Project Bike - Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT Ep. 2 

Moral of this story; "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

Love it. The rear brake sucks through!! Love the underappreciated throttle assist. It helps the bikes not shut down . I can be on 6 th gear @30kmph and the bike won't shut down. So , I don't need to change gears much. Cops don't notice it as well. Looks like a common bike in the crowd. At the price it is a steal deal

Excellent video. I appreciate the balanced comments about the bike and your own experiences with various parts and modifications. I have a 2017 and I think you've summarized the bike's abilities and limits very fairly and accurately. Subscribed.

A good video and a well thought out bike thanks for taking the time.

Very sorry that the 1st one was stolen. Loved this one too. Hope you guys enjoyed a lot. I liked watching the video. 👍🏻

First off very happy that you picked up where you left off. I like many others we’re excited to see where you took the Strom and if it was worth the money cans effort. At the beginning of this I was left thinking your goal was to change this amazing inexpensive world tour bike into something it was never meant to be. A Tenere 700 is the bike you were wanting it to be. I was thrilled that as you pushed the little Vstrom you found your way back to what makes this bike amazing.... it’s a simple well sorted bike. After all of your mods it’s still just a great bike that fits you and your needs better than the box stock bike. But I would say with good rubber and some bark buster and real skid plate the little Strom will take you anywhere in the world and home safely. And yes I’m biased I have 3 Strom’s in 145k miles combined I have had the stator go bad on a DL1000. After a few valve checks I have just stopped checking they just don’t change. The newest one a 2019 650Xt I will check at 15k just because.

I do love your honesty with this stuff. 👍

Most of the time I disagree with your judgments and/or reviews but I keep on watching (and like) your videos if else because you really seem honest on your POV, which again I often do not share but I believe is intellectually sound. 👍🏻

stopped at second 5 just to insta like and say FINALLY because you delivered, even after so much time :) Now back to the episode ...

It's a pity I can only give one "thumb up". I've actually lost all hope on ever getting to see Ep. 2 but here it is and it's been worth the wait. So much better than regular motorcycle reviews, so much more information and details. I'm currently on a lookout to buy a Vstrom 650 soon and I really appreciate your work guys!

Hay, brilliant. Got another one. Great vid lads (and ladets)

Great video, only now do I realise the effort of making these videos after starting to do my own channel. Well done. Enjoy, stay safe!

I ride a first generation V-Strom, and like you, I've learned to enjoy what it does well... while having patience with those area's where it's lacking. No doubt I could get a bike that would be smoother, better handling, and maybe even better looking.... if I were willing to spend two or three times more money. I love my wee-Strom !!!

Well done indeed. Waiting for this; it confirms my feelings about my XT. Replaced the footpegs and sump guard immediately. Was thinking about suspension, so this is a timely video! Many thanks.

You really gave me some insight on some important issues. Bought a 2020 650 adventure and was looking at the long list of bank account draining goodies I could have bought. I had it all wrong for sure since my first goal was to fix the suspension. Thanks for the words of wisdom

I own a 2019 650xt Vstrom & have changed the sump guard for an aluminium one, changed the footpegs, added barkbusters to replace the suzuki plastic ones and added a pair of bar risers. The info in this video is invaluable and I will certainly be looking into the accessories that you have fitted to your bike. Great video and very informative 👍.

It got stolen? No wonder I couldn't find the next episode. We bought one bike each about a fortnight ago, and had the dealership install the crash bars, the Suzuki pegs, and heated grips. At home we added a radiator guard, and are buying a B&B sump guard to go on, moved the pegs to the lowest- and rear-mos position. Tyres...we'll wait until we get some use out of the stock ones before doing anything there. Barkbusters going on, and looking into the SW Motech gear lever. We went with some MotoDry soft luggage tank bags, side bags and a bag across the back. Thanks for the inspiration! From Australia.

Great job. Love the detail

Waited almost three years for the pt2 but great work!

Amazingly insightful and honest review. Kudos.

Nice to see the follow-up review. I think the sensible updates made are spot on and if spending extra money, I'd opt for additional rider training to get the most out of the (and any) machine.

Good job guys. I have a 2014 Vee 1000, fully kitted out, and I have just got a 2015 Vstrom DL650. Now I'll probably piss the wife off by kitting this one out! It's a boy thing. Right?? Great bike in every way that it's big brother is, except a fair bit lighter. I have the footpeg lowering kit on the way, and I will be having extra memory foam put into the seat as I'm 6'2 with long legs. Thanks again guys.Greetings and salutations from Oz +subbed.

