Do you love your V strom, or ?

[cmn1771]

Do you love your Vstrom, or would you rather have something else?

Im asking because im thinking of getting one.

-Matt

[garry]

I liked my Wee Strom. It was reliable, economical, versatile. Wasn't much to look at. Never got attached to it like some other bikes I've owned, but there are days I miss it.

[stromgal]

Love my big Strom. It's a reliable, swiss-army-knife kind of bike, does lots of things reasonably well at a good price point. I can chase good riders through the twisties on it, with enough power to keep up to the point at which my courage disappears.

It's also comfortable, can haul everything I need to travel coast-to-coast (which we have) and, at 76k, still going strong.

(The only bike that has even remotely tempted me in the last two years is the Tiger1050; more power, better chassis/brakes, but 3k+ more $$.)

[The Shepherd]

I spend all my time looking at other motorcycles but when I get on the Strom I always remember that,

1) It's paid for
2) It's never given me any troubles
3) It's a good all-around bike
4) Will never be stolen because it's homely

[Bad Dad]

Mine's an 02, so I've got a case of the Chudders ...other than that it's usually my daily driver. 100mph on gravel/dirt roads and pegs down on the street, what's not to like

[Allan]

I like my V-Strom very much. But I could see getting a FJR or something similar now that I have a second more sporty bike in the VFR. However if I had to go back to single bike ownership I would make a bee line to the V-Strom.

[Scratch33]

"Love" is a strong word.  I've got the same appreciation for my Weestrom's utility and reliability as I do my Craftsman tools.  

[jstark47]

DL1000 is an excellent all round bike, very comfortable for distance travel, and enough usable performance to hold my interest.  There are issues, sure, but easily solved and not serious - I'm too lazy to fix them (e.g. front sprocket down a tooth, Power Commander for 3-4K surging, etc.)  Bike's durability has been outstanding.  Value for money can't be beat.

[Zerosum]

I love mine.  Just turned 5K miles.  Like everyone says, this bike is all Fuction over Form.  I ride it hard on back roads, commute on it, pick up groceries with it, etc.   The suspension and seat height make it a great urban bike, too.  The only thing it doesn't do is blow you away with gobs of power.  Thats why I have my VFR.    But honestly, I hardly ride the VFR.  I'm always choosing the V-Strom.

As for looks... I like the way it looks.  It looks "good" the way a well designed, usefull peice of machinery looks "good."  

I tell everyone who's thinking about getting one the same thing: just DO IT!  You won't be disappionted!  And do yourself a favor and put luggage cases on it immediately.  You'll be happy you did that, too!

[RidinTime]

I have an '08 650 and would be hard pressed to find something as versatile and rock solid in its price range.  It can be surprisingly sporty in the twisties and its comfortable enough to tour all day on.

Good luck and let us know what you decide to get.

[zenwhipper]

I had an 2006 Vstrom. I can't say I loved it. It did a lot of things quite well. I used it for long tours and camping up side dirt roads. There are a ton of farkles for the thing too. I had mine set up quite nice. The only issue I had was the looks of the front end and I longed for something more refined and not so utilitarian. I sold the Vstrom and got an 2008 FJR. I think you can't go wrong with the Vstrom if you want something versatile. My one complaint worth noting is that the wind protection was a bit problematic and I would get buffeted around. But there are aftermarket screens that do help.

Good Luck!

[SWriverstone]

The V-Strom is, IMO, a bike for people who want a motorcycle to disappear beneath them. By that I mean the V-Strom is a highly-capable, reliable bike with absolutely no character whatsoever.

Often, lack of character is decried in motorcycles as something to be avoided. I disagree. From all I've read and experienced, "character" in a bike refers to all the things that draw your attention to the bike.

If you're the kind of rider whose love of riding is centered in the machine itself...if you're someone who lives for internal combustion...then the V-Strom is NOT the bike for you.

On the other hand if (like me) you're the kind of rider whose love of riding is centered in the external, "away-from-the-bike" aspects of riding (feeling the wind, enjoying the scenery, and exploring new places), then the V-Strom is the perfect bike.

