Upgrade Suzuki V-Strom 650

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Upgrade Suzuki V-Strom 650
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Upgrade Suzuki V-Strom 650

Upgrade Suzuki V-Strom 650
Suzuki V-Strom 650

Two victories and a second place at the MOTORRAD-Alpen-Masters make the little travel enduro the undisputed queen of the Alps. Despite its high degree of maturity, it can be further improved with little effort?

Andreas Holzer

05/21/2008

A considerable success of the V-Strom 650, as 20 motorcycles from five different categories each compete in the MOTORRAD-Alpen-Masters (Issue 19 + 20/2005, 17 + 18/2006, 16 + 17/2007). Even significantly stronger and more expensive motorcycles had to admit defeat. The handy and uncomplicated driving behavior in combination with the powerful and easy-turning V2 is a true mixture of success. In this respect, it is not that easy to improve this successful concept even further. Not easy, but possible.

As in the upgrade episodes that have already been published, the MOTORRAD conversions are intended as a suggestion to improve a machine in terms of individual criteria. One of the V-Strom pilots places more value on maximum country road fun and achieves this with a shorter gear ratio and the Michelin Pilot Road tires. The other Suzuki driver finds his luck with unwinding long distances and is therefore happy about an improved wind protection, while from his point of view everything else fits perfectly.

At one point, however, the opinions within MOTORRAD are also divided: Some drivers had nothing to criticize about the rather touristy, upright seating position, while others, on the other hand, wanted flatter handlebars and a higher seat and thus a more front-wheel-oriented posture. Since this topic depends primarily on the size of the travel enduro rider, there is no general tip here. But specialists who can help: If you can’t handle the standard handlebar, you will find replacements at LSL (www.lsl-motorradtechnik.de). And if you want to upholster or upholster your seat, you can, for example, contact Jungbluth (www.motorrad-sitzbaenke.de) or an experienced saddler.

Brake pads

If you use the accessory brake pads (attention: pay attention to ABE), you can really save money. The series parts are really expensive at 103 euros for the front brake and 57 euros for the rear brake. The pads from Carbone Lorraine cost € 60.83 at the front and € 24.80 at the rear not only significantly less, but also have a slightly better effect with an average deceleration of 9.1 m / s². With the series parts a maximum of 8.8 m / s² was possible, with the brake measurement from 100 km / h the V-Strom needs 1.4 meters more to come to a standstill. When it comes to metering, both don’t give each other much, thanks to the Suzuki’s well-functioning ABS. The linings from Lucas (61.90 euros at the front, 31.95 euros at the rear) are also cheaper than the standard parts and decelerate at a similar level at 8.9 m / s². The biggest gain is therefore mainly in the lower costs.

+1 point in security for 86 euros

Addresses

Suzuki International Europe GmbH, 64625 Bensheim, phone 06251 / 5700-0, www.suzuki.de

Tire:
Dunlop GmbH Co. KG 63540 Hanau, phone 06181/6801, www.dunlop.de Michelin Reifenwerke AG Co KGaA76159 Karlsruhe, phone 0721/5303349, www.michelin.de

Translation:
Enuma Motorrad Schuller GmbH, 68649 Grob-Rohrheim, phone 06245/9947910, www.enuma.de

Brake pads:
Carbone Lorraine K-F-Z GmbH 89231 Neu-Ulm Telephone 07131/9709050, www.carbonelorraine.de Lucas TRW KFZ Equipment GmbH 56566 Neuwied, Telephone 02631 / 912-0, www.lucas-bikersworld.com

Conclusion

The V-Strom 650, which is already quite mature by default, can be improved even further for relatively little money. She then rolls onto Michelin Pilot Road, pulls ?? a competent examiner is required? Thanks to a smaller Enuma pinion, it is more powerful and brakes a bit more jagged with Carbone Lorraine rubbers. Anyone can use the main stand, the touring windshield is interesting for everything for long-distance pilots.

Main stand

It’s hard to understand why Suzuki doesn’t deliver the V-Strom 650 with a main stand. The sales managers at Suzuki apparently want to make additional cash with the accessory part, as the simply made tubular steel bracket costs a whopping 204.53 euros in the in-house accessory program (http://classic.suzuki.de/prospekte/zubehoer_vstrom_2007.pdf) . Still a worthwhile investment. The V-Strom-Pilot does not only find it much easier when tensioning and lubricating the chain. Even those who thoroughly clean, remove and install the bikes or just want to load the travel enduro in peace for the big holiday tour will be happy about a stable stand. In the evaluation criterion ?? Equipment ?? the main stand therefore brings two points more.

+2 points in everyday life for 205 euros

tire

There are no tire bindings for the small V-Strom, their owners are free to choose, provided the size fits. The standard Bridgestone Trail Wing TW 101/152 tires (around 202 euros) are generally not a bad choice. The 650er rounds all radii in a handy and neutral way, shows hardly any set-up moment and shines with its typical, uncomplicated driving behavior.

The alternative from Dunlop, the Trailmax D 607 F / D 607 (around 199 euros), did well in the MOTORRAD tire test from 2005 (issue 10) and was able to convince in terms of wear and tear in the current test (issue 11/2008), for example , seemed to be a recommendation for the V-Strom as well. However, little of the certified handling qualities can be felt on the Suzuki. It turns in much more slowly and does not hold the line as cleanly as with the Bridgestone. Overall, the Trailmax-tyred Suzi drove noticeably “spongier”.

Anyone who drives the V-Strom exclusively on asphalt should rely on a thoroughbred road tire. The Michelin Pilot Road (around 220 euros) noticeably improves the already good driving behavior of the 650s. The driving stability increases significantly, the driving experience is transparent and full. The Suzuki is also more manageable. The Michelin are the best tires for the V-Strom on road.

+5 points in chassis for 220 euros (Michelin Pilot Road)

Windbreak

As standard, the windshield of the V-Strom protects very well against the wind. If the protective effect is still not sufficient, the Suzuki accessories program can help. For just under 118 euros (untinted / clear or for 120.45 euros in smoke gray), the Japanese offer their customers a touring windshield with a seven-way adjustable M spoiler, which not only blows wind but also rain over the head and upper body of the pilot. steers away. The spoiler can be adjusted to the size and seating position of the driver while driving and thus manages to reduce the annoying turbulence to a minimum. Disadvantage: The already bulky 650er looks even more massive and voluminous with the adjustable, larger disc.

+1 point in everyday life for 118 euros

translation

First things first: If you are thinking of reducing the translation of the Suzuki, you should contact the testing engineer from TuV or DEKRA before the conversion. Because although the change amounts to less than eight percent of the total ratio and thus the obligation to issue a new exhaust gas and noise report is no longer necessary, it is up to the inspector to decide whether to approve it. If so, that brings a clear plus in driving fun for the V-Strom driver. The V2 thus plays in the correct speed regions and acknowledges every gas sugar with correct propulsion. The torque in the last gear from 60 to 140 km / h drops by 1.2 seconds from 14.0 to 12.8 seconds.

+3 points in engine for 17 euros

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