1000 or 650?

[eroc]

I'm in the market and am absolutley convinced that the V-Strom is for me.

However, my ego won't get over the idea of getting the 1000 over the 650. I'm 6'2", so the height is no problem. I live in the city and will drive in traffic - but am also 4 miles from a National Park with 400+ miles of twisties! I will take the occasional road trip from LA to San Fran in order to go and show off the new wheels to my 996 Duck riding Uncle.

Frankly, I like the price of the 650. Am I really getting a lot less of a bike? Convince me of why I should buy the 650 instead of the 1000. (Or vice-cersa)

Thanks - this is my first post!

e

[JRE]

If you plan on carrying a passenger and a lot of gear, go for the 1k. If not, stick with the 650. It's better on gas, lighter and has ample power.

[Vstealth]

Welcome aboard Eroc --

I suggest a comparo of both bikes
with test rides if at all possible.

I myself went with the DL650.
I think it's got plenty of usable
power. This is just an opinion,
but I believe the large majority
of riders cannot "ride past" a
DL650. That they cannot really
make use of more power. For
them a DL1000 will only be "more"
in the straights and will cost them
2x in rear rubber.

Again, with your twisty heaven at
hand, I would give the lighter weight
of the DL650 a close look. The 650
will handle two up fine. It is smoother.

Both have the same build quality,
same basic chassis. The DL1000
has cartridge forks.

Of course, one of each would be best.

8)

vs

P.S. What is your riding experience and
what bikes have you owned previously ?

[bikeslut]

I was ready to get the 650, and started talking about some multi-day trips... Then the wife says she wants to go too... check the bank account, total up our/luggage weight... I decided on the 1000, based on street use. In the twisties, the weight (to me) disappears, but on the dirt I feel EVERY pound. If you are riding solo, in the twisties and occasionally dirt, from everything I hear, the 650 will be fine.

[eroc]

This is all great info. It really sounds like the 650 is the way to go. It allows me to spend a little cash on extra bags and a tank of gas. Fourtunatley my wife is tiny so adding her to the mix occasionally shouldn't be a problem. Hey, maybe I can put her in one of the bags!?

....Oh God, I hope she doesn't read this! She packs a punch.

This is the first bike that I will own. All of my riding has been long and short term loaners. My most noteable riding experience has come from riding a Duck 996 on the backroads along the coast just south of San Francisco. It's WAY more bike than I need, I'm WAY too tall for it, I can't carry anything, I can't go off road, It's unfogiving as hell...but damn is it fun and I look great on it...well, as long as I keep my helmet on. :shock:

Presently I live in norteast LA in an area called Eagle Rock which is nestled in the foothills between Glendale and Pasadena. Anyone here living in California?

Thanks for the thoughts everyone!

Eroc :idea:

[csr67]

Eroc,

There's several So. CA members on this board. I'm a little east of you in Chino Hills. Both me and my neighbor own dl650's. Great bike, you will not be disappointed. I bought mine in Feb., expect to pay around $6900 out the door for a new 2005 650.

[marndo]

I'm also in the market and am really leaning towards the 1000. I'm 6'2" and 250 lbs and want to be able to do some 100-200 mile 2-up trips with the wife who is small 100lbs. I know the added seat height of the 1000 compounds the feel of the added weight but is the added weight really that much considering the added power. The dry weights for the bikes are listed as:
1000 - 462lb
650- 418
A difference of only 48 pounds.

[JRE]

I'm 6'2" 250lb and my wife is 150lb and I don't any trouble riding 2up onthe 650, even on hills. I don't ride 2 up a lot though so I don't know how comfortable long trips would be.

[briandtw]

I'm also facing this same decision in the next couple of weeks. I know I'm going to get either the 650 or the 1000, but am getting conflicting information. I'm leaning toward the 650, but here's my biggest potential concern -- how much smoother is the 1000 than the 650 at highway speeds? Those of you with 650s -- is there a lot of vibration at 75-80 mph? Would there be less with the 1000?

Thanks in advance....

[JRE]

I haven't ridden the 1000 but ny 650 is very smooth. Maybe not as much so as my CBR600 but it's an inline 4 vs. the V-twin.