It's quiet, silky-smooth, bulletproof-reliable, and incredibly forgiving to ride. I love it for all those reasons...but I can also completely appreciate why many people hate it for the same reasons.   Just different ideas of what riding is about.

The V-Strom ain't a Ducati! But then again, a Ducati ain't a V-Strom.  

Scott

PS - Some would argue that the V-Strom's...err..."different" front-end looks give it character. We won't go there.  

[BlueRidgeKat]

Totally love it. I had wanted one for about 3 years and found a loaded 07 in March with 2,700 miles on it at a great price. Nine months and 11,000 miles later I can say for sure it is the best bike I have ever had. It doesnt do "anything" great but does "everything" good. It must fit me just right because its the only bike I have ever had that I can sit on from daylight till dark and still feel like going futher.

With a few farkles I dont think its ugly at all. I sold a ZZR1200 to get the 650 Vee and thought I might miss the awesome power of the ZZR but that wasnt the case at all and after the first week with the Vee I forgot all about the big Kawi.

On road, mild off road, cross country touring, commuting, it gets the job done. Suzuki hit a home run with the V-Stroms.

[HappyRiding]

From the looks of these pictures you might think I hate my Wee but I have to love something I can neglect this bad and it still love me back. Although I keep the oil and filter changed almost on schedule, the spark plugs and air filter had 25K when I finally changed them.

It was running great despite bug-induced asthma.


To get to the air box, you have to remove a thing or three.




It turned out to be a fairly easy job.  

I miss the wind protection and alternator from my ST1100 but I still think I like the Wee better.

[wolf46]

I like your set-up, good looking ride. Been looking at these, still haven't made up my mind on what to get in couple months

[kdub]

Red '06 weestrom.  I bought it new 1/31/06 and now have about 38k on it.  Love it!  It's pretty good in the canyons, handles gravel ok and tours fairly well.  It's been 100% reliable.  I haven't had too much problem with buffeting - it is a motorcycle.  My longest day was about 700 smiles.  500 miles is an afternoon on it (and only 1 fillup).  It will run 80mph all day comfortably - little to no vibration.  

[AKStrom]

You don't really need to pull the clamshells to get at the airbox, at least on my 06 Wee. The instructions indicate that you remove the listed bolts and the pull the tank out. The clamshells will flex around the tank, and provide adequate access to the airbox.

It's a bit tricky the first time or two when putting the tank back in this way, but I got the hang of it fairly quickly.

And yes, cmn1771. Same answer as when you posted over at ADVRider. 42k miles on my Strom. Still love it.

The only thing I'd really like is an 750cc or 800cc motor. The 1k is a bit much off pavement, but the 650 is a little short on power for long days with a stiff headwind.

[Zerosum]

The only thing I'd really like is an 750cc or 800cc motor. The 1k is a bit much off pavement, but the 650 is a little short on power for long days with a stiff headwind.

Yeah, windy conditions aren't fun on the Strom.  Not only do heavy winds sap power, but the bike acts a bit like a kite.  I rode out to Maryland's eastern shore this past weekend.  The Chesapeake Bay Bridge was... interesting, to say the least!    I've never been tossed around like that on a bike before.  The crosswinds were kicking my wheels about 1 foot to the left and right.  Once or twice I actually felt the front wheel get light on me.    I'm glad I did it, though.  I knew the Strom was bad in heavy winds, but I wanted the experience.  Like a lot of things, you're much better off if you go with it and don't fight it.

I've made the same ride on my VFR... the VFR is like a brick building by comparison.

[AKStrom]

Yeah, windy conditions aren't fun on the Strom.  Not only do heavy winds sap power, but the bike acts a bit like a kite.  I rode out to Maryland's eastern shore this past weekend.  The Chesapeake Bay Bridge was... interesting, to say the least!    [snipped]
I've made the same ride on my VFR... the VFR is like a brick building by comparison.

