[Red Liner]

These are all still rack setups. I much prefer a rackless set up like the kriega OS base, the mosko reckless (obnoxiously expensive), or the enduristan blizzards. But ofcourse I speak purely from a travel/offroad perspective where weight is King on lighter bikes.

It pains me that Indian manufacturers haven’t gotten on the rackless trend yet.

[sandeepmohan]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

Granted, neither of them are going to win a spec sheet battle, when you bring in the bigger, more glamourous and much more expensive adventure bikes, into the fray.

Honestly, its not about winning specification sheet battles. Its about what is right for you, as a rider.

The Suzuki V-Strom 650XA (Spoked wheel variant. 650A is Alloy wheel) is a popular Adventure class motorcycle in New Zealand. I can say that it sells more than the Honda CB500X and Kawasaki Versys, as I see more of these on the road. It is simple to work on (DIY is big here), modification friendly, parts are cheap and most important, it is dependable as ever. Goes without saying for most things Japanese.

Personally; I find those giant Triumphs and BMW 1000+cc Adventure motorcycles ponderous. They are just huge. You can never be a one bike garage if you own one of these. The 650's in that sense are better and more manageable, even if you want to take them into the City. You are not going to struggle as much parking them. They weigh less.

I was in a fix when I went motorcycle shopping as the Suzuki was just $1500 more than the Interceptor that I own. When you see these bikes side by side, it can confuse the heck out of you. In the end, I went with my heart and picked up the Enfield as I wanted a retro cruiser. However, the Suzuki is one of those motorcycles that I won't mind as a second motorcycle solely for the purpose of touring. It is better suited for that.

[shyamg28]

Originally Posted by Axe77

Lovely pics there. I'm really pleased to see someone putting high quality (Givi) soft side panniers to use. Most people on the bigger ADVs seem to be going the hard pannier way. I am keen on moving to soft saddles bags myself and was toying between Mosko Motos vs Kriega OS series. Finally, the logisitic ease of buying Kriega locally will drive this decision towards the latter although I really do have my heart set on the Mosko Motos if I could have bought them easily here.

Thank you! Lovely pics yourself!

I had a headache when I went to purchase it at Bikenbiker, Bangalore. I was set on the GRT720. It is smaller, 25L each and also just clamps on like regular hard panniers. The issue arose after fitment of the racks when we realised that the right bag touches the silencer & there is no way to avoid it. At which point they promptly raised a concern with Givi. But that meant at about a similar budget, I'd have to go for either aluminium panniers or the hard plastic side cases.

My requirements were quite clear -
- easy to mount, i.e., no bungee, no tying loops. Just simple clicks & lock.
- in a fall, it should neither break nor end up injuring either of us with our leg getting stuck under it.
- works for 20+ days of touring for 2 people.

Just decided to pony up and get the GRT709. The ride back home that day, I couldn't believe I had paid that much money for a set of bags But having used them extensively already, I know it's one of the best "investments" I made.

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by shyamg28

I was set on the GRT720. It is smaller, 25L each and also just clamps on like regular hard panniers. The issue arose after fitment of the racks when we realised that the right bag touches the silencer & there is no way to avoid it.

Oh that’s just rubbish luck, specially if you’re working off Givi pannier mounts as well. They really should be designed to allow for all categories of bags to work with them.

Just decided to pony up and get the GRT709. The ride back home that day, I couldn't believe I had paid that much money for a set of bags But having used them extensively already, I know it's one of the best "investments" I made.

I briefly considered these as well as the third option but finally decided to stick with Kriega since its a luggage system I’m used to (via their US series) and really like overall. The click in system of Givi was an added bonus contrasted to the slightly fiddly strap management required in Kriega but then decided the straps might give me more confidence in the event the bike goes down. One less mechanical part that can break compared to the click in.

Overall most of these setups are bomb proof and solid investments so its money well spent. I also like the fact that contrasted with OEM luggage solutions, these can be carried out from one bike to the next even if your bike brand changes. Just need to invest in compatible racks.

Do keep the updates coming. Specially love all the pics of the trio of yellow V Stroms. They look dope.

[shyamg28]

Did a bit of riding

[shyamg28]

Originally Posted by shyamg28

I had a lowside crash. Not going into circumstances but posting more to point out how the riding gear basically saved me from any major injuries, apart from the fact that I was lucky. Don't have more than skin burns. The knee guards, elbow guards, helmet, full gauntlet gloves & shoes did their job well.

A few updates -

Bike & I have recovered completely. Following items replaced -
- handle bar
- left hand guard
- left rear footpeg bracket (because of the scraping on the tar road, the footpeg got welded shut to the bracket. The bracket + footpeg costs 10k )
- left mirror

Rest was good. Hopefully replaced on human -
stupidity with caution!

Got front tyre replaced to Metzeler Tourance 110/80-R19.







