60,000 Mile Valve Clearance Check - V-Strom (Time Lapse)

[@peterwright3167]

I bought a DL1000 2009 just 3 weeks ago. 40 000miles on the clock. Your videos have inspired me to tackle the maintenance myself. I have done car engines, but only biking for 6 years now, and thought I needed to take my V Strom to the agent's workshop, but with your instructional videos, I know I can do it myself. The bike runs really beautifully and has no issues, no crashes. It's my best bike yet. And my bike for life. At 58yrs old, I have, and have had: Suzuki Gixxer 150 (new), BMW F650GS 2006 61 000km, BMW F800ST 2012 32 000km, Honda TransAlp 2008 42 000km, and now the V Strom 1000 64 000km, and the V Strom is the best yet by far. What an awesome machine! Still have the GS and the TransAlp. But the DL1000 is by far my favorite. Selling the GS to my cousin and gave the TransAlp to my 22yr old son. My riding buddy. Sold the Gixxer. Thank you for your time and videos. Very much appreciated.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Sounds like you are living the dream. Yes, I love my Strom and happy you do too. Thanks for watching!

[@TWPeeps]

The Vstrom is an amazing bike. Bulletproof and does EVERYTHING good. It doesn’t do anything great, but if your a avid rider and want an everyday rider, there’s not a better bike. 210k on mine! Runs better than the day I bought it. Cheers

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching and sharing your insights. 210 and still going?! What a testament to this great bike. Best value out there in my mind and very fun to ride.

[@tonyward633]

Hi I was just given a 650 v strom with 236 000 km on it. The motor sounds fantastic.

[@kimon60]

Hi from Greece,i have a V-strom 650,2005 with 204.000 km.I checked my valve clearance at 185.000km mark.They were all just like yours. Exactly in the center of the specs.Cylinder compression is still at 230 psi and oil pressure at 60 degrees Celcious and 3000 rpm at 56psi. Its an extremely reliable engine.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

That's great! Hello from LA!

[@Taematoe]

I have to say, I maintain 3 vehicles and three bikes and this looks like alot of work. I wish motorcycle companies would make things easier. Thanks for the video I've been thinking of selling 2 bikes to get a v-strom.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@marekbrodowicz8950]

Dobra robota, czasem oglądam Twoje filmy, zawsze się czegoś nauczę

[@UrbanMonkTV]

@@marekbrodowicz8950 Dziękuję za obejrzenie! Naprawdę to doceniam.

[@Landoniousiii]

Thanks for the video, i'm at 28k on my 2006 DL 650. Given all I've heard, I'm going to save my precious time and roll the dice that all is well for another 30k.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

For what it's worth...I just finished a coast to coast and back again trip on mine. I left with 71,000 miles on the clock and put 8,500 trouble free miles on. I've begun publishing videos of the trip if you're interested. It's up now on my channel. Called Palms, Pines & Fishing Lines.

[@MotoramaFullService]

The 2017 model is a great bike too. Someone here said VS is not great but good in many ways. That's true. But, is very easy handle, light, confort is a plus.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@got_to_roll]

I believe you've convinced me to defer this check. I'm at 14,500 miles on my 2013 dl650. Thanks for all the great videos~

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching! My intention is to speak to the reliability and longevity of the V-Strom...not to recommend putting off recommended clearance checks. While I wouldn't be surprised if find all in spec when you check at 15k, I'd hate for you to put off and for your bike to be the outlier resulting in trouble for you.

[@FelippePR]

Your content is fantastic. I'm learning a lot from your videos and using that knowledge on my v-strom 1000 03. Greetings from the end of South America.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Hello from Los Angeles! Thank you for watching and for your kind words.

[@2manysigns]

Highly valued production and fun too . Thanks soo much man !

