V-Strom Tech Day? Or at least some assistance?

Texagator · 10-02-2009, 02:06 PM

It seems there was a post from a couple of years ago in which DFW V-Strom riders got together for a tech day at someone's house. I was wondering if there is a chance of that ever happening again?

I need to change the chain and sprockets on my DL-1000. I have never done this on the Strom before. I have changed the sprockets and chain on my DRZ-400S but I'm a little hazy on what needs to happen on the Strom. Also, I don't have a chain riveting tool. I would really like to have an experienced hand guide me through the process because I don't want to mess something up. I have tools.

In a perfect world, someone who had done it a few times would come over to my house and talk me through it. I can supply beer and food.

DFW_Warrior · 10-02-2009, 02:47 PM

Well, I am pretty sure that in the very near future there will be a tech day at mbrew's house again. We are going to be working on Chris's Strom in his absence. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be opposed to you coming over as well. And if you need help with a chain and sprockets I could probably lend a hand, I've done several of them.

Oh yeah, and it might be a good time to change out the cushion drive bumpers while you are doing the rear sprocket. It just depends on the mileage that you have on them.

TexasShadow · 10-03-2009, 07:11 PM

I'm keenly interested in this, too. Old Man Whee needs some serious TLC:
rebuild forks (bushings @ valves) PRIORITY!!!!
reseat engine valves and sync throttle bodies,
new plugs,
grease (perhaps replace) steering head bearings (shimmies like mad)

Right now, I have almost NO suspension in front and rear. (Owww........ my sore bum and back.....)

DFW_Warrior · 10-03-2009, 08:12 PM

Elzi, I hate to break it to you, but I don't think your Strom has valves in the forks. Unless you have put an aftermarket set of Gold Valves in, it is just a simple damper rod style fork.

And what do you mean by reseating the engine valves? I guess I'm just trying to figure out what exactly needs to be done. By the sounds of it, it appears to be a good two to three days worth of work.

TexasShadow · 10-03-2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFW_Warrior

Elzi, I hate to break it to you, but I don't think your Strom has valves in the forks. Unless you have put an aftermarket set of Gold Valves in, it is just a simple damper rod style fork.

Hmmm.... Cliff's service report from Fall 2007 commented cleaning the valves in the forks. Regardless, I guess the bushings need replacing. Already flushed the forks and renewed fork oil. The ride was heaven for two days, then degenerated to almost nothing again. Fork oil removed smelled bad (like burnt rubber) and had a metallic sheen to it, but springs appear to be just fine.

Quote:

And what do you mean by reseating the engine valves? I guess I'm just trying to figure out what exactly needs to be done. By the sounds of it, it appears to be a good two to three days worth of work.

Valves probably need adjusting. Been two years and it acts like it can use it.

My absolute priority is front suspension: forks and steering. Right now, any ride, especially on anything that is not smooth as a baby's bottom, kills my back. My DR rides like a dream boat compared to the Whee. And major bumps are almost tank slappers. I almost have to crawl in corners and turns. Any uneven pavement upsets the suspension and is a possible wobble/dismount/slam. It's also doing a number on my teeth.

(upcoming income tax refund in '10 goes immediately to new rear shock)

DFW_Warrior · 10-03-2009, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasShadow

Hmmm.... Cliff's service report from Fall 2007 commented cleaning the valves in the forks.

You got me....

All that is in there from the factory are some damper rods with big holes in the bottom. But there really isn't much to service.

TexasShadow · 10-03-2009, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFW_Warrior

You got me....

All that is in there from the factory are some damper rods with big holes in the bottom. But there really isn't much to service.

Well, then. I say we put on our Sherlock Holmes hats, tear the danged things completely apart and find out what's afoot!

And eat Moussaka and cobbler.

Texagator · 10-03-2009, 11:06 PM

All I need to do is install new sprockets and a chain. Couple of hours worth of work?

**Gilk51** · 10-03-2009, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texagator

All I need to do is install new sprockets and a chain. Couple of hours worth of work?

Yeah - if that. I have a chain tool and a couple of other folks have them, too.

Usually requires a Dremel to take a link out of the existing chain, an impact wrench to get the front sprocket off, and the chain kit to put the new chain together.

Oh, Elz, don't forget that I have the shim kit (7.48mm) for the Whee...

ed29 · 10-03-2009, 11:17 PM

Same shim kit that we used on the Sherpa if I recall. If you want to do valves at a tech day you would have to trailer it over. Valves must be set cold.

**Gilk51** · 10-03-2009, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ed29

If you want to do valves at a tech day you would have to trailer it over. Valves must be set cold.

Or ride it over the night before and leave it.

Yes, it's the same kit... Doesn't work with the 1000 though, that motor uses the 9.48mm set...

TexasShadow · 10-04-2009, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilk51

Oh, Elz, don't forget that I have the shim kit (7.48mm) for the Whee...

Thanks, that'll help. I don't have a trailer, so the valves can wait. My priority is the suspension right now. I dreamt last night there was a dead mouse in one of the forks.

DFW_Warrior · 10-04-2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texagator

All I need to do is install new sprockets and a chain. Couple of hours worth of work?

I'd say we can be done in an hour tops, if nothing goes wrong for us. Chains are easy.

Kidder · 10-04-2009, 09:02 AM

II could host another tech day unless mbrew wants to host another. His setup is much better for a bigger group. I'm busy next weekend and the weekend after. We could do it the 24th.

The only thing I need to do to my bike is to wire up the switch for my ABS cutoff.

Maybe Elzi needs new springs?

