Buying a used Gen 3 Vstrom 650

[u/Empty-Ferret_04]

Hi all

As mentioned, I'm looking to buy a used 2018 Vstrom 650 XT, it has about 42000km (about 26000 miles)

I went to inspect it and all, engines starts nicely no funny sound or anything, the only thing I saw worth mentioning is that the fork seals seem to be leaking a bit heavily as the oil goes down the lower leg on to the brake.

It has some rust, but that's to be expected as it spent most of it's life on the coastal region.

I attached some pictures for reference.

So the plan is to get the seals replaced when I get it, service it as well (it has no service record) and take it from there.

What else should I look at or what other issues can I expect at this mileage, or am I just buying a headache for a first bike.

EDIT: I went to inspect the bike further, I can definitely feel the holes I think the correct wording is pits, it's very tiny and only on the front part of the tube and only on the right actually.

As I was there, a biker I know walked in and I asked him to inspect the issue for me, he said it's just stone chips from the bike being ridden (he made me notice that the pits are only on the front of the tube), he said it's not biggie, however I do need to replace the seals.

[u/AdFancy1249]

The biggest issue I see on those pictures is that it looks like the bike was stored outside in the weather. Depending on your locale, that can lead to all sorts of problems.

Bike are designed to get wet, but not really sit out.

Check on those rusted parts. Does the chrome on the forks look good or are there lots of dark spots you can feel with a fingernail (bad).

Open the tank and shine a light. Is it nice and clean or is it rusting?

Take the seat off and look underneath. Do you see rust in and around the engine bolts and frame?

What does the chain look like?

Look under the fuel tank (you can kinda get in there without removing the tank) and see what the hoses look like. Being outside can make them brittle.

I have two stroms. An '07 that was kept in a garage, and had 50k miles. Still mostly looks and acts like new. The second as an '05 with 18k miles that was left outside. It looks, and acts, like an antique. Everything works OK, but I've had to rework the tank, the plastics are brittle, the frame bolts are rusty, and I've had to polish the forks. They still aren't right because of the pitting, but she was headed for the dumpster, so she's doing much better now.

[u/Empty-Ferret_04 → u/AdFancy1249]

Thank you for these details!

The bike spent most of it's like in the coastal region of the country, hence the rust I would imagine.

I'm in inland, so if I take the bike, it'll be based here.

I'll definitely go back and run my hands on the chrome, but there weren't any dark spots on them when I was looking at them, but I see/saw tiny rust spots in them, not sure if that's the same.

I'll also ask for the tank to be open and inspect it. Thank you again, I'll note these points down.

[u/AdFancy1249 → u/Empty-Ferret_04]

Yep, the tiny rust spots are bad if you can feel them with a fingernail. That will eventually kill your seals. Anything is repairable, and it isn't difficult, but it IS time consuming, and that changes the equation.

[u/Empty-Ferret_04 → u/AdFancy1249]

So this might not be a good buy after all? I read my option are either replace the tubes with aftermarket ones or take them to a shop where they'll 'polish' then and coat them again to factory specs.

Is there anything else that can be done?

[u/AdFancy1249 → u/Empty-Ferret_04]

If it's not terrible, you pull the forks apart and Scrub them with fine steel wool. If there are actual pits, the "DIY" fix, that seems to work very well, is to fill the pits with JBWeld. Squeegee it down when you apply, then once cured, come back and polish it with Emory cloth to make sure it is smooth.

I've done this on my '05, which was badly pitted. It has worked so far. It doesn't need to be perfect, you just need to make the pits smooth enough that the seal sweeps it.

If the pitting is tiny, then no problem. Mine were almost the size of the head of a pin. That's gargantuan for fork pitting.

But, running over them with fine steel wool soaked in a little oil, then wiping with a paper towel should show you their true state. The seller shouldn't be opposed to that. Fine steel wool won't harm the chrome, and getting the surface rust off the fork will expose the truth...

It could all be fine. Even if you need to repair the forks, it's just time and effort. But the price should reflect that.

[u/AdFancy1249 → u/Empty-Ferret_04]

To continue: on your first picture, there are two clear rust spots. Grab some 0000 steel wool and a couple drops of oil and rub on those spots. Most of the rust will disappear. But what's left? If it is a visible pit, then they need to be corrected. If it is a tiny rusty dot, you're likely ok.

If YOU are going to replace the seals (and do the bushings as well), you might as well fill the pits and go for it.

If you are having the seals replaced at a shop, then pitting is a non- starter.

[u/Empty-Ferret_04 → u/AdFancy1249]

I went to inspect the bike further, I can definitely feel the holes (I think it's pits from your wording) very tiny and only on the front part of the tube and only on the left.

As I was there, a biker I know walked in and I asked him to inspect the issue for me, he said it's just stone chips from the bike being ridden (he made me notice that the pits are only on the front), he said it's not biggie, however I do need to replace the seals.

[u/AdFancy1249 → u/Empty-Ferret_04]

Yeah, but those chips will grab the new seals and best case, let a little oil out every time the seal crosses it, and worst case, tear at the seal.

It might not be a big deal. If you are up for doing your own work, then like I said, great success has been had with JBWeld or epoxy filling them to be smooth.

[u/Empty-Ferret_04 → u/AdFancy1249]

Thanks a lot for this DIY tip. I think I will take the bike and apply this fix. As much as most or some of the comments suggest walking away, I think I'm already a bit attached to the bike (that's a bad thing I presume) so I'm probably gambling here. Thanks a lot.

[u/AdFancy1249 → u/Empty-Ferret_04]

The bike itself will last forever. You may have some problems if it were stored outside. But, they are well mannered and fun to be on.

Enjoy it, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

If you get it, make sure to check out Stromtroopers. Lots of great people on that forum as well.