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Convince me!

6K views 27 replies 17 participants last post by  aus_oak 
#1 ·
Hey guys,

I currently ride a Harley Nightster every day to work and after 30000k's I can officially say I'm over everything about the harley, the harsh ride and spoke wheels not to mention I have filled her up 300 times in the last 3 years (12l tank). I'm at the point now where I have to catch the bus to work because my back kills me if I ride in (front suspension is completely gone). I'm from brisbane australia so our roads are sooooooo shit its not funny.

I was going to wait for the new 1000 to come out but tbh I only ride to commute these days and I think the 650abs would be fine. The v-strom looks like its a bike you ride any weather any day and still be comfortable.

My question to all you boys is the following:

1. Has anyone (downgraded i guess you call it) from 1200CC+ to a 650?
2. Are the servicing costs reasonable?
 
#2 ·
I just traded my XR 1200X to a 2013 the Strom 650. I really liked my Harley it was more of a sport bike but it was not comfortable for More than 100 or 150 miles for me. I was getting ready to have to do the 5000 mile service. That was going to cost me a couple of hundred dollars. And it was going to need tires a few months into the next riding season. That was going to cost me $4-$500. I went back to Suzuki because I can work on it myself and everything about it is cheaper. And it is a lot more comfortable and is going to be a lot more useful for me. I will be honest. That was my first and probably last Harley-Davidson.
 
#6 ·
My first bike was a Suzuki Bandit 1200S. I've been though lots of bikes since then from a 1150 BMW to a FJR1300. The FJR1300 was like a rocket mounted to a couch.

The bike I ride now is a DL650 and I couldn't be happier. While the big FEEJER could eat up miles like no one's business it was pretty much relegated to road only and would "only" get 38 or 40 MPG on a good day.

The only other bike I'm considering other than keeping my Strom is a Tiger 800.
 
#7 ·
My first bike was a Suzuki Bandit 1200S. I've been though lots of bikes since then from a 1150 BMW to a FJR1300. The FJR1300 was like a rocket mounted to a couch.

The bike I ride now is a DL650 and I couldn't be happier. While the big FEEJER could eat up miles like no one's business it was pretty much relegated to road only and would "only" get 38 or 40 MPG on a good day.

The only other bike I'm considering other than keeping my Strom is a Tiger 800.
 
#8 ·
My first bike was a Suzuki Bandit 1200S. I've been though lots of bikes since then from a 1150 BMW to a FJR1300. The FJR1300 was like a rocket mounted to a couch.

The bike I ride now is a DL650 and I couldn't be happier. While the big FEEJER could eat up miles like no one's business it was pretty much relegated to road only and would "only" get 38 or 40 MPG on a good day.

The only other bike I'm considering other than keeping my Strom is a Tiger 800.
 
#9 ·
1. Has anyone (downgraded i guess you call it) from 1200CC+ to a 650?
2. Are the servicing costs reasonable?

downgrade ?

downsize, yes, while that 1200cc Harley has about 50-60% more torque, the Suzuki 650 may have more horsepower, the Harley also weights about 120 lbs more ,

guess it depends on your definition of upgrade/downgrade



 
#11 ·
Have fun with the test ride, you will be putting a deposit down after it :yesnod:

I mostly rode sportbikes, still have a ZX9R in the garage (hence the name) :mrgreen:

My main concern was the drop in power, thinking that the 650 would need constant revving to make it go, but that is not so. It's a really good torquey motor, that does also rev and has a good top end if you want to give it some.

The main thing that convinced me was the relaxed ease of the ride, so easy and fun to ride. Great seating position and vision when on the bike.

Your commute will not only be much easier, but it will also be so much fun! :thumbup:
 
#12 ·
Hey guys,
I was going to wait for the new 1000 to come out but tbh I only ride to commute these days and I think the 650abs would be fine. The v-strom looks like its a bike you ride any weather any day and still be comfortable.

If you are simply commuting any of the Stroms (Vee/996, Wee/Glee, 650) should meet your needs. Personally I'd suck it up and wait for the new 1000. Not much weight difference between the 650 and new 1000 (on paper). There will be noticeably more power. Went from a 1500 cc Valkyrie to the Vee 1000 after tiring of highway riding. Having a much better time playing on the back-roads. Seriously considering selling my 06 Vee when the new ones become available. Good luck with your choice. :thumbup:
 
#14 ·
That's why its pending, Suzuki Australia are yet to announce a release date or price! :green_lol:
 
#15 ·
I own a 650, I also own a VZ1600 (can't say I'll ever give that up) but I got rid of a VZR1800R to get the DL650 (half the HP and half the torque) and I love it, never owned a bike less than 1000cc since 1991 (GSXR750 track bike) but I really enjoy the Wee, it is so light and easy to throw around, sure the 1000 would be nice, but do I need it? probably not! As for commuting the 650 is the one for that job. Unless your commute consists of a long highway stint. The fuel consumption doesn't bother me, I only ride for pleasure. :hurray:
 
#16 ·
I recently had a week in Port Douglas with a mate who is a Harley only sort of guy, he has a Road King that he has spent big $$$ on.

