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Author Topic: XT660R/V-Strom 650 Comparison  (Read 2894 times)

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Offline EnduroAlexis

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XT660R/V-Strom 650 Comparison
« on: October 08, 2012, 04:42:03 »
Hi all,

Introducing my new (second hand) V-Strom and comparing it to my Yamaha:



Enjoy,
Alexis.
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Offline Ptarmigan

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Re: XT660R/V-Strom 650 Comparison
« Reply #1 on: October 09, 2012, 00:09:49 »
:clap: great start, can't wait to see the rest...  :thumb:
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Offline Locky

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Re: XT660R/V-Strom 650 Comparison
« Reply #2 on: October 09, 2012, 22:36:31 »
Good mini review , recognise that bike dealer , Hughenden M40 ?
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Offline LaKraven

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Re: XT660R/V-Strom 650 Comparison
« Reply #3 on: October 09, 2012, 22:57:03 »
You can adjust the preload on the suspension to soften it a bit, but afaik it comes at the cost of handling and longevity of the shocks. I've got mine set bang in the middle and I've done 800+ mile round trips (sometimes as long as 12 hours on the road in a stretch) without any serious discomfort.
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Offline Juvecu

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Re: XT660R/V-Strom 650 Comparison
« Reply #4 on: October 10, 2012, 19:24:57 »
Preload only adjusts ride height, not how hard/soft the ride is. For adjusting how hard/soft the ride is you have to adjust the damping. There is a little adjustment screw at the bottom of the rear shock for that adjustment. Look from the chain's side to see it. Only adjust it very little at a time, changes are quite noticeable. The front only has preload adjustment, but you can make "adjustments" by using a different weight oil. The rebound damping on the front is too much, I've seen that some drill the holes for it slightly bigger to overcome this.

BTW, I liked the vid :thumb:
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Offline JAKE.II

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Re: XT660R/V-Strom 650 Comparison
« Reply #5 on: October 10, 2012, 19:43:27 »
Looking forward to part 2.

Jake.
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Offline EnduroAlexis

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Re: XT660R/V-Strom 650 Comparison
« Reply #6 on: October 14, 2012, 08:53:09 »
Hi all,

thanks for your nice replies.

So upon popular request, Part 2:





Enjoy,
Alexis
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Offline Juvecu

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Re: XT660R/V-Strom 650 Comparison
« Reply #7 on: October 14, 2012, 22:06:14 »
Enjoyed that too, looking forward to Part 3 :thumb:

I can recommend the Stop & Go puncture kit, just search for that on eBay and you'll find it. There are videos on YouTube that shows you how to use it. Easily fits under the seat too, but you will need to get a 12v pump then, check out the Airman pump for that (not the rechargeable one, the one that looks like a figure 8 if you look at it from the top/bottom.) Also, search the forum for flush mounted indicators for some ideas, there are some good cheap options. You can get a folding gear lever for less than the cost of a new genuine gear lever to avoid it breaking when you go down on that side.
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Offline EnduroAlexis

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Re: XT660R/V-Strom 650 Comparison
« Reply #8 on: October 23, 2012, 21:04:24 »
Thank you for the tips about the puncture repair kit

Here Part 3:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PwAX6z5 ... plpp_video
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Offline Juvecu

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Re: XT660R/V-Strom 650 Comparison
« Reply #9 on: October 24, 2012, 11:40:00 »
"Start up... clutch in... TEEET! Oops!" lol  Glad you had the sense of humour to leave that in the vid :thumb:

"Thank you very much, Suzuki, for a brilliant motorcycle." Hear! Hear! :clap:

Great vid, really enjoyed that one too :thumb:
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Offline Jacko

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XT660R/V-Strom 650 Comparison
« Reply #10 on: October 24, 2012, 14:28:01 »
Making motorcycle vids is as easy as falling off a log..
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Offline Newmp

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Re: XT660R/V-Strom 650 Comparison
« Reply #11 on: October 26, 2012, 17:58:35 »
Alexis, you are such a media tart! & I thought we had already discussed the cow bell thing ...
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Offline EnduroAlexis

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Re: XT660R/V-Strom 650 Comparison
« Reply #12 on: October 30, 2012, 04:22:56 »
Hi all,

thanks for the responses and compliments.

Newmp, am heading to Austria soon to get more bells, especially as Christmas is coming
 :)

 :ty:
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Offline Newmp

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Re: XT660R/V-Strom 650 Comparison
« Reply #13 on: November 03, 2012, 09:31:52 »
Quote from: "EnduroAlexis"
Hi all,

thanks for the responses and compliments.

Newmp, am heading to Austria soon to get more bells, especially as Christmas is coming
 :)

 :ty:

If you get more bells on your bike you know what Mrs N will say to you ...
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Offline EnduroAlexis

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Re: XT660R/V-Strom 650 Comparison
« Reply #14 on: November 04, 2012, 10:43:07 »
Bell Boy??? :sarc:
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