AL numbers

[gibbo568]

My son has been running around on 'MY' Vstrom 650, (I'm running a 1200 Multistrada with an S1000xr coming next week)  and the Vstrom's engine has started knocking.
now I'm only an aircraft technician by trade, he is a mechanical engineer, but I think a big end has gone.

Looking for a replacement engine, but getting a bit confused with the AL numbers.
Can anyone give me a run down about what they mean?

[Mr Nick]

Very simple year of manufacture indicator. A = ABS equipped. K = 2000 (K0) to 2009 (K9), L = 2010 (L0) to 2019 (L9). A DL manufactured in 2015 and fitted with ABS would be AL5.

For one so recent to lunch a big end normally takes some serious neglect or abuse: these are really sturdy engines & go into big mileages with ease.

[MartinW]

As Mr Nick said.

I've just changed your profile to DL650A L5.

[gibbo568]

Yes, I think he has let the oil get low, we will have the engine out next week and have a look.
Thanks for clearing things up about the numbers.

[Mr Nick]

If you're looking for a replacement engine, then there's been 4 main versions of 650 fitted to Stroms: it's the 3rd iteration 'Gladius' type fitted from 2012 that you're after (can't recall when the 4th version came in). Easy to know the ones you don't want as they're fitted with different clutch covers.

If you're considering rebuilding, then best check the prices & availability of parts as they can be eye-wateringly priced and some are rarer than a rare thing.