Considering that the underside of the Suzuki V-Strom has less protection off-road than a Harley Davidson does...so needless to say, we knew it would be our first upgrade to the motorcycle. The 650cc engine that is used on the V-Strom initially came from the SV650 street bike, and while it's a great performer, there's some things that need to be taken care of before you start venturing off the pavement like we intend. Luckily, Touratech has a full line of accessories for this bike, so getting a skid plate to protect the exhaust and oil filter was as easy as pie. 

Last week I had the chance to ride the new 2012 Suzuki V-Strom ABS 650. This wasn't just a jaunt around the block but rather a 400-mile only-stop-for-fuel-and-ice-cream ride across the flat desert highways and mountain twisties of California and Arizona. After picking up the bike from Suzuki and a short spin around the parking lot for familiarization I was off and running.

The stock DR200 comes only with pillion handles, which I have used as a rear rack. I was able to strap some bags/panniers to it, but it does nothing to keep the material away from the exhaust. After doing some research, it looked like Cycleracks made one of the best rear racks for my bike. It provides for a nice large platform for a top box or bag, as well as a place to mount side panniers, well away from the heat of the exhaust. These are constructed from schedule 40 black pipe and powder coated. The bends and welds are all nicely done. No hardware is necessary, as these racks use existing bolts on the motorcycle.

The rear rack from Cycleracks provided for a great platform for mounting a top bag or box, as well as panniers. I think I will use a combination of soft & hard luggage, and for now will mount a top-box in the rear. I decided to use the same Stormcase iM2400 that Scott Brady used on his Trans America Trail trip that he did on his KTM 950 Adventure (since the box already had some holes drilled into it):