I'll bet. The Columbia River bridge are quite nasty too, since it's the only sea-level gap in the entire Cascade Mountain range. But at least those are fairly short bridges. Takes a LONG time to cross those big over-the-horizon bridges.

[DavidLSI]

I also would say I love my V-Strom....  DL1000 2006 with 58k miles on it.

My longest day is around 650 miles.  I must have the correct proportions as I have never felt the Buffeting that other speak of.  I am also much happier now that I do not have my stock seat.

All of the maintenace has been done by myself or in a freinds garage.

It has as much poweer as I would ever need, that means I have never felt that I needed more.  

It has a real confident feel on gravel road which is good as there always seems to be a few miles of the stuff on any given Sunday.

I do not think my next bike will be a V-Strom but this has nothing to do with the bike, more to do with I have only owned two and want to try something else..

SeeYa
DavidLSI

[EnthusiastII]

I love my V-Strom enough to say I haven't found another bike to temp me away from it since 2003. I do get tired of cleaning chain lube off the rear wheel. The only belt drive alternative is the ULY, which I've considered. I can't imagine a ULY being as trouble free as a V-Strom. A GS1200 is too much money and possibly more trouble. I've considered a GS800 but the dealer is so far away and they have a chain drive. So, for now it is the Strom I love.  

[BamBam]

Totally love it. I had wanted one for about 3 years and found a loaded 07 in March with 2,700 miles on it at a great price. Nine months and 11,000 miles later I can say for sure it is the best bike I have ever had. It doesnt do "anything" great but does "everything" good. It must fit me just right because its the only bike I have ever had that I can sit on from daylight till dark and still feel like going futher.

With a few farkles I dont think its ugly at all. I sold a ZZR1200 to get the 650 Vee and thought I might miss the awesome power of the ZZR but that wasnt the case at all and after the first week with the Vee I forgot all about the big Kawi.

On road, mild off road, cross country touring, commuting, it gets the job done. Suzuki hit a home run with the V-Stroms.

I've got an '07 Wee as well.  Great bike!  I use it mostly as a commuter bike.  This past summer when gas was up to $4.00 per gal in my neck of the woods, I was loving the 56 to 58 mpg I was getting.  I go about 290 pounds in full riding gear, and although it is not blistering from a standing start, my Wee really moves me down the road once it gets going and handles great.

OK...WHERE did you get an '07 Wee with 2700 miles on it ???!!!  You must have found the one person on the planet who doesn't like this bike.

BamBam

[jsanford]

Apparently, they are quite snow-capable.

[Zerosum]

...I do get tired of cleaning chain lube off the rear wheel...

Give this stuff a try.  I think it's great.  Zero fling, and it doesn't collect dirt.   And it's like half the price of other lubes.  It's only available at Lowe's, for some reason.

[shugga]

I really don't have anything else to add other than it looks like I might be getting a V-Strom myself (of course I've said that to myself regarding about 10 different bikes now) and I appreciated all of the comments here.  I did look for the poll though and didn't find one?  I'll refrain from the obligatory Vee vs. Wee poll myself  

[Scoop]

I have an 05 DL1000.  I have been quite happy with it.  Competent and a wonderful 2-up tourer.  My wife and I tried an ST 1300 and an FJR before getting the Strom.  Both were great bikes, but the Strom feels a little less "enclosed".  That being said, I wouldn't say that I love it.  I loved my VTR!  Now, if I could get the Strom engine to act like the Honda Vtwin......

[Nitro]

my take.......   http://www.bcsnowcat.ca/camel/camel.html

[Zerosum]

my take.......   http://www.bcsnowcat.ca/camel/camel.html

Bwahahaha!    That was awesome.  As I recall, you warned me, but I didn't listen!

I'm happy with it, but you DO have a few points, most notably the windshield.  I guess I'm lucky... the ass-biting seat bugs don't come out untill around 200 miles.  

