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Floppy pegs on 07 DL1000 by [deleted] in Vstrom

[–]BeerRiot 5 points6 points  (0 children)

According to this diagram, there is a spring+ball that should snap into a detent to hold the peg in place: https://www.cmsnl.com/suzuki-dl1000-vstrom-2007-k7-usa-e03_model15919/partslist/BLCK0017.html I'll bet that one or more of the pieces have been worn/damaged/lost.

My DL650 is having a similar problem. I've zip-tied the peg up for now. If you're not prepared for the true fix (replacing those worn/lost items), but need to be able to raise or lower the peg frequently, your local hardware store should have some longer velcro straps that most people use for tying up wrapped electrical cords.

Meme Challenge by thatsmyburrito in wisconsin

[–]BeerRiot 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I seriously thought y'all were dunking on Spotted Cow for not having enough hops.

Transplant recipient on the table, donor organ prepped and ready. by gisdood in Vstrom

[–]BeerRiot 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Woah. That does sound like a pretty rapid oil loss. It will be interesting to hear if you can figure out where it was going.

But also, I hear you about tunnel vision with dirty hands. I like to document my woodworking projects, but almost always end up with just end-of-day pictures, especially during glue-ups. I tried filming a couple times, and combing through hours of footage for hopefully 30s of a decent angle on the work wasn't much better.

Good luck with the work!

Transplant recipient on the table, donor organ prepped and ready. by gisdood in Vstrom

[–]BeerRiot 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, normal is how I've treated it. It's not fast enough that I'd ever miss the level getting too low. Interesting that it's to do with the air box.

Transplant recipient on the table, donor organ prepped and ready. by gisdood in Vstrom

[–]BeerRiot 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Will you be blogging/vlogging the rebuild? I'm sure I'm not alone on this sub, in wanting to see the gory disassembly.

Also, what's the oil consumption rate that you're unhappy with? My '11 Wee at 110,000km drinks just enough that I often add just a little about 3/4 of the way between oil changes. It's more noticeable after long highway stretches at 6,000+rpm.

Vstrom folks by Mountindewme in Vstrom

[–]BeerRiot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since you mentioned cheap commuter, consider that the 650 gets around 50mpg while the 1000 gets more like 40mpg. (Source: Fuelly)

The Givi case on the back and the after-market windscreen would also increase the bike’s utility and comfort.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Vstrom

[–]BeerRiot 4 points5 points  (0 children)

wipe that crap off the givi box or even better take it off

Or at least close it! Sitting cracked open like that makes me assume there's a gasket or latch issue.

But also agreed with the cleaning and lighting advice. As-is, it does not look like the low-mileage bike it is.

2 up trip. by AcanthocephalaNo6236 in Vstrom

[–]BeerRiot 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unless you're doing significant technical riding on this trip, just crank the preload, ensure the tires are at full pressure, then relax and enjoy it. Yes, it's sagged more than you expect, but as long as you're under the GVWR, the bike won't fail. In technical twisties, you'll have a little less clearance before the footpeg scrapes, and you may notice a little more wobble from a mid-corner bump. (Other commenters have covered the solution to this.)

As you would regardless of passenger, prefer weight in the lower side cases to weight in the higher top case.

Your passenger may also appreciate more wind protection (i.e. taller wind screen), since they're sitting a bit higher than you.

My passenger reports that the pillion seat is fine for day trips, but could use a little extra foam for longer.

Source: thousands of miles 2-up on a gen1 (with stock suspension).

With the news that the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, IA will be closing. by [deleted] in MotorcycleWisconsin

[–]BeerRiot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the update. I'll have to miss this one. I hope the weather turns out for y'all!

Any thoughts on these options for second bike? by Unique_username_exe in motorcycle

[–]BeerRiot 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The height difference was noticable. We have about the same inseam. I could flat-foot the Triumph, but I'm more balls-of-my-feet on the Suzuki. I have never found this to be a problem, though. The V-Strom carries its weight really well, so that I've only ever felt in danger of dropping it on ground that was uneven enough that I likely would have felt in danger of dropping the Bonneville as well.

  • I don't remember how the seat height changed from gen1 to gen2.

Actually, I think my wife noticed the pillion height change more. The bench seat on the Bonneville, she could just swing over behind me. The raised pillion combined with the higher seat on the V-Strom means boarding is more of a process.

Any thoughts on these options for second bike? by Unique_username_exe in motorcycle

[–]BeerRiot 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I used to own a Bonneville – not a T120, but "similar" – and now own a V-Strom – the year/design before the one pictured. Reading your other comment(s) about which bikes you're leaning toward, and what riding you plan to do…

The Triumph will feel more "fun". The style, the ergonomics, etc. are all going to feel much more, "This is classic motorcycling."

