Well, I did my first oil change on my v-strom 1000 since installing the aftermarket skid plate. It is simple to change the oil, even with the skid plate. The manufacturer did not drill out a hole for the drain plug but it is easy to circumvent the issue. Simply drop the two bolts at the back of the skid plate and loosen the front mount so they act as a hinge. Then cram a oil catch, or a funnel leading to one, under the drain plug and change the oil as usual. It took me maybe two minutes longer than if I did not have a skid plate on the bike. I did sped a few minutes touching up the scrapped spots on the skid plate with black paint though. The oil filter is only slightly harder to get to with the givi crash bars in place but you don't have to do anything different to get the filter on/off. As usual I installed a Fram ph6018 filter and rotella 15w-40. The whole mess cost me a whopping $24. Just the oil alone would be be more than that if I used a different brand. I would rather change it more frequently but pay less for the supplies. I figure frequency matters more than almost anything else anyway.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Arkansas again!
We are off, once again, to the great state of Arkansas. There will be eight of us camping and riding. The plan as it stands is to head out Friday after work and head down, set up camp late, sleep, ride, sleep, ride, and then come home. Should be a great weekend with friends. I have seen many of the great roads in northern Arkansas, that never has any effect on my enjoyment of them though. I have only ever ridden the area with my little brother and a couple friends, it will be neat to explore with a new group of riders. This week couldn't be over fast enough. I have so much to do before we leave though. Between packing, an oil change, beer bottling, some tire installations, and a variety of other chores I have plenty to keep me busy until Friday afternoon.
Monday, September 17, 2012
DRZ INFO
Simply a summary of information about the DRZ-400 found through other sources.
Displacement: 398CC
Weight: 319 (wet)
Transmission: 5 Speed (I WISH it was 6!!)
Fuel Capacity: (2.2 imp gal; 2.6 US gal)
MPG:44mpg average, but I have seen as low as mid thrities and as high as mid 50s. That right hand and gearing has a lot to do with it. I get best fuel economy at 45-55 and constant throttle. Above 65 seems to put quite a dent in MPG with 14:44 gearing.
Front Tire: 90/90-21 or 80/100-21 or 3.00-21
Rear Tire: 4.5-18 or 5.1-18 or 120/90-18
TIRE: Kenda k270 tires most of the time. They are cheap and have been good all around tires. They can get a little funny in the wet but on the whole they have been a good tire for me.
Sprockets: 15:44 Stock
Normally Run a good compromise of 14:44 or 14:47 for rough stuff
Here is a good source for gearing: http://www.paochow.com/DRZguide/DRZgea.php
Oil: Rotella 15w-40 from walmart at >16 for 4 quarts. I change filter every other or every third oil change and change the oil according to where I am riding. More dust or low speed rough stuff and I change it more frequently.
Top Speed: 94mpg is the "internet top speed" but I have never been over 85. It vibrates a ton and is not fun at high speeds. This bike is very comfortable at 55 or less. 65 is manageable but it vibrates a lot with my 14:44 gearing. Perhaps 16:44 would be a better "touring" gear set up, although I have never tried it. That is what my other bike is for.
Height: 36.8" At 5'8" this bike is just a little taller than comfortable. It would be fine for someone with tons of experience but this is the bike I started exploring dirt on and at times the height can be hard on me. Once I adapted to it though I have come to appreciate the clearance at times.
Valve Adjustment Interval: 14k but this is just what the manual says. Many people check it more often. I am at 13xxx miles and haven't cracked it open just yet. The previous owner had them checked at 600 just to be safe after break in.
Valve Adjustment How-to site:http://www.pegmonkey.com/howto/valve_adjust/drz400
Links:
This is a great source of information on one person's perspective and experience: http://www.paochow.com/DRZguide/DRZguide.php
Displacement: 398CC
Weight: 319 (wet)
Transmission: 5 Speed (I WISH it was 6!!)
Fuel Capacity: (2.2 imp gal; 2.6 US gal)
MPG:44mpg average, but I have seen as low as mid thrities and as high as mid 50s. That right hand and gearing has a lot to do with it. I get best fuel economy at 45-55 and constant throttle. Above 65 seems to put quite a dent in MPG with 14:44 gearing.
Front Tire: 90/90-21 or 80/100-21 or 3.00-21
Rear Tire: 4.5-18 or 5.1-18 or 120/90-18
TIRE: Kenda k270 tires most of the time. They are cheap and have been good all around tires. They can get a little funny in the wet but on the whole they have been a good tire for me.
Sprockets: 15:44 Stock
Normally Run a good compromise of 14:44 or 14:47 for rough stuff
Here is a good source for gearing: http://www.paochow.com/DRZguide/DRZgea.php
Oil: Rotella 15w-40 from walmart at >16 for 4 quarts. I change filter every other or every third oil change and change the oil according to where I am riding. More dust or low speed rough stuff and I change it more frequently.
Top Speed: 94mpg is the "internet top speed" but I have never been over 85. It vibrates a ton and is not fun at high speeds. This bike is very comfortable at 55 or less. 65 is manageable but it vibrates a lot with my 14:44 gearing. Perhaps 16:44 would be a better "touring" gear set up, although I have never tried it. That is what my other bike is for.
Height: 36.8" At 5'8" this bike is just a little taller than comfortable. It would be fine for someone with tons of experience but this is the bike I started exploring dirt on and at times the height can be hard on me. Once I adapted to it though I have come to appreciate the clearance at times.
Valve Adjustment Interval: 14k but this is just what the manual says. Many people check it more often. I am at 13xxx miles and haven't cracked it open just yet. The previous owner had them checked at 600 just to be safe after break in.
Valve Adjustment How-to site:http://www.pegmonkey.com/howto/valve_adjust/drz400
Links:
This is a great source of information on one person's perspective and experience: http://www.paochow.com/DRZguide/DRZguide.php
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