[Tejasbusa]

I had an 02 DL1000.  I did not love it or hate it.  It was to me, just a motorcycle.  It ran good, fast, handled well enough, did all things ok.  My kids did not like it, too much of an "Old Man's MC", but my 19 year old road it to Prudhoe Bay and back.  The reason that I sold it was that I enjoy my Busa for the street and it will go anyplace I want to "Adventure" ride when the urge strikes me (I rode Miss Busa to Prudhoe Bay and back) and if she won't, then I have a couple of DR650's that will do the offroad thing.  The reason I sold it was because I wanted to get a couple of offroad bikes for the kids and I had Miss Busa to ride and had only ridden the V-Strom about 1,000 miles in almost 2 years, so guess which one gets sold.  The garage queen.  If I needed a multi-purose motorcycle for comuting, I would probably look at a 650 V-Strom because of price, but for my riding, I only ride for fun because my job gives me a vehicle to drive so I don't have to comute anyplace.

[JBSmith]

My 650 V-Strom is a wonderful and extremely useful tool. Like all such tools, it has very little personality, but it does what it's supposed to do pretty well so I can forgive that.

From what I've read here and elsewhere, it's just about bulletproof, and can be beaten like a rented mule without complaint.

I've owned some genuinely exotic motorcycles that all eventually got on my nerves for the very same reasons that attracted me to them in the first place. I've had much better luck with mundane motorcycles.

[Zerosum]

I've owned some genuinely exotic motorcycles that all eventually got on my nerves for the very same reasons that attracted me to them in the first place. I've had much better luck with mundane motorcycles.

The same could be said for women!  

[Trickyrick]

Or.  I've had my Vee for 20 months and the new owner picks it up Saturday.  I never bonded with the bike at all.  Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad bike at all, I guess I'm not a v-engined person.  I've had 9 bikes in 30 some odd years of riding and 2 were v-twins, 1 was a v-4 and these were the three bikes I never bonded with and didn't keep for very long.

[cmn1771]

thanks to all that responded.  Iv considered the good, bad and the ugly info  .  and Iv decided to get a vstrom!  it seems to be the bike to fit my needs best.  

iv got to sell my Suzuki Burgman 650 first. if anyone knows someone in the market for one, please contact me.  cmn1771@hotmail.com.  Im in Alabama.

Hope to be on a Wee or Vee soon.

-
thanks-
matt

[Wingspan]

I've got a 2008 DL1000 with close to 16,000 miles on the clock so far.  Do I love it?  It's the best bike I've owned so far.  Not the sexiest, not the fastest, or best handling...but day-in-day-out the most fun.  It's not perfect and I've been through a few windscreens trying to find the "right" set-up for me.  That's my biggest complaint. Second would be the stock seat, but a Sargent saddle sorted that out for me. I've farkled it up a fair amount, but with the exception of the windscreen and seat the changes I've made were to add capability and not fix any problems.

[Bad Dad]

Wingspan, what skid plate is that?

[Wingspan]

It's the Adventure Motostuff skidplate with Happy Trails highway pegs.

http://www.amotostuff.com

[Zerosum]

I want a skid plate for my Strom, but only because it would look cool.  

At least I admit it!  

[Wingspan]

I want a skid plate for my Strom, but only because it would look cool.  

At least I admit it!  

Nothing wrong with that, despite what some others might way.  I've yet to take my 'Strom off road.  That said, I have bottomed it out a few times making some slight detours over medians and such.  It was enough that I thought a skid plate would be a wise investment.

[Westy]

Hmmm...only owned mine for couple months but after over 14,000 miles....I really like it.

[Zerosum]

You've put on 14K miles in a "couple of months?"    I'm jealous... that's about what I do in a year.  I just don't have the time.

[Scoop]

You've put on 14K miles in a "couple of months?"    I'm jealous... that's about what I do in a year.  I just don't have the time.

Yah, more like 2 years for me  

[bogfro]

I've had mine since mid-February, and have been averaging 72 miles per day since then.  

[AZstrom]

Still in love.........At 29000 miles and counting.

