Another Strommer, just found this thread. Has a tendancy to nap now then With the previous go anywhere bike, now retired. If I ever win the lottery she will be rebuilt.
I'd really like to see that double sock arrangement, it sounds interesting. Do you have any pictures of it handy or already online? I contacted K&N directly about the results of the filter testing they claim they do on each and every model, specifically regarding how much of what size particles get through. I looked up the tests they claim to use and these are among the specific results they provide. After asking the same question several times in several ways and being pretty much fobbed off with indirect answers and circular references to their product web page they finally told me the test results were not available. Honestly, I didn't find that overly comforting when it's my bike's life on the line here.
No disrespect Steve , but did you pack the kitchen sink in there too? I want to come riding with you so I can travel light! You must have all the creature comforts strapped to the DL. Oh, I just thought, then I would have to help wake up your bike after a nap.
(direct link to post with pics if anyone else is interested) I don't know about really fine stuff like bulldust, but that will certainly keep bugs from getting in there and chewing into the filter material. Did you notice much difference in the amount of crap inside the airbox lid after you installed those? I do something similar with my computer case. There's no filter on one of the air intakes so I have a piece of nylon stocking material over the hole. It's quite effective. edit: That's actually given me an idea. Thanks.
yeah bugs and large rocks almost non existent. i ordered a paper filter this morning as we are heading west in a few weeks...and i mean i don't go in for all the racing histrionics and i try and stay at the back and out of dust but I just don't think its worth the risk.
Absolutely agree. Let the boy racers have their drama and eat all the dust. I intend for my bike and myself to keep going for a long time yet. My wee had a K&N in it when I got it and I've kept it. I'm cheap and I don't ride nearly as much dirt as many here so it's not as much of an issue for me. I've just installed an experimental pre-filter to see how it goes. If it seems to catch some stuff without blocking too fast or suffocating the motor I might keep it.
i have been toying up with the idea if getting my mate who makes model aeroplane wings with a 3d foam cutter to precision cut me some low density foam that I could put into the ram with a light oiling just to act as a pre filter ??
It's an interesting idea. I don't know enough about the foam to make an intelligent guess as to how well it might work, but what the hell, it's worth a shot. If it doesn't works right it shouldn't be hard to take back out. This is the experiment I put together: My idea, half-baked as it may be, is to use the foot end of the stocking to provide move area to both catch stuff and to let air through with as little restriction as possible. I'm guessing the stocking will inflate from the air coming in. If it seems to be restricting the air flow or comes loose it can't get into the intake and should catch most of the bugs that accumulate in the air box.
No kitchen sink yet . There is not a lot of weight there, just bulky stuff to ensure our crappy worn out bodies can work in the morning. A small trailer just for the camping gear will happen if we ever have enough income.
I use a bit of fly mesh on my snorkel and run a K & N filter. Pics from last clean after 15k. Can see mesh at top of pic. Top of filter. Engine side of filter Bottom of air box Had a light film of dust on the engine side of air box at 12k with the stock filter, but I think that it might not have been sealed properly at the first service. Had none since with the K&N, but I've also done my own servicing since as well.
two alternatives are 1) hair nets 2) pool filter socks. Both cheap options for a pre-filter. I managed to fit some Givi crash bars today. Once again pretty crappy instuctions were provided , so I resorted to Youtube and Stromtrooper.com. It was pretty straight forward once I had the idea. I managed to break a small plastic clip from the tank protector panel. Now I know how it comes apart I should be OK from now. I noticed that Givi bars cause some vibration issues. I can see why. The upper front bar mount is not fixed, but is bolted. But it is bolted from behind , so you have to get it about right, then tighten then bolt on the bar. If it comes loose? Well I guess you remove it and do it again. I used lots of Loctite. The other problem is the connecting pipe in the mid-line is too small & therefore a loose fit. I used some Sellys gap filler before assembly. What is the thing housed behind the rear shock? Am I being picky or is the suspension confused? I haven't noticed much front end dive under brakes ( soft springs are a Suzuki trademark) because I haven't had cause to brake hard yet. I did notice the small bumps were not absorbed well. Have you guys fiddled with your suspension? ( mine is a 2013 model)
On the subject of B&B bash plates and oil changes, I just took a 24mm hole saw to mine and now do not have to remove the bash plate to do oil changes, works well and It would take an absolute freak occurrence for anything to stick through it and cause damage
Something in the back of my mind has been bugging me about my pre-filter arrangement and I can't work out what. It's like blind dating in Thailand, there's just something there you can't quite put your finger on. Anyway, I went back in and copied the rock-strainer concept that works for a lot of people with some screen-door mesh.
the front forks are pretty basic damper rod forks which is just a tube inside the fork with holes drilled in it for damping but saying that I think there the best Suzuki damper rod forks I have ever used. even the spring rate seems on the money on the 2013 model I plan on getting some Cogent cartridges for my forks soon simple to fit and reports seem very positive $175 plus freight from procycle.us
Took this photo as part of the Adventure Rider mag challenge. "Utes in the paddock" at Ootha, near Condobolin NSW.
I'm about to get DR Joe to help build me some kick ass forks!! don't tell him as he doesn't kow yet Looking to get the 21up front interchangeable with 19 so I can hot swap.. My wife thinks that I'm buying an enduro weapon (which I am ) but I feel like the old girl deserves some bling...
Err it was a touch dirty... but i had it done in less than 15 minutes .... got to thanks you for the tip about just removing the screws and lifting the tank.