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avoid the early models???

6K views 13 replies 14 participants last post by  bwringer 
#1 ·
when i buy, i'll buy used.....

any reason to avoid the early models? ie, the 02-03 V, and/or the 04 Wee?

you always hear of bugs in the early models....wondering what the experience has been.

thank you.
 
#2 ·
#3 ·
The clutch on the early 1000's was about the only real problem, but the new 'improved' version wasn't a total fix anyway. Search the site - you'll find people who can fix that now anyway.

The later 650's were a BIT better than the early models (twin plugs, slightly more electrical capacity) but nothing that'd make me scream "nooooooooo!".

Unless they are real low k's budget on a new rear shock if it hasn't been replaced already, suspension is the weakest point on all them, and the stock rear is usually pretty much dead at around 30,000k's but again, has easy, relatively inexpensive fixes.

On all models, check that the drain holes from the spark plug wells are clear, and a relay kit for the headlights is cheap and you'll avoid most of the potential electrical problems that come up with age. The 650's seem capable of 100k miles, (I sold my K6 with 120,000k's on the clock) the 1000's 200k miles without rebuilds (possibly more) - not all will live that long, but some definately have.

So, nothing that's a show-stopper, and nothing that's you must fix that NOW on any model.

Pete
 
#4 ·
I had to do two major fixes on my 2004 Strom. Power Commander for low speed stumble and Different shield and spacers for buffeting. Now it is near perfect. Also the clutch does slip sometimes but rarely.
 
#6 ·
I'se got an '04 Wee and have had no problems. Yeah the windshield got replaced , MRA Vario. No mechanical problems in the year and 21400 miles.
I dumped it in a bar ditch and it was easy and inexpensive to repair.
Just think of all the farkles you can buy with the money you save getting an 04 Wee.
 
#9 ·
I think they've mainly been consistently trouble free. My first one, a 650, 2004, did have a bad coil right out of the crate and I understand it was not unusual. Any that you run across now will have been long ago fixed.
Seems like there was something about some of the wiring running near a sharp edge on early ones that could abrade over time.
I really don't recall hearing anything else.
 
#11 ·
i Have an '03 DL1000 and she's been pretty much trouble free. Aside from the normal wear and tear parts, she's only needed -one- sensor replacement.

She's a reliable machine and still goes like stink!

So get one.
 
#13 ·
650 a better bike?

My friend and I both bought Stroms back in 2004. Mine was the 650, my friend got the 1000. I do believe the 1000 is obviously faster but I weigh 75 lbs more than my friend and I keep up with him fine.
He has had to re-map the computer and I think it burns oil. Mine on the other hand is a great engine, with no problems. The engine was proven in the SV650 for years before 04.
I always look at the engine before the bike. I believe this is one of the most reliable and great all around engines made.
 
#14 ·
The DL1000 engine was around for several years starting with the the 1997 TL1000, a more powerful version with hotter cams.

As used in the Vee, the engine is just loafing and will pretty much last forever. There are really no unproven technologies at work in the rest of the bike. So no, there aren't any inherent reliability traps in the earlier models.

The only knock against the 02-03 models is the fixed windscreen. I removed mine entirely, but if you feel the need for wind protection your options are far more limited than with later models.

The early model's stator is supposedly a bit less powerful (350 vs. 400 watts is the usual number you see), but there's a strong suspicion that it's also somewhat more reliable, as long as the craptastic Suzuki connectors are replaced or kept free of corrosion. There aren't enough statistics to be sure, of course.

However, the only way to get more power out of the same physical size stator is to use more windings of thinner wire and/or more powerful magnets. Since adding more windings is a lot cheaper than exotic magnets, it follows that the later models DL1000 stators use more windings and may also be somewhat less reliable.
 
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