Hi luv2andy. I think you may be better asking your questions in the V-Strom Specific section, more people will read it. As for AliExpress, I have used them many times and they have been excellent except for one time and that was rectified.
Always what I have ordered has been exactly the same as I would have got elsewhere but much, much cheaper. The delivery can sometimes take a little longer but that's never been a problem to me. I'm not sure if the Gen1 and Gen2 stands are the same but if you ask in the correct forum page I'm sure someone will help you. I would order a stand from AliExpress but make sure you order the correct one.
Reference fuel gauge, I bought my V-Strom quite a distance from home and rode it back in the dark and very heavy rain. A few miles from home the fuel gauge started to flash so the next morning I set out to fill up. I foolishly passed the nearest garage and went on hoping and expecting to reach Sainsbury's but ran out of fuel before I got there.
When the fuel gauge flashes fill up or at least put a little petrol in, don't be caught out as I was. Hope this helps.