Calgary-Yogi · 10-04-2009, 09:28 AM

Just let me where and when and the geering section will be there LOL

maximo · 10-04-2009, 10:22 AM

http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,10876.0.html

I followed this guy's information and had no problems.

TexasShadow · 10-04-2009, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maximo

http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,10876.0.html

I see the forum format has changed. And all my old login info no longer exists. Do I have to re-register?

**Gilk51** · 10-04-2009, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasShadow

I see the forum format has changed. And all my old login info no longer exists. Do I have to re-register?

The old RapidForum VSRI is no more. I suspect you (we) will have to register for this one...

TexasShadow · 10-04-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gilk51

The old RapidForum VSRI is no more. I suspect you (we) will have to register for this one...

Good, it's not just me then.

I started a different thread dealing with front suspension on the Whee. I plan to order parts tomorrow or Tuesday. Riding this bike is literally torture and unsafe.

DFW_Warrior · 10-04-2009, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texagator

All I need to do is install new sprockets and a chain. Couple of hours worth of work?

Come on down. You ask, and Mike provides!

http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43431

10-02-2009, 02:06 PM	#1
Texagator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: McKinney Posts: 251	V-Strom Tech Day? Or at least some assistance? It seems there was a post from a couple of years ago in which DFW V-Strom riders got together for a tech day at someone's house. I was wondering if there is a chance of that ever happening again? I need to change the chain and sprockets on my DL-1000. I have never done this on the Strom before. I have changed the sprockets and chain on my DRZ-400S but I'm a little hazy on what needs to happen on the Strom. Also, I don't have a chain riveting tool. I would really like to have an experienced hand guide me through the process because I don't want to mess something up. I have tools. In a perfect world, someone who had done it a few times would come over to my house and talk me through it. I can supply beer and food. __________________ Good...bad...I'm the guy with the gun.

10-02-2009, 02:47 PM	#2
DFW_Warrior Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 8,302	Re: V-Strom Tech Day? Or at least some assistance? Well, I am pretty sure that in the very near future there will be a tech day at mbrew's house again. We are going to be working on Chris's Strom in his absence. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be opposed to you coming over as well. And if you need help with a chain and sprockets I could probably lend a hand, I've done several of them. Oh yeah, and it might be a good time to change out the cushion drive bumpers while you are doing the rear sprocket. It just depends on the mileage that you have on them. __________________ Bill ('04 DL1000) ('03 WR450) A good ride is one from which you can walk away. A great ride is one after which you can use the bike again.

10-03-2009, 07:11 PM	#3
TexasShadow Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Texas central plains sorta Posts: 5,631	Re: V-Strom Tech Day? Or at least some assistance? I'm keenly interested in this, too. Old Man Whee needs some serious TLC: rebuild forks (bushings @ valves) PRIORITY!!!! reseat engine valves and sync throttle bodies, new plugs, grease (perhaps replace) steering head bearings (shimmies like mad) Right now, I have almost NO suspension in front and rear. (Owww........ my sore bum and back.....) __________________ "17 days and 4,500 miles of bliss !! Are we iron butt riders ?? I hope not. They would have rode all we did in 3 days, and never seen a thing." - BigDog Meanderings on Two Wheels Backroads in Oregon '06 Wee-strom 'Whee!' '96 DR350se New Boyfriend

10-03-2009, 08:12 PM	#4
DFW_Warrior Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 8,302	Re: V-Strom Tech Day? Or at least some assistance? Elzi, I hate to break it to you, but I don't think your Strom has valves in the forks. Unless you have put an aftermarket set of Gold Valves in, it is just a simple damper rod style fork. And what do you mean by reseating the engine valves? I guess I'm just trying to figure out what exactly needs to be done. By the sounds of it, it appears to be a good two to three days worth of work. __________________ Bill ('04 DL1000) ('03 WR450) A good ride is one from which you can walk away. A great ride is one after which you can use the bike again.

10-03-2009, 11:06 PM	#8
Texagator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: McKinney Posts: 251	Re: V-Strom Tech Day? Or at least some assistance? All I need to do is install new sprockets and a chain. Couple of hours worth of work? __________________ Good...bad...I'm the guy with the gun.

10-03-2009, 11:17 PM	#10
ed29 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Arlington Tx Posts: 3,506	Re: V-Strom Tech Day? Or at least some assistance? Same shim kit that we used on the Sherpa if I recall. If you want to do valves at a tech day you would have to trailer it over. Valves must be set cold. __________________ Ed Know your limits, then dial back a bit.

10-04-2009, 09:02 AM	#14
Kidder Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,508	Re: V-Strom Tech Day? Or at least some assistance? II could host another tech day unless mbrew wants to host another. His setup is much better for a bigger group. I'm busy next weekend and the weekend after. We could do it the 24th. The only thing I need to do to my bike is to wire up the switch for my ABS cutoff. Maybe Elzi needs new springs? __________________ 2007 Suzuki DL650 ABS, VSRI 16 2009 Buell 1125 CR "Vader" ----------------------------- "You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The most famous is never get involved in a land war in Asia, but only slightly less well-known is this: never go up against a Sicilian when death is on the line!" - Vizzini

10-04-2009, 09:28 AM	#15
Calgary-Yogi Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 1,326	Re: V-Strom Tech Day? Or at least some assistance? Just let me where and when and the geering section will be there LOL __________________ The SUV - 07 DL1000 The Speedie - 06 SpeedMaster The Golf Cart - 06 KLR TBN - CRF450X Arctic Circle 2008

10-04-2009, 10:22 AM	#16
maximo Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 84	Re: V-Strom Tech Day? Or at least some assistance? http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,10876.0.html I followed this guy's information and had no problems.

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