2007 V-Strom 650 typical problems

[HighMilkyWay]

Hello everyone,

I'm not yet a V-Strommer, but I will be soon, maybe that evening already. What are typical problems of the 2007 V-Strom 650 (VWB1) model? I've heard that a few riders have replaced their shock, what's wrong with the original one?

Should I check something special except of the typical motorcycle maintainance parts like chain, wheel- and steering head bearing, fork seals...?

Greetings from Munich

[tallpaul]

Stating the obvious, on a 2007 bike the shock is 13 years old. You couldn't really grumble about it being worn out after that length of time. The usual lookouts are the electrical connectors behind the radiator, sticky throttle linkages needing oiling and I've read some reports of corrosion on the abs pump connector (assuming the bike has abs). Abs bikes tend to have feeble feeling brakes too, but they still work...sort of. Have a dig round the forum using the search function and welcome aboard. The 650 is a superb bike with far more pluses than minuses.

[HighMilkyWay]

Thanks for the quick reply .

Now I own an over 20 years old bike (Kawasaki ER-5), so 13 years is already a big upgrade ;)

Yes, it has ABS. I've already tried another V-Strom 650, but it was in a bad condition and therefore way overpriced. And The brake lever felt a bit spongy. I thougt there was something wrong, but maybe it was just caused by the ABS system.

I've found something about the ABS corrosion: https://www.v-strom.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=33975.0

Do you know, if braided stainless steel brake lines make the brake more direct and less spongy or is it directly caused by the ABS block?

[roganjoshing]

I just replaced my shock at 53k miles (2010 model) as it was leaking oil and apparently isn't serviceable (£268 after market shock rather than OE @ £1200).  Apart from that it's the usual age related problems with older bikes.  Mine's been kept outdoors and used daily all year since I bought it four and half years ago, so suffers more than most.  Otherwise it's reliable and a great ride.

[kwackboy]

Apart from what's been mentioned which is good advice it's worth knowing that the brakes are not known to be the best and spending money on braided lines sometimes doesn't benefit much. 
Usual checks are the service history, HPI check etc, they are a real good bike and it'll take some real abuse to ruin one.

I'm surprised the frame colour hasn't been mentioned .... 

[HighMilkyWay]

Now I'm a real V-Strommer 

2700€ and 45k km (2470 pound, 28k miles)
It has a few scratches on the left front cover caused by a small accident, but nothing serious

[tallpaul]

We need pictures!

[MrNorbH]

Now I'm a real V-Strommer 

2700€ and 45k km (2470 pound, 28k miles)
It has a few scratches on the left front cover caused by a small accident, but nothing serious

[HighMilkyWay]

I know...

Actually I didn't even have time to buy that bike, I really have to focus on my thesis for my bachelors degree now.

But in one or two weeks I'm going to clean my new bike and then you'll get the pictures