bike which makes adjusting the suspension for pillions and luggage child ’ s play . At this point in time the rear suspension will probably be worn out or been replaced by an aftermarket unit . While the headlights have more than a passing resemblance to comic character the Green Goblin , they work brilliantly . The huge reflectors do an amazing job of focusing the halogen bulbs ’ light onto the road and make riding at night a relative pleasure .
Finish Considering the DL wasn ’ t an expensive bike when launched the build quality is ‘ ok ’. Owners report the finish is good if it ’ s kept on top of , but riding one through winter will require judicious cleaning and plenty of FS365 or WD40 in an attempt to keep corrosion at bay . The worst culprits are the fork legs and brakes as well as fasteners which can fur up quickly with winter use and little maintenance .
What to check The newest Gen One V-Strom 1000s are now 10 years old , and the oldest just over 20 year . Look for a full-service history and
VSTROM DL1000 GEN ONE
Engine : 996cc , 8v , l / c , four-stroke ,
Bore x Stroke : six speed , V-twin
98 x 66mm Power ( claimed ): 98bhp @ 7600rpm Torque ( claimed ): 74.5lbft @ 6400rpm Rake / Trail : Chassis :
26.5 °/ 110mm
Cast aluminium twin spar Suspension : 43mm telescopic fork ,
Brakes :
Wheels / tyres : Wheelbase : Weight ( dry ): Seat height : Fuel capacity :
160mm wheel travel , front ; preload and rebound adjustable monoshock , 162mm wheel travel rear Twin 310mm discs , twopiston calipers front ; single 260mm disc , onepiston caliper rear 110 / 80 / ZR19 ; 150 / 70ZR17 1550mm 208kg 830mm 22 litres
V-STROM GEN ONE HISTORY
2002 DL1000 V-Strom launched 2003 Fork preload adjusters and more powerful alternator 2004 New instrument cluster and faster / more powerful ECU , redesigned mirrors and belly pan along with adjustable windscreen 2005 Black frame and minor mods 2007 Clear indicator lenses and minor mods 2013 All-new 2014 model launched
you won ’ t go too far wrong , the DL1000 has a reputation for reliability . General wear and service items will need checking such as brake pads , tyres , chain and sprockets , tyres etc . The fuel injection and throttle response should be smooth and crisp , if it isn ’ t then it can be rectified by a throttle body tune up at your local Suzuki dealer . Beware any bikes which jump out of third gear - the gearboxes are known to destroy themselves when two gears select at the same time . Older low mileage bikes aren ’ t necessarily the best option . Some workshops report seeing spun conrod bearings where old oil is left in over winter and the acids in the oil destroy the bearings . A 20 year old low mileage bike which has only had four oil changes could be a potential problem . Better to go for a bike with a higher mileage and more oil changes . Dropped valves through broken exhaust valve buckets is another issue due to age . Have them checked specifically when the bike is serviced for valve clearances .
Accessories Go for a machine with quality aftermarket luggage such as Givi , rather than the Suzuki luggage , if hard core touring is your goal . Heated grips on later models are worth having , as is an aftermarket rear shock absorber – an Ohlins makes a big difference .
Servicing / maintenance Services are every 6000km or every 12 months , whichever comes first . The service schedule requires the oil to be changed at each service and filter changed every 18,000km , with valve clearance inspection every 24,000km .
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