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@danielfalin]

Great! let's hope we all get the same reliability from our stroms :)

[@homeontherange733]

I wish modern bikes were designed to work on without having to disassemble so much stuff unnecessarily. This is why i bought a Moto Guzzi Eldorado. So easy to work on. A take valve covers off. B adjust valves. C. Go riding.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Can't argue with anything you said there. Thanks for watching.

[@Effenent]

I just hit 59k on my 650 and have not checked these yet . . . thanks for putting together a great play by play! I'd love to see what replacing them looks like assuming we ever have to do that. :)

[@UrbanMonkTV]

I have another video series on exactly how to replace the shims. You can find it in my V-Strom Maintenance playlist. Thanks for watching!

[@Effenent]

@@UrbanMonkTV Awesome! Thanks a bunch!

[@whenim6462]

You got me . I see a vstrom in my future. I subbed.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

I don't mean to "get" anyone, but I'm happy to welcome you to the faith. Hope you find one in your favorite color and enjoy the journey. Let us know how you make out.

[@szaneman791]

Thanks for the pointers, specially the fairing removal with the Givi Crash guards.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@williamyamm8803]

Thanks a lot from France for your video ! I have a 2010 650 V-strom and love it, and have to do my valve clearance check. Never done and 25 000 miles :-) My dealer told me he never had to ajust it on a V-strom before 25 000 :)

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thank you for watching! After you check them you may find you don't need to adjust any, but it is best to know for sure.

[@rehansardar4205]

It's amazing to see you and others logging so many miles on this machine. I also recently transitioned from a M50 cruiser to the DL1000 (2010 model). Reading various forums, I hv learnt many owners complaining about the "clutch chudder" issue on this machine plus a unusually stiff clutch lever. Would appreciate if you can share any relevant experience and tips to avert / limit these issues. Thank you

[@UrbanMonkTV]

I've read those too, but I have not personally experienced the issues. I refrain from saying anything about them because I can't speak to them with any firsthand experience. My advice would be, "If it isn't broken, don't fix it." That's all I can say.

[@ronmimnaugh7674]

There is supposedly a fix for it. I found videos on youtube about it. There is a company that will fix your faulty basket should you experience it. I wouldn't worry about it until you see it. Many bikes don't seem to get it. I also found write ups on the stromtrooper forums.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Now I want one! Thanks for the awesome video! :)

[@UrbanMonkTV]

I now have 80,000 miles on mine and just completed a coast to coast trip from LA to Maine and back again without any issues. You can watch my trip and get a feel for the Strom "in the wild" if you like. Series playlist is "Palms, Pines & Fishing Lines." Thanks for watching!

[@azdesertdog]

They are great bikes. I had mine for 20K miles and rode it place I probably shouldn't have 😁. Nice video 👍

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for throwing in your $0.02 and for watching! Agreed.

[@michael0192]

My DL1000 2009 has 70.000 km on it and still drives ok , this summer I want to let the clutch basket get modified because of the chudder in it .But I'm in doubt if it' s neceseary .Still drives great,

[@UrbanMonkTV]

There's a lot of talk about the "chudder" online. I've never experienced it and sometimes question whether all the online talk convinces people they have a problem when they don't. I'm not sure what the right answer is here. Same with the chain offset mod - I've never found it necessary. Thanks for watching!

[@vstrom9586]

Stayed for the music

[@andycoomber6159]

Super clean inside.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Maybe a result of me changing oil too frequently. 🙂

[@andycoomber6159]

@@UrbanMonkTV no I think its because of the combination of quality engineering and meticulous maintenance. Well done.

[@EliseuCorrona]

Excellent friend video. Congratulations. Could you comment on which fluids you use for the engine, cooling and brakes and what is the change period?

[@UrbanMonkTV]

I believe in cheap oil changed frequently. I use Rotella T4 15w-40 in the engine. Coolant I use is cheap green ethylene glycol rated safe for aluminum and any DOT4 brake fluid, cheap. I change oil between 2500-3000 miles and coolant and brake fluid every 2 years or less. Thanks for watching!