[heikkil]

how much smoother is the 1000 than the 650 at highway speeds? Those of you with 650s -- is there a lot of vibration at 75-80 mph? Would there be less with the 1000?

I own a DL650 and have ridden DL1000 a few times and must say in my opinion 650 has less vibrations. Actually for a V2 it spins like an electric engine; no annoying vibes at all!

[briandtw]

how much smoother is the 1000 than the 650 at highway speeds? Those of you with 650s -- is there a lot of vibration at 75-80 mph? Would there be less with the 1000?

I own a DL650 and have ridden DL1000 a few times and must say in my opinion 650 has less vibrations. Actually for a V2 it spins like an electric engine; no annoying vibes at all!

Thanks for the info. The dealer is going to let me test drive a 1000, but I think I'm really going to do the 650. Sounds like the better value.

[TomG]

I find it very smooth, too. My inline four vibrated more than the 650, especially around 5000 RPM.

[marndo]

I too am ready to buy next week and am suffering with the 1000/650 decision. I plan on riding it for work which has me doing 200+ miles on the slab at least twice a week. I also plan on doing at least one multi-day 500-1000 (50% gravel roads) mile trip a month. My only remaining concern is what bike would be more comfortable and suitable the highway. I'm 6"2'/270lbs and am getting back on a bike after a 10 year break. I think the 1000 may be just too much bike on the loose stuff. I'm still leaning towards the 650 as I prefer the lower weight as well.

[TomG]

I haven't ridden the 1000 but the 650 is perfectly happy to hum along at 80MPH all day long.

[CaseyStromRider]

How does the power commander unit affect buzziness, performance, etc. in the 1000 vs 650 comparison?

[kutch]

Have been looking for a good "all-rounder" myself and many people (publications) have been praising it...especially the 650. The link below is from MCNews, a no frills, no Endorsement type of place...They really like the 650 over the 1000 in many applications.

ps: Hi, 1st post...

-kutch


http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/model_eval/VStrom05A.pdf

[Houston357]

Both!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jag44]

Gang, I am 6'4" and weigh 250 and the Wee Strom has plenty of get up and go for me. I drive it about 140 mile round trip to work from above Baltimore to south of Washington DC and it works fine on both beltways. I went with the 650 in blue since it was my first bike in many years and i am very pleased with it. I would go with the Wee Strom and then sell it and get the bigger one if you really need it. I will tell you it is not a racebike but it is a fun ride especially in the twisties.

Mark J.

[Attack Pug]

I too am in the market, I rode each 650 and a 1000 back to back.
650 smooth light,1000 a little heavier more power, I think I need more POWer :wink:

[Mr G]

I'm in the market and am absolutley convinced that the V-Strom is for me.

However, my ego won't get over the idea of getting the 1000 over the 650. I'm 6'2", so the height is no problem. I live in the city and will drive in traffic - but am also 4 miles from a National Park with 400+ miles of twisties! I will take the occasional road trip from LA to San Fran in order to go and show off the new wheels to my 996 Duck riding Uncle.

Frankly, I like the price of the 650. Am I really getting a lot less of a bike? Convince me of why I should buy the 650 instead of the 1000. (Or vice-cersa)

Thanks - this is my first post!
e

I always get the largest engine. That way there are no regrets later on. The DL1000 is probably the most fun to ride bike I have owned. It replaced a BMW 1150GS and there is no comparison. It's faster, handles much better and is 150 lbs lighter making the dirt roads much more enjoyable. I haven't ridden the 650 but I am large, 6'3" 300 lbs and find the 1000's power just at the edge where it might be considered scary fast. Perfect for me.

[deanzat]

I didn't realize my condition was so common! I'm getting back into riding after a seven year hiatus, and simply cannot convince myself that a BMW R1150R is worth the money (now and later). So I did some research and settled on the VStrom.

My dealer has a used 03 1000 as well as two new 650s. In effect, they're the same price.

I've had a 600 (Yamaha Seca II) and a 900 (Triumph Sprint). I loved the power of the 900, and I loved the weight of the 600. I distinctly remember, toward the end, pushing the 900 up my steep driveway and thinking I would only own smaller, lighter bikes in the future. But oh, it was so nice on the freeway!

