Hello,
I am new to this site and am getting ready to buy my first V Strom 650.
I am torn between the new style or old... 2012
Can anyone give me some insight on which is better etc...?

I really like the front end of the old style. 2011 or older
It seems like more wind coverage and blockage due to being larger.
All input is welcomed. Thank you in advance.
West

I've had both. The stock windscreen on the new bike works better as far as buffeting is concerned. The Glee also feels lighter and more powerful, is more comfortable and doesn't have front end lift at speed. Both need windscreen and seat help if you want to ride all day but help is available. A thread on mine is so greywolf whats it like ?

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Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A is just getting started.
Nicknames for posting ease on my part, Vee = all DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 DL650s. Glee = 2012+ DL650s

I can't think of anything the old model is better at. Not big differences but the new is better than the old in several ways.

Top ten reasons to buy the new vs. the old

1. The 2012 is better looking, my opinion true, but I think the majority agrees.

2. Better suspension, firmer front spring rate, more travel on the rear.

3. One of the first things I noticed easier shifting, and quieter shifting, especially going into 1st from neutral ( no clunk sound) I have yet to miss a shift in 4 months or 4K miles. On the old I would miss 5th to 6th at least once a month.

4. No front end clunk

5. clutch feels better

6. quieter engine when in neutral and clutch out, old model sounds like marbles rattling around in a can

7. More low and mid-range power. I can cruise around at 3K-4K now and not feel like I am lugging the engine, older model below 5K and it felt like I was lugging it

8. About 5 mpg better for me YMMV!

9. Feels even more flickable, yeah suck-it VEE owners!

10. Some say better brakes, I can't tell much difference here

That's just off the top of my head.

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Kevin

L2 DL650A The Orange Machine
K7 DL650 Hi Yo Silver R.I.P!

I looked extensively at the 2012 before I bought an 07. I agree with all of the comments. I pretty much like everything about the new bike better.

The old bike however is a proven machine and would certainly please. One thing I am not sure about as far as the comment above is the lugging the engine below 5k. Maybe that is fully loaded up a mountain in elevation. On my 07 it I feel no lugging as low as 3k and can climb my local hills 10% grade at 3.5k with no lugging. MPG is likely not hugely different. Most of that is how you ride. My first fill on my commuting tank was just over 60mpg. I suspect I will get 65 once I figure the bike out.

The only reason I went with the 07 was $. It allowed me to get a bike cash and with a new one I would have to finance a portion. I saved about 3500 and the bike had 1500 miles. A fair trade off for me. Besides then I can always dream about the next best thing

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2007 DL650a

2006 Ninja 500r

2006 KLX250s SOLD

The Zero Down/Zero % financing walked me into a new '12 Vstrom 650 over finding an older model for less $.

I happened to really like the New ADV model and apreciated the fact I didn't need to do much to finish it to meet my needs.

Nothing like trying to explain buying a "new" bike and then having to throw cash at it to get it "right".

DSR650.

Any thoughts on what is better a 1000 vs. a 650 besides price and power?


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I had a 2008 X model which had every farkle that was going fitted on it with only 12k miles on so it seemed ridiculous to upgrade to the 2012 Glee. My local dealer was offering test rides on the new model and i knew i shouldnt but curiosity killed the cat! Well the rest is history the new bike was everything thats been said previosly but what convinced me more than anything else was the handling rather like getting off a cruiser on to a sports bike.After a few weeks a demo model came up with 460 miles on it complete with bash plate hand guards and tank pad as you can guess i had to go for it and now ive done 3 k miles and the bike is fantastic, i cant think of any thing else i would swap for. The old model is a great bike but if you want my advice if you have the $ go for the new model.

That is about it, the 1000 is more expensive and more powerful.
The 1000's front suspension SHOULD be better, but isn't set up better than the pre-2012 DL 650 suspension.

Hydraulic clutch - which can be a serious PITA.

It's also a bit better built in a few places. (rear footpegs , Overdrive light).

The 650 is the better of the two bikes by far, the 1000's advantage really only lies in the extra power - and it's not that much extra. Less than many inline 4 600cc sportsbikes.

If you travel long distances 2-up at high speed the 1000 would be better, otherwise the 650 does it all anyway and with a lot less problems.

Pete

650 vs 1000: the definitive thread

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Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A is just getting started.
Nicknames for posting ease on my part, Vee = all DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 DL650s. Glee = 2012+ DL650s

What is the reason for the difference in handling?

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2007 DL650a

2006 Ninja 500r

2006 KLX250s SOLD