Wednesday August 12th, 2020 saw my second Wee (2012) hit 100 000 kilometers. Aside from two trips around North America it also went from the tundra of northern Canada to the jungles of Central America - a few farkles but zero performance modifications. The only issue Strom #2 had was a leaky fork seal. The last I heard, Strom #1 (2009) has well over 100 000 kilometers on it but, sadly, we’ve lost touch - after how it was treated in Mexico I think it ran away from home. My third ‘Strom (2015) only has 47 000 kilometers on it so it’s hardly broken in. I’ve been lucky to have had quite a few motorcycles over the last fifty years, and still own other bikes. But “for the buck” there’s little better than the trusty V-Strom 650.

Really interesting :) I've got a 650xt did a 600 mile day the other week to Scotland n back in Stock form + a screen n as a road bike it's brilliant road bike interesting to see what you changed thanks for sharing :)

I bought my 650xt in 2021 for use on/off road (gravel). I currently have on her 10 000kms all on tar, she is just too pretty to take on dirt roads. I thought about getting her offroad ready but the new 800 is out soon so I'll give that a test ride and if I prefer it, I may sell the 650 and buy it instead. I do love that v-twin though so it will be difficult to let it go.. what an incredible ride.

Excellent review, as always. Thanks, Llel. At 67 years oId and having sold my BMW R100 GSPD last week (too heavy finally) I find this little V-Strom perfect for all the reasons you say at the end; and, like most ordinary riders, I ride on the road most of the time; but this bike's ability to handle light gravel trails makes it perfect for adventure touring. Couple of things I like on mine: PivotPegz footrests (I know you don't, but I love them; boots never slip on them); Avon Trailrider tyres - fabulous on road and in the wet -- developed in the UK for wet, greasy roads, work everywhere and ok for the 5% of my riding that I do on light trails. Thanks again.

Finally! I lost hope pt 2 will ever come out and than this happens😊 First, you did an awesome job! It seems that you did nit rush this and invested a lot of effort into finding the best (budget) adventure recipe for this (budget) bike. As a V-Strom 650 xt owner, i agree and have made similar mods and setup. Only thing I would add to the list is changing the brake pads because oem ones are really dead. EBC double H sintered brake pads work great imo. Thank you for coming through with this project bike. What is the next one? Certain Yamaha? 😏

Great review after owning my v-strom for 3 years l also feel this is a awesome bike with great engine ,exhaust note especially as I fitted an akrapovic exhaust ,extremely fuel efficient and it is was a bargain price compared to other in this segment. Buy one you will love it!!

Bar sweep... I hate swept bars but see your point with the Strom. I run a 1988 DR750 and travel on it. I found that a trials bend was all I could live with and this is with a huge homebrew riser. We all have such different needs when it comes to bikes and the riding we do. I love a spaced out riding position and I am only 5'11, My other bike is a CCM 644 which feels like a pitbike compared to the DR750.

Excellent video! The VStrom 650 is a fantastic value machine, at 6’1” with 34” inseam I found it a bit cramped in stock configuration. A leftover 2017 or used Africa Twin is about the same price and more comfortable for tall riders.

The ‘Strom is for commuting, weekend touring, motorcycle camping, exploring roads less travelled etc.. If you want to tackle the gnarliest goat trails after riding a 100 miles of tarmac to get there, then get a DR650.

A GREAT informative video!!!! Thanks!!!

Very good. I own one and made the same mods. Great bike

Coming from first Gen 1K,You are completely true when saying that only its rider will appreciate it.. The Vstrom is no doubt is neglected one,.. But It's best budget Tourer dual adventure motorcycle..

Solid iron horse... Excellent blogger👍👍

i love my vstrom 650xt i have the fourth one now. best bike ever😎

i put some money in my hands and modified the suspension by hessler. So i have longer front and back suspension and i have more groundclearance. I also have chosen the andy straps soft bag solution. So far i am happy with both. For me they were worth the money and should fit the bike for the next big journeys. I thing the v strom 650 is worth its money. I just did the modifications for my long term trips. Love the bike so far. thx for your video!

Well done. Cost effective. Good looking and functional road/off-road AB. Good luck!

Well done! My 2 cents, and that's probably about how much it's worth... Progressive suspension is very cheap to add, 100 dollars or so. If I got a new V-Strom, it would be the first upgrade that I would do! It really changes the handling on and off road imho. You are a much more exp rider than me so maybe there are issues with mine that I'm not aware of. It's really the only thing different about my wife's bike and my bike and being able go back and forth between the two, my wife's feels like it only belongs on the road and mine feels like it's always searching for back road to take! Just sharing my exp. Awesome video! Love the channel! Keep up the awesome content!!!

