650 vs 1000: the definitive thread

[CarbideDude]

I actually was set out to get a 650 but the dealer had a used 1000 with only 450 miles on it and was going to have to order the 650. He offered the slightly used 1000 at the same price, and as I do long distance touring using considerable freeway segments from time to time, I reeavualted and got the 1000. As a primary commuter, I do envy the better gas milage from time to time, but overall I'm glad I got the 1000. If I win the lotto I would consider a 650 as a second bike. I love Stroms that much. Maybe a different color?

[Mr.Metal]

*looks at the other ongoing 650 vs. 1000 thread*

*facepalm*

[darkjedip]

oh dear god, are we really going to do another wee vs vee thread? Use the search

[Mr.Metal]

Ok, ok, I'll try to be the nice, objective guy. So, firsttimer, when you do a search, you will most likely see the following opinions:

DL1000 - One hell of a machine
DL650 - One hell of a machine

The subtle differences, based solely on my reading of this and other forums, as I own neither bike:

DL1000 - More power all around, a bit heavier, a bit less nimble, better for 2-up touring and long highway miles, less off-road worthy but still capable.

DL650 - Less power but more than enough for 99% of the owners, a bit lighter, more nimble, still capable of 2-up touring and highway miles, more off-road worthy.

Keep in mind that neither Strom is an off-road bike, though many people have taken their Stroms to hell and back... AND got the T-shirts

Hope this kinda helps, but yes, do a search

[sledjockey]

Originally Posted by tmcgee

Displacement isn't the best gauge of horsepower. A 1200cc Sportster has about the same HP as a DL650.

I realize that, but it is a good basic indicator of "size" and potential HP considering they are the same frame and same manufacturer (arguable as most statements or observations are). I know frames differ in size and weight (engine mounts, configurations for different powerplant, tranny, etc) but from my experiences in dealing with bikes, there has been a basic displacement versus bike weight and frame size correlation. Obviously, the more displacement is going to equal more weight for the engine and will have more metal needed to create the displacement. As for "power" the Japanese bikes tend to have some correlation between engine displacement and HP/torque. Comparing HD, Suzuki, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, whatever are all just "suck, squeeze, bang, blow" but have different desired results and ways to get there. I just generalized a basic correlation that I used to make up my mind for either the 650 or 1000: more displacement equals potentially more HP/Torque in similar engines from the same company on the same frame. Maybe that was a reach, but it seemed logical.

I might have written something that was taken wrong or written something mistakenly alluding to the thought that I was referring to horsepower versus physical engine size across all manufacturers. I know the Sportster has low HP and even my Shovelhead only has around 90 HP (it is 87 ci). Most is "feel." I am personally more interested in physical frame size, torque to move my fat arse, and some weight under me so I don't have the "feeling" of being too top heavy on the bike.

Does that help clarify? Sorry about the miscommunication there.....

[MightyShep]

[Dirt_Dad]

Over the last year I've owned a wee for 6 months and a vee for 6 months. It all comes down to personal preference. The wee is stunningly smooth and superior in MPG department. But for my personal preferences the vee is far more fun in every riding category. Does that make the vee better than the wee? For me, yep...for you???? Only you can decide what's best for your style of riding.

[Skidmarks]

I just came off a 225 mile run through the back roads with a bunch of liter+ bikes, and for the first time I can honestly say I could have used the Vee.
Ive had the wee for about a year now, never had any second thoughts until , I went on this highway run with the bigger bikes, at an average speed of 75mph I noticed a need for more displacement for the first time. (not to mention a bigger windshield)

[khager]

The reasons I chose the Wee over the Vee.

#1. Price $2000 difference

#2 Better MPG

#3 Better for what I use it for, mainly commuting in heavy traffic, and urban off roading 1 up.

Probably has lower insurance rates too. Just guessing.

Now if I could have gotten a Vee for the same $$ like CarbideDude I would have done that too, but I have no regrets buying the Wee.

[Dirt_Dad]

Originally Posted by Mr.Metal

DL1000 - ...a bit less nimble

DL650 - ... more nimble

Mr. Metal that's a good summary for someone who hasn't owned either bike. I've owned both, the one part above is a myth. Seems to be a common myth, but an experienced rider can flick either bike with ease.