I am looking at a V-Strom tomorrow that I may purchase and was wondering if any members know of any known problems with this bike. It has 38,000 miles.
Any help is appreciated.
Any help is appreciated.
What to look out for on a 2007 V-Strom 1000
- Thread starter TwoDogs
- Start date
The larger V-Strom's had a tendency to run really lean from the factory.
Pull a plug and check to see if its porcelain white, or light tan.
Also listen for backfiring with your slowing or shifting down.
Of the two or three that I've had my hands on, the only issues were usually owner caused by trying to install power commanders, or running K&N air filters etc.
Pull a plug and check to see if its porcelain white, or light tan.
Also listen for backfiring with your slowing or shifting down.
Of the two or three that I've had my hands on, the only issues were usually owner caused by trying to install power commanders, or running K&N air filters etc.
I was looking for one but was told dl1000 have their problems. The main thing that turned me off was the poor gas mileage. They have a hard time getting out of the 30's..07 had some low speed stumble that can be helped with a throttle tamer. I think in 08 all the ecm improvements were done. I would research the 07 a bit more but I have seen newer ones for sale at reasonable prices. This is what was said on the Adventure Rider site where you will find more info.
2007 and up went to 2 plugs/cyl and ECM programming that robbed the engine of HP. That was corrected in 2008. 2007+ need a box to connect to the bike to set idle and TBS, I believe (and I'm sure I'll be corrected).
Also, 2008+ upped the stator output to 400w, from 375 previously. And they also have approx 1.5" longer wheel base to accomodate the ABS option.
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OP
OP
Thanks for the tips
Famous for cam chain tensioner failing; noisey then hand grenading the engine between 40 and 60K miles. Solution was to replace the oil pressure tensioner unit with a manually adjusted one, or if chain is stretched more difficult fix of replacing the cam chain and guide. Of the 2 in this photo on Alaska Trip, mine (silver one) is the one that didn't fail. If it's not noisy, not a problem 
. Great bike.
Tom
. Great bike.
Tom
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bdalameda
PaleoCyclist
A most common problem is with the clutch baskets that get loose and cause a shuddering with the clutch. Later models have this fixed. Overall they are pretty good bikes.
Yep, if it chatters in neutral at idle but goes away when you pull in the clutch, not really a problem, the baskets are noisy but it won't cause a problem mechanically. If the noise doesn't go away at idle when you pull in the clutch but does when you accelerate the engine THAT will cause a problem when the cam chain jumps cam teeth
.My memory could be faulty but best bet is to ask or check with someone if it just doesn't sound right. Though my Triumph Explorer 1200 has always sounded like a bucket of bolts in a diesel rattling around at idle - but it's never caused a problem.
Tom
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If you have not already done so, a ramble through the tech pages at stromtrooper.com may be informative.
The alternator is a bit small compared to an ST's. One guy on stormtrooper.com added an external alternator. Heck of a job, but he was obviously a very skilled machinist. An aftermarket vendor claims his clutch basket mod solves the problem - but, iirc, it cost several hundred $$.
OP
OP
Thanks for all the help guys.
As a previous owner things I would look out for Clutch basket chudder - poor design by Suzuki with inherent problems. Damaged oil cooler - in a vulnerable position. Front spark plug is often neglected as it is difficult to get to.
OP
OP
Thanks to all that replied. We purchased it, a great looking and well cared for bike.
It will be my nephew's new ride, he is moving up from a much older BMW F650. He does not do much on the dirt with the ADV bike ( he has a true diet bike for that) so the V Strom should serve him well.
It will be my nephew's new ride, he is moving up from a much older BMW F650. He does not do much on the dirt with the ADV bike ( he has a true diet bike for that) so the V Strom should serve him well.