[ph0rk]

My wife and I are currently riding a Kawasaki GTR 1000 (Concours) We are really keen to buy a V Strom but wondering which would be the way to go. We ride together 6 times a year, with a special tour once a year. I ride to work rain wind or shine every day.

Should we be looking at the 1000DL or the 650DL. Would the 650 be underpowered for two people, panniers and a top box.

That depends - how heavy are the rider and pillion together?

My 650 is fine for us, but I'm ~155 and she is ~110, so together we almost make a "normal" American.

The GVWR of the 650 is 926 lbs, so subtract bike, luggage, you, her, gear and you'd want to be under that amount. If you aren't anywhere near the GVWR I think the 650 is fine, though it might feel underpowered after a connie.

 

[1 Wheel Drive]

Or the other way to look at it is; The 1000 has significantly more torque and will perform better when two up and fully loaded. At only about a 50 lb handicap you'll hardly notice the difference when 1-up.

 

[JRWalker]

a 650 is a 650 that is a 650. go figure.

 

[juddspaintballs]

I've ridden the older Connie and I still own my ST1100. They are reasonably similar in acceleration and power. I also just picked up a Wee. I would say that you're going to miss the power if you ride two-up on a Wee with luggage. Instead of dropping one gear to pass someone, I find myself dropping 2 or 3 on the Wee, and that's just by myself. My wife hasn't ridden with me in almost 3 years now (kids) and isn't likely to any time soon, so I chose a Wee for me :thumbup: I still have the ST when she's ready to, but I think I'm going to convince her that she needs to learn how to ride her own bike so I have an excuse to buy a 3rd bike :mrgreen:

 

[KevinP]

First, what do you like and dislike about the Connie? The choice between Wee and Vee is mostly about priorities, cost, and availability (used) in your area. Wind protection, luggage options, seating position are all the same even though stock Wee sits a hair lower. Review your past experience with the Connie to discover what problem areas you would like the DL to solve. Then it may be easier to see what is best for your specific needs.

My wife (120lb) rides on the back of my Wee with luggage occasionally and I am fairly heavy (225). The little 650 pulls us fine particularly since she requires smooth sedate acceleration. She is much more comfy than on my previous 2004 VFR800 and I do not perceive a real power shortage even after coming off of a quicker bike. Sure the Vee would be fantastic two-up but I also appreciate a nimble feeling bike that is still full-sized and cheap. I can accelerate smoothly without downshifting excessively when two up. When riding solo if you like to tear up the twisties, or will do legit dual track trails, then the Wee may have a small advantage. Higher speed two-up touring or if your wife is thrilled by aggressive acceleration then the Vee obviously has the favorable power-to-weight ratio.

I would have taken either but I simply found a better deal on a Wee first and probably saved in the ballpark of $1000.

BTW I know someone who went from older Connie to Wee who rides two-up and last I heard he is still thrilled.

 

[kenneth_moore]

I sold my Concours 1000 to my pal to buy my DL1000. He rode it a year and sold it to buy his DL650. We're both happy. Either bike will handle the load, so it comes down to if you like higher performance or lighter weight. There's many other differentiators, but in my mind, those are the key ones.

 

[Voluhzia-Strom]

 

[EC90T]

The 650 is a descent enough motorcycle to do everything you'll ask it for. If you have become acustomed to the torque that a liter class bike has, then you'll want the 1000. My Vee will out roll-on my brothers Connie without any problem. I can leave mine in 6th and pass at will on a two lane road. My brother has to downshift to keep up and his Connie has a set of Dale Walkers muffles and a jet kit. I also out-weigh my brother by a good 80lbs.

The Vee just feels a little more sorted out because of the better suspension. The engine can be a little noisy and have more vibes (if yours has the chudder issue) than that of the Wee. If you find the buzzyness of the Connie unabtrusive then the Vee will be as smooth as glass in comparison.

 

[richw]

If you commute every day the 34 MPG will p you off

If you want the 650 WAIT. Suzuki will unveil a NEW dl/dr something by the end of the month.

If you have cash you may want that but within a month all DL will take a hit in their value.

 

[EC90T]

If you commute every day the 34 MPG will p you off

If you want the 650 WAIT. Suzuki will unveil a NEW dl/dr something by the end of the month.

If you have cash you may want that but within a month all DL will take a hit in their value.

Yeah, I guess the 48+ mpg I'm seeing out of my Vee is a real pisser. The funny part is, there are lots of us seeing those kind of numbers. Have the power and the fuel economy!

 

[1 Wheel Drive]

If you commute every day the 34 MPG will p you off

34 mpg? Where did that number come from? I can easily get 200 miles from a 4.5-5 gallon refill. I'm sure a wee can do better, as could I if I'd quit turning that right hand thingee all the time.

But the Pavlovian response is well ingrained in me now.
Turn right hand, receive pleasure.

 

[cbrxxcess]

Wow 34mpg. Wonder what's going on there. I Am now getting 40mpg after yosh boxing my bike. I was getting above 45mpg with many tanks at 50.

 

[Sqizzer]

650 or 1000

i really appreciated these responses thankyou. Summarizing there is valid argument that it can boil down to preference, but that if i have been used to the GTR 1000 (Australian term) then the 1000 is the way to go. Am I right in hearing that the Vee is not an economical bike on fuel?