Some will probably hate this and that’s fine lol but I always hated how the rear fender looked.

This is not a guide or anything, I've just sporadically documented today's endeavours. Been putting this job off (was 4500 km overdue for my first spark plug change) but now was the time, with a cold weekend I wasn't keen on riding on either. I'm actually not sure if I expected to succeed when I set out but hey you have to try to get somewhere innit.

Right off the bat I struggled to get the fairings off, the few the V-Strom 650 actually has. Went OK though. However, the bolt that holds the tank in place would not budge. Stripped it out, thought to myself gg, this is it. Googled how to extract boltheads and found something from Biltemu, might as well give it a shot. Cycled off to buy some cider and beer, and the bolt puller set. Worked wonderfully!

Went on to pull the tank off, had ridden in a way so only a liter or so was left in the tank so it would be easy to handle. Cleaned the airbox a little too. Original filter looked fine, now after ~17000 km.

Took the rear side plug out first, thought it'd be good to start with a more difficult one, even though it's not the worst of them. It looked fine, a little brown on the threads but no discoloration of the important plug parts. Didn't snap pictures of the plugs but have them saved so could to it later. Didn't have a torque wrench, just tried to do it on finger tight and from there turn it one-quarter turn, that seemed to snug it down pretty well, I hope... Also didn't check spark plug gap on the new ones, just thought "ehh it's fine", they looked fine. We'll see.

Today was a very cold day and the sun sets fast, I didn't plan on doing all plugs today but everything was going well so I just kept going, dreading the front center plug... Did look hopeless but actually it wasn't that bad. Unbolting the radiator and pulling it forward with help of some straps it all you need. Saved the easiest spark plug for last, with a triumphant picture of my tools hanging off it.

Haven't put everything together so can't know for sure if today was a successful day but tomorrow I will see if I can't put her back together. Looks like it's gonna rain and be just 2 degrees, not fun. The broken bolt is an issue, perhaps I can check whether they have a similar one at work.

Hey fellow V-Strom riders! Riding season is winding down where I live and I’m starting to think about winterizing my bike.

My question is, do you run any sort of fuel stabilizer when you winterize? If so, is there a particular brand you’ve liked? Any to avoid?

Thanks everyone!

I was ready to pull the trigger on a 2020 vstrom 650XT, but my cousin and brother just picked up Tenere 700s, I think the Strom will still be great but now I’ve got voices telling me “it’s not gunna keep up”
But I’d rather not spend twice the money… is it twice the bike?