[Scoop]

OK, mine now has a flat tire and a bad chain.  Whose fault is that....could it be the bike?

[Zerosum]

Still in love.........At 29000 miles and counting.

Did you paint/powdercoat those engine guards?  That looks pretty cool!  

I want to get a set for my V-Strom, but I'm ascared of removing the engine mounting bolt!    It's silly, but I'm afraid that the engine will drop out of alignment with the hole.

[AZstrom]

They came that color... I just did one side at a time, no problems..

[jstark47]

Did you paint/powdercoat those engine guards?  That looks pretty cool!  

I want to get a set for my V-Strom, but I'm ascared of removing the engine mounting bolt!    It's silly, but I'm afraid that the engine will drop out of alignment with the hole.

Been a long time since I put the crash bars on my Strom, but IIRC there was no problem with alignment.  There's several other attach points for the engine, I believe.  It was an easy job.  (Putting on the center stand, on the other hand......   )

[Zerosum]

 (Putting on the center stand, on the other hand......   )

Yeah, I had the shop put that on when I bought mine... at the time I thought I was being lazy, but a few people have since told me that installing it is a real PITA.

[AZstrom]

No joy was gained by riding to day. The motor was bogging badly at full throttle. Went for a pass and just got brrrrrrrrrrr...... ease up on the gas and it would pick up as usual... So it is in the shop for it's 29000 mile tune and lube...Hope the Tech figures it out......

[DavidLSI]

No joy was gained by riding to day. The motor was bogging badly at full throttle. Went for a pass and just got brrrrrrrrrrr...... ease up on the gas and it would pick up as usual... So it is in the shop for it's 29000 mile tune and lube...Hope the Tech figures it out......

29K I am going to guess Air Filter.....

[AZstrom]

It has a K&N filter. I cleaned and oiled it last service... I'll post when I find out more... UPDATE
 Picked it up yesterday.. Full service with valve adj... R and R fuel filter and screen and replaced fuel sender all this was covered under warranty... Nice.... Took off from the parking lot and hit the gas and I get Brrrrrrrrrr. Still no joy. Today I'll try a run with out the PC111. Then plug it back in and try that. I don't think it is the PC..

06/19/09
BINGO............. We have a winner....... Fuel pump is bad, and the filter and the strainer and the gage sender, and they call me silly for getting the extended warranty........ I think not... I pay nada, thank you very much.....

06/28/09... And still I wait. Fuel Pump must have been backordered. I really need to go riding....

Got it back and all is well....

[Lakeguy556]

No

[Zerosum]

So last year, I was all about my (then) new Wee-Strom.  I rode it pretty much exclusively while my Hawk and VFR just sat in the garage.

This year, I've been making an attempt to ride all three more or less equally.  I've been finding that I'm just not happy with the Strom's power output.  It just doesn't have the torque, the off-the-line *snap* that my other bikes do.  Even my Hawk GT, while ultimately slower than the Strom, pulls harder in first gear.  

I'm thinking about altering the gearing to remedy this, either going to a 14t front sprocket or a larger rear sprocket, but I don't want to raise the RPMs too much for highway cruising.  

Anyone here running altered gearing on their Wee Stroms?

[jayhawknavy02]

I'll agree with that, I'm thinking about a 14 tooth, because most stuff is in town.  I love the bike, its enough to stay fun, not so much to get overwhelming for a new rider.  Great mileage and the tank is huge.  I ride mine to work and back every day and usually on the weekend as well.

Suzuki seats suck though.  I have the touring and the stock.

[WSikorski]

Do you love your Vstrom, or would you rather have something else?

Im asking because im thinking of getting one.

-Matt

More in the line of like alot. I have a 2006 that will be 3 years old next month and have put on 30,000 relatively trouble free miles. It's currently in the shop for water pump replacement/rebuild.

It has done everything that I wanted it to do on-road as well as off, but, I'm looking to get into a pure sport tourer. The C14 and FJR are on my short list.

