Suzuki V-Strom 1000 1st Gen (2002-2013) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals

This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 1st Gen.

The Suzuki V-Strom 1000 1st Gen, also known as the DL1000, is a dual-sport motorcycle with a 996 cc V-twin engine and a standard riding posture. It has been manufactured in Japan by Suzuki since 2002, although sales in Europe ended in 2009.

The 1st gen was made between 2002 and 2013, and is based on the original 996cc engine borrowed from the Suzuki TL1000S. It was replaced for the 2014 model year by the 2nd generation Suzuki V-Strom 1000.

The name V-Strom combines “V” referring to the bike’s engine configuration with the German Strom, meaning stream or power.

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Suzuki V-Strom 1000 1st gen Service Intervals

Overall, the 1st gen V-Strom 1000 has 3500 mile / 6000 km service intervals, much like many other V-Stroms.

Aside from an oil change, Suzuki recommends checking the spark plugs, as well as for leaks, ease of movement of moving parts, and general lubrication.

Every two services, change the oil filter, and every four services (14500 miles / 24000 km), check the valve clearances.

There’s more detail in the full maintenance schedule below.

Suzuki V-Strom 1000 1st Gen Maintenance Schedule

Below is the maintenance schedule for the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 1st Gen.

NOTES:

• Interval: This interval should be judged by odometer reading or number of months, whichever comes first.
• I= Inspect and clean, adjust, replace or lubricate as necessary
• R= Replace
• T= Tighten
• If you use the motorcycle under severe conditions, you may have to service it more frequently.

km x 1000	6	12	18	24
mi x 1000	4	7.5	11	14.5
Element	12	24	36	48	Every
Engine oil (Motul 7100 10W-40)	R	R	R	R
Engine oil filter	–	–	R	–
Air cleaner element	I	I	R	I
Exhaust pipe bolts and muffler bolts	–	T	–	T
Valve clearance	–	–	–	I
Spark plugs	I	R	I	R
Fuel hose	I	I	I	I	Replace every 4 years
Idle speed	I	I	I	I
Throttle cable play	I	I	I	I
Throttle valve synchronization	–	I	–	I
Evaporative emission control system (CA model only)	–	I	–	I	Replace hose ever 4 years
PAIR (air supply) system	–	I	–	I
Engine coolant					Replace every 2 years
Radiator hose	I	I	I	I
Clutch hose	I	I	I	I	Replace every 4 years
Clutch fluid (Castrol DOT 4)	I	I	I	I	Replace every 2 years
Drive chain (Motul chain paste)	I	I	I	I	Clean and lubricate every 1000 km (600 miles)
Brakes	I	I	I	I
Brake hose	I	I	I	I	Replace every 4 years
Brake fluid (Castrol DOT 4)	I	I	I	I	Replace every 2 years
Tires	I	I	I	I
Steering	–	I	–	I
Front forks	–	I	–	I
Rear suspension	–	I	–	I
Chassis bolts and nuts	T	T	T	T

Tyre size and tyre pressure for the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 1st Gen

The manual for the 1st gen V-Strom 1000 specifies the following tyre sizes and pressures, and ships with the following tyres (but of course, fit what you need to!)

Wheel	Tyre size	Tyre pressure (cold)	Tyre brand
Front	110/80R19M/C 59H	36 psi/250 kPa (2.5 bar)	BRIDGESTONE TW101F
Rear	150/70R17M/C 69H	36-41 psi/250-280 kpa (2.5-2.8 bar)	BRIDGESTONE TW152F

About the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 1st Gen

The V-Strom 1000 was Suzuki’s first big adventure bike in a while. It was for those who wanted a little more road and highway bias than the V-Strom 650, or perhaps who wanted the torque of the old Suzuki TL1000R superbike but in a more comfortable chassis.

A lot of the V-Strom 1000’s popularity can be attributed to its 996cc liquid-cooled, Suzuki fuel-injected, 90-degree V-twin engine with four valves per cylinder and dual-overhead cams. This set-up and tuning gave the V-Strom 1000 a lot of low-end and mid-range torque that let it accelerate at just about any speed in any gear.

During the reign of the 1st gen V-Strom 1000, many fans actually preferred the 1st gen V-Strom 650, affectionately known as the “Wee Strom”. It was considered the better adventure bike — lighter, better fuel efficiency, and not lacking in any tech next to its bigger stablemate. That changed with alter editions of course — the V-Strom 650 didn’t get cruise control or cornering ABS, for example.

The V-Strom 1000 1st gen isn’t just a straight line brute. It has very good handling, thanks in large part to a lightweight, compact, and rigid aluminum twin-spar frame and swingarm.

The cartridge-style 43mm front forks with adjustable preload give 6.3 inches of wheel travel and allow for a comfortable ride and enough travel to soak up bumps and rocks, while a link-type rear suspension with 6.3 inches of wheel travel and a piggyback-style shock absorber (with adjustable rebound damping and a knob-operated hydraulic preload adjuster) add to its handling capabilities. All-in-all, a good amount of adjustability for a classic adventure bike.

The original V-Strom 1000 got a ton of accessories, including panniers, a top box, side cases, an engine bar, and an adjustable windscreen.

In the early days, people often preferred the light weight of the V-Strom 650. The advantages of the 1000 weren’t as obvious. Yes, it accelerated faster. But both the 650 and the 1000 are totally adequately capable of riding at highway speeds. Ask on a forum, and people are often inclined to give you this simple answer: if you want to ride two-up, get the thou. Otherwise, the 650 will do you fine, and the better mileage will be a boon for long trips.

Nonetheless, both are excellent bikes that have stood the test of time.

Manual for the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 1st Gen

The above maintenance schedule comes directly from the user’s manual for the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 1st Gen.

You can download Suzuki motorcycle manuals from here.