Just Curious...

[strombolie]

I just sold my 2000 BMW R1100RT and I'm looking into a V-Strom. Going from an 1100cc down to a 650cc, would I notice a big difference in power? How is two-up on a 650cc, does it feel underpowered? Should I go for a DL1000 instead? Since nobody locally lets you test ride them I'm relying on your comments and suggestions. I'll basically be doing some around the town rides and weekend touring, maybe 300-400 mile days at the most. anybody hook up a GPS to the V-Strom? What kind of cost should I be looking at for a new 04 DL1000?

Thanks!

[RubberDown]

I had a 2000 R1100RTSE and a 2001 R1150GSA and I prefer my DL650 to both. Power is very similar to the 1150GS but waaaaaaaaaaaay lighter and more agile. I have a Garmin 276C on my Wee-Strom and love it. I don't do two up but I've heard it'll do just fine. Don't discount the power of the Wee-Strom it's a great all around motorcycle IMO. 8)

[DaveJ]

I've gone from a 99 R1100RT to a 99 F650 to a 05 DL650. Only got 550 miles in the last 3 1/2 weeks, but it compares nicely with the R1100 in power. Only one ride with my wife on the back, but could not tell she was there. It has plenty of power. Nice bike, build quality seems as good as the BMW's I've owned.

[BmwDuc]

Just rode a VStrom back from CT to VA and I'm liking it the best of all. Lighter, narrower, etc.

GPS is mounted and works great (previous owner's work).

And best of all is the price, it's more bang for the buck than any BMW i've owned.

My plan was to go with the 650, but found a used 1000 at a great price. But I think the 650 would be the ticket unless you were planning some really long, two-up trips.

[Imagine]

I have a Z1000 and a DL650. Two completely different worlds when you talk about power. The DL650 does just fine riding two-up. I was worried that the 650 motor would bore me because I'm use to a 130hp motorcycle.. Boy was I wrong! You wont win any race running two-up with the 650, but it will move along just fine. The DL650 is so light you can carry a decent corner speed on it. I haven't found myself down shifting because I need more power to much.

[Joe S.]

I've had an R1150GS and now have a dl650.
First off the DL does not have as much power as any dyno comparison of the two engines can easily verify.
The DL is just about the same acceleration wise but its done with gears to maximize the efficiency of what the engine has. My R1150 had a much taller sixth gear (tall first gear too for that matter).
The only thing I think a bmw rider might notice that would be a bit dificult to deal with is the fact that the dl is a pretty busy engine at higher speeds. At a true 70 mph (by gps) its spinning pretty fast, I believe around 5k. It doesn't have much vibration but just the having it rev that high constantly might be a bit disturbing if you're used to low reving twins.
I think if you want to do dirt roads a fair amount that the 650 is the better choice because of the lighter weight. If you're thinking all road or mostly road then I might have a hard look at the 1000. If i'd wanted the dl as my only bike or primarily a road bike I almost certainly would have gotten the 1000. Having owned a SV1000 (similar to the dl1000 engine) I think its one of the best powertrains available.