Suzuki V-Strom 650 Questions & Answers

Manual side of the crankcase assembly.

Sorry I can’t help. I’ve never had this problem. Sounds like you’ve checked the most likely suspects I reckon you’ll get there

Have you checked the fuel tank breather as a vacuum in the tank can cause these symptoms

Try Gulf Western SYN X 3000 engine oil, it’s not a dedicated bike oil. I used it in my 2000 Triumph RS Sprint, 2012 FJR 1300 with no issues over big miles. Much cheaper than dedicated bike oils and does the job exceptionally well. I just bought an 06 VStrom 650 and will be using the oil in it as well.

Wow....I don’t know. Best thing I can suggest is go to the Stromtroopers site and see if they can help.

Thanks

No, not LAM approved. The later models do have a LAM approved model but that is because it's set in the ECU. If you are looking at a specific bike it will be recorded on the registration. You don't need to sight the rego papers as most states have an app and it will show it. Hope this helps

I have no idea, both my earlier VStrom (generation 2) and my current VStrom (generation 3) were full power versions not LAMS versions with restricted power.

Thanks Geoff for your reply.

The law probably makes it difficult on purpose. I reckon the dealer would be the one to ask

Thanks Rod. I spoke to Brisans in Newcastle and one of their staff said it can’t be done. I find that strange as it’s the same motor for a derestricted 650 and new 650 v stroms are similar price new.

You can derestrict in only one way...Flash your ECU...I tried plug n play with full power ECU into a LAMS bike....no start and EFI light on. Did research...send your ECU to Dynobike in Moorabbin....get on their website and read the info....talk to Dave who is very experienced in remapping, etc. ECU is in front of your battery, two plugs to unclip...Cost $595...

Hi Pete. Thanks for your reply. I have spoken to a well credentialed bike mechanic at Gateshead nsw and he stated he will derestrict my bike at its 12000km service.

No worries, great bikes, on my second one..

Yes loving mine. Now I’m trying to sell my 2005 Honda Deauville 650. Again great bike for touring. It has 23500 km for $4500 ono.

Hi, Contact "Woolich racing" in QLD, they sell a kit including interface cabling and license to be able to re-map your ECU as many times as you like. You can download the full power and restricted maps from their website to a laptop, launch the app, connect to your bike, load the MAP, key off/key on, done. I de-restricted my 2017 LAMS 650 XT, just loaded the OEM full power MAP, very easy. You can then get the bike dynoed if you want later but you will own the license. Cost was approx $500. external link 

while the full power and restricted ECU's have different part numbers the electronics within are the same, just different mappings loaded to the internal memory. Also I have no affiliation with Woolich, just a satisfied customer. Also you will have access to many parameters of the engine mapping and can view these in 3D, so you can see the difference between the 2 maps, mainly in the secondary throttle valve opening percentages above 5k rpm

Hi Darren. Thank you for replying. Just had my bike serviced so I’ll forward your expertise knowledge to my bike mechanic.

Kind regards Pete. Hamilton NSW.

No worries, the bike will be completely different above 5K rpm, worth doing if you plan to keep the bike for a while.

Thanks mate.

The earlier motorcycles (Not the DL650) had there restriction fitted either mechanically with the throttle body or via the exhaust (effectively choking the bike) The DL650 is restricted in the ECU. If you fitted a power commander to the bike it might work. As for the dealer helping you. Big NO as it relates to safety and he/she could literally lose there dealership if caught. Suzuki and all companies take that seriously. If you get around the restriction and something bad happens, and it is discovered your goose is cooked. If you sell the bike as a LAMS approved and something happens your goose is cooked and burnt. Seriously the system isn't perfect but ask anyone riding long enough to remember, it's a lot better than the old 250cc restriction IMHO. Hope that helps

SV650 silencer. Not sure if it can be done but the sound from my sons stock 2019 sv650 is music compared to the my vstrom.

I'm happy with the classic Aussie solution: sheepskin.

Yep that's what I've used too. Good ole sheep skin. I bought one of those baby pads and had a seamstress sew 4 strips of heavy grade elastic.

Not bad on dirt roads, its not intrusive and you don't really notice the ABS. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for steep inclines when going downhill on gravel. I have had a couple of scares on gravel which has caused me to lose confidence when descending and I tend to be a bit more cautious these days - probably a good thing. The bike is a 2017 XT version fitted with Shinko 805's which are great for gravel though can be slippery in wet and smooth conditions. .. Nick

Thanks for that Nick, I am using Heidenau Scouts on my F650 GS which are brilliant on both surfaces. I need to upgrade my bike but don't like the idea of ABS on our mountain dirt roads. Someone has suggested, tongue in cheek, that I would only need to remove the ABS fuse. Food for thought. cheers Al.