We hired a pair of 2010 DL650's, we put our brides on the back and took off for Cape Tribulation, by the time we reached the cape he was making plans to buy a wee to park alongside the HD and his wife was happy with the choice.

He will never part with his HD but he quickly worked out the Strom is a all around capable, comfortable and fun bike to ride.
 
#17 ·
I traded a decked-out 2001 Yamaha V-Star 1100 cruiser for a 2013 Strom 650 and couldn't be happier. The 1100 was a great machine but I like the lower weight, better economy, better seating position, fuel injection and ABS of the Strom.
 
#18 ·
I "downgraded" from a 2004 Honda Shadow Sabre 1100 to a DL650 'Wee-Strom'. While the Honda Shadow line is typically pretty tame, the Sabre version of that year at least had lower gearing and better cams for slightly better performance, and was rated quicker through the 1/4-mile than a HD Sportster 1200 (Still not saying much, I know). I think it's safe to say you will find everything, even performance, to be an upgrade rather than a downgrade. The Wee is definitely a quicker bike thanks to lighter weight and great powerband, and is a helluva lot more fun to run through the gears. Plus more responsive, nimble, and generally capable of doing so much more on so many different kinds of road surfaces. And it's way easier on your lower back as well! It will remind you of an overeager happy-go-lucky puppy dog that is ready to go anywhere at any time with the stamina of a mule and reliability of an anvil.

You'll likely be kicking yourself for not making the transition sooner, like many of us. But you can't kick yourself while riding, so plan on at least doubling the amount of km's you log on your bike every season, and don't look back.
 
#19 ·
thanks guys, I did the test ride today at the dealers few things I noticed.
God damn its quicker then I thought it would be. Still not as quick as the 1200 nightster but hey for half the CC it did a bloody good job.

1. What RPM do you guys normally ride at? most of the zones I was in were 70-80kpm or 43-49mph. I was only doing like 4k rpm? or do you need to have it higher in rev range?

2. Does aftermarket pipe make a big difference? The engine sounded really nice but a bit dull, but every bike with a standard pipe is like that these days

3. I really want to try out the new 1000 but I think it would be over kill for commuting tbh.

4. There was a bit of vibration on the bars but i think it was because it seems to have really narrow grips? I'm sure can easily be changed.

p.s the clutch....omfg. coming from the heavy duty clutch on the Harley this thing was ****ing awesome.
 
#22 ·
2. Does aftermarket pipe make a big difference? The engine sounded really nice but a bit dull, but every bike with a standard pipe is like that these days
Like Dark Angel -- I have a Staintune exhaust and collector on my 2012 - 650.
Even with the baffle in, it gives a much better note and it gives the bike noticeably better torque -- like third gear through roundabouts, where second was best previously.
I have taken the baffle out a couple of times -- but even at my age -- I tend to love the note toooo much -- and turn into a boy racer.
 
#20 ·
My 2007 does 5K rpm at 100Kph (63mph), 6K at 120, 7K at 140 etc in top. If you want more of less revs you can always change the sprockets. As for vibration they do buzz a little depending on engine speed, tuning (throttle body balance etc) and front tyre choice and balance. Some people are bothered by it, others aren't.
Personally I have a Staintune system on mine. LOVE it! :thumbup: There's plenty of options though.
 
#24 ·
MHO

If all I was doing was commuting and don't think of social pressure/image the

Maxi Scooter Burgman 650

The lower body protection, automatic when what the hell. Storage for all sorts of stuff.

Now contrary

Perhaps if you had a VSROM 2014 you might use a motorcycle for more than just commuting.
 
#25 ·
My last bike was a ST1300 and I really loved it. When I first got my Vstrom the difference was so great that I thought that I had made a big mistake. After two weeks I came to realize that this is probably the best all around motorcycle that I have ever owned. I had thought of keeping the ST for longer trips but this bike is fine, the ST probably would have sat there collecting dust. Put 10,000 miles on in 5 months and can't wait to get back on the road in March.:thumbup:
 
#27 ·
Just got rid of an Ultra Classic, it was my 8th Harley. Got tired of muscling it around and all the maintenance. Went with the 2013 650 adventure. Its a great bike, I love it, its quicker than my Ultra, carries more camping gear, gets better fuel mileage and is pure fun to ride. I got some crap from the HD crowd when I got the Strom, I don't care, my bike, my money my choice. I wanted an SUV do it all and I got it. Riding it to Alaska in June.
 
#28 ·
quick update for everyone. Went into the dealers again for 3rd test run of the 650. 100% getting this bike sometime this week. Trading in my bike for it.

Was going to wait for the 1000 but since its coming in close to double the price on road in Australia I'd rather just go the 650. Now is the 1000 going to be a sick bike (99% sure it will be) but is it worth double the price of the 650? imho it won't be.

Plus suzuki are giving 12months free insurance for all stroms bought before march. So looks like it will be around 10k ride away with 12months rego/insurance and givi topbox. More details to come and pics of course!
 
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