I sold the Triumph after tearing up my shoulder. My right shoulder is still bad, so I think the lighter bike may treat me better. But my ego sure leans toward the 1000, and it's yellow, which I really like.

Primary use will be daily commuting. 3-4 times a year long trips (1000-3000 miles). Only 2-up would be taking my daughter to school most mornings.

I don't do my own maintenance, and that also has me leaning toward the new 650 rather than the used 1000.

My brain hurts. DZ

[Mr G]

My dealer has a used 03 1000 as well as two new 650s. In effect, they're the same price.


DZ
I see you are in Ojai. If the dealer you are referring to is Cal Coast Motorsports, you may want to shop around some more. They are not known for their low prices. LA Cyclesports by LAX has the 650's out the door for $6700. Whenever I walk through Cal Coast I am floored by their prices. I would never buy a bike there.

[deanzat]

You are correct on both counts; I'm referring to Cal Coast, and their prices are too high. Not only did they want $8400 out the door for the 650, they wanted another $1400 for the Suzuki luggage. All of a sudden the BMWs were looking good again!

But they do have that used 1000....

DZ

[Mr G]

You are correct on both counts; I'm referring to Cal Coast, and their prices are too high. Not only did they want $8400 out the door for the 650, they wanted another $1400 for the Suzuki luggage. All of a sudden the BMWs were looking good again!

But they do have that used 1000....

DZ

For $8499 you can get a new DL1000 out the door at LA Cylclesports. I have bought from them twice and they honored their advertised prices without any hassle. You really need to stay away from Cal Coast. That place is only good for looking and sitting.
http://www.cycletrader.com/addetail.html?79944232

BTW, for $1400 you can get Jesse luggage. Nothing is stronger or longer lasting

[BBurton "BigB"]

Sounds like the 650 does pretty well riding two up, but come on guys... you can't tell me that it can hang with the big Strom in hilly country loaded with gear AND be as comfortable for both the driver and rider. Not trying to start a debate, just that both bikes have their strengths/weaknesses. Seems to me that the Wee Strom is revving a little high out on the concrete slab for my taste. I guess that it depends on what type of riding you plan on doing regularly. The big Strom is a commuting, hauling, twisty monster and long distance machine. It just falls short of the Wee Stroms cababilities in the off road category IMHO. Both are GREAT BIKES!!! It is pretty easy to see why the Wee is so popular with riders and critics. Does it have ANY competition in its displacement category!!! The big Strom has several, I just can't seem to figure out why the critics favor the others so much of the time. They cost an arm and a leg to both buy and service... and yet when it comes to pure performance numbers and comparisons, the Strom is right there if not out near the front!! :roll: Go figure....

[Strom-meister]

I agree Brian.

I hadn't taken my 16 year old son for a ride on my bike for a few months (he was away visiting friends). I took him last night for a ride on my K4 DL650, I sure noticed the extra weight. I know the 1000 goes "right now" when you pin the throttle. With my son as a passenger I really noticed the "right now" on my 650 was just decent acceleration, quite excellent for the 650 though. I think that I would prefer the 1000 for extened 2-up and highway/ loaded up journeys. Guess I need one of each (LOL). Bare bones 650 for around town and 1000 with full luggage for highway/loaded rides.

[deanzat]

Have been looking for a good "all-rounder" myself and many people (publications) have been praising it...especially the 650. The link below is from MCNews, a no frills, no Endorsement type of place...They really like the 650 over the 1000 in many applications.

ps: Hi, 1st post...

-kutch


http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/model_eval/VStrom05A.pdf

The article refers to a Kawasaki branded version of the V Strom. What's that all about? Did K and S merge while I wasn't looking? DZ

[marndo]

I bought the litre bike because I do frequent (once or twice a week) slab runs of up to 300-400 miles and wanted a bigger engine for its cruising capability. It is hardly working at 4K rpms doing 80 indicated. I get good gas mileage when doin the slab, typically 47-52 mpg. No complaints here after 12,000 miles in 4 months.

