2014 V Strom 1000

[5ohmustang]

In my mustang post I had mentioned I own a Buell Ulysses.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I have since traded it in for a new left over 2014 Suzuki Vstrom 1000.


I was given a good trade in price for the Buell and only paid $4200. I was waiting for the new africa twin but I could not pass this price up.

The vstrom is similar to the Buell but much more refined.


I'm gradually upgrading the bike to full adventure spec. I'm not sure if there is a bike following here but ill update this thread as time goes on.



This is my first bike with abs and traction control. Traction control modes has 3 settings. I have not rode it much as it has been cold. It doesn't have the bottom end grunt of the buell but it is definately faster in
all other areas.

Oem suzuki tank pad.


Techspec Gripsters

[5ohmustang]

I wanted it in desert tan too but it was a left over. Yes I have a full list of farkles I want to buy for it but I am limiting myself to one item a month.

[5ohmustang]

Is that the givi airflow? How tall are you and is there any buffeting?

How do you find the oem suzuki heated grips?

Does your centerstand have any rust? I read some oem stands are already rusting so I was planning on the sw motech center stand.

Have you had any paint issues on the rear rack or stalling when sudden downshifting?

[5ohmustang]

I am using the wolfman rainier tank bag from my buell. The straps are ment for the klr which worked well on the buell but on the v strom the bag sags into my stomach, I then used a universal harness and now it sits higher than in the pic and no longer sits on my stomach.


Also genuine hippo hands from Canada, these work great in the cold.


Suzuki Oem handguards

[5ohmustang]

I am temporarily in Virginia Beach, but home is the Smokey Mountains, Tennessee.

[5ohmustang]

At first it is unerving not seeing your hands but you soon get used to it. I only use them when I have to.

[5ohmustang]

I used to ride in all conditions but snow, nowadays I take the mustang but I do not like putting miles on it.

So the Vstrom is having a global recall:

1. Engine ground is required to be relocated as the correct position has caused corrosion and thus made a bad contact.
2. Ignition connector that was used is not waterproof! Suzuki's fit is to fit a rubber boot over it.
3. Relocate/pull down harness under the tank and fit an anti friction pad under the fuel tank as a lot of people have had their harness chafe on the tank.

[5ohmustang]

On the way to the dealer for the recall.

[5ohmustang]

I'm probably going to get the extended warranty so for now I am letting the dealer do it.

[5ohmustang]

Do you document it and keep the receipts?

[5ohmustang]

Hello again. I am finally reunited with the vstrom. Since my last post the recall work was completed. At some point between the suzuki dealer in Alabama and delivering the bike to Virginia there was some damage done.

The right handguard had been pulled out of the handlebar. My bet is the bike was strapped down incorrectly and pulled on it. There is scuffing on the handguard plastic which pissed me off since they were brand new.

Funny the guy that delivered the bike was from Northern Ireland.

I ended up riding the bike home to the Tennessee Mountains and fell asleep at one point on the interstate. The bikes snatchy throttle woke me up as my hand fell back. I need to get that addressed with a throttle tamer.


I am going to be doing a lot of miles and with the aim of saving petrol and miles on my mustang, it has gone into storage.

I will be improving the long distance capability of the vstrom to handle frequent cross country trips across Tennessee.

I still have my givi e45 cases that I had on my buell ulysses so I ordered givi plr3105 side racks which fit monokey cases. Im off to fit them now. I'll get the top rack next but i'm goin to try and do a warranty claim on the crappy paint on thr oem rack.

[5ohmustang]

[5ohmustang]

Also picked up an airhawk air cushiom.

[5ohmustang]

Swmotech exhaust valve guard.

[5ohmustang]

I had been awake 24 hours prior to riding 9 hours. It was my only window of opportunity to make the trip. I always avoid riding tired but I had to ride on.

[5ohmustang]

Latest farkle is Adventure Tech mirror extenders. The stock mirrors are completely useless, all I was able to see was my elbows. There has been a few close calls on the highway when I have not seen the other vehicle.

These are well worth the money and now I can see clearly to the side and behind me.

[5ohmustang]

On the 14 and 15 stroms the rear rack never had a clearcoat but a matt finish. The finish wears off and looks like crap. Suzuki are replacing these with a new rack that has a clearcoat. The stealership have swapped out my rack and I can now fit the givi monokey rack on top of the existing rack.

[5ohmustang]

I'm definately gettig a bash plate but I'm going to wait till the tires need replacing with proper off road capable tires i.e. Tkc80 Until then I am not taking it off road. I need to fix the ergonomics first as it can get uncomfortable after an hour.

I use it for long cross country trips at the moment.

[5ohmustang]

Keep it in the family. I'm considering getting a beater truck for hauling stuff as I am finding an increasing need to get stuff done.

I'm looking at 1st generation lightning trucks, simple, tuneable and reliable. I love the design however I really need 4wd.

[5ohmustang]

Once the new suzuki rack was on I ordered the givi aluminum top rack. The middle support bar between the frame was bent on one side and did not fit. That is the second time in a row givi quality control has failed.

Other than that the rack is built well. To top it off I got a givi e68 backrest and installed it to the e45 case. I'm going to come up with some kimd of lumbar support on the e45 case.