Where can you get a bash plate for the Vstrom? What's some good places to after market for the Vstrom? I know of Happy Trails, Twisted Throttle. Haven't been able to locate a bash plaste.

I was tossing up between the 400 and 650 too.

In the end I went for the 650.

Simple mechanically, plenty of grunt, air cooled, plenty of places to attach a luggage rack and plenty of room to work on the bike.

My only problem is the small tank, but I just carry a $5 jerry can. The advantage of a jerry can over a bigger fuel tank is that you can jettison the jerry can to reduce weight in the more populated areas, and then buy another jerry can when you head out into the unpopulated areas. You're not stuck with a 40 l tank everywhere you go... It's also way cheaper. IMS tanks etc are quite pricey and not really needed in my opinion.

I wouldn't take a fuel injected bike RTW. If an injector clogs up or shits itself etc you can get into all sorts of trouble. The DR650 carb takes about 5 minutes to take off, disassemble and blow out using a small air hose and the air in your tyres. (Carry a small pump to pump your tyres back up when you're done)

The 650 is also quite a bit cheaper than the 400.

I'm 6'2", 92 kg. I don't have any problems pulling an 8 hour day on the 650. Put a bit of sheepskin on the seat if you want a bit more comfort. I'm in the process of making a wind screen out of a Lexan off-cut and a luggage rack for it. I'll post some pics when I'm done.

I can't advise on parts because I'm not sure exactly where you're going... Have a look at the global Suzuki site for dealers around the world.

http://www.globalsuzuki.com/globallinks/index.html

Brake parts, some spark plugs and a few brake/clutch levers is all you're likely to need. Consider taking a chain and some spokes too if you're going to be miles from anywhere for more than 10,000 km. I know a guy who did 31,000 km on his DR650 through asia and the mid east and it never missed a beat.

Good luck!

There are bigger fuel tanks available for both the 400 and 650 ranging from three to over seven gallons (us) Some of the fuel tanks say will not fit S model, however I put on an IMS 4 gal on mine that was not supposed to fit. Two friends of mine did the same thing. Also the diffrance is the fan. The S model has one, the E does not. Some people retro fit computer fans instead.

For the 650

http://justgastanks.com/products.php?type=1&model=124

For the 400

http://justgastanks.com/products.php?type=1&model=47

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John

thats a good looking bike there .

I have been deciding on a bike for long adventure riding(round oz etc) and it sounds like thr DR650 would be the best choice for me out of the single cyl machines. how would a transalp compare to a DR650?

Hahaha....I wonder where he got that!

I like your DR650....and I've read a lot of what you're written about the DL650, and agree with a good share of it. I've got 16k miles on mine now and would definitely prefer something else (like your DR perhaps) for an all purpose ride. I don't care for the DL650 off-road at all.

That's the difference in perspective, Patrick. I'm in New England and the Vstrom is too nice to ride in the woods. I've done it and will do it again, only I'd much rather have something like your DR for the trails that pass for "fire roads" in this area.

ive done 10 k in vietnam on a minsk, a few hundred in the himalaya on an enfield, i am convinced anything is possible if u swear at it enough but not at the locals.

still tho im trying tofind a dr 350, as i reckon that its gotta be better than a 650 for long distance, go anywhere; cos its lighter (-40kilo down on the 650) thisin my experiance is really important if ur tired and somewhere remote and logically will have better fuel economy, smaller pot to fill, smaller metal to push, tho it will be more stressed if u try and keep up.

cant be dr z cos theyre mechanically more complex with water jackets, water cooled motors are designed to operate within a narrower band of temp. this would not be idealin some sandy places i wanna go.

the point raised that ur more nlikely to spend 3k on a paved road getting to the unpaved ones is good, but i would say fit a proper seat, spend ur time going a longer way around slower. and enjoy, should i want to tour on paved roads i will take my gixer.

think carefully bout what u want to do, i'll be back regreting the motors notbig enough u'll see

Did a 4000 mile trip last year on my DRZ, 1000 dirt and 3000 pavement in two weeks. Longest day was 520 miles. Performed beautifully. Mechanically stock, added Kenda 270 tires with heavy Fly tubes ( no flats ), Clarke 3.9 tank, stock seat with 1 inch of foam shaved off, homemade windshield from Rubbermaid container lid ( brilliant performance for $7.95), B Bags soft luggage ( love 'em. used on every trip dirt and street for six years), and the usual metal protective parts. Love the bike but decided to sell it and replace with the DR650. Though they have the same horsepower, I like to lope along but then have the torque to slide the rear a little cornering in gravel. The lower height and greater weight will help a little with stability on gravel as well as pavement. Gas mileage should be similar ( 55 to 62 with the DRZ ), and hoping the 650 won't need rejetting as the DRZ did above 8,000 feet. Good Luck and rest assured they're both great bikes!