[msats]

I think the 650 is a great bike and the choice is more nested on what you want to do with it.
Where i live i am an hr away from any twisty and i take
one 3-4k trip a year and alot of little 1k mile weekend rides.most of the bike i ride with at 1k orabove cc range.so the aspect of hanging with them counted for me.

We as a bunch travel and go on trips together and seriously you cannot except anyone to wait for you at every intersection over 7 days.

I am suprised as fully loaded with saddlebags the vstrom felt heavy and i have power issues when accelerating hard.

Handling wise its all rider than bike and in the sweepers at 110-120 mph the 1k feels much incontrol and not exhausted.

so think about what you want to do and make a choice...i love the power of the bike nailed from a turn.I am going to get some pipes to loose some weight . and yeah hitting the gym to loose a few pounds myself .

[Darryl]

Go with the 1000....an absolute blast to ride...and it will almost be impossible to out grow its power. I have found with the smaller displacement bikes after driving them for a while you will be left wanting more....buts thats just me..

[deanzat]

That's my exact fear. I'll never forget the exhiliration of my first ride on my Triumph Sprint after selling my Seca II. I absolutely loved the increase in power. But after I hurt my shoulder, I remember that I could really feel the Sprint's weight in corners. Frankly, I don't know if it would have been any better on the Seca, but my imagination says that a lighter bike is easier to control and may take less of a toll on my body. Who knows? Maybe the reverse is true.

Anyway, I'm getting back into riding because my shoulder's never going to heal and I'd rather put up with the pain than give up riding forever. But I don't want to endure more than I have to, so I'm leaning toward the 650.

DZ

[ngmd]

Just picked up a DL1000; its awesome!! I too was debating the same question and almost went for the 650; the 1000 is only 40lbs heavier and it handles like a dream; unless you plan on lots of dirt and gravel go for the 1000.

[bear7858]

hi guys,
old toot fuddy duddy here. something u may want to consider b4 making your mind up on which strom to get. insurance. i dont know about other states but if your gonna ride it in florida u WILL have insurance. progressive insurance (drive insurance) wants $1180 per year for either the 1k or 650. your choice. they class it as street/sport, not dual purpose. did i also mention i'm 47 with a safe driving record for the past 24 yrs?
aig insurance qouted $650 for the 650. i was about ready to say to h-e-double L with it and start lookin at cruisers, which u can insure for about $300 per year for the same full coverage. i can live with the $65o...but not almost $1200 cause i wanna ride a bike that is slightly in between classifications.

[tinman]

My experience with Progressive: they didn't have the 650 on the drop-down choices but I filled in 650 somewhere on the internet quoting system. The on-line quote was $330. I called them to sign up and the price dropped to $306. I signed up. The paperwork came in the mail and they wanted over $900! (Bait and switch???!!!??) I called, and after making it clear what the displacement is - they misread the VIN - the price was back to $306. So you will pay more for a bigger motor but what price is power???? I don't think that should be a big deciding factor.

[bear7858]

hey tinman,
just did the online quote with progressive. when it asked if i had other insurance policies with them i said yes. then it asked if i had bought them locally. i had. the other nite when i answered yes it said i MUST contact local agent. tonite i lied and said no. the agent is actually in the next town over, so it was just a white lie. really not what i would call LOCAL. so it went thru all the yadda yada. when it came time to pick the model it lists a v-strom1000 but not a 650. so i scrolled all the way to the bottom and found all the choices for unlisted machines. i chose sport/offroad (i think) and it quoted $390. u can bet your bottom dollar i wrote the quote # down!!
unfortunately we are havin hurricane probs here in florida so no one can buy insurance of any kind right now. maybe someone lookin for insurance can use this info down the road. thanks so much
donnie

[sdanville]

here is what i get so far - forgive the negativity approach - I am just working thru which bike is less perfect for me.

the 1000
1)needs mapping to avoid 3000 rpm lag,
2)the clutch can rattle
3) cost much more.
4) weighs more
5) eats more gas / shorter range.

the 650
1) runs at a high 6000 RPM at an indicated 80 MPH which is really 72MPH so, I run XWAYS at 80MPH which would show 90MPH and be at about 7000 RPM. Double my ST1100 RPMs. This is important to me. I like LOW Xway RPMs for a relaxed feel.