And the type of roads/riding I've invariably been lead to, I will replace my rear Tourance Next tyres with something more 70-30/80-20-ish types. The Next is near useless when the going gets tough. This despite having a pillion & luggage that adds weight to the rear lol. I have a few 1000s left on them.

Added the SensAiry TPMS - good stuff for lazy people (like me). I have the MI Air pump too & find that the TPMS typically reports about 2-3 psi more than the MI pump, in cold temperature. Still worth it. However, the rear one has conked off or what I don't know, for which I've reached out to the vendor.











Added generic 15mm risers too. Makes a good difference. Don't have to reach out to the bars any more.

Added Motorfans L6Rv3. 6 LEDs, some 10000+ lumens. World of a difference. INR 17k. Harness + yellow filter + switch included. It does a wicked cycling through of different type of strobe lights (irritating as hell) for which the solution is to double press the top button to get it to the stable light.

Most important update - the bike now has a center stand Cost half a kidney - upwards of 20k (and I hear could go up further).

Finally, year end ride to Gundlupet, Gopalaswamy betta & Kodaikanal.

High Altitude, Mysore.




















High Altitude, Kodaikanal -










Happy New Year 2023!

[batterylow]

Nice pics!

Glad to hear ride and rider are back to form!

Please tell more on the camping in the Bolero part.

[TurboLag200]

Its nice to see the V strom in action. You don't see them very often and when you do its a sweet site. Quick question, how has the service been for it so far ? have you had any trouble finding a good Service center and hows the spare parts availability ? Would love to know. Cheers

[shyamg28]

Originally Posted by batterylow

Nice pics!

Glad to hear ride and rider are back to form!

Please tell more on the camping in the Bolero part.

Thank you! Outlanding experience was in Kodaikanal. High Altitude. Check them out on Instagram.

Originally Posted by TurboLag200

Its nice to see the V strom in action. You don't see them very often and when you do its a sweet site. Quick question, how has the service been for it so far ? have you had any trouble finding a good Service center and hows the spare parts availability ? Would love to know. Cheers

In reality, Wee owners are out riding somewhere or the other And typically, the phone never comes out to take any pictures!

To answer your questions specifically, I still get my bike serviced at Aryan Suzuki, Whitefield, Bengaluru. The experience with them has been great so far.
I don't like the 6000kms service interval. It's an irritant. But I guess it's also intended for Indian conditions. Typical service costs about 8-9k. I recently got brake pads & spark plugs changed. If you scroll back a bit, you will find the bill. Don't be shocked. Or be. Either way it's quite a hit to an already thin wallet

After the crash, I had to wait about a month, specifically because of the rear footpeg bracket, which took time. The rest was easily available. Although it can vary, I'm being told that Suzuki is expediting parts shipment this year.

[TurboLag200]

8-9k for service is pretty good considering its a middle weight ADV with very few service outlets across the country that do the job well. Also 6000km service interval is a bit too soon for an ADV, should be at least in my opinion 10000km interval. But I guess that's just a business tactic probably. BTW what engine oil does it use?

[shyamg28]

Originally Posted by TurboLag200

8-9k for service is pretty good considering its a middle weight ADV with very few service outlets across the country that do the job well. Also 6000km service interval is a bit too soon for an ADV, should be at least in my opinion 10000km interval. But I guess that's just a business tactic probably. BTW what engine oil does it use?

Totally agree with you!

10W40 is as per specification. SVC here recommends Motul 10W40 300V.
Funnily though, when I had to get my vehicle serviced in Delhi, the authorised service center mandated Ecstar. Go figure.
Some folks in the Wee group have recommended Motorex as being really good. Post warranty that is.

[sukiwa]

Originally Posted by shyamg28

10W40 is as per specification. SVC here recommends Motul 10W40 300V.

Motul 300V is race-spec oil and it's good for race distances which is typically few hundreds of Kms. Within motul oil line-up, better to shift to Motul 7100 fully synthetic oil.

Funnily though, when I had to get my vehicle serviced in Delhi, the authorised service center mandated Ecstar.

Suzuki Ecstar R9000 is fully synthetic oil, Ecstar being home grown oil from Suzuki.

Some folks in the Wee group have recommended Motorex as being really good. Post warranty that is.

In addition to Motorex, you can also try Amsoil.

[Ikran]

Nice pics. Glad to see the ride back in shape.

[setuniket]

Received this message from sales team of Delhi Suzuki. Looks like stock clearing exercise.

Super Suzuki

Lets celebrate *74th Republic Day* with *SUZUKI MOTORCYCLES* special offers on selected models

*V-Strom 650XT saving up to - 1,00,000/-*

*KATANA saving up to - 2,00,000/-*

Offer valid till *31st January 2023*

Sales Manager

[Born 2 Be Wild]

Just came across your thread, one of the most under rated bikes here is the vstrome, and i happen to own one of the rare ones the 1000. Excellent machine, wish you many happy miles with yours, spamming your thread with a pic of my 1000 ��