[@EliseuCorrona]

@@UrbanMonkTV thanks for your return friend. In my case, as I live in Brazil, I use Lubrax Essential Oil 4T 20w50 API SL (mineral oil) and change it every 3,000 km or six months. Brake fluid (Dot 4) and cooling change once a year. This recommendation is based on the motorcycle manual. It's like you said. A cheaper but quality oil is recommended and the change is more frequent. I believe it is a good maintenance plan.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

@@EliseuCorrona Olá de Los Angeles! Great minds think alike! 🙂

[@KoHokCheung]

Hi.Very useful video. Thx for sharing. Have you thought of gently grinding your shims on a wet stone to put them to size. I have done it on my VW golf back in the time and it worked pretty well. You need to be slow and use lubricant to avoid removing the hardening of the steel.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

I have not attempted doing that, but like the DIYness of your suggestion! That said, the shims are relatively inexpensive on Ebay. Thanks for watching!

[@daniellauzon9297]

watching now , while I have the tank of for air filter ill do the plugs and my over flow tank is cracked , not sure if I can remove that while the tank is off thru there or remove the right fairing completely

[@UrbanMonkTV]

It certainly would be easier to remove with the right fairing off but with an open end wrench I think you could get it out without removing the fairing. It would be slow, fiddly work though and might take nimble fingers. Total breeze with the fairing off.

[@allisonsailsandcanvas]

Impressive! I’ve had to adjust the valve lash on my Beemer twice in 18k.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Bet you did it faster though! 🙂

[@keithert]

Watching this makes me want to sell my V-Strom. Could the fairing and radiator be any more of a pain to get off?

[@UrbanMonkTV]

I hear you. That's definitely a valid point from one perspective. The flip side of that is to say, "Thank goodness the V-Strom requires little maintenance so this process happens infrequently."

[@keithert]

@@UrbanMonkTV I had my local mechanic adjust mine at 16,000. I'm now at 30,000 and debating when to do it next.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

@@keithert Given the experience I've had with mine I'd be questioning whether it's needed now or not. That said, I've had other V-Strom owners send me their numbers and mileage and they need adjustment. I end up at, "I don't know until I open it up and know." To me, just knowing is worth the effort. But I get joy from the process. I recognize not all do.

[@rehansardar4205]

Dear Urban Monk, I admire your videos finding them very helpful. I also ride DL1000 2010 model. Need yr advice on how to fix the lean running issues on this bike especially between the 2500 to 4000 rpm range. I hv ruled out vaccum leaks, switched to paper air filter from K&N but the bike backfires into the air box and occasionally stalls when the engine is hot upto 3 bars (like after a long run) stopping in heavy traffic. It otherwise starts easily, pulls fine above 3500 rpm, is giving a good fuel average. It also has the infamous clutch chudder in lower revs but i can tolerate that. Would like to hear from yr experience if u hv encountered any of the above problems and how u fixed them. Many thanks.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

I used to have the same problem with backfire in that rpm range. I installed a Power Commander V and had a custom map created for it and I've never had the problem since. That was over 40,000 miles ago. Total cost $700. Mine also runs 3 bars on temp gauge in slow traffic or very hot days, but I don't worry about it. 3 bars is not out of range for acceptable running temp for the bike. I try to keep my radiator and oil cooler free of bugs and other debris. As for clutch chudder, my bike doesn't do it. Not sure if I just got lucky or if there's something about my riding style that has help me avoid it. Thank you for watching!

[@rehansardar4205]

@@UrbanMonkTV Thank you for yr reply. Do you think the Dynojet Power Commander fuel controller would also solve the issue as the PC V seems to be a very expensive solution?

[@UrbanMonkTV]

@@rehansardar4205 Since I haven't personally installed the Power Commander FC on my bike, my thoughts on this are purely academic, but I think the FC would also do the trick. The PCV may offer more adjustability than the average V-Strom rider needs.

