totally agree with orange sunrises' post, i've often compared my wee engine to a sewing machine regarding it's sound (a result of smooth, precise rpm with relatively effortless increase ? ), advice to perspective rider; get the wee up to 7000 rpm in 6th, now what's it sound like ?,

Whatever it is, the siren will drown it out.

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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

my EX250 sounded like a sewing machine - the Wee purrs like a big cat - one of the best things about it

I love my wee, but this love affair took over a year and a fair bit of farkling to bring it to fruition. After the first year of owning my wee, I was ready to trade it in on something with more power and better off-road performance. After adding some farkles to improve off-road performance and learning to accept its limitations, I am very happy with it. I still wish it mad more ponies under the tank, but this is a small complaint for such a nice bike.

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When you think of the long and gloomy history of man, you will find more hideous crimes have been committed in the name of obedience than have ever been committed in the name of rebellion.
- C. P. Snow

Am I reading this right? your making judgement from the passenger seat. Take the bike out alone for a day and then decide.

I don't think my dads bike is in bad shape, but he does ride it hard. I found it a little slow and the engine felt like it was doing a lot, but the bike wasn't putting out much power at highway speeds. In the spring I'll see if I can arrange a demo ride on a new one.

I'll definitely keep my current bike, but am leery to buy another bike I won't enjoy as much, and not ride it. Compared to what I have, the bike just didn't seem "fun" and for me, that's the point of riding. I'm excited every time I back my bike out of the garage and want every bike I own to make me feel that way. Currently I ride a Ducati 796, well farkeled, as you guys might say.

I don't think I'd want the Vee, as I'm a small guy and want it to be manageable, regardless where I take the bike.

I'll definitely ride a new one in the spring and go from there. I agree it's the best all around bike, especially for what I want it for. We're planning a 13000 km ride in 2014 from Calgary to Cancun and back and my bike isn't the best choice. I love it, but for that long on the road, and the roads we'll come across, I want the comfort, reliability and repairability of the wee. I don't think the naked Monster will enjoy the Mexican roads very much.

I was riding his bike and he was riding my Duc. Since he was in front of me, I was at his mercy to pull over to trade back. I spent about 30 minutes on the Wee through the mountains before we swapped back.

He is going in for shoulder surgery in two weeks and won't be riding in the spring so I'll have his bike for a longer test and I'll give it a thousand kilometers to see what I really think, and will for sure test ride a new one.

Thanks all for the advice, and if there's anything else you can think of that may help me decide, feel free to share.

Also, any mods that are a must? I'd likely start with a new 2012 or 2013 Adventure package. ...Steve

Edit. Here's what I'm on now.

The Wee must seem positively GIGANTIC compared to your monster. I remember my first Wee test drive, and thought it was a BIG bike, regardless of the engine displacement. But, one trip down the road had me sold - it was love at first ride. I really liked being way up high, eye to eye with all the pickup truck drivers, and the roomy upright riding position was revelatory, when compared to my kawa sport bike......

You may not get there, but give it a try while your dad is off the bike, you may find it hard to go back to your little bike.

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"Side effects may include: Mild kidney explosions...Testicular cranberrying... And Rectal hallucinations."

It did seem very big and I wasn't a fan of the way it handled but I've been a motocross guy all my life and have always ridden small, light sport bikes on the road. The Wee was a big change from that. I do love the Monster though. It's light, quick, handles well and is amazing in the city. I like it on the highway too and it actually loads up and tours nice, but I'd like a windshield and a more comfortable riding position. I'll keep the Ducati forever though, regardless of what bike I buy next.

For me it's RIDING not which bike I ride!!.If I was broke I would rather have the cheapest ( good running ) any brand bike than a car.Sure I like some bikes more than others but the ride is more important.
Thats why I wave to everybody on 2 and 3 wheels,it's all about them riding !!.


Sent from my iPhone using Motorcycle.com App

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1982 GS850..BLACK SUNSHINE,the tripod
2007 DL996AR..BRUTUS
Ah screw it,I'm goin ridin !!!!!!!!