OUR BIKES
ERGONOMICS
Coming from a dirt bike background I found
the standard cockpit to be narrow and
confining, so I got some wider Fat bars from
Northern Accessories. These have a much
better bend, and with some bar mounts
and grips to suit the bike is much more
comfortable and gives extra leverage in
manoeuvring situations, which is very
important with such a big bike. I also installed
a slick set of ASV adjustable levers so my
stubby little fingers can rest on the lever
blades when required. They’re pretty much
indestructible and mean I never have to reach
for the levers like I did with the OEM levers.
Braided brake lines came from HEL which
were made to fit. Along with some SBS brake
pads, the brake upgrade was complete.
They’re now more powerful and have
additional feel at the lever, which makes them
more confidence inspiring on all surfaces.
I added steel serrated footpegs from a
KLR650. These give more grip and a wider
platform for the adventure-style boots I use.
POWER TO WEIGHT RATIO
It’s fair to say the V-Strom is something of a
lump, so when I found I could dump more
than 10kg by changing the mufflers I was
keen to do it. Scorpion cans with removable
baffles came from Eurobike. They were easy
to fit and well made, but way too loud
without the baffle inserts, so I run them with
the baffles in. It’s a subdued, but distinctly
throaty V-twin rumble.
36 KIWI RIDER