[@xresp1405]

Great vídeo ! I would like to ask about the oil changes intervals and the average of RPM that you drive, it's is because at 60,000 miles your valves are within specifications. I think that if you keep the engine running most of the time at mid range, the valves will keep in going shape tolerances. Greetings from Mexico.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching! Hello from Los Angeles! I think your logic is sound...I am pretty frequent with oil changes. I do run cheap oil that is not specifically marketed for use in motorcycles, but I change frequently. I have done a video on my oil choice here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKrFY3p8q69kmLc . Also, I try to keep the engine under 5,000 rpm. With stock sprockets that'll move this bike down the road at 90mph in top gear, which is fast enough. I've also done another valve check at 71,000 miles and finally needed to replace 1 shim. That video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5esfIZ_p9ijr8k . I'll be doing another at 85,000 miles soon.

[@xresp1405]

@@UrbanMonkTV I saw both videos, I think they're great, I do the same on my bike (Triumph Tiger 1050) run below 6000 RPM and replace synthetic oil each 8000 km. My bike is completely stock as well, it runs great, congratulations, your channel is great !

[@UrbanMonkTV]

@@xresp1405 Thanks! Tigers are nice bikes! I've rented one before and really liked it.

[@Max.527]

How do you remember all the steps to taking everything off?

[@UrbanMonkTV]

My brain is wired for tasks like that, bit Alternatively a person can take a series of photos as the disassemble and then reference them as you reassemble. Also can take notes and lay screws/bolts on a piece of paper with a drawing. Service manual helps too.

[@Max.527]

@@UrbanMonkTV great idea. I think I'm going to strap a gopro to my head and replay everything backwards 🤣

[@UrbanMonkTV]

@@Max.527 If I said I've never referenced my own videos to remember how something went together I'd be lying. 🙂

[@edab8784]

Veeery late comment, but may I ask what oil you have been using. Surely the oil also plays a big role in wear.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad you asked that question...here is my answer...kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKrFY3p8q69kmLcsi=S8zfgN2Bj7_izKTL

[@edab8784]

​@@UrbanMonkTVthanks. After investigating it seems SA dont have the Rotella. Apparently the Rimula R4 X is the equivalent but not according to the data sheet 😢. Also doesn't state any Jaso rating. Bit stuck between a rock and a hard place for now. Keep up the vids 👍

[@UrbanMonkTV]

@@edab8784 Oh shoot! Sorry. I try to make content for a global audience but sometimes specific product availability is something I can't control. Greetings from LA!

[@TWPeeps]

I would add u don’t have to pull the radiator to check the front clearances. I’ve had to change front shims only draining the radiator and pulling hose to give me room. Cheers

[@FALCON9151U]

Got a Vstrom question for you before I go down a rabbit hole , so I have an 2005 Vstrom dl650 and a few months ago the performance was great , had plenty of power could hit top speed when I wanted too and I had no complaints . I started noticing it would run better some day’s better than others but as time went on I started loosing power and before you know it now in 5-6 gear it’s as if I have a limiter or something? I can only get 7k rpm out of the thing and Also it’s sluggish during acceleration? So I’ve just past 50k miles on the bike , did my valve Clarence adjustments, new plugs, fresh oil, new air kn filter , synced throttle bodies ,new throttle cables, and flushed the radiator fluid. I did notice the front cyl plug told me that front cyl is a bit lean and I am about to clean my injectors , nothing I did changed this lack of performance however and now I am wondering about delivered fuel pressures, needing the ecu flashed or tpp sensors may be going out🤷🏻before I throw money and parts at this bike I’m seeking the best advice I can.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Of course it's difficult to be sure of anything from my desk chair here, but as I was reading your words, I was thinking about whether your fuel pump is delivering all you need. I guess I'd look there before ecu or sensors. Not sure what volume of gas per minute you should be pumping, but I'll look tomorrow in my service manual to see if that information is there.