I am all ears for comments. The money is in the bank and dealers have clearance prices around here. Steve

[trooper101]

The Wee is quicker and faster in the technical sections by a big margin.

[michiganstromrider]

I had to make that same decision three months ago when I bought my 05-650. I'm glad I went with the 650. Plenty of power, lighter, lower and just plain fun.

[echo]

Is there any reason to believe the 1000 is roomier in any department than the 650?

[BBurton "BigB"]

The Wee is quicker and faster in the technical sections by a big margin.

Is that an opinion.... or a verified fact? :roll: That is kinda like saying that the litre Strom isn't very good offroad. I have seen some amazing pictures at ADVrider, of the big Strom going places that were VERY off the beaten path! I believe that the rider is what makes the difference in those conditions. I don't see how 40lbs of weight and 2 inches more of length, makes the litre Strom inferior! Most people choose not to try the Strom's off road much, and are very content to stay on-road. :wink: I would seriously doubt that someone on a WEE Strom, would dust me on the pavement. This is all IMHO... :lol:

[Vstromper]

I've never ridden a 650 so I can't speak directly for it or against it. I bought the 1000 because, among other things, I was looking for more power and thought the 650 was a step down from my '82 CB750SC Nighthawk. I realize now that it wasn't. I doubt the average rider will ever use either bike to its full potential. I would still be afraid of not being satisfied with the power after a year or so on the 650. Either way, check you tire air pressure every time you get on it. I dumped mine due to a slow leak from a nail I didn't know I had. 20 PSI won't hold in a 50mph hair-pin on either bike. This resulted a right shoulder injury for me also that is very slow to heal but it hasn't stopped me or limited me from getting the most out of my 1000.

[Warren]

The Wee is quicker and faster in the technical sections by a big margin.

Yeah.... Right.... :roll:

[Twist & Shout]

The Wee is quicker and faster in the technical sections by a big margin.

I'm definitly leaning towards buying a DL1000, but I still have an open mind on the subject. I'd be curious to know how you define a "technical section"? Your avatar? What is the difference between "quicker" and "faster"? :?:

[Night_Wolf]

I took a pro rider course last summer on my Wee Strom. At the end of the day I had the opportunity to run a few extra laps with the Instructors (I teach also) so the 4 bikes on the track were
Honda CBR F4i
BMW 1200gs
DL650 V-Strom
DRZ 400 Supermotard

Care to guess which was the "fastest" around the track?? If you guessed the least powerful DRZ 400, you would be correct. It's about rider ability and all three of the Instructors have ability and track time in spades. This was only my second season as a CSC Instructor and first ever on a track. BTW the owner of the DRZ went out and purchased a DL650 to go with his DRZ. There is always someone "quicker or faster" :roll:



Is that an opinion.... or a verified fact? :roll: : I would seriously doubt that someone on a WEE Strom, would dust me on the pavement. This is all IMHO... :lol:

[darin bell]

I believe it. I've seen guys on these motards just ripping up the canyons faster than many of the sports bikes can do. Rider ability plus a light bike with torque.

My riding ability is just average and I know for a fact that I could never ride the 1000 or 650 to it's fullest potential. My main reason for the 650 wasn't the fact that it felt lighter but rather I felt that the extra power of the 1000 would end up getting me in trouble somehow. I don't really need a fast bike. What I got with the 650 was a quick bike but not blazing fast. It's just right. Ample power to carry my luggage or wife. After riding my 650 for some time, It suprised me how capable of a bike it is. The motor is fantastic and makes the most beutiful music when wound out. But I'm sure others on this board can ride a bike better than I can so maybe the 1000 is a better fit. All personal preference.

I took a pro rider course last summer on my Wee Strom. At the end of the day I had the opportunity to run a few extra laps with the Instructors (I teach also) so the 4 bikes on the track were
Honda CBR F4i
BMW 1200gs
DL650 V-Strom
DRZ 400 Supermotard

Care to guess which was the "fastest" around the track?? If you guessed the least powerful DRZ 400, you would be correct. It's about rider ability and all three of the Instructors have ability and track time in spades. This was only my second season as a CSC Instructor and first ever on a track. BTW the owner of the DRZ went out and purchased a DL650 to go with his DRZ. There is always someone "quicker or faster" :roll:



Is that an opinion.... or a verified fact? :roll: : I would seriously doubt that someone on a WEE Strom, would dust me on the pavement. This is all IMHO... :lol:

[Paper]

When I go backroad sport riding, I pick my 2002 KLR650 everytime. Shod with Michelin Anakee tires, it sticks and tracks like it's on a rail, and I end up leaving the sportbikes in my wake after the 3rd 30mph corner.