Thats my dream bike. Hopefully i can get one someday.

Es una motocicleta muy hermosa, con las modificaciones realizadas mantiene un aspecto sobrio y funcional, cabe resaltar que está más hermosa, saludos desde Quito - Ecuador.

Nice video; great project. I suggest to V-Strom 650 XT owners : SW-Motech Ion off-road footpegs kit.

If you still have this bike and plan to do more with it. Add a front fork brace. It's a popular mod. Plenty about it on the v-strom forums.

Need more bike than watching you talk about it !

I put 40,000 miles of rough miles of road and off-road riding on a 2012 V-Strom 650 and it was bullet proof.

Very interesting, nice that you didn't just throw money at it. To me the main limiting factor on the bike is suspension travel, I take mine on some pretty rough tracks and it's just a matter of taking your time.

Great review, did you see project weestrom 7.5 on Stormtrooper.. 7.5 inches front and rear suspension travel and some more ground clearance.. want to do that one, when taking my Weestrom to Mongolia.. But after listening to you..mm.. on My strom I raised the rear..with dogbones 3/4 inch.. makes it even more agile..fantastic in the twisties..

I hope this series dont get postponed.

Thanks for the great vid !! Was waiting for this. Interesting fork and preload setup. I am struggling to get my setup correctly due to a lack of knowledge. What will be a good setup for 70kg rider. Currently rear preload is on the 2nd ring and forks on 3rd ring as per standerd manual setting. Forks also std in Clamping plate, not lowered. Enjoyed the vid👍

Suzuki haven't got serious enough about either the 650 or the1050, a 21inch front wheel, more ground clearance, stiffer fork springs, preload adjusters on forks, a switch to a in sump oil filter, a bashplate, serrated footpegs, correct handlebars, all things achieve able at minimal cost by the factory, the engines and frames paid for themselves years ago.

Great work lads 👍🏻 would of liked a nice walk around though 😬

Thumbs up overall, but I don't entirely understand why your argument on suspension. There is quite a leap from no suspension mods to swapping forks or upgrading to ohlins or something. A fork spring set is about 100 USD, and considering the stock spring rate is appropriate for a 160 lb person, I think it would be worth while. I have an '18 XT and I have bottomed countless times on that large rock I didnt quite see. 🤘😁🤘

Il looking to get my self the Flexxbar setup on my Vstrom 1000XT. You got the 19 degree adventure ones but what height did yoou chose and do they hit the dash in full turn or they clear everything perfectly?

RE panniers, I use Enduristan ands happy with them. Ye they are fiddle but given most adventure bikes now journey between hotels people could really just strap a suitcase on it.

Great Vid, Cosmo do a peg lowering kit and seat raising kit for the 650. In 6.2 and still found comfort an issue with these but they are well made products.

Excellent review, I am sorry that the bike got stolen. I bought the same model in 2019, love her, and I am thinking of doing some short easy off-road paths, dry, no mud. I am not sure of what tyres to use, good for asphalt, not much noise on it and safe for off-road. I´ve looked on Continental TKC-70 rocks, but not sure yet. Any advice or recommendation? Thanks !!!

Nice bike. I have the 19xt and love it. Would you do a review on the 1050xt. Love to see how you feel about the larger engine etc. regards from Long Island NY

The link for the Suzuki footpegs just leads to the generic page for the Suzuki V-strom 650XT, there's nothing about the black footpegs on there? Can you give me a SPECIFIC link to where I can get the black Suzuki footpegs from...?

Great video, I was so stoked to see it pop up! I have a 2018 XT myself and have done some mods for more off-road riding. Great bike. Something I have been thinking about doing next is raising the front fender for more mud clearance. Llewellyn, did you think about doing this and would you? If not, any particular reason why not? Cheers mate!

I have a 2022 v-strom and would like the same FLEXX HANDLEBAR ADVENTURE on my Can you tell me if the height is 68mm, 92mm or 116mm

I wrecked my vstrom on a speed bump one block away from my house. now I am getting a tenere. before that it was kinda a okay bike but it got stuck too many times and just didn't fit my wrecking style.

Hi, anything about the ground clearance and shocks, if you wanna go off road or gravel, shouldn't change the ground clearance on this bike? I own a 2010 dl650 al0 really like to see how to improve that part?

Great video. Interesting the conclusion you came to with the suspension. Think that is the case on a lot of more budget oriented bikes. I like the look of those Flex handlebars. Do you think it would be worth fitting them to a GSA for off-road riding? If so which variant would you recommend?

