Segment:
Adventure Touring / Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a versatile motorcycle for long-distance touring, commuting, and light off-road excursions.
Key Competitors:
Suzuki V-Strom DL1000, Honda VFR Interceptor, Yamaha TDM900, BMW R1150GS/R1200GS (earlier models).
Engine Layout:
Derived from the popular Suzuki SV1000 V-twin engine, renowned for its torquey power delivery and character.
Chassis Design:
Sturdy twin-spar aluminum frame offering stability and handling characteristics suitable for various road conditions.
Ergonomics:
Upright riding position, comfortable seat, and adjustable windscreen for long-distance comfort.
Engine Systems:
V-twin, 996cc, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, fuel injection, ignition system, lubrication, cooling system, exhaust system.
Powertrain:
6-speed transmission, clutch operation, final drive (chain).
Chassis Suspension:
Front telescopic forks (adjustable preload, rebound, compression), rear monoshock (adjustable preload, rebound, compression), steering head bearings.
Braking System:
Front dual hydraulic disc brakes with dual-piston calipers, rear hydraulic disc brake with single-piston caliper, hydraulic lines and master cylinders.
Electrical Components:
Battery, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting (headlight, taillight, indicators), instrumentation, sensors, wiring diagrams.
Fuel And Emission Control:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, throttle body, ECU mapping, evaporative emission control system.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, oil filter replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug replacement, chain lubrication/adjustment, brake pad inspection/replacement, coolant check/replacement, valve clearance inspection/adjustment.
Major Repairs:
Engine disassembly/reassembly, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, fork seal replacement, shock absorber servicing, brake caliper overhaul, wheel bearing replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, fuel injection system diagnostics, electrical fault finding.
Specifications:
Torque values for all fasteners, engine clearances, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance values, diagnostic parameter readings.
Assembly Disassembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major components, including engine, transmission, suspension, and body panels.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Includes flowcharts and diagnostic procedures for common electrical faults, testing of sensors, ignition system, charging system, and lighting.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications for professional and advanced home mechanics.
Diagnostic Tools:
Specifies use of common hand tools, torque wrenches, multimeter, feeler gauges, and specialized Kawasaki/Suzuki diagnostic equipment or equivalent third-party tools.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 8-valve, V-twin
Displacement:
996 cc (60.7 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
98.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Valve Actuation:
Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), chain driven
Horsepower Claimed:
Approx. 98 HP @ 8,000 RPM (varies slightly by market)
Torque Claimed:
Approx. 77 lb-ft @ 6,500 RPM (varies slightly by market)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with dual throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane (AKI) or higher
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40, API SG or higher, JASO MA compliant motorcycle oil
Oil Capacity:
3.4 L (3.6 US qt) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Permanent-type coolant (50% ethylene glycol and 50% distilled water)
Coolant Capacity:
1.8 L (1.9 US qt)
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer, digital speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer, trip meters, clock, various warning lights (engine, oil, neutral, turn signals, high beam).
ABS Availability:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some models/markets.
Diagnostic Ports:
Includes diagnostic connectors for electronic troubleshooting (requires specific diagnostic tools).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Interval:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months.
Air Filter Interval:
Inspect every 6,000 km (3,700 miles), clean or replace as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 18,000 km (11,200 miles) or 24 months.
Coolant Replacement:
Every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 24 months.
Clutch Fluid:
DOT 4 (if hydraulic)
Fork Oil Type:
SAE 10W (refer to manual for exact type and level)
Common Problems:
Potential for regulator/rectifier failure (common in many bikes of this era), occasional issues with throttle body syncing, cam chain noise if maintenance is neglected. Some owners report a slightly snatchy throttle response at low RPMs which can be smoothed with ECU tuning or throttle body modifications. Exhaust headers can sometimes develop rust or discoloration.
