[JT in GA]

Finally opened the season of riding.

New brake cylinder (from gen3), SS lines - and front brake has a noticeably better feel now. Not as 4 piston one with radial master cylinder, but way better than original.
Tried Scorpion Trail 2 - I like it. A little sacrifice on a high speed (100 mph+), but I rarely ride that fast. Grips better than Angel ST on gravel and muddy roads.
Heated grips - how did i ride without them? Big step in comfort.
Saddle reshaped - feels better. Maybe will test more on long rides, for now - good angle, nice and comfy compared to stock.

Glory to Ukraine.

View attachment 192575
One happy alive Ukrainian

View attachment 192576
Updated, cleaned and serviced bike.

Sounds like you've been productive in the off season -- glad you got the brakes sorted out to your liking 👍

 

[DmitryS]

Sounds like you've been productive in the off season -- glad you got the brakes sorted out to your liking 👍

Only front one. Rear still spongy.

 

[JT in GA]

Only front one. Rear still spongy.

Well shucks. We'll keep hoping for a better rear brake !
If you've adjusted and tweaked everything (lines/fluid/bleeding/sanding/standing on one foot and dancing around ...) ... rebuilding or replacing the rear master cyl sounds like the next logical step. I don't know what else you could try.

 

[DmitryS]

Replace master cylinder of course)

 

[DmitryS]

Totally forgot. I also installed aux light. Cheap from China.

Well

Thats more I can ask for.

Originally I aimed to get extra visibility on the road at day. But this changes my approach to the night riding.

 

[Axel Johansson]

Totally forgot. I also installed aux light. Cheap from China.

Well

Thats more I can ask for.

View attachment 192587
View attachment 192586

Originally I aimed to get extra visibility on the road at day. But this changes my approach to the night riding.

View attachment 192589
View attachment 192588

Looks to be a decent amount of light. Should be able to see bomb craters in plenty of time

 

[fasteddiecopeman]

Only front one. Rear still spongy.

When I replaced all THREE brake-lines w/ SS (on my Gen 1 - '08), it improved my rear brakes SIGNIFICANTLY, along w/ replacing the older 'square' master cylinder!

 

[DmitryS]

Looks to be a decent amount of light. Should be able to see bomb craters in plenty of time

No, thanks, I do not want to see bomb craters any more

 

[DmitryS]

When I replaced all THREE brake-lines w/ SS (on my Gen 1 - '08), it improved my rear brakes SIGNIFICANTLY, along w/ replacing the older 'square' master cylinder!

How did you fix the rear then? SS line didn't help me. Replace pads to EBC HH?

 

[fasteddiecopeman]

How did you fix the rear then? SS line didn't help me. Replace pads to EBC HH?

Just the SS line - at 103,000 miles ('08 V650) I'm STILL on my OEM rear brake pads, tho' I have spare EBC HH ones on the shelf.

 

[DmitryS]

Dunno.

I fixed front brake as you suggested by SS line and newer master cylinder. Only SS line for rear made no change.

 

[Respen]

Been working on getting my '08 650 up and running again.

Things I've done so far:
derusted tank
cleaned up air box and replaced air filter
new battery
new spark plugs
new front sprocket
new rear sprocket
new chain
new tires
cleaned rims
oil change
coolant change
new clutch and brake levers

I'm super bad about taking progress photos, so don't really have any to share. But I did take a quick video of her firing up post tank derusting, battery, sparks, and oil.

Things to do next:
lots of cleaning
front and read brake caliber rebuild along with new pads
replace brake lines with stainless steel
replace fork seal and brushings
vacuum sync
valve check
new turn signals
lots of test rides
having fun in twisties

Not sure if I'm going to keep her afterwards. I am considering getting a C14 for longer distance riding, while keeping the x300 for daily commuting and more off-roading.

 

[dlwilliams48]

Today I ordered a "few more things" for the V650.

GIVI EA115BK 40 L dry bag
Master Lock Python cable lock
Atlas Throttle Lock
Pack of ROK straps
Butt Buffer seat pad

All should arrive Thursday. After this I will just about the bike like I want it. Just about...

I have a few trips in the works and I'm hoping some of these items will make the trip a little more comfortable.

 

[Giordano]

I rode Titus Canyon, Death Valley last weekend. 2014 Versys 650LT performed admirably!

View attachment 185388

What saddlebags do you have on your bike?
Thanks!

 

[fasteddiecopeman]

Went to town to clear-up things that need to be done BEFORE we head back to Canada - on BIG RED of course!

Trouble is - it's been so cold here this winter that I failed to wear mesh, and I was sweating like a p...!

Got back home and changed windshields (to the small OEM one).

 

[vagrantbiker]

Not too warm on Mt. Lemmon

 

[Respen]

Got my 650 up and running to the point it felt safe to ride, so took her out for her first gallon of gas from a station since 2017.

 

[dlwilliams48]

Installed an Atlas Throttle Lock. Had a few issues though. Had to remove the grip and the foam grip puppy. Finally got the Atlas adjusted like it needed to be, re-installed the grips and the bark buster. Had to take that back off and trip the ends of the grips. Anyway, took over an hour all told, but it's done. Didn't get to test it today though. Also installed the Butt Buffer on the seat.

 

[illmor]

Aliexpress hugger installed. Will be extended at some point View attachment 192720 View attachment 192721 View attachment 192722 View attachment 192723

Wysłane z mojego RMX2155 przy użyciu Tapatalka

 

[DmitryS]

Aliexpress hugger installed. Will be extended at some point View attachment 192720 View attachment 192721 View attachment 192722 View attachment 192723 View attachment 192724

Wysłane z mojego RMX2155 przy użyciu Tapatalka

I have the same, works good.