None of these handlebar links work, and if they do I can’t see any specs in the link to know what it is I’m ordering. Any chance you can provide relevant specs? To wit, Sweep: 19° Width: ??? Height: ??? I’d prefer not to have to add longer cables, or even get creative with the routing, and you’ve already got it solved. I realize I’m late to the party here, but any help would be much appreciated.

Oh, and suspension: standard fork springs awful; progressive ones much improve front end but lift it, so dropped forks 2mm through yokes to restore light turning. Madstad screen from USA for perfect wind protection. Motobriiz wind powered chain oiler. Givi hard luggage. Sheepskins for my ass as no gel seats available. Perfect little solo tourer. Light pillions only!

Great video! Thanks for that. Too bad the original bike got stolen. What problem did changing the gear lever solve by the one of SW Motech?

Out of curiosity, why did you pick v strom 650xt as your project bike? Why not versys 650 or tiger 800 etc? BTW, I really like your explanations on changes you've done on the bike.. Good review of the bike.. Sorry to hear about the first bike got stolen

Anyone knows a good aftermarket exhaust for DL650 with centre stand fitted?

Hi ! What are the handguards ??

How involved was the cable routing for the new handlebars? I'm guessing with the +1" extensions and the wider swept bars you needed extensions of clutch, throttle and brake? Did you make custom cables or buy a kit?

400 quid on handlebars & 120 quid on a gear lever but won't spend money on suspension!? I changed the rear shock to a Wilbers & put correct springs for my weight in fork & it completely changed the bike on & off road. 50 quid pair of Pro Tapers sorted the bars out.

The Flexx Bars link in the description is dead. Thanks for the informative video

Suzuki Foot Pegs link does not work

Ok. Now the next bike: modifying the Guzzi V85. 😎

Whoa these suzuki footpegs are amazing! Where can I buy them? On the official site there's no trace ):

Wht did you do to the front forks? im an ignorant mechanic, but interested in improving suspension

Would those pegs fit on a 2018 Honda ATAS?

so what if i want more sport than offroad ? ...i mean will the flex bar work or a normal pro taper or any big bar work ?

I have always been interested in this bike . I am doing a lot of very very bumpy back roads and 30% dirt roads sometimes washed out gravel .Not too technical stuff but harder on a true road bike.. I have a nice simple Triumph Street Scrambler and love the thing . It has put up with a lot of back country abuse .. .. How would you compare the V STROM 650 to the base 900 Tiger or GT as far as suspention and wieght . I know 250 cc different and mayve 30 HP . Since the V STOM is a road bias bike I would find the comparison to the Base or GT Tiger interesting over the $18K Rally ... Thanks for the great clip .. Yours Guy

what bar risers did you eventually use?

The reach comments interest me. I'm 5'9" and have a '21 650XT and feel like I'm reaching out a bit, it makes u turns a challenge. Do you think up and back risers would help? Great video btw.

hi great video, is it possible do 180 degree U Turn , you know the rear tire slide type .

Good vid. So, cut to the chase, in 2020, just buy a T7.

Que marca de defensas laterales me recomiendas ? Tengo una V strom XT 650

Dude was the key fob on the stolen bike the tassels from the Chinese team? What a loss lol, I should send you mine for the new bike

フットペグ良いねぇ

You could have sharpened the footpegs spikes?

I am very amused when I hear that motorcyclists from England are coming to România or other Est-Europe country for a few days ride and they are afraid that their motorcycle will be stolen :))

Stolen eh UK sounds about as lovely as Baltimore Maryland and Chicago

Hiya guys, nice project thanks for sharing. I have and love my DL650 too and have fettled it a bit. I agree with your suspension decisions completely in regards leaving the forks and shock alone. I'm definitely going to check out those Flexx bars too. I can highly recommend these guys if anyone out there is doing a similar thing with a strom on a budget www.cosmo-accessories.com Also check out V-Strom.co.uk forum for lots of handy tips, info and a further discount code for Cosmo products. Thanks again and happy travels to you x

luggage? put all your stuff in a bag and strap it on the buddyseat. done

How dare you keep the V-Strom reasonable! Take this budget bike and spend $20k making it mildly better!

Show the bars A vs B

I love those foot pegs, but 300 dollars is stupid ridiculous!

Far too many ads. Other than that, very informative video.

What a load of faff, just ride it, there’s nothing wrong with the original. Love mine as it is.

Bags that have to stay on the bike are useless for traveling, you need your stuff in the hotel room and in tents.

I notice the rider leaning his body into most corners. Is this really necessary? Seems a bit odd.

More video less repetitive comments

Please bring this bike to india, so that i may steal it. 😄