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
View attachment 136010
These are a fantastic addition to the bike & riding.
There are two colour options, yellow or white via a flip up screen
View attachment 136012
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.
View attachment 136011
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
View attachment 78439
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.
View attachment 78440
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.
View attachment 78441
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.
View attachment 78442
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.
View attachment 78443
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.
View attachment 78444
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.
View attachment 78445
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.
View attachment 78446
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.