650DL suspension

[Tezzaman24]

Hi everyone, still loving the 2009 650 and get out on it whenever I can. The only issue I have - and don’t know if this is common to the make/ model - is it feels like the front suspension is solid and every bump or dip in the road jars my whole body. It’s most disconcerting and I don’t remember feeling this on any other bike I have ridden.
Anyone else experienced this?
BTW. Fitted the footrest lowering kits and worth the money and time fitting them 👍

[nigel s]

Damper rod forks I'm afraid,little control of high speed damping.
Time for a revalve/upgrade.
Best thing you will do to the bike.

[Tezzaman24]

Thank you 👍😀

[nigel s]

No problem.
You have loads of options for the 650.
For the best bang for your buck take it to a specialist in your area for a quote for a revalve.
Does yours have preload adjusters in the fork tops?
If so try setting the sag.
Plenty of advice on how to do that,and is a good start point that costs nothing.
Good luck

[Barbel Mick]

It might not be the best suspension in the world but it shouldn't be like you're describing. Perhaps it's been messed with by previous owner(s), maybe a problem with the oil or the air gap? If you don't know what you're doing with it take it somewhere that does.
Some makes of tyres can also make the ride feel harsh.   

[crump]

Maybe it's had heavier springs or heavier weight oil put in?
My 2015 on standard settings is pretty easy going

[Jim13_Wee_Strom]

I too have an '09 650... check the pre-load settings at the top, further out = softer , all the way in = harder iirc.

If you want / need / must have more info try this https://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,7132.0.html

As has already been mentioned and seconded by me always try the most cost effective solution first, 5 minutes and little labour adjusting the pre-load might work wonders....

[Gert]

Too soft setting and or fork oil air gap on the forks may lead to fork dive under braking. The trick is to find a happy balance, that suits your style of riding.

When last was the fork oil changed?

If you have not done this service before, a useful Black Labs guide in pdf from can be downloaded from https://www.stromtrooper.com/threads/replacing-front-fork-oil-seals-black-labs.443358/. The pdf guide contains many helpful pix on the process of replacing front fork oil seals plus the fork oil, etc

[Tezzaman24]

Thanks for the advice everyone 😀👍

[chris1200]

I've just changed the seals and the fork oil on my 07 and it's like a different bike. I don't think the oil had ever been changed in it's life. No more clump's bump's or humps. Amazing what you get used to over time.