V-Strom 650 or 1000?

[SWriverstone]

This is still highly speculative...but I might be getting a new bike in the next month (so Holly can ride my VFR). I'm seriously considering the V-Strom, but having trouble deciding between the 650 and 1000.

I know the "Wee" is by far the most popular...but I'm guessing this is because it tends to be an "only" dual-sport bike for those owners, so naturally the lighter weight is an advantage off-pavement. I already have a KLR, so I'm all set for any off-pavement riding. If I buy a V-Strom, it's likely to see about 95% pavement riding (maybe 100%)...

...which is why I'm looking at the 1000. Seems to me the greater power would be preferable if you're strictly on pavement, right? Or are there other disadvantages to the 1000 that I'm not aware of? (For example, is the 650 just as fast on pavement and gets better fuel efficiency? Is the 1000 a big fat pig?)

I just noticed another big plus for the 650: it appears Suzuki is now selling the 650 with ABS, which I definitely want! So I'm wondering: will they make the 1000 with ABS? Or are the 1000's sales numbers so low it's not worth it?

For what it's worth, I was considering the 1000 also because I'm a big guy---6'0, 220lbs...so I definitely want something that will easily pass vehicles already going 65mph (unlike my KLR!).

Any thoughts?

Scott

PS - Just checked specs, and dry weight difference is far less than I thought! 427lbs (Wee) vs. 458 (1000). That's only 21lbs difference, not even worth mentioning in my book...which makes me wonder even more why everyone seems to like the Wee?

[cb400]

I'm in exactly the same boat. I want the 1K, but way I hear it, from people that have had both, the 650 is the better choice.

It's hard one, and I've done a crapload of research.  

1000k torque.
650 nimble.

the 1K had cartridge forks, the 650 damper rod.

If you want ABS, 650 is the only game in town.

Soon as the VFR goes away, I'l have to really decide.

I like them both.

--jeff

[SWriverstone]

Guess I need to ride one, but fat chance, since it's a global law that no living human can test ride a Japanese bike at a dealer.  

Already having a 650---the KLR, which I love---it's hard to imagine a 650 having much more power than my KLR. (But then again, the KLR is a single-cylinder thumper, and not a V-twin.)

I love my KLR for what it is...but I definitely want something with more get-up-and-go for long-distance pavement travel. (And I'll be giving up a VFR to ride the Strom, so that's where I'd be coming from power-and-torque-wise...)

Scott

[TheCloser]

I had a 2002 DL1000 before I bought my Buell Lightning and thought it was a really great bike.  Excellent power, very comfortable, and even decent handling in the twisties.  There are some riders here in SoCal, especially GTS_Rider, who are phenomenally fast on 1000cc V-Stroms that they literally defy description.  Mine was very bulletproof and never gave me any problems at all.

I would heartily recommend buying one!  

[garry]

You can ride my Wee Strom if you want Scott. I rode a 1000 and was not impressed, even with the power. I found the Ulysses and Multistrada much more fun. When I test rode the used 650 I bought (because it was cheap, $4K), it felt nimble enough to rail in the twisties despite be close in weight on the spec sheet. Meet me in the middle somewhere in WV and we'll swap bikes for a bit.

EDIT: I think you'll be amazed at how much faster the DL650 is than a 650 thumper. 65 HP versus 35 HP. The 100# weight difference doesn't make up that big a difference in power. The Wee cruises effortlessly on the interstate at an indicated 80 MPH and will gladly go faster.

[SWriverstone]

You can ride my Wee Strom if you want Scott. I rode a 1000 and was not impressed, even with the power. I found the Ulysses and Multistrada much more fun. When I test rode the used 650 I bought (because it was cheap, $4K), it felt nimble enough to rail in the twisties despite be close in weight on the spec sheet. Meet me in the middle somewhere in WV and we'll swap bikes for a bit.

EDIT: I think you'll be amazed at how much faster the DL650 is than a 650 thumper. 65 HP versus 35 HP. The 100# weight difference doesn't make up that big a difference in power. The Wee cruises effortlessly on the interstate at an indicated 80 MPH and will gladly go faster.

Thanks for the offer Garry. If I go this route (Holly permitting, LOL), I'll absolutely give you a holler and come your way for a test ride. Yes, I'm sure I'd find a non-thumper 650 a lot more powerful!

What kind of fuel efficiency have you been getting Garry?

Scott

[garry]

What kind of fuel efficiency have you been getting Garry?

50+ MPG on my ESTN trip. I've seen high-40s pre-ESTN, but I just put a new air filter and plugs in it before the trip, so maybe that helped.

[SWriverstone]

That's downright respectable!  

Just rode over to the local dealer at lunch, and they have an '07 DL650 sitting in the showroom that's been there (I'm fairly certain) for a year (nobody in Squidland is interested, LOL). The tag price was $5,999. I bet I could talk 'em down... But that's without ABS...and after our recent...err..."experience" coming back from ESTN, I'm feeling more addicted than ever to ABS...

