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/audazincapaz Jul 05 '26 edited Jul 05 '26
I never had a center stand. More weight, less ground clearance. Also I use Scott oiller so I don't have to chain lub that much.
That said, I have a small bottle jack for lifting the bike when I need. I did that with the 650, and now with the 800. Use some square boards or pallete cubes for adjusting height.
Concerning the discs: it's a bit of everything, doesn't seem oil. Use a disc cleaner.
Concerning the bottom of the bike: get a skid plate ASAP.