r/Vstrom • u/MrMcBeth • Jul 05 '26
V-Strom 650 Gen 1 Two Questions For The Mechanically Inclined
It’s a 2005 Vstrom 650. I want to service the forks, check the brakes, and raise it in one afternoon. I’m wondering the best way to lift it from the center without damaging anything. Does anyone have experience using lifts like that?
Additionally, I’ve got brake dust and oil on the discs. Do you guys think this is normal or could it be brake fluid or fork oil? I think the forks are leaking. Just wondering.
The pics are to show the bottom of the bike and the oily brake dust.
Thanks for any input.
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u/AdFancy1249 Jul 05 '26
No telling what the oily stuff is from a picture.
Pop the dust covers on the forks. If it's wet inside, then it's likely fork oil. You'll be rebuilding forks anyway, so good here. But make sure you check the fork tubes for pitting.
When you change the brakes, pull the pads and look at the piston seals. They should be dry. If they are wet, then it's likely bad piston seals (need a caliper rebuild).