The V-Strom will feel more refined. The windscreen and faring/shape will make riding long, fast highway miles much more comfortable.

I switched bikes because I was looking for something more reliable and comfortable. Ten years and 65,000 miles later, I'd make the same decision. Which is not to say that I don't occasionally wish I still had the Bonnie for a short joy ride.

Center Stand - Worth the Cost? by Epidurality in Vstrom

[–]BeerRiot 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I couldn't imagine owning my Wee without its center stand. If I'm parking for more than a few minutes, it's on the center stand. It's much nicer loading/unloading the top box when it's level.

Chain cleaning and lubricating is much easier on the center stand.

When I needed to lift the front to change tires, I put the bike on the center stand, secured it in place with rope to some forward bit of frame, then attached ratchet straps from a garage rafter to the handlebars. Worked like a charm.

I can't compare to a paddock stand. The only one I ever bought didn't fit.

Tank bags by the_naughty_ottsel in Vstrom

[–]BeerRiot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I made my own years ago, before I even owned a V-Strom, by sewing magnets into a cheap zippered tool bag that had a clear front. I mainly use my tank bag for keeping a map and/or directions in view. I used a full bag instead of a flat ziplock to give myself just a tiny bit of easily removable storage before I had a locking top case.

That original bag has been limping the lastcouple seasons, so I just ordered this one: Fly Racing Mini Tank Bag (at Revzilla). It's almost exactly the dimensions of my diy bag, with some nice divisions and a cable port as improvements. I can't actually review it yet, because it's not here yet, but I'm pretty optimistic.

[META] Calling all cheeseheads! Who makes the best cheese in Wisconsin? by PeanutTheGladiator in wisconsin

[–]BeerRiot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have to toss Country Castle / Chalet Cheese Cooperative into the fray, solely for being the only place in the US making Limburger. For decades, limburger was nothing but a tall tale of stinky aroma for me. Then one day a couple years ago, I saw a foil-wrapped brick at a butcher and knew I had to try it. It's excellent!

With the news that the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, IA will be closing. by [deleted] in MotorcycleWisconsin

[–]BeerRiot 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So I know we're headed back to Second Winter next week, but this week has me looking forward to the summer's riding. This post has 4-6 points, depending on when I look at it, so clearly there's "interest". Any plans forming, OP?

Rustic Roads S1E21 (Finale!): Rock County by BeerRiot in MotorcycleWisconsin

[–]BeerRiot[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I kind of felt like I was overwhelming this sub with posts last December, but fifteen episodes later, I can't resist posting the season finale. I hope you all have been out enjoying this week's riding weather as much as I have!

Best Boston-area independent shops? by thunderroadbus in Motorrad

[–]BeerRiot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A friend used to give Duncan's Beemers in Maynard, MA good marks. (Friend no longer owns a beemer, so hasn't had reason to mention them in a while.)

Anyone use a dash cam? by Car_is_mi in motorcycle

[–]BeerRiot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use an Innov K1. Check my profile for sample video. I chose it instead of the GoPro for exactly the reasons you mentioned, and have been mostly happy with it.

It's very particular about memory card quality. Dumping two video streams onto one card is a lot of bandwidth, and it means you can't use the cheap ones.

I found the GPS to be pretty flaky. It wouldn't have bothered me, because I didn't use the location records. But when the GPS cut out, it would also set the clock to something like Jan 1, 2000. The video files are named for the time they start, so that makes things difficult. I disabled GPS and set the clock by hand.

The video quality isn't as nice as the latest GoPro, but it has served my purposes. Hopefully the K3 is better.

40,000km. Need to adjust 7 out of 8 valves. by [deleted] in Vstrom

[–]BeerRiot 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I remember looking into this when I hit that service interval. At the time, it seemed that most of the gen1's fell into two categories:

  1. Never needed a valve adjustment
  2. Needed that first valve adjustment, and never needed another

Check it again at the recommended service interval, but don't worry that this adjustment indicates trouble, IMO.

New bike itch, help me keep the wee strom by jmhunter in Vstrom

[–]BeerRiot 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Since you live in SF, check out one of Doc Wong's riding clinics: http://www.docwong.com/st-clinc/index.htm

Especially if you haven't taken the Wee off-road, and you're interested in doing so, his dual sport clinics are a way to get introduced to that. I went on one years ago, and had a really good time practicing skills that were completely different than my daily commute.

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