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.

DL1000 Through the Years!
DL650 Through the Years!

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Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A is just getting started.
Nicknames for posting ease on my part, Vee = all DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 DL650s. Glee = 2012+ DL650s

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

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.

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2004 Silver V-Strom 1000 & 1994 Yamaha XT600

Farkles? Sargent Seat, Genmar risers, K&N filter, cramp buster, heated grips, PCIII, Givi Engine Guards, Givi Hard Bags 52 liter and two 45 liter, Givi shield with spacers for buffeting.

Get one with ABS. It saved my SKIN.

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.

Avoid the 1000 all together IMHO, wait for the new one if ya want one.

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BRIAN

2008 WR250R 2008 CONCOURS 1400 "Dearly departed 2005 DL1000"

Why if I may ask? Maybe there's a reason I see more used 1000s for cheap over the 650. I think I'm sold on a used 650 w/ ABS and just waiting to sell my current ride to make room.

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.

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Joe S.
'12 Concours
'11 DL650
'10 Tiger1050
'01 HD FXD
'09 HD XR1200
'79 BMW R100

Stroms are great bikes. Just depends on your budget, accessories, miles, etc.