I have had issues on steeper gravel roads once and so I made the modification found on vstrom.info website. https://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,8792.0.html It took about 2-3 hours to do it properly and mount a handlebar switch. The cost was about $10 all up. I can switch on/off on the fly at any speed. The ABS light will come on when switched off and go off when switched back on. It works perfectly. I found that placing the switch on the left side of the handlebar worked best as your left hand is generally freer than right hand to operate the switch on the go. I'm using Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres. They are really a great tire for the V-Strom, grippy on road and pretty damn good on gravel inspiring confidence. Not fantastic on soft sand though.

Thanks for that, I'll look into it.

His instruction are pretty clear but I notice on the forum one guy cut the orange wire with yellow tracer from the the plug going to ECM modul instead of the same coloured wire going to the abs unit. I also notice clicking the url link isn't working. I have instruction and photos if any one is interested.

Yes very much so I have the lams bike and can do 160 km on the track. The other thing is they go round corners very well.

I am 54 years old and prefer comfort. The bike is fantastic for one up, I do 900-1200km a day, no problem. It could do two up but you'd probably get sick of noise and vibrations. Get a 1000 V-Strom. Get some cruise control device as well.

Thank you very thats what I thought

Just a bit concerned with the weight on the 1000 when I go Bush on my own

Depending on the budget and application. If you can afford it, for road touring, Givi Trekker Outback set is fantastic (top box, side cases, bike-specific mounting frame). For off-road, the same top box will do, but I'd go for soft panniers (eg Gearsack) on the side that will survive falls much better than the rigid ones. For lower budget, I can recommend the largest RJays top box which fits the helmet, wet weather gear, spare parts, food etc. Combined with soft panniers as they are cheaper.

I used the Givi Monokey Cases which are the hard ones and yes they full apart when you hit some thing hard. One of them is now held together with hinges from Bunnings. Being able to lock them was important for me. But can see why soft ones may be a better way to go.

I'm a miser so used givi e22 and the style actually suit strom. I don't like top boxes so bought a ventura pack and frame then retro fitted it to givi frame. The pack is water proof, light and 47lts.

Haven't been to N America,so can't help there.However I think the vstrom would be an excellent choice,I have mine fitted with Givi panniers,and riding with a pillion,I find it has plenty of power,and is a good allrounder.

Get ready to have some fun with that bike...I'm in the midst of a country wide tour...started in early July in Florida, snaked my way to Fargo, ND, turned back down south, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Colorado,Utah, Nevada, California...currently in Tucson, AZ...12,000 plus miles on the trip and not a single issue....perfect bike for touring, I have givi trekker cases, skid plate, crash bars, auxiliary lights, hand guards and top case, etc...having a blast so far, already planing to ride to Alaska next year...Enjoy the ride and be safe.

Thanks for your replies! That's the feeling I've got about the bike. I went to Canada for a weekend trip (675 miles each way) and it was an excellent bike! Ray, it sounds like you are in the midst of an adventure of a lifetime. I've got the Givi hard cases and am planning the trip now. Thanks again!

Sorry Paul,I've no idea.

Pretty sure it's one that goes under the fuel tank sure it's vacumn bo you have. A chain oiler fitted they run of vacumn from top of motor .at least block hose if it's sucking as you will dust your engine eventually

I think this could be a few things. First, you might check the fuel filter/pump. I believe it's in the tank. I think that would be the easiest place to start. Secondly, you might check the electronic tuning gimo (sorry, don't have the name). Easily replaceable but I believe a bit expensive. Lastly, cheapest: the spark plugs. Hope this helps.

Hello ..i appreciate ur reply..sweet of u. In fact i changed the fuel pump so i a good torque now . The problem is that when am on the highway and I shift gear from 3rd up or 6th down, the minute in press the clutch the engine shuts down so I start the bike easily while it's still running on the highway. I changed the TPS but it still exists ...any way I thank so much for the helo.

All the best

Sorry,can't help you.Just contact Suzuki Motorbikes and they will direct you to your nearest Suzuki dealer.

So best you go direct.Had a look at a new one today,very tempting.

Cheers

Should be able to with the addition of a lower bracket to hold the muffler, engine, frame and swingarm are all the same

I can only really give my review on the V-Strom. It had no issues crossing Australia, its done just under 100k kms with no major issues and it cheap to fix when things do go wrong (and its easy to source parts..). I believe that the KLR650 would be just as good. Only issue with that bike is its height and its low power.

old link i know. just couldnt resist....

HONDA XR650R. enough said.

Hi Donna,

The LAMS version was introduced for sale in Australia in January 2014.

All 650 v stroms before this are full power versions.

Cheers, Steve

Hi Donna. I’m thinking about buying a 2013 650 v strom model DL6506A. The NSW rego papers say it’s ‘LA’ learner approved. There is debate is it or is it not a restricted 650 motor.