New Feature for Google Maps for Android

Some people may have noticed but for those who haven't, google maps released an update recently. No surprise there. However, under "My Places" in the "offline" section you can now download large map segments to your device to use when you know you will not have service. This could be old news to some of you but I figure there are at least a few of us who may have missed this new feature. It was actually a few updates back when it first appeared but it did not function properly on my Sprint Evo. They used to limit you significantly and although there are still limits, they cover a much larger area that I found much more user friendly.

V-Strom 1000 Valve Check/ Adjustment

As you can see from the variety of mechanical how-to posts, I am getting ready for winter. I need some projects ready to go, to help me get through those rough couple months that are devoid of motorcycle riding. I figure if I can ride them, I ought to go ahead and do all the work on them so when I can ride them I won't need to be out in the garage tearing them apart nearly as often.

This is a great site for backing up the manual! If you don't have the manual then get one!
http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,10845.0.html

Side Note: Notice in reading through that, it mentions that you must re-balance the throttle bodies after the valve adjustment. Here is a link:
http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php?action=printpage;topic=10839.0

Here is a how to link for making your own throttle body sync tool:
http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,10838.0.html


vstrom.info and stromtrooper.com are both great sources for questions or information.

V-strom 1000 Oil Change

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.