[ABStrommer]

After 37000 km in two years on my 2004 Wee, I moved to a loaded 2007 BMW R1200RT.

Reasons?  ABS, ride, wind protection, shaft drive, integrated luggage, cruise control, etc etc. (plus I could afford it).  Also, it was time for a new bike.

Results?  The RT is unbelievably better in crosswinds, more comfortable in every way, faster, better gas mileage, equally trouble-free (so far after 30,000 km).  For me, it is the perfect commuting/touring bike.

Do I miss my Wee?  No.  I rarely travel on gravel and it did nothing on pavement that I can't do as well or better now.

Would I buy another Wee or Vee?  Not likely, but I would recommend it as a great choice in its class.

My next door neighbor had a Vee and loved it - until he came over and saw the BMW.  Now he is the proud owner of an '06 RT.  He tells me the upgrade was dramatic and he couldn't be happier.

[WSikorski]

After 37000 km in two years on my 2004 Wee, I moved to a loaded 2007 BMW R1200RT.

The RT is on my lust list.

[Scoop]

After 37000 km in two years on my 2004 Wee, I moved to a loaded 2007 BMW R1200RT.

Lol, I did exactly the same thing, only moving from a 2004 Vee to a loaded 2007 R1200RT.  And, I made the move for exactly the same reasons.  I was never overly displeased with my VStrom.  It was a competent and comfortable 2 up tourer and commuter.  I would certainly recommend one to anyone looking for something in that class, especially for the price.  But, it lacked a certain something, character I guess.
I love my new Beemer for exactly the same reasons you cited as well!

[stromgal]

I'm a few hundred shy of 80,000 on Hi-Ho Silver. While I lust after other bikes occasionally, I still haven't been moved enough to spend the money on something else.

But I ride solo, so it's got plenty of get up & go.

[CosmicCowboy]

After 1000+ miles on the Vee, yes, I love it.

[Zerosum]

I'd like to ride the Vee, just to see what it's like.  I've never ridden a big twin.  Maybe someday I can hook up with a Vee rider who feels the same way about the Wee and we can trade.

[cmn1771]

well, I finally got a wee!  It took along time to find one but it was worth the wait.  Its a 2007, 9000 miles, nicely farkled.  Im a happy man.

-Matt

[pearsonm]

OK, I’m getting the Wee Strom fever. If I get past the looks my biggest concern will be the suspension. I weigh ~205 lbs and got into track days a couple years ago. I now understand how ridiculous stock, Japanese suspensions are. At the same time I don’t need a $1,200 suspension on a street bike.

As I understand it, the Wee Strom has the same ridiculous damping rod setup in the forks as my SV650. Am I correct to assume springs and RT emulators are the answer?

Now for the bad part - what about the shock? There was a time when you could get a reasonably-priced Fox or Progressive for the SV but those days are gone since the introduction of the 2nd generations. Penske is the most common SV aftermarket shock now but they cost ~$800 for a double clicker. I tried a transplant unit from a ZX-10R but it was a waste of time and money.

What, if anything, are you guys doing? I'd be using this bike to zip over to places like national forests to explore dirt roads. No trails or gnarly off-roading, just nice, relaxing weekend rides.

[garry]

I believe Wilburs makes a fully adjustable shock with remote preload for the Wee. I just put a stiffer spring from on the stock shock. The forks are way undersprung, even for a flyweight like me (160 lbs). The stiffer springs and fresh fork oil made a big improvement in the handling. I've read that a fork brace helps too.

[pearsonm]

I just put a stiffer spring from on the stock shock.

Wow, you can do that on the Wee Strom? I don't think it can be done on a stock SV shock. I just assumed the two had similar construction.

I changed the shock spring on my old supermoto without having it revalved and it seemed to work fine. It had the spin-off collars which made things really easy. Did you have to use a spring compressor on your Strom shock?

[County Tar]

Just get a Hyperpro rear spring kit.  I have a DL1000 shock with Hyperpro spring on my DL650.  Works pretty good.  I weigh a lot.  

