What have you done with your V-Strom today?

[Hondaman]

Fitted a heavier spring (that I had in my parts bin) to the glee rear shock.
Quick & easy enough to do, so no biggie if it doesn't work out.

Lets see if it cures the bottoming out I get on spirited run outs!!!

[Stonec0ld]

Went for a ride over the Peaks to J&S Northwich, and it was absolutely freezing! Foggy and -1 on the dash gauge, I was dodging icy puddles, but it was a fun ride. My big toes and thumbs started to get numb after a couple of hours though. I was looking for some winter gloves in J&S as they have a 20% off sale at the moment, but they only seemed to have small or 5XL sizes. Who the hell wears 5XL??? Bought some inner gloves instead, seemed to work a treat. Also bought a iXS Tex-Zip 2 for £32, that's half price compared to Sportsbikeshop.

Got home and the bike is white with salt... Too cold to wash it tonight, so I covered it up and I'll wash it tomorrow after Motorcycle Live. Also ordered some ACF 50 from Opie Oils after everyone seems to rave about it, from what I read it looks like good stuff

.

[Freddyfruitbat]

I was looking for some winter gloves in J&S as they have a 20% off sale at the moment, but they only seemed to have small or 5XL sizes.

I did exactly the same last Saturday (wasn't so cold!); had just the same issue but they were perfectly happy to take my order at the discount price, and deliver the correct size post-free.  Received my toasty, perfectly fitting new gloves on Tuesday! 

[MartinW]

Who the hell wears 5XL???

Not me, mine are only 4XL 

[Stonec0ld]

Not me, mine are only 4XL 

Bloody hell, I guess you save on Snow shovels come winter time...

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[Dark-Strom]

Have not used the Strom for about 5 weeks due to weather / time, so uncovered (Tarp with bike cover underneath) and started it up. Ran it up temperature, followed by a shammy down and recoat with duck-oil on forks/ frame / engine / exhaust / bolts to keep corrosion at bay (gives a nice finish on the plastics too .

 

[mrp192]

Took my Glee out on a back road jaunt in North Norfolk to try out my new heated grips.
Ended up taking the whole day and doing just shy of 200 miles they were so good and none of the usual pain in all my fingers after about 40 minutes of below 5 degrees.
Now covered in filth but dry so tucked away in garage until tomorrow for a good clean.

[JonJo]

BBC forecast was for dry weather and 9°C so called up a couple of mates at short notice to go out for a ride.
BBC lied - it was drizzly and bloody cold but we went out anyway. Had a buzz around the North Pennines on wet, salty roads and didn't see another road bike all day. Treated bike to snow foam clean and plenty of ACF50 when I got home.

[Freddyfruitbat]

So this amazing ACF50 stuff, which I keep hearing about but have never used: presumably you have to re-apply it in between every wash?  If so doesn't it get a bit expensive?  Or is it, like, once per season or something?

[user650]

Have a read here 
http://www.acf-50.co.uk/

[ProfG]

This amazing ACF50 stuff that you keep on hearing about is expensive if you keep on applying it after every wash, so, the way to do it is wash your bike very well with a detergent, then rinse it completely and dry it out. You should then apply ACF50 with either a brush, but preferably from a spray bottle. Leave it to expand into every nook and cranny (cover the tyres and brakes before you apply it but remove your seat and apply it there also. Then rub it in with a good microfibre cloth.

Next time you need to wash your bike, don't use any detergent, just water and wipe it down with a cloth while rinsing the bike and let it dry. If you use a detergent it will wash away the ACF50.

You can keep the microfibre cloth which now has ACF50 on it and when the bike is dry just rub it on the exposed pars.

Alternatively you can have it done professionally by All Year Biker as they do a much better and professional job than anyone can do themselves since they have all the equipment and they will hand over your bike to you in showroom condition (they will do it on your own premises if you want) and they will give you a one year guarantee. This is what I do, I let them do my bike once a year and the money is in my opinion money well spent.

[UK_Vstrom650]

Fitted a Keis Bluetooth controller for my heated jacket. Got fed up with struggling to adjust the temp when on the move. Am hoping it works well, though Keis really should try harder with their designs as the controller is massive, they don't supply enough rubber to clamp it to the handlebars, and best of all even though it is water-resistant the instructions say 'don't get the controller wet'...???

Here's a picture (may have to think of finding an alternative mounting location though as it is hideous!)

[Barbel Mick]

Sun was shining so took the good lady up to The Monyash Café for a late (all day) breakfast. Came back on gritted/salt roads so gave the bike a wash when we got back. Got a bit dark to do the job properly so dried it off with my 'pet drier' and put it in the garage until Thursday when I'll finish the job and ACF 50 it.
Had a bit of a discussion with a man walking his dog who slipped on the frozen run off from my drive onto the pavement. Borrowed the salt (all of it) out of the kitchen and used it to de-ice the area ................. should have left it and taken my chances with the dog walkers 'cause the discussion with the good lady when she found there was no salt for her tomato sandwhich was a little more terse!!!! 

[bigpie]

Bluetooth controller? I just cut the wires on the normal controller, lengthened and made a bracket to mount them on the handlebars.

[UK_Vstrom650]

Good idea, but I'm struggling to run any additional wires under the tank, and want the original controller for running the heated insoles I have, otherwise they burn your feet.

[Brockett]

Welcomed the new Wee into the family.



AK9 first registered in 2010 on a 60 plate. 4700 miles and hardly a mark on it.
OK so what's on the to do list?
New tyres (currently the 'orrid OE B'stones)
Fit crash bars
Water and oil rad guards (have boewulfs in shed)
install Aux supply (bigpie kit on the shelf ex Glee / Tracer)
Install PD mini chain oiler (On the shelf ex Tracer)
Heated grips ( to get)
Bigger adjustable screen ( needs research and cash)
Fit mirrors and extenders (on the shelf ex Glee)
Fit Squanto Tracker (to get).
Fit fork gaitors ( Fleabay'd arriving soon)
Any other suggestions?

[tallpaul]

Don't forget the pie tray indicator reflectors...nom!

Sent using carrier pigeon...

[Brockett]

Oh! dear how did I forget those 

[tallpaul]

'Tis the season for mince pies too!

Sent using carrier pigeon...

[Fat Rat]

Sump Guard & V-Strom.co.uk Gel decals.