Of course I wait for them at the next stop sign, tapping my foot and grinning.. :lol:

[Cheff]

Great thread, I think I have made my mind up and I am going with the liter strom. The insurance is what scared me the most, and after shopping around the difference is minimal.

I took a pro rider course last summer on my Wee Strom. At the end of the day I had the opportunity to run a few extra laps with the Instructors (I teach also) so the 4 bikes on the track were
Honda CBR F4i
BMW 1200gs
DL650 V-Strom
DRZ 400 Supermotard

Care to guess which was the "fastest" around the track?? If you guessed the least powerful DRZ 400, you would be correct. It's about rider ability and all three of the Instructors have ability and track time in spades. This was only my second season as a CSC Instructor and first ever on a track. BTW the owner of the DRZ went out and purchased a DL650 to go with his DRZ. There is always someone "quicker or faster" :roll:

I believe it; on my XR the tighter it gets the faster I go compared to the big bikes. I have only been passed once going up Palomar, and the guy was riding a KLR650. But you can’t compare a DRZ400 to a wee, like you compare the wee to a V. The difference in weight is much larger between the DRZ and the wee than it is between the wee and the V. And the V has the more than enough power to push those extra 40lbs. I bet a competent rider can get better times on the V than on the wee on the same track.

How did the wee do against all the other bikes there?

Just curious here, I am not trashing the wee, I think both Stroms are excellent bikes.

[Night_Wolf]

Ok the Wee Strom was dusted on the track, but that is more about my ability than the bike. It was my first time ever on a track and I only had 3000 miles under my butt on the Strom. Up until then all my miles (50,000) had been on a pair of VS Intruders with 3000 on a BMW F650gs. I am a qualified CSC Instructor, but the guys on the other bikes are senior instructors with many days spent on the track and taking even more advanced courses than the one I was taking that day. I have a fair amount of miles in a short time, but I know I have plenty to learn still

Great thread, I think I have made my mind up and I am going with the liter strom. The insurance is what scared me the most, and after shopping around the difference is minimal.

How did the wee do against all the other bikes there?

Just curious here, I am not trashing the wee, I think both Stroms are excellent bikes.

[xr650r]

Anyone in Canada know if the 2006 , Vstrom 1000 has increased HP? The 2005 brochure states 98HP but having just found a brochure in Mexico with what looks like the Euopean model as 2006 where its rated at 115 HP!!! Honda has just introduced the Varadero to Mexico also this year but its price will keep it out of the mainstream for a while at $160,000 pesos ($16.000) US dollars. Its a great looking bike and is rated very highly in Europe, but much heavier than the Vstrom.

[xr650r]

What size XR are you riding? my XR650R makes a KLR 650 look like a moped!

I believe it; on my XR the tighter it gets the faster I go compared to the big bikes. I have only been passed once going up Palomar, and the guy was riding a KLR650.

[Cheff]

What size XR are you riding? my XR650R makes a KLR 650 look like a moped!

I believe it; on my XR the tighter it gets the faster I go compared to the big bikes. I have only been passed once going up Palomar, and the guy was riding a KLR650.

I got the L; there is no way he would have passed me if I was riding the R. I could hang with him on the turns, but the KLR would take me as soon as we could get hard on the throttle. When I got to the top, I met the guy, a 67yo. He rides the mountain almost everyday. :)

Now for on topic, 28 more days till I get my STROM!

[xr650r]

Hi Jeff! Sounds like your on the right track! I think i've just eliminated the Honda Varadero which just hit Mexico! At $16,000us its up there with the KTM plus import costs etc. The Vstrom seems to be more value for the money. Just looking for deal on a 06, 1000! How much can you get off the retail list price where you are?