[eye.surgeon]

After 37000 km in two years on my 2004 Wee, I moved to a loaded 2007 BMW R1200RT.

Reasons?  ABS, ride, wind protection, shaft drive, integrated luggage, cruise control, etc etc. (plus I could afford it).  Also, it was time for a new bike.

Results?  The RT is unbelievably better in crosswinds, more comfortable in every way, faster, better gas mileage, equally trouble-free (so far after 30,000 km).  For me, it is the perfect commuting/touring bike.

Do I miss my Wee?  No.  I rarely travel on gravel and it did nothing on pavement that I can't do as well or better now.

Would I buy another Wee or Vee?  Not likely, but I would recommend it as a great choice in its class.

My next door neighbor had a Vee and loved it - until he came over and saw the BMW.  Now he is the proud owner of an '06 RT.  He tells me the upgrade was dramatic and he couldn't be happier.

I went in the other direction. I sold my K1200GT and bought a wee. I loved the GT but I hated the 6,000 mile required dealer service that was never less than $400 and often was pushing $1k depending on the service. Also the thing cost me thousands in tires per year. With the Wee, I can do most of my own service, it's gentle on the tires because it doesn't have 152 HP, hell of a lot lighter in the twisties which means for much of my riding it's actually faster than the GT.

[Logan]

I've got three bikes, and I ride the vstrom 1000 more than the other two combined. It's by far the best all around bike I own.

[Uwe]

I had a 2004 DL 1000 for a bit over 3 years.   When I got it, I had been away from bikes for some time, and I was looking for something with a "standard" riding position but with some degree of wind protection, which would be comfortable on long tours.     While it was totally reliable and did everything I wanted reasonably competently, it didn't do anything particularly well.    When fully loaded with touring gear, the handling was not at all confidence-inspiring, in fact it was downright scary in heavy cross winds.   Despite all attempts at synchronizing the throttles and tuning the EFI, the big L-Twin engine was anything but smooth .   The tranny was clunky.  The weather protection was far from ideal.   The only thing about the 'Strom that I occasionally miss is its long-travel suspension, which was great on really crappy roads, but the the FJR I have now is a much better touring bike, and the VFR is much more fun on day rides.    

Nonetheless, I could have only one bike and was on a tight budget, I might consider a Wee (due to its smoother engine, lighter weight, and available ABS).

-Uwe-

[lionswings]

I loved everything about my DL1000 except for how tall it was.  I put on lowering links and it was still a bit too tall for me.  I'm riding an FJR now and love it for touring...but miss some of the things I could do with the VStrom.  

[axelwik]

I got a Wee back in 2008. Still stone-reliable even with my running it hard and putting it away wet. I popped the valve covers off today for the first time to check valve clearance and with almost 25,000 miles they were still within spec. I haven't done anything but change the oil, filter and tires - just today got around to changing the coolant, brake fluid, and valve check. And the plugs still looked good.

[Oxblood]

I did love my Wee. It was a fun bike. But then I went and got this in December:

[Punchdude]

What are the pros/cons of the 650 vs the 1000? Besides the obvious power difference and fuel economy?

Many say go with the 650 over the 1000....but why?  I've read the 1000 engine isn't nearly as smooth.

Any other discernable differences and why one would pick one over the other?

Is the 1000 more problematic for some reason when compared to the 650?

[Cablebandit]

The 1000 is about 50 pounds heavier and the clutch has issues to go along with the less than smooth engine.

[Delegate1k]

What are the pros/cons of the 650 vs the 1000? Besides the obvious power difference and fuel economy?

Many say go with the 650 over the 1000....but why?  I've read the 1000 engine isn't nearly as smooth.

Any other discernable differences and why one would pick one over the other?

Is the 1000 more problematic for some reason when compared to the 650?

I suggest you go look at http://www.stromtrooper.com/index.php.  It is another great site with lots of info.

[County Tar]

Plus you can read the never ending debate, 1000 vs. 650, ad nauseum.  

