Suzuki V-Strom 650 1st Gen (2004-2011) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals
This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the Suzuki V-Strom 650 1st Gen (affectionately known as the “Wee-Strom” or just the “Wee”), including the ABS model released in later years.
The Suzuki V-Strom 650 (DL650) is a mid-weight, sport touring motorcycle launched in 2004 with a standard riding posture, fuel injection and an aluminum chassis – now in its third generation since model year 2017.
The V-Strom has a loyal following worldwide, and the DL650 used to outsell Suzuki’s larger DL1000 two-to-one — though the gap has narrowed as the V-Strom 1000 improved. The name V-Strom combines V, referring to the bike’s V engine configuration, with the German word strom, meaning stream or current.
The 1st generation V-Strom 650 was made between 2004-2011. It was based on the Suzuki SV650 Gen 2‘s fuel-injected engine, but in an adventure style body.
From 2012, the 1st gen V-Strom 650 was replaced by the 2nd gen V-Strom 650.
This site has links for things like oil and spark plugs from which we earn a commission (which unfortunately nobody can save, not even us). If you appreciate this work, then please use those links. Thanks!
What you need to service the Suzuki V-Strom 650 1st Gen
To do a service on your 1st gen V-Strom, aside from general motorcycle maintenance tools, you need some (or all) of the following consumables.
| Item | Suzuki V-Strom 650 1st Gen Spec |
|---|---|
| Engine oil | Suzuki recommends SAE 10W-40 oil that meats JASO T903 standard of class MA or MB, which meets performance requirements for motorcycles with wet clutches. Most oils meet this spec, and Motul 7100 is well liked. |
| Oil filter | Oil filter tightening torque is 20 Nm (14.5 lb-ft). The part number starts with 16510-03G00, and there many that are the right part (with different codes). The Hiflofiltro equivalent part is HF138RC (all model years) |
| Spark plugs | Use a NGK CR8E as standard. Make sure it’s gapped to 0.7-0.8mm with a gapping tool. |
| Air filter | The Suzuki part number for the air cleaner is 13780-27G10-000. The K&N part code for the air filter is SU-1002 (all model years). |
| Brake pads | The V-Strom obsessives on Stromtroopers like EBC double hardened pads most of all saying they have stronger bite, fade less, and last just as long (if not longer). You need FA229HH (front left), FA231HH (front right), and FA174HH (rear). |
| Brake fluid | The manual recommends DOT 4 brake fluid. |
| Coolant | You need a coolant compatible with an aluminum radiator, mixed at a 50:50 solution. Valvoline Zerex G05 meets the spec. |
| Chain lube | To maintain the chain, you need to clean and service it regularly. Use Motul chain paste, or better, the complete Motul chain care kit. |
| Grease | To grease external pivot points you need both lithium soap-based grease and silicone grease. |
Suzuki V-Strom 650 1st Gen Maintenance Schedule
Below is the maintenance schedule for the Suzuki V-Strom 650 1st Gen.
NOTES:
- Interval: This interval should be judged by odometer reading or number of months, whichever comes first.
- Legend: I= Inspect and clean, adjust, replace or lubricate as necessary, R= Replace, T= Tighten
- Hard use: If you use the motorcycle under severe conditions, you may have to service it more frequently (especially the chain and air filter)
| km | 1000 | 6000 | 12000 | 18000 | 24000 | |
| miles | 600 | 4000 | 7500 | 11000 | 14500 | |
| Element | months | 2 | 12 | 24 | 36 | 48 |
| Air cleaner element (SU-1002) | – | I | I | R | I | |
| Exhaust pipe bolts and muffler bolts | T | T | T | T | T | |
| Valve clearance | – | – | – | – | I | |
| Spark plugs (NGK CR8E) | – | I | R | I | R | |
| Fuel hose | Replace every 4 years | I | I | I | I | |
| Engine oil (Motul 7100) | R | R | R | R | R | |
| Engine oil filter (HF138RC) | R | – | – | R | – | |
| Throttle cable play | I | I | I | I | I | |
| Throttle valve synchronization | – | – | I | – | I | |
| Evaporative emission control system (CA model only) | Replace hose every 4 years | – | I | – | I | |
| PAIR (air supply) system | – | – | I | – | I | |
| Engine coolant (Valvoline Zerex G05) | Replace every 2 years | |||||
| Radiator hose | Replace every 4 years | – | I | I | I | I |
| Clutch | – | I | I | I | I | |
| Drive chain (Motul chain care kit) | Clean/lube every 1000 km (600 miles) | I | I | I | I | |
| Brakes | I | I | I | I | I | |
| Brake hose | Replace every 4 years | I | I | I | I | |
| Brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4) | Replace every 2 years | I | I | I | I | |
| Tires | – | I | I | I | I | |
| Steering | I | – | I | – | I | |
| Front forks | – | – | I | – | I | |
| Rear suspension | – | – | I | – | I | |
| Chassis bolts and nuts | T | T | T | T | T |
Tyre size and tyre pressure for the Suzuki V-Strom 650 1st Gen
The manual for the 1st gen Suzuki V-Strom 650 specifies the following tyre specs.
| Tyre | Size | Brand(s) | Tyre pressure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front | 110/80R19M/C 59H | BRIDGESTONE TW101 J | 225 kPa (33 psi) |
| Rear | 150/70R17M/C 69H | BRIDGESTONE TW152 F | 250-280 kPa (36-41 psi) Adjust pressure based on rear load (e.g. riding with a passenger) |
About the Suzuki V-Strom 650 1st Gen
The 1st Gen V-Strom 650 was a huge favourite in the adventure travel world for many years with almost no competition other than much more expensive BMWs.
It took the engine from the fuel-injected second generation SV650, detuned it slightly for more midrange, and then put it into an upright chassis.
The V-Strom 650 has a two-into-one exhaust system that even in stock form has a healthy lump to it — it sounds fun. An upright, standard riding posture means you can ride the Wee-strom for days… it’s a huge favourite for people doing the 1000-miles-in-24-hours “Iron Butt” challenge because of its comfort and range (over 250 miles or 400 km).
The engine is a 90 degree liquid cooled, four-stroke V-twin, with four valves per cylinder, and intake and exhaust valving each with their own camshaft.
The V-Strom’s more relaxed cam profiles, and changes to the airbox and exhaust (when compared with the SV engine) boost the torque and power between 4,000 and 6,500 rpm. This makes it more suitable for the adventure/travel style of riding for which the V-Strom is intended. People who ride both say they don’t notice much difference in acceleration, but of course the SV650 will always feel sportier due to its riding position and lower weight.
Relative to the SV, the crank inertia (flywheel effect) is also increased by 4% via a redesigned starter clutch. The V-Strom engine also uses a plastic outer clutch cover and engine sprocket cover for reduced weight and noise.
Unlike the SV engine, which uses cast iron cylinder sleeves, the DL650 uses Suzuki’s proprietary SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electro-chemical Material) plated cylinders, a race-proven nickel-phosphorus-silicon-carbide coating for reduced weight and improved heat transfer, allowing for tighter and more efficient piston-to-cylinder clearance, similar to a Nikasil coating.
Manual for the Suzuki V-Strom 650 1st Gen
The above maintenance schedule comes directly from the user’s manual for the Suzuki V-Strom 650 1st Gen. You can download it from here.
