I'm just getting ready to get my first bike and would like to have some input before doing so. First off I'm only 5'9" so I'll probably need to lower either one reguardless. I live in the Appalachian mountains in SW Virginia and intend on doing my leisure riding on some dirt roads but mainly on pavement and of course in mountainous terrains. I also may be getting a job that would require me to do some interstate and main highway type driving and was thinking of using this bike for that purpose too for the MPG help that it could offer. I have friends telling me to go with the 1000 but the question is beings that it's my first bike do you think there's a big enough difference between the 650 and 1000 that I should go with the 650 to start with? I don't know anyone with a 1000 to fill me on how well it rides compared to a 650. I do however have a friend that has a 650 and he says that it would get the job done for what I need. We all know how good it feels knowing that extra little bit of power is there if needed though...need y'alls input please!!! Thanks....

The rule of thumb around here is if you're asking which one to get and mention mileage, you've already decided 650 and are looking for affirmation. You can't go wrong with either, except the probability of going wrong is only certain if you buy the 1000.

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"I believe the most damning thing that can be said about muslims is saying you're afraid to say anything."--Penn Jillette

Pointless Profanity Club member #10 ****face.

If this is your first bike, don't get either one.

VStroms are big, heavy bikes, much too big for a beginner. Get a Ninja 250, a Suzuki TUX 250, a Buell Blast, something in that size range. Ride that (and drop it) for 6 months to a year, then come back and get your Strom.

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Hauling serious ass on a motorcycle is great fun. It doesn't matter if it's in a straight line or through the twisties, the faster the better.

Life begins at 100!

The big heavy 650 strom was my first bike. No problems. Ninja 250's are for rap videos and children.

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"I believe the most damning thing that can be said about muslims is saying you're afraid to say anything."--Penn Jillette

Pointless Profanity Club member #10 ****face.

Hey, I am also 5'9" tall and have had both. I put 23,000 on a wee and really liked the bike. The only reson I got the 1000 is that I was doing longer trips 400-600 mile a day and wanted taller gearing. The 1000 in my opinion is much smoother because of the overdrive 6th gear. However, you can gear the 650 up a little if needed. At 5'9" I do not like the extra weight of the 1000 and it has not been lowered. I have fell over twice on the 1000 and never hit the deck on the 650. I took off my topbox and went back to saddlebags to get the weight (camping gear) lower. Works much better.
If I were buying used I would buy what ever is the best deal. Being it is your first bike the 650 may be the better choice. But you can't go wrong with either bike. Let me know what you do!

You could also take a look at this topic:
http://www.stromtrooper.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=20341
which has seven pages of answers to the exact same question.

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Scott Craig - Nashville, TN
Red '06 Suzuki DL650 - Red '07 Honda VFR800 - My Bike Page

I would say get the........um.... never mind.

Like jwt pointed out, you already answered your own question!

A new rider should never let friends tell him what bike to get!

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Do you need to go faster than 0-60 in 4 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.5 seconds at around 100 mph?

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2009 DL650 ABS
2008 SV650SF

How athletic are you? Will you be able to balance this top heavy bike when stationary and at very slow speeds? When you drop it (and you will), will you be able to pick it up?

Forget the 1000. The 650 is a poor choice for a first bike. If you get one, be sure to get crash bars. Always wear all the protective gear, including protective over-the-ankle boots for the times you do dump it.

I like my Wee-Strom very much. It is a keeper. I'm 6', 200#, moderately athletic, and glad I had starter bikes before I got this one.

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Rooster Today
Feather Duster Tomorrow

Based on your criteria there is absolutely no reason you should consider the 1000. The 650 does the things above much better than the 1000 (I ride both regularly). The 1000 is heavier and better suited to an experienced rider with more aggressive intentions in mind.

I always recommend going with a small (500cc or lower) used bike for the first one. Learn to ride the wheels off it. When you're fed up and realize the bike just has nothing left to offer you, then you're ready to appreciate what a Strom or other move-up bike can do. A small bike teaches you how to throw the motorcycle around and teaches good control techniques. Those things are harder to learn on a top heavy Strom. Plus an older used bike holds value pretty well so you don't lose much (if any) money on it. You'll be a better and safer rider.

Whatever you do, be careful out there. Welcome to the wonderful world of motorcycles and good luck.

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2008 DL650ABS, 2006 DL1000
It takes absolutely no talent to ride fast in a straight line. Motorcycling enjoyment has nothing to do with high speed. It has everything to do with high adrenaline.

Riding a fast bike at near legal speeds is boring. Riding a Strom at those same speeds is an adrenaline rush.