perhaps for someone with longer legs, arms, and bigger butt, it would be perfect, but I am 5'7 and slim, so I find myself sliding back during acceleration and then having to scoot back forward closer to the gas tank.
Should I try to find a stock one or are there other aftermarket ones that would prevent me from sliding back while also not increasing the height (since I'm already on my tip toes when stopping)?
Givi windshield is pretty rattly. I can see that one bolt doesn't have anything on it, and I could put a nut there, but I see that all other bolts have some sort of rubber-like things that don't even look like nuts, so I wonder if a regular nut could crack it. Maybe I could find some rubber shim to put under it.
What's the best way to fix it?
Also, there are 2 sets of t-tracks, one controlled by knobs I could turn with my hands, and other just have loose nuts and bolts there. If I tighten those I'll lose the ability to adjust the windshield by hand. Is there supposed to be a second set of knobs? Easy enough to put them there, just wondering whether I'm missing something about why it's like this in the first place.
Came with no tools and no manual, is the stock tool kit easy to find? I see some on ebay, but not sure if they're complete.
05 2005 SUZUKI DL650 DL 650 V-STROM TOOL KIT #Z21 | eBay
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The skid plate doesn't go up as high as ones I see online, it covers the oil filter but not that little radiator right above it. Is that something anyone would concern themselves with?
By the way, back where I grew up, people used to just hang a piece of rubber off the back of the fender preventing any extra rocks or dirt flying onto the frame. Granted, it's not a particularly aesthetically pleasing solution, but it worked and you don't have to give up extra clearance with the skid plate. I don't imagine skid plate actually protects from impact if you scrape the ground, does it?
Thаnk you in advance.
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I replaced my Suzuki supplied tools with "adult tools" that I picked up from pawn shops, flea markets etc. etc. Probably cost me $30-$40 in total. I've got them stored in two bags that I picked up from a local hardware store and these bags tuck into the storage area under the seat.
Having said that, my original kit is available if you're interested. It is a 2020 model so I'm not sure if the tool kit is the same as the one required for your model year.
![Tableware Material property Kitchen utensil Cutlery Font]()
Having said that, my original kit is available if you're interested. It is a 2020 model so I'm not sure if the tool kit is the same as the one required for your model year.
Welcome to the forum, bitter.
![Rectangle Font Art Pattern Diagram]()
Thank you all for the info, it's so nice that there is such a responsive community for these bikes.
So the windshield actually says Givi on it, but from the comments I understand that it's just the glass part, and the mounting bracket is from Madstad, correct?
According to this article:
nordwulf.us
stock seat is actually 1/2" shorter than Sargent. I don't want to lower the bike itself, but 1/2" might actually make a difference. It's manageable as is, but challenging to back into a parking spot against even a slightest incline, I have to get off the bike and roll it into place.
I'll give sargent a try for now, but perhaps an upholstery place could shave it off a little eventually. I could also try some of those net-looking cushions than might prevent me from sliding.
Also, it appears to have powercommander module to go with that exhaust. It's got some ports on it, one of which looks like micro-USB.
![Bumper Font Gas Automotive design Automotive tire]()
I'm curious whether it's easy to plug in and see what settings it has there? Looks like they got software downloadable from their website, albeit only for windows.
Of course, I expected it to be not remotely as zippy as my late fz1, but still I felt a little surprised that it reminded me more of my first bike Suzuki gs500. So I'm wondering what the tuning is. I still need to ride it a couple of hundred miles to see the gas mileage.
So the windshield actually says Givi on it, but from the comments I understand that it's just the glass part, and the mounting bracket is from Madstad, correct?
According to this article:
Suzuki V-Strom seat comparison and review - stock, gel and Sargent - nordwulf
Seat comfort is very important on a motorcycle. The wrong seat can turn a daylong ride in torture after just a few hours. This article compares 3 different seats that are available for the Suzuki V-Strom. There are several other choices so this is just a selection of the ones that I tried...
nordwulf.us
stock seat is actually 1/2" shorter than Sargent. I don't want to lower the bike itself, but 1/2" might actually make a difference. It's manageable as is, but challenging to back into a parking spot against even a slightest incline, I have to get off the bike and roll it into place.
I'll give sargent a try for now, but perhaps an upholstery place could shave it off a little eventually. I could also try some of those net-looking cushions than might prevent me from sliding.
Also, it appears to have powercommander module to go with that exhaust. It's got some ports on it, one of which looks like micro-USB.
I'm curious whether it's easy to plug in and see what settings it has there? Looks like they got software downloadable from their website, albeit only for windows.
Of course, I expected it to be not remotely as zippy as my late fz1, but still I felt a little surprised that it reminded me more of my first bike Suzuki gs500. So I'm wondering what the tuning is. I still need to ride it a couple of hundred miles to see the gas mileage.
The rubber inserts for mounting the shield are called well nuts. They are readily available at hardware stores & on the internet. The ones on your bike look to have been over tightened & also possibly not seated fully on some. I believe the thread size is 5mm ..the rubber length & outer diameter (hole size) are variable so check those dimensions before buying. The shield should also have some plastic collars on the mounting screws to protect it.
That Sargent seat could have a piece of foam attached temporarily to the vertical banana shaped riders rear section to move you forward justa bit...(mabe 1-1.5" thick). Use some duct tape to attach it temporarily. Some well placed velcro sewn onto the seat cover wouldnt be very noticeable & hold the pad permanantly. Cover the foam with similar material.
& the skid plate.....that looks like a seldom seen Hepco Becker brand. Should be good quality...justa bit pricey when new.
My 011 Oui Strom....best of the 1st gen Stroms Ive owned...kinda still miss it.
![Tire Wheel Fuel tank Vehicle Automotive lighting]()
![Tire Wheel Fuel tank Vehicle Automotive lighting]()
That Sargent seat could have a piece of foam attached temporarily to the vertical banana shaped riders rear section to move you forward justa bit...(mabe 1-1.5" thick). Use some duct tape to attach it temporarily. Some well placed velcro sewn onto the seat cover wouldnt be very noticeable & hold the pad permanantly. Cover the foam with similar material.
& the skid plate.....that looks like a seldom seen Hepco Becker brand. Should be good quality...justa bit pricey when new.
My 011 Oui Strom....best of the 1st gen Stroms Ive owned...kinda still miss it.
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