500 km with my Suzuki V Strom 250: Initial riding experience

I kept at about 80 kmph trying to limit to the 5000rpm break in limit.

BHPian biju1971 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I have completed about 500 km on my yellow Suzuki V Strom 250 and I would like to write about my riding experience. I did go to work on the bike (200 km ride). I practiced riding in the city for a few days. I cannot flat foot and this does cause problems in the city. The high center of gravity and a heavier bike than what I rode in my youth did cause problems in the beginning. Riding a bike like this requires a little bit of practical application of physics. I feel low-speed city riding requires more care and concentration. I started at about 6 am and the road is well paved two-lane highway.

I kept at about 80 kmph trying to limit to the 5000rpm break-in limit. I did go up to 90kmph overtaking maneuvers. The joy of riding a bike is in a different league. On my ride back from work there were strong cross winds about 20-30 knots. I felt like my bike was moving sideways. I reduced the speed to about 60kmph. I did go to YouTube and check it out. Saw some recommendations to stick out your leg. I wonder being an adventure bike, why it is not able to absorb broken roads and undulations well.

At the end of the day. However, in all other respects the bike shines, especially the engine and the gearbox. At the end of the day my body didn't hurt, but I had pain in the fingers and wrist. This was because of the fight against the winds and maintaining the throttle position. They don't let bikes inside the plant and therefore had to park it outside. Everyone advised against this madness of bike riding. I enjoyed the ride in all respects.

Regarding the technical stuff, I have finished the first service. They replaced the oil which I believe is synthetic as well as adjusted the clutch cable. The gear shift from first to neutral is not always easy. I can see rusting marks on the chain. Is that normal or is there any maintenance to be done especially in the monsoons? I think I read in the manual against using a wire brush. What do folks do for tire puncture? What kind of stuff do we need to carry? I travel on quite desolate roads. Any other maintenance or riding tips would be welcome.

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