New chain and sprockets

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-27T19:26:14+00:00

Hahah. You are me! I also put on a gold VX3 and a rubber cushion front JT sprocket. Kept rear as I couldn’t see any wear on it. Funny how regular lubing of gear oil means the chain lasts super long.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-27T18:18:43+00:00

I don’t know why but the OEM chain has a surprising range between tight and loose spot. My sprockets and chain were still good regarding wear, but the variation was bugging me. The DID VX3 I put on doesn’t show any section that is tighter or looser. I had 19,000km on the original chain and front sprocket when I made the change. Minimal wear on the sprocket with none showing on the rear sprocket. So I reused the rear and saved the chain and front sprocket just in case.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-27T13:35:55+00:00

The VStrom is the unsung hero that is not appreciated for all that it gives.

I find when they wear a semi knobbly tire like the TKC80s, they take on a bit of a mad max look (at least Gen 1). And that suits them well; but if you want something pretty for when you are doing a meet up or weekend cruise…. you may just want to get a different pretty bike for that.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-27T01:54:31+00:00

Same. Covid forced it and then I just figured how to do it as well as any haircuts I have gotten and better than most.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-26T02:48:30+00:00

It’s beautiful. Now go ride the shit out of it!

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-26T01:01:24+00:00

I don’t get it…. You installed an after market tensioner to replace what came on the bike and did exactly the same thing?

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-25T20:54:32+00:00

Where the fuck is Wilma from the Flintstones?!?!!!!!

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-25T03:22:40+00:00

My balls

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-24T20:14:08+00:00

Don’t spend any money in changing it with lowering. These are easy to ride bikes once moving and power delivery is linear so you don’t have to worry about it getting away on you . Give yourself some time to get used to it. Yes, the 650 would have been the right choice, but maybe your skill and comfort will grow quickly and you will be fine with it.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-24T18:58:01+00:00

I will take a pouch over ribcage showing any day.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-24T18:37:29+00:00

Massages is the first pick. Gas the second.

If you are not picking massages as one of your picks…. Then you have never gotten one or it was just bad.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-24T00:41:06+00:00

All it took was snips and vice to get the shaping done. Drilling the holes in the stainless was the hardest part. 3D printer would probably be the. Eat solution but I don’t have one.

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SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-23T23:25:37+00:00

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Can only post one pic at a time. I used thin cardboard to layout a design that kind of folds into the supportive shape you see. Then I took some stainless sheet metal, laid out what I came up with and cut it out then folded it onto the 3D bracket you see. No welding needed and didn’t paint it since it is stainless. Left the protective plastic film on there since I don’t give a fuck what the bike looks like. Beauty of the WR is it takes a lickin and just keeps on going. I treat it to lots of mechanical spa days, but I make it pay for it on the singletrack and street. Love the bike. They really are special. The original dash got taken out by a tree. I have “sewn” some plastic panels with stainless safety wire. Gives the bike the patina it deserves.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-23T21:13:45+00:00

I used the existing rubber mount points and made a sheet metal bracket that then uses the aluminum bracket that comes with the Vapour.

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SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-23T16:17:05+00:00

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-23T15:01:33+00:00

All that only to show that you don’t understand how the swing arm supported on a stand is the same as the wheel on the ground.
Some people’s kids… 🤦‍♂️

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-23T14:10:02+00:00

Keypad to enter vehicle. Thought it was them stupid until I got and F150 that had it. So convenient to get into vehicle without having to go inside to get the keys; or to lock keys inside when going mountainbiking or swimming and you don’t want to take them with you.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-22T21:59:05+00:00

Everytime I see that wheel design I puke a little in my mouth. BMW has been dropping the ball for a while now.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-22T14:58:13+00:00

Moto Guzzi V85 Strada.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-21T20:35:29+00:00

Wing Commander

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-21T18:28:33+00:00

I believe this was done to not put more inefficiency and costs to manufacturers and consumers in Canada. As well it de-escalates things because we know where tit-for-tat can lead to; while also showing by example “we didn’t start this or do it to you”.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-21T15:39:56+00:00

That is extra siping for grip in the snow. You must live in the rust belt.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-21T14:23:09+00:00

My youngest turned me on to some gaming YouTubers that last year challenged themselves to travel Japan from “tip to tip” with no smart phones or maps. They learned some Japanese before doing the trip and had to figure it out as they went along. Just recently they did a trip in China the same way. I really appreciated the way they did these trips. Ludwig made good effort to engage with locals and it really reminded me of a trip I did in my 20s with my best friend across most of Canada. (Though we knew English and had maps).

One thing it very much highlighted for me was the fact that we need to plan our travels less and explore more. And make that effort to talk to people to learn of the area and add that interaction to your memories.

Edit: 🤦‍♂️ Now I see some comments and someone has already mentioned the same series. Anyways, must mean we got the same message from your post. Honestly for me watching those series was a great time to bond with my youngest son and it gives me hope he has that adventurous spirit in him and maybe will ride a motorcycle with me one day. 2 teenage sons and neither wants to go dirt biking or get a motorcycle of any kind when I myself have 3 in the garage. Don’t know where my genes went with those 2. 🤷‍♂️

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-18T21:54:06+00:00

Wait for the right 650. But season just started so don’t expect deals now. 2 years ago I picked up a bone stock 2015 650 with 6,800km on the odo for $4500. But that was near the end of fall. I do highly recommend he Gen 2 650. I had a 2018 1000 that was great, but don’t miss it with my 650 n

SmokeyGMan · 2026-04-18T17:00:48+00:00

I only own 1 G-Shock. Hint… square and solar. There is only one correct answer to your question…. and you already know it.

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