I currently ride a Kawasaki KZ1000 and I have wanted a Strom for a few years now and just go the go ahead.

I am looking at a 2004 Vee and a 2007 Wee, both can be had for a comparable price and have comparable mileage. The Wee has a few more farkles.

I would be using it for commuting to work (150mi/week), taking the wife out on the weekends (another 100mi or so), and exploring the back and fire roads of Ventura/LA/ and Santa Barbara counties, with a long trip (No farther than 1000mi or so) here or there.

With the aforementioned information, which bike would better suit my needs, and why? I'm hoping to pick up either this weekend. Thanks for your opinions.

Semper Fi,
~Patrick

Get the 650, and yes this has been beaten to death beyond comprehension. Go with what your gut tells ya, that tends to workout many times.

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BRIAN

2008 WR250R 2008 CONCOURS 1400 "Dearly departed 2005 DL1000"

Your poll is going to result in a whole heap of people voting for the bike they bought for themselves rather than the one most suited to you.

I thought I would buck the trend and vote for the Wee. Fortunately, it also sounds like the right choice for you, unless you and your wife are a little heavier than average...

"commuting to work" and "exploring the back and fire roads", the Wee has the edge and will save you money as a bonus.

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Owning a Vee is the very definition of a love-hate relationship..

I'm 5' 8" and my wife and I weigh about 320 combined in full riding gear.

O.K. missed the "why"

The 1000 has more power, but gains quite a bit of pork to get that, and proportionately, the weight is higher on the 1000 than on the 650.
The 650 is also the nicer bike to ride and own of the two - for some riders the extra power and feral nature of the 1000 makes up for that, but it depends a lot on usage.

Both will handle two-up riding at legal speeds, the 1000 will handle two-up at license losing speeds.

Nothing you've said you want to do indicates that you need the extra power of the Vee, but the smother engine, lighter handling, and easier to ride nature off road all are wins for the Wee.

Even the commute is a win for the Wee, the clutch on the 1000 is quite a lot heavier than on the 650 - last thing you want in stop-start traffic.

Plus 20% better mpg on the Wee ...

Pete

either skoot should fit

i'm 265# + gear & STUFF

prolly more than you & the bride

i'm 64yo & have ridden most every kind/size/style

i'm very happy w/ my WEE

fuel economy runs between 38 & 64 mpg, depending on how i'm loaded & the speed i'm running

my WEE has done well, around town & on long trips

power hasn't been an issue, even when pushing the legal limits(you may have to shift a bit more if you are feeling froggy)

as mentioned above, listen to your gut

look for things that support or discredit the seller's spiel

condition will be the tie breaker

farkles are quite personal & darn few folks would agree on the perfect set(i sold off several that came w/ my bike & added several, to suit my style)

you'll be the exception if you don't like a STROM

JUST MY 2¢ WORTH

sw

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Everyone crashes. Some get back on. Some don't. Some can't.
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steve
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'05 WEE (LRW)
'99 DR TREE FIDDY SEX
plus several BRAND X

After owning two 650s and riding numerous Vees. The only reason I see to get the Vee is if you like extra power. If the wee can haul my 280, ,my wife at 130, and all our camping gear then it will definitely do the job for you no problem.

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If all you ever do is all you've ever done, then all you'll ever get is all you ever got.

I have my preference for a lot of reasons that have been beaten to death. but as others have said you should get what you want. Try them booth and see what you like.

..Tom

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Road Toads Charter Member - 2006 V-Strom DL650: 202,000 km 125,500 miles, 2012 DL650 New March 2012 50,000 km


Why Cars don't see bikes (SMIDSY)
SMIDSY detailed report

As mentioned its all what you prefer. You should ride both and see what makes the most sense for you. 5'8" two up could be difficult unless you lower this a bit. It's a tall heavy bike. I'm 6'1" 215. On the pavement it's not too bad, in the sticks....2 up...hmmm

That said, driving on the miles of twisty 2 lane roads two up in Oregon, where passing lanes was an after thought and rare in some instances. The Vee was needed by me for instant fly-by passing. Being impatient with slow drivers, I had to go with the Vee. That and my wife won't beat on my helmet/shoulders/back for passing that way.

That aside, I'd probably have bought the Wee. To me both are over-wieght pigs for anything more than "good" forest roads, although I ride poor forest roads often. It's just a lot of work. Last "bad" forest road adventure I took, when I came back to town I went straight to the store and bought a folding shovel..... Lots of weight, high seat, steep terrain and loose or wet muddy surface = PIA

I should add, I've been riding for 45+ years and this is one of the best bikes I've ever owned....Needs some tweaks but I just love it!

Your Honor, this is obviously pure subjective opinion and a deliberate effort to mislead the jury.

We have introduced into evidence the manufacturer's documents indicating a 40 pound difference in weight between the two bikes. Maybe that's "a lot of pork" where PeteW is from, but in my county, that's a good bowel movement.

Furthermore, the 650 has never been "nicer to ride and own," any more than a donkey is nicer to own and ride than a horse. They're different animals, and comparing them like that is ridiculous. If you want a donkey, buy a donkey. If you want a horse...don't buy a donkey.

I move for a mistrial and all charges dropped.

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