[@FALCON9151U]

@@UrbanMonkTV I greatly appreciate your response!!! If you’d care for more information about my bike I’d be happy to share I’ve owned it since 35k miles and it’s my daily rider , I’ve watched all of your Vstrom videos and can’t say how thankful I am to have them 😂I’m pretty meticulous when it comes to my bike maintenance

[@UrbanMonkTV]

@@FALCON9151U What I've been able to determine this morning is that the part number for the DL1000 and DL650 fuel pump assemblies are the same for 2005 so specs from my service manual should be same (nothing is a for sure here though as my SM is for K9 DL1000). SM states fuel pressure regulator should release fuel at pressure of 300 kPa (43 psi). You would need a fuel pressure gauge with correct fitting to measure. Not sure if this is your problem, but I would want to eliminate it from the list of possibilities if it were my bike. Don't mean to send you down a rabbit hole - just trying to help.

[@Peter-mg5bm]

Hi urban monk, love the videos very well made and presented! I have a 08 dl 1000 and was wondering could u do a video on changing the headstock bearings? Thanks a lot from Brazil.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Olá de Los Angeles! Eu nunca fui ao Brasil, mas adoraria visitá-lo. Eu amo música brasileira. Minha esposa e eu temos ingressos para ver Sergio Mendes e Bebel Gilberto no próximo mês aqui em Los Angeles. Eu posso fazer um vídeo dos rolamentos da cabeça de direção no futuro, mas não será em breve, já que preciso terminar meu café racer e devo fazer disso uma prioridade.

[@fredpetit335]

Your video allowed me to have an idea of what to expect but in my opinion you should have stopped the high speed video when you arrived at the clearance check part and showed us what you were really doing while giving some detailed explanations about what you were doing.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching! I went through that quickly because for me this was the second time I had done a video on the topic. My original valve check video is two parts and much more detailed. Looking back on it, what I don't do anymore is remove the cover gasket completely as I've since found it isn't necessary but leaving it in place during rotation of the crankshaft requires care that one doesn't catch the gasket in the cam gears as it tends to want to fall in - especially the front cylinder gasket. Part 1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIaUf2ihiNR_bNksi=4KDLR0oBrwtG3C1V Part 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oICXZnaYidl1p80si=UXt5rdnq97WS3Z_k

[@treering]

Very helpful!

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@diederikdemits8413]

Vstrom's 650 and 1000 are bulletproof ! What els do you need on public roads? Love mine 650! # i only see supersports ore big BM's in my mirrors whene im on twisty roads...😎...

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@mepanousispanousis6784]

what was the valve measurement that you had before you had to adjust it ? Was it at the front ot back cylinder ? was it an exhaust or an intake valve ?

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Was front left exhaust. Went down to 2.85 shim at 15,000 miles and then to 2.80 shim at 30,000 miles. Hasn't moved since.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Oh and measurements were .203mm both times.

[@kinderutz]

What oil are you using ?

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Shell Rotella T4 15W-40. Temp never goes below 40 degrees F here and it's rated JASO MA-2. High zinc content. Good for motorcycle transmissions.

[@mr1bienvenu1]

What oil do you use?

[@UrbanMonkTV]

@@mr1bienvenu1 Thanks for watching. I use this oil exclusively... kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKrFY3p8q69kmLcsi=AMpEDQoael7X6a1N

[@kensmith3665]

I have a 2002 model with 30,000 miles on it. I just bought it. It had Delkevic exhausts which were super loud. I put the stock back on and loaded a fuel map from the Power Commander folks. Bike runs way better but now I can’t get over the noise from the engine. Performs flawlessly but it is like a magical weird noises machine. It makes me worry. Valves adjustment was just done and the clutch shudder elimination clutch basket change has been done. Is the weird noise thing just a fact of VStrom life?

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Not sure of the sound you're hearing but they are known for giving off a whirring sound from the gear-driven valve train. That's normal.

