Can you reach as much kms on the V-Strom as you did on the Africa Twin?![]()
Probably not is my guess.
Can you reach as much kms on the V-Strom as you did on the Africa Twin?![]()
Mine lasted less than 3k km on the AT. Low beam all the time as this is the standard when starting the bike. Just sayin!
152,000 kms a bit more tweaking on the bike = more lights.
Enter the Loboo XHP70-2 spotlights
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These are a fantastic addition to the bike & riding.
There are two colour options, yellow or white via a flip up screen
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There are three beam levels
Low - 10 Watts / 800 Lumens
Medium - 36 Watts / 4000 Lumens
High - 76 Watts / 8000 Lumens
I keep mine on low, yellow & use them as running lights, finally being able to discard the el cheapo 600 baht Chinese Lazada specials, that needed replacing every 9-12 months.
There are also multiple flashing light set ups, should you wish to get a masters degree in flashing.
I just use the basic quick flash, passing light when needed.
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These are highly recommended should you wish to be seen & wish to see clearly at night.
I sourced mine from Steve in Chiang Rai @ Chiang Rai UTV & Adventure Tours
The guy to fit them for you is North Thailand's # 1 motorbike electrician Mr Kong @ Kongs Motorbike Electrics in Chiang Rai.
Does anybody know if a decent-looking windshield is available for the 05 650N model?1,000 kms up..after 2 full days use
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So what does it feel like compared to the Versys (& Africa Twin)
Funnily enough the first time I rode the bike was out of the show room!
I had never even test ridden the bike......but the Vstrom always felt so good, comfortable sitting on the bike that I knew it would not be a problem to ride.
So after plonking down my cash & signing the papers it was time to ride the bike for the first time!
Out of the showroom & into R107 we went.
When I first sat on & actually rode the bike I felt as if I was sitting on top of the bike, not on it or in it.
The handlebars are a wider feel a bit like a chopper.
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1,000 kms up & it no longer feels like you’re sitting on top of the bike, but the I'd prefer narrower bars & will research what the options are.
The instrument panel set up is superior to the Versys & you hardly need to lower your eyes to see what is going on.
The horn is pathetic & would not even move a mouse.
I love that Vtwin motor – the sound, the low down torque, smoother power delivery than the Versys, although perhaps not as quick acceleration wise.
Amazing miserly fuel consumption = 24.5 kms to the litre. My dear beloved Africa Twin only used to get 12-15 -17 kms a litre. On the Vstrom the fuel warning light came on at 375 kms & I fuelled up at 382 kms for the first tank of fuel = you can get 400 kms per tank, which is enough for me in this region. No need to carry extra fuel whatsoever https://www.motorcyclescreens.eu/en/motorcycle-windshields-for-suzuki/790-suzuki-dl-650-v-strom-2017-2023-touring-windscreen-windshield.
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The fairing in standard set up was / is poor & it needs tweaking. In the rain I found it pretty much useless. On the Versys the MRA fairing was perfect & riding the Versys in the wet you hardly seemed to get wet; despite looking smaller than the AT fairing the MRA fairing on the Versys performed a lot better than the AT fairing. Whether I get an MRA fairing for the Vstrom remains to be scene, as I will first have a go at adjusting the standard fairing & then if that does not work try a MadStad Adjustable Windshield Mount. And if that does not work an MRA fairing will be the way to go.
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The Vstrom has fantastic lights & it looks like I’m going to enjoy some night riding again. The lights on my AT were brilliant, but not on the Versys, despite fitting better bulbs & extra lights – I never felt the lights on the Versys were good enough. But the lights on the Vstrom are a winner.
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I was forced to take cover for 45 minutes from a frightening electrical storm & torrential rain in Chiang Muan & never got into Mae Sai until 9pm that night, but with the Vstrom lights cruising at 120 kph I still felt safe with a clear view of the road ahead. I already have some LED driving lights to go on, so night riding is going to be awesome once again.
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Seat height seem to be lower & require less effort to lift your leg over. But I note that my knees seemed to ache a little more than usual after a 3-hr nonstop ride from Doi Mae Salong to Chiang Mai & I sincerely hope this is not going to be a problem. The Africa Twin was a big winner here.
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The bike frame on the Vtsrom is bigger than on the Versys & is going to be more suitable to touring & carrying luggage.
The seat is bigger more comfortable & going to be nice for some two-up touring.
Oddly enough with the wider handlebars & slightly different position the palms of my hands seemed to ache a little – time to toughen up a bit more perhaps. Or get some softer grips.
The Vstrom gearbox is a slick & totally unlike the Versys clunker. What a pleasure that is, snicking it up & down through the gears with that Vtwin motor.
The bike does not have a radiator temp gauge or a voltmeter so I will be getting a TrailTech striker gauge.
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The 19 inch front wheel is superior to the Versys 17 incher, absorbing most the bumps without a whimper. Oh for a “real bike - Africa Twin - with a 21 inch front wheel” again. The steering is not as quick & I note that I ran slightly wide quite a few times in some corners.
More top come as time goes by..but so far all good. There is no doubt too that the build quality - made in Japan - is better than the build quality on the Versys.