Scott

[DogBoy]

The '07's didn't hit dealers until last September so I doubt the bike has been there for a year.  

I'll second garry's comments. The 650 is no über powerhouse but its a great, flexible engine with plenty of midrange.. I have no problem passing cars in tight canyons or running up to 100mph on mine. In fact I had trouble keeping it down to 90 a few weeks ago in the eastern Sierra. And that was above 6000 ft. elevation. I get anywhere from 44 to 50 mpg.

One thing about V-Stroms is the mirrors and gauges are the best I've ever encountered. The big tank is a plus, too.

[VAX]

PS - Just checked specs, and dry weight difference is far less than I thought! 427lbs (Wee) vs. 458 (1000). That's only 21lbs difference

That's 31 lbs.

[garry]

$5800 + title, tax and plate (no extra fees) is about as good as it gets on the 650. That price is typically on last year's new/leftovers, not current model year bikes.

[Mastros2]

I was in the same boat as you but decided that the 650 wee would'ove been a better bike for my riding style.  Great for commuting, good for 2-up touring, nice and nimble, better fuel economy and cheaper.  

FYI, I decided to keep my X1 due to having too much fun on it!  Couldn't part with it and wife wouldn't let met get a 3rd bike!  Also, I get 50+mpg on the Buell so I have decided that my next bike would have to have better fuel economy than it.  

I guess this is my way to fight "big oil."

[CLAY]

I took a 1000 for a ride before I bought my Bandit 1200.  The local BMW dealership had a used one in stock, so riding it wasn't a problem.  

All I can say is *wow*.  It was awesome. Tons o' power.  On a nice, srtaight patch of highway I got 130 and it was still rapidly climbing- that's where I quit- the bike still wanted to go.  Lots of torque as well.  I never drove the 650, so I'm a bit biased there.

I was looking for one when I came into the B12 for a steal, so I bought it.  I too was planning to spend 95-100% on the road...

[john66]

I'm glad I have the 1000 instead of the 650. I'm only a buck 40, and when I get on it, it just takes off like a rocket. My wife is a little heavier than me (luckily she'll never see this) and it moves us around pretty good in the mountains. Alone, I average 50mpg when I do about 65-70mph. At about 80 I get 43-45. The dual exhaust evens out the looks. The only mods I've done was lower it 3/4", installed a taller/wider windshield, and put a centerstand on.

[armymedic]

I was at the same crossroads when I sold my Sprint ST. DL650 or 1000? I ended up buying a farkled out 02 DL1K and I have zero regrets! Just finished a 3 day trip around UT (See Ride Report: Everything Good in Utah) and I have to say that the 1000 had all the handling, power, torque, off-road capability and load carrying capacity I could ever want! I much enjoy a lower RPM at high speeds too than with a 650. One of the guys with us had a Multistrada and after riding his, it felt like riding a kids trike...Waaaay small. I'd never take one of those offroad! (Too pretty!)

Good Luck.
Kevin

[SWriverstone]

Good replies. Still seems like a tough choice! Lots of people rant and rave about their 650s...and ditto with the 1000s. Since I'm pretty much getting one for the street (because I'll likely hang on to my KLR for the gnarly stuff)...I'm leaning toward the 1000. (And I really like the symmetrical pipes under the seat---a single pipe always bugged me, LOL).

The weight difference doesn't really seem like a factor (31lbs). I mean, many people say the 650 isn't exactly a dirtbike offroad, which would be true of the 1000 as well. On the other hand, I'm sure either would be fine for well-graded dirt and gravel roads, which is all mine would ever likely see.

The 650 has ABS...and I'm wondering what's up with 'Zuki not providing them on 1000??? So that could tilt me toward the 650.

Tough choice.
Scott

[stromgal]

Rumours are that the '08 1K will get some changes,  including ABS.

I've got 49,000 on my '03, currently in the midst of a coast to coast ride; tomorrow I'll be heading from San Berdoo towards the Strom West Meet in Reno. The Strom has been uber-reliable, comfortable, and fun.

You can't go wrong with either version.

bj

[andmoon]

I traded an sv1000 for a dl650.  The motor is no comparo in the hp dept.  I also rode a 1K dl and decided on the wee as the 30lb doesn't seem like anything significant on paper but in reality the wee rides much much smaller than the 1K.

[Baz]

I rode them both in one day, and I would take the 1000 hands down. I saw no advantage with the wee strom.

hehehe, but this question is kind of like an oil thread!

[Req]

From what I hear, the 650 does everything better than the 1000 except for:

2-up riding
and going stupid fast.

2-up was a big part of my plan, so I got a 1K.  I'm very glad I did, it's a real hoot to ride and no slouch in the twisties at all.  Make sure the riding position's right for you, though; honestly I think my Bandit fit me a little bit better.