Adventure motorcycles like the Suzuki V-Strom (DL series) are renowned for their versatility and long-distance comfort. However, when it comes to carving corners, they often feel less nimble compared to dedicated Sport Bikes. Many riders find the stock suspension and setup lacking when pushing their V-Strom through tight turns, leading to reduced cornering clearance and a less engaging riding experience. While a V-Strom will never be a true sport bike, with some strategic modifications and a focus on riding technique, you can significantly enhance its agility and cornering prowess, bridging the gap and enjoying spirited rides with greater confidence.
Tackling Cornering Limitations on Adventure Bikes
The inherent design of adventure bikes, prioritizing comfort and travel over razor-sharp handling, contributes to their cornering limitations compared to sport bikes. Soft, long-travel suspension, designed to absorb bumps and provide a plush ride, can compress excessively in corners, reducing ground clearance. This often results in scraping pegs or other components, unsettling the bike and limiting lean angles. Many riders experience this on the V-Strom, particularly when attempting more aggressive cornering.
Key Modifications to Sharpen Your V-Strom’s Handling
Fortunately, there are several effective modifications you can implement to improve your V-Strom’s cornering capabilities and bring it closer to the agile feel of a sport bike, without sacrificing its adventure touring essence.
1. Suspension Overhaul: The Foundation of Agile Handling
Upgrading the suspension is arguably the most impactful change you can make. The stock springs on many adventure bikes, including older V-Strom models, are often too soft, leading to excessive sag and compromised handling.
- Stronger Springs: Installing stiffer springs, both front and rear, is crucial to maintain proper ride height and reduce excessive compression during cornering. This simple change alone can dramatically improve ground clearance and handling. Aim for a loaded sag (with rider) of around 1.5 to 2 inches to optimize performance.
- Enhanced Damping: While stiffer springs address the sag issue, upgrading damping is the next step for refined handling. Improved damping, through fork oil changes with higher viscosity oil (like 10W) or cartridge emulators in the forks and a shock rebuild with improved valving, will provide better control and stability, especially when pushing the bike harder in corners, offering a more controlled feel reminiscent of a sport bike.
2. Raising Links: Gaining Precious Ground Clearance
Installing raising links at the rear suspension is another effective method to increase ground clearance. A modest increase of around 5/8″ (16mm) can make a noticeable difference in cornering clearance, allowing for greater lean angles before components touch down. However, avoid excessively raising the rear, as this can negatively impact handling and stability in other situations.
3. Ground Clearance Considerations: Pegs and Stands
Pay attention to components that are prone to scraping.
- Avoid Lowering Forks: Dropping the forks in the triple clamps, a common practice to quicken steering, will actually worsen ground clearance and should be avoided if cornering performance is a priority.
- Peg Height: The stock footpeg height on V-Stroms is relatively low. Consider aftermarket peg lowering kits if comfort is paramount for touring, but understand this will reduce cornering clearance. Conversely, raising pegs (adapters are available) will increase clearance but might slightly reduce comfort.
- Centerstand and Sidestand: The centerstand is a known culprit for dragging in left-hand corners and adds unnecessary weight. Removing it will improve clearance and reduce weight. The sidestand pivot stop can also be ground down to raise the sidestand slightly for improved clearance.
4. Tire Choice: Grip and Confidence
Fresh, high-quality tires are essential for confident cornering on any motorcycle, including adventure bikes aiming for sport bike-like handling. Choose tires that offer good grip on paved surfaces and complement your riding style.
5. Fine-Tuning and Weight Reduction
- Fork Brace: A fork brace can offer a small improvement in front-end rigidity and steering precision, contributing to a more planted feel in corners.
- Peg Feelers: Removing or shortening the feelers on the footpegs will eliminate their premature scraping and provide a bit more lean angle.
The Ultimate Upgrade: Rider Skill
While bike modifications are crucial, the most significant improvement you can make is to enhance your riding skills. As the saying goes, “speed is 90% rider and 10% bike.”
- Riding Technique: Mastering proper body position and cornering technique is paramount. Actively shifting your weight, leaning off the bike, and using counter-steering effectively will dramatically improve your cornering ability on any motorcycle, including a V-Strom.
- Advanced Rider Training: Investing in advanced rider training courses, such as the Lee Parks Total Control Riding Clinic, is invaluable. These courses teach essential techniques for safe and effective cornering, braking, and overall bike control, enabling you to ride your V-Strom closer to its potential and even rival the agility of some sport bike riders.
- Track Days: Consider participating in track days in a controlled environment to safely practice and refine your cornering skills and explore the limits of your bike and your abilities.
Conclusion: Ride Smarter, Ride Harder
Transforming your Suzuki V-Strom into a sport bike is not the goal. However, by implementing strategic suspension upgrades, considering ground clearance modifications, choosing appropriate tires, and, most importantly, investing in rider training and technique, you can unlock a significantly higher level of cornering performance and agility from your adventure motorcycle. This approach allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds: the versatility and comfort of an adventure bike with a surprising dose of cornering confidence and fun, often exceeding the expectations of riders accustomed to dedicated sport bikes. Remember, the most effective upgrade is always the rider.
