DL650 Vstrom Honest 2 Year Review with mods explained

[@kymstock1852]

I had a 2013 model for 12 months. It was a nice touring bike . The suspension was a bit agricultural and did not cope with the sharp edges on rural roads at speed. The front end was worse than the back end. I fitted the fork brace and a emulator kit to the front and it was better, but one ride on the Tiger 800 was enough to make me trade up. It soaked up the bumps that would unsettle the DL650 and coped with dirt road conditions almost as well as a dirt bike (Tiger XCX model) . I fitted a Madstad screen to the Tiger which made touring more comfortable. Cruise control was another feature I grew to love.

[@kiwigrandtours]

You and I think the same as you will see in our other videos I have bought a Tiger 800 XRT as well . Thanks for your comment .

[@louvega8414]

Great first video, man. Nice scenery, too.

[@garmit61]

Nice real,world review thanks. The bike looks great especially considering it’s 4 years old when reviewed if I understand the preamble correctly.

[@kiwigrandtours]

Many thanks. I will do a much better video one of these days as I still have this bike and it still goes really well , cheers Rod

[@Mauricio_Ferrari]

Hello from Wellington, nice review of the bike, I have been thinking of it for a while. Thanks.

[@kiwigrandtours]

Many thanks Mauricio. This was filmed a few years ago so it was a bit rough. I still love my DL650 ..lots of bike for the money and a great all rounder

[@masterspin7796]

I looked at one in the dealership today, it was nicer than I was expecting...

[@kiwigrandtours]

Great Value for money and a really reliable bike !!! That's why I won't sell mine ! A great bike for mates and son to ride when they are over in New Zealand while I am on my Triumph

[@flywire76]

Great vid. Thanks for sharing your insights. It’s great hearing from another antipodean.

[@kiwigrandtours]

Hey thanks for the comment ...I learn something new everyday : ANTIPODEAN a person from Australia or New Zealand

[@advorlando9855]

What does the fork brace do? This is the second video mentioning it and was wondering why I should or shouldn't add this on my 2012.

[@kiwigrandtours]

Hello there Crosswinds and attitude/velocity changes in corners, those were where the bike seemed unsettled to me. After adding a fork brace I noticed right away how much better the bike handled in turns on rough, bumpy roads. I think the main reason it is popular, is because of the shaky nature of the OEM V-Strom fork combined with the V-Strom aerodynamic design (or lack of). At high speeds the front lifts up and is very easily affected by cross winds etc. The fork brace provides a stiffer fork, and eliminates some of these issues. Thanks for dropping by

[@silentjellybean]

great review, I have the same model and color

[@mulegizmo]

Great to hear from you . I still love my DL650 :)

[@ibkrogh7845]

Hi there, what footpeg lowering kit dit you choose and what did you have to pay for it?

[@kiwigrandtours]

Hi there . Thanks for your question. The lowering kit made a huge difference ...no more cramping up on long trips. They were good quality and we give them a KGT rating of 10/10 based on price, quality, fitment and instructions. They are $55USD plus postage. My memory they were about $50USD to have them sent out to our faraway Island called New Zealand. One of my favorite Mods! www.adventuretech.biz/footpeg-and-control-lowering-kit.html Take Car and thanks for watching :) KGT NZ

[@Jiffy_Squid]

Would have been nice if U showed us the mods instead of just talking about them.

[@kiwigrandtours]

Hi Robert , That's true . This was filmed quite a few years ago and I was a bit green on it . I will redo this one day and will take your suggestion on board. ...Thanks for watching mate :)