[Lon]

The 1000 is about 50 pounds heavier and the clutch has issues to go along with the less than smooth engine.

40lbs, actually.  

The DL1000 engine does vibrate quite a bit and can be snatchy under 3,000 RPM (nominally fixable with chip/remap; I have not done this yet).  The 1000 is geared pretty tall from the factory.

The DL650's engine is quite smooth and the EFI is well-sorted, as are the gear ratios.

The clutch issue doesn't affect all of the 1000s, predominantly plaguing the 2002-2003 model years (it is less common but still reported in later model years).  Said issue ("chudder") is pretty much an annoyance; it makes the bike vibrate more, reducing ride quality, but it's not dangerous.  There are many claimed fixes for the problem, ranging from replacing the basket to modifying it to installation of SV1000 parts (which gives you a slipper clutch).

DL1000 has a whole lot more power on tap.  It has approximately 50% more torque across the entire RPM range at the wheel with only approximately 8% more weight.  It pulls a lot harder at all times.

DL650 is less top-heavy and has a lower seat height.  The DL1000 carries those 40lbs pretty high up, or so it feels.  Combine that with a higher seat height, and the 1000 can be downright intimidating for some people.

The DL1000 has cartridge forks - they're fine (not great), but I'm on the last ring of preload adjustment on the forks after setting static sag with just me and a loaded tail bag - and I'm not a big guy; 5'5" / 165# (yes, I ride "too tall" bikes).

The DL650 has damper rod forks.  The front end on the DL650 is bad (if not terrible).  Fortunately, it's not a hard thing to fix. Figure ~$260 for new springs, some Race Tech cartridge emulators, some fork oil, and some elbow grease and you're good.

Both bikes may or may not buffet your head - and if they do buffet your head, they may or may not do it so badly that it blurs your vision.    There are many potential fixes for this, depending on your body style / height / hair color.

I'd say that, from the factory, the DL650 is easier to ride with intuitive handling and has enough on tap to make you smile.  On the other hand, the DL1000 is easier to ride hard, with a better front end and way more grunt.

Now... here's the thing.

I bought the 1000 because I like engine vibrations and grunt.  I wanted a R1200GS, but I can buy two V-Stroms for the same price as one GS.

[skater69]

I sold my SV1000 (put 15K mi on it) and replaced it with my '06 WeeStrom 650.  The 650 engine is MUCH MUCH MUCH better than the 1000 engine.  I don't care if it has less grunt.  It's just so....nice in comparison. The 1000 on my SV vibrated and was noisy and unrefined....and it got old.  Yeah my SV was faster but not by a landslide and after riding the DL650, I could care less.  The Wee scoots plenty fast up to 100.  If you need those 100-125 bursts then the 1000 will have to be your bike. I kept my Blackbird so I have that for the speed fix.

My 650 came with an Ohlins rear shock and upgraded springs.  It handles awesome.  If you're in the market for one, go used as someone else has probably  put on the necessary farkles (madstad bracket, fork brace, lowered..etc).
I really like the Wee.....sounds good with a Scorpion slip-on too.  Very comfortable to boot.

[Castaway]

I'm getting more comfortable with my DL1000 - it's good for the city roads (though a bit challenging for lane splitting), has decent room for riding two up, gets decent mileage and can go 200 miles before a fill-up, and the upright riding ergonomics are good for my knees/wrists. It is disappointing to have a 'modern' bike with the shakes, but I'm learning to ignore it.

[chas]

Like yes, love no.  If Suzuki could fix the running issues below 3500 rpm it would gain in my esteem.  Now my 1999 Blackbird was a bike to love.  6th gear is useless unless your on the interstate.  It does sound great when backing down through the gears.

[exbanditrider]

Only had my Vee 3 months but loving it!

[mvg2]

Here's my strom on it's maiden voyage



Enjoyed the bike then and enjoy it now, but after only 6 months ownership I'm ready for something else. Just can't seem to gel with the bike like I have with some previous bikes.  No complaints but no raving either