Love to see pics when you get a chance!
You must know John? The Vstrom guy that helped run the big Rapid Forum Vstrom board for so many years? John lives in Charlotte (or used to?
I met him years ago in Reno, NV at a big Vstrom event. In those days he pulled a very cool trailer with his Yellow Vstrom! John knows every nut and bolt on the Vstrom and is clued into all the good mods. He would be a great contact for technical back up while you're on the road.
I think he put an SV1000 motor in his Vstrom? That Rapid forum board is gone now, but still lots of good Vstrom info out there. (Stromtropper?)
I sold my DL1000 a few years ago. I miss it. Put 70K on it, not one problem.
The Strom should be a good Mule for a hack. I would try to go with much lower gearing. This will really help in slow going in Andes of S. America and save your clutch. And since you've still got that overdrive 6th gear, you'll never be revving too high! Stock the Vstrom revs just 5000 rpm and indicated 92 mph.
So 10% to 15% lower gearing would really help you and fuel economy will improve as well. Not sure where you can find bigger 525 rear sprockets, but I know smaller front ones are available, IIRC. Do both.
Have fun in the prep!
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