[@jsandidge1]

Wow. Lots of stuff to remove to do a valve check. Makes a GS look like a cakewalk.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

The R design certainly has an advantage there. Thankfully the interval on the V-Strom is 15,000 miles. Doesn't need doing too often. Thanks for watching!

[@Heritage105th]

You a Minnesotan?

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Uffda! Yes!

[@jbandt]

So i just picked my first motorcycle a couple months back. 08 dl650 with about 56k miles. So I'll be due for a valve ck in the next several months. What's the actual time to do the check? Couple hours I'm guessing.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

First, thanks for watching. Yes, the first time takes the longest. I've gotten to point where I can have it open and checked in 45 minutes. Putting it back together actually takes a little longer because I mix fresh coolant and inspect/clean air filter while I'm in there. Hope you enjoy the DL650. I bet you will.

[@motokev2727]

What happens if you continue to ride the bike with out of tolerances ?

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Eventually (and with these bikes it could take a long time) the gap will reduce to the point where the angle of attack of the cam lobe will be more acute, breaking through the lubrication and acceleration of cam and tappet wear will occur. With that the valve(s) will open less, restricting flow of gasses and reducing power output. Performance will steadily decrease backfires, then loss of compression occur. You may get many thousands of miles out of the bike b4 that happens though. Or you may not. Many variables. Thanks for watching!

[@malcolmmathers2690]

my 650 has only done 43k kilometers i dont think ill bother it runs fine

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thank you for watching!

[@alexmonroy7904]

Where are You from, Im budhist AND a Vstrom owner, Id like to become a monk as well hehe regards from Querétaro, México and thanks for the video... Subscribed

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thanks for watching! I'm currently living in Los Angeles area, but I grew up in Fargo and lived in Minneapolis for 21 years. My friends and I had a little "motorcycle gang" in high school and called ourselves The Urban Monks, hence the name. I thought it was an appropriate name for my channel since I find peace and get centered in my garage and on my bikes.

[@toby7504]

Great how to video... Tnx

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Thank you for watching!

[@datznasty1475]

I have a 2015 v Strom 650 with 4500 miles when would you suggest me checking the valve clearance knowing that yours is still in tolerance at 60,000

[@UrbanMonkTV]

I'd have to guess your inspection interval is same or similar to mine, which is every 15,000 miles. That said, if a guy told me he waited until 30k to check his, I wouldn't judge him as too reckless. I did need to change one shim at 30k.

[@datznasty1475]

@@UrbanMonkTV thank you

[@a.b1266]

Another case for hydraulic lash adjusters

[@UrbanMonkTV]

@@a.b1266 I believe the choice to use the tappet shim approach in motorcycles is due to the extremely high rpms they can run. That and affordability I suppose. Thanks for watching!

[@a.b1266]

You're probably right.... Good job on the video. 👍🏻​@@UrbanMonkTV

[@michael0192]

Great Video though

[@daviddonne7333]

At 9.48 you say that the clearances are 1 to 2mm . WRONG!!!!!! they are .1 to .2mm. Don't confuse people and give out wrong information. Americans seem to have a lot of trouble getting their heads around metric measurements and you're not helping. Otherwise the video is good.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

You are correct, though my grasp of metric is fine. I simply made an error in my syntax. Comes with the territory when you have some ADD like me. I've come to learn to live with it and enjoy some of its benefits. Thanks for watching and offering the correction for others.

[@alexandergoldberg2596]

thanks

[@mrniceguy4920]

these v-strom guys, just go looking for problems, cause there aren't any lol

[@motokev2727]

I'll let my vstrom die before I ever disassemble the entire bike to check valves.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

I can only say that, while I have not needed to do much adjustment, I have had to do some.

[@jwhbos]

Definitely selling my strom before I have to do this lol

[@UrbanMonkTV]

How many miles are on yours? One should do this check every 15k miles.