What have you done with your V-Strom today?

[UK_Vstrom650]

Did a trial fit of the 2x2 Cycles rack and mountain bike to the Strom today.
The carrier is an older design so I need to find a welder to modify it so it'll take modern through-axles, but it seemed to fit the old MTB OK (it needs a 15mm piece of tubing welding to it instead of the current mount). I might also modify the base plate to make it narrower so I can move it further forward in between the grab rails.

It was too windy for me to bother trying to ride with it, and it rained quite a bit after the photo was taken, but I'll post a proper review once I've been out on it.

If you look closely, the front wheel of the strom is just off the ground so I best avoid using the centre stand when the old MTB is on the back.

[duck-strom]

With the darker mornings lately I've turned down the screen brightness to level 2 and the annoying HIgh Beam idiot light brightness to level 0.

[mrp192]

UK_VStrom650- your cycle carrier is really ingenious and I’ve never seen anything like it. Bear in mind if the reward projection exceeds 1 metre it has to be clearly marked to the rear and sides.

[UK_Vstrom650]

Thanks mrp192, I've still not tested it out yet, as I'm planning on narrowing the base plate so it mounds further forward, which will allow me to remove the Givi base plate and bolt it directly to the bike to make it more secure.

Not shown in the picture is the tiny bit of fluorescent fabric that came with it to clip to the back of the bike, but I'm planning to cable tie some reflective triangles to the bike for added visibility along with the bike's rear light.
2x2 cycles also sell a light bar to wire in if the bike blocks the rear cluster.

[pichulec]

Dropped the exhaust, installed new seals and crush ring in the front header. I have not removed the back header as it is really big pain to access it. New exhaust paste, new clamps. Now it is as it is supposed to be. Loud at the back, quiet anywhere else :D And no more pops and bangs

[Upt North]

Took er out.
Down to Saddle Craft, South Shields for a seat fitting with Er'Indoors and then onto Souter Lighthouse Caff for lunch.
Quite splendiferous.
Les at Saddle Craft said, "that seats awful". I'm not arguing. He'll do it in January.
Upt'North.

[Cartejo5]

Nice pics, I live in Sunderland so often used to cycle past Souter but never went in. This year I've started walking along from shields or Whitburn and Souters my halfway coffee stop.

[Upt North]

It was our first time on the coast there. We've previously been to the air show at Sunderland and I go to Hartlepool Motorcycles once in a while, but the coast at Souter was blummin lovely. Good breakfast baps too.
I didn't realise how close Saddle Craft was to the coast, I'd previously just ridden in and out and not ventured further into Shields. Although passing the Port of Tyne should have been a good clue  .
Upt'North.

[graingerblaze]

Finally back in the UK so went for a very enjoyable blast round the Lake District today. Got home and washed and polished the bike to an inch of its life, my OCD was having fun. Now winterising as I don’t do cold crap weather, so fuel stabiliser added and battery charger connected. I have a few little upgrades to do over winter, but the bike won’t be back out till March which is probably why after 17 years it still looks good!

[Whiterose]

Nice looking front paddock stand, what brand is it please. 

[graingerblaze]

They are ‘Tech7’, I got them years ago as a pair and they weren’t expensive. I have a centre stand for the rear and a bike lift if removing the wheels, but for storage paddock stands are handy to prevent flat spots form sitting for months.

[graingerblaze]

The Chinese are buying the 650 V-Twin and giving it a weird makeover and face… but I suppose if Suzuki provide the engine it won’t be too bad.

https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bikes/qj-motor-svt-650-sees-chinese-firm-step-euro-assault

[Add]

That Chinese 650 reminds me of the old Kawasaki KLR650 Tengai...

[Fat Rat]

And no daft beak 

[grumps]

Am I the only one who likes beaks?

[graingerblaze]

I think beaks are a marmite subject, I’m not against them if they are well integrated and aesthetically pleasing. So I like the beak on the 1050, but I’m not a fan on the 650… not bad just not as good as it could have been. A bad example is the Kawasaki KLR650, that’s just nasty! I hope the new 650/700 Twin that’s coming they do a nice design, fingers crossed.

[crump]

I like the beak on my 2015 650, think it finishes the looks off quite nicely....must admit didn't think they needed one up till they started fitting them.

[cooltshirt]

beaks are great ......... mainly because they create beak envy 

[Rusty Nuts]

The budgie beak they grafted onto the glee was hideous and laughable.  The built-in, designed from the start ones are better. But considering they're allegedly a high level mudguard for off-roading, their presence on a Vstrom is questionable.

[Addzz]

Today I unloaded it from my van after being in there for a week after picking it up.

Now the work begins…