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Used 2012+ vs 2011- DL650

11K views 12 replies 10 participants last post by  greywolf 
#1 ·
Yes, another of these threads :rolleyes:
I've searched and found tons of threads comparing the two models of these bikes, but most of them were started in the 2012-2013 timeframe comparing "used 2011- vs new 2012+".

Now that the 2012+ have been out for a while and accumulating some miles, what's the general consensus on differences, maintenance, etc?
I know the advertised differences between the models - improved engine, suspension, seat - but I'm looking for daily use feedback.
Any gremlins that are coming to the surface or little issues that pop up on the newer bikes?

I had my heart set on a 2012-2014 model year bike (new style but w/o the beak)... but recently I've started 2nd guessing myself on that, entirely due to price.
The thing is that I'm a bigger guy, 6' 240lbs, so I know that even if I get a newer model with the 'better' suspension, I'll need to upgrade anyway.

Frankly 95% of my riding will be on-road and my goal will be to get the bike set up for spirited street riding more than trail riding (though not to push the suspension too far towards performance that it kills comfort). Stiffer springs, RT emulators, etc.
So this is where I'd be most interested in hearing any differences - do the newer bikes have any geometry changes that cause them to handle/behave better? Or are the improvements entirely due to improved springs/damping?

Aesthetically I definitely prefer the newer model years but form follows function in my book so I can get over the looks if the older models can hold their own against the new ones after swapping out seat, suspension, etc. The newer bikes seem to fetch a $1500-$3000 premium over the older ones which would go a long way to paying for the suspension upgrades and such. At this point I'm still leaning towards a 2012+ but it's a 60/40 split so not leaning too heavily one way or the other.

Thanks!
 
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#2 ·
Ive owned both body styles now... (actually 7 total... 3 DL1Ks & 4 650s)
The biggest diff between 1st gen & 2nd is the tank size... 5.8 vs 5.3 gal
My 04 & 06 Wees routinely got 48-50 mpg on smaller roads with lots of throttle movement....
The 011 got 50-55 mpg in the same riding....& the current 012 gets the same



Sent from my LGL34C using Tapatalk
 
#3 ·
I have owned both as well. The 2011 and earlier are very, very similar. Beyond some engine refinement when the dual plug heads came out and the option of ABS they are all but identical.

While the later few years of DL 650 first generation got better fuel mileage, it seems the 2012 and up do slightly better. Just about enough to make up for the smaller tank! Maintenance is about the same as far as cost, difficulty, price. The 2012 and up has a MUCH nicer engine imo. Not more power so much as a LOT better fueling and midrange power. It is happy pulling in the 2500 and up range, running around town in 2nd and 3rd gear at 3000 rpm. The earlier versions were not so happy doing that. You don't have the exposed oil cooler in front of the engine on the newer models. The instrument panel is much better in my opinion. Looks are better, if that matters. Resale value may be something to consider. The only real issue with the newer ones is the stator, which is on recall and that should fix that issue. Most of us have not had and probably wouldn't have an issue with the stator that came with them.

I'll leave with just this about the suspension. They are just about equal, meaning not very good. Brakes are exactly the same, unless you have a non ABS first generation, and like the suspension not very good by todays standards.
 
#4 ·
I had a slightly different experience. The 2008-2011 had the same stator problems as the Glee, but no recall for a free stator. The Glee is a slightly better bike stock than the Wee, a little more power, a little lighter, a little better suspension and brakes, a little better seat etc.. I got slightly better fuel economy on the Glee, but not enough to get quite the same range as the Wee.
 
#5 ·
If you really fancy the 12+ then keep shopping around a bit on a used one, there are some great deals to be had since the 17's are hitting the showrooms. The extra $1500 a few years down the road will not be felt much at all.
 
#6 ·
Thanks for the feedback - based on what I've read I think I'll aim for a 2012+ unless I find a killer deal on an older one.
I think the biggest point I hadn't considered was that the newer bikes may have the same top end power but have more usable power in the middle of the rev range.
Found a super low mile '14 adventure at a good price that I'm trying to make a move on this weekend - just waiting for the seller to reply now. Fingers crossed!
Thanks again!
 
#8 ·
Thanks for the tips. This is a bit older of a thread, but exactly what I have been thinking about. I too am finding great pricing on 2011 models that enjoy ABS, but still are that weird year prior to the model change. So from an age stand-point 2011 isn't much different from 2012, but there definitely is a gap in pricing. I agree the 2012+ looks better and as noted above enjoys some general enhancements. If I find a well-maintained 2011 and it is priced a good amount lower, it may be tough to pass up. Still, resale pricing is an issue. Down the road it still may be easier to sell a bike that is only one generation old versus two. I appreciate any other thoughts folks have on the differences of the two (or even if there is much difference between the model years of the wee2/glee). At this point the 2017s are slow in coming to the market. So I don't think the second generation is doing too bad from a resale standpoint, but that may change in another year or two, especially if folks find that third generation to be significantly better (and not just cosmetically). So far I have heard good things, and Suzuki is doing well with the related SV650.
 
#9 ·
I wound up buying a 2013 Wee2. Never got a chance to test ride an older model but I can tell you that I love the 2013.
Already have 1,000 miles on it and barely rode for the first 3 weeks of ownership due to rain and business travel - just can't get enough. Only problem is that when I get to work I just want to leave and ride more. :D

I don't know what your budget & schedule is, but if you can wait on buying a bike there are some pretty good deals to be had... you just have to keep a close eye on craigslist or other ad sites (motorcycle trader, etc) and move fast when a deal pops up. I got a killer deal on mine (at least I think I did) with low miles and most of the basic farkles already done but I had to shop around for a few months to get it... if I was in a rush I would have probably ended up on an older model to save some cash, but I'm glad I decided to wait.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Bloody curmudgeon.:grin2:

I agree with you by the way. I always take the assumption when I buy toys, be they bikes, cars or boats, that the money I pay for them is lost forever. Any that I get back when I sell them I consider to be simply a bonus. Eases the pain a bit.

Coops.
 
#12 ·
Bump-slash-I see a 2011 locally on Craigslist that looks very tempting; good price, already has luggage, low miles. Have to decide whether to grab this, or hold out for perhaps a 2012 at the same price?

Re: suspension: I'm 6'1" and currently 250 lb. (hoping to drop that to 200). Would I want to beef up suspension no matter whether I get a 2011 or a 2012+? Or would a 2012+ stock suspension be adequate?
 
#13 ·
The stock 2012 suspension is a bit better, but 250lb may be pushing the envelope, busting it if you ride two up. One thing to consider is the 2012 gets a better stator due to a recall. The 2011 has the same stator problem but no recall.
 
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