V-Strom 650 or 1000?

[DogBoy]

The DL650 also has twice the horsepower, six speeds and weighs less than a hundred pounds more. It will easily outrun the KLR.

[SWriverstone]

Okay, last question (I promise)...has anyone heard anything negative about the new DL650 w/ABS? (I've heard rumors of "wooden" brakes, etc.)

Scott

[garry]

I've heard that:

- the exhaust is different and there are limited options in the aftermarket

- you can't sync the throttle bodies yourself anymore

[cb400]

On my 8800 mile used one, in 30 miles I'm already looking to order new HH+ pads, so I'm not real impressed with the front brakes.

I will say that in those 3o miles, they either got better, or I learned to squeeze harder, one or the other. I had to set the adjuster to the largest span as well.

Rear brake felt good, not that I use it much.

--jeff

[roadsurfer]

I'll join the chorus here...

Like many have said, you really need to ride them both to make up your mind.  Another factor, if you plan on doing longish tours fully loaded, the DL1000 might be the better choice.  I have the big strom, and it was the right choice for me because I'm a big guy (220 lbs.) and I do quite a few 7-8 day tours with fully loaded hard cases and tank bag.

I bought mine new in April 2003 and it now has 89,000 miles on the odo.  The only problem I've had is the fuel pump went at around 65k.  It's been a great bike, but honestly, if most of my riding was commuting and weekend canyon strafing I'd probably have gone with the DL650 (except they didn't have them in '03 when I bought mine).

For the money, they're both outstanding motorsickles.  

[august]

Riverstone, I have the same problem as you, almost.  I presently ride an 03 KLR and am on the list to get the next 08 KLR that comes in. Although I am getting tired of waiting.Which is causing me to start looking at some other bikes, as well as maybe wanting something different from the KLR.

I have ridden the new 08 KLR, and I will say they have made some really good changes to it. Less vibration, better wind protection,bike feels more solid and stable on dirt and pavement, brakes are better , motor seems better at low rpm high gear situations. Less likely to buck and snort, smoother it seems.

That being said, I have a terrible urge to get the Wee.   I went to a dealer yesterday and tested one for a short ride. Had to talk alot just to get a ride at all on a brand new bike.

I am very impressed with the wee.  It will flat out run away from the KLR on the road.  Very smooth at any speed. Couldn't do much other than a 1/2 mile of gravel road, but it seemed fine on that. The rpm's are pretty high at higher speeds, but it is so smooth you really don't notice the rpm's. The KLR at 75 is pretty all out, but the wee still has lots left.

The wee doesn't have any off road protection like gravel protection for the motor and such, no hand guards, and you can tell it is heavier, but nothing that I thought was so bad it would be a deal breaker.

Long story short, I want a wee bad!!!!!!!!!!!!   but the bad part is the money. My Kaw. dealer gave me an awfully good deal for my old KLR. It will cost me at least 1500 to 1800 more to get the wee, depending on if I sell my old KLR my self or trade it in.

I can get the wee otd for $6271.  I have to pay sales tax on top of that.  I am sorely tempted to get the wee, but I am just a little afraid that it might not be quite as dirt worthy.  But, I don't do much other than graveled  roads, and really well kept two track.

Sorry to make this so long, but I just thought Riverstone and I are sharing some of the same issues. I will say though the wee is a pure delight , and if I didn't have a little bit of tightwad in me, I would already be on one.

Looking forward to more debate, might help me make up my mind.

[SWriverstone]

August and others—see my new thread on my first ride on the DL650...
http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,9970.0.html

Scott