Keep it and fix it - then ride it until you stop dropping it. You'll be really sad doing "low speed tipovers" on a new bike.
Fix the bike or buy something else
I have a 2012 DL650 with close to 55k miles. The bike's in what I would consider to be good condition, with some mild cosmetic damage due to a few low-speed tip-overs. The only issue the bike has of note is that the ABS is currently not functioning, which I suspect is due to the ABS controller failing (not uncommon for this model year).
I decided a couple of weeks ago to finally resolve the ABS problem, as it's been this way for over 2 years. I'm still doing my research on what it will cost to fix it (doing the work myself). It could be $200; it could be over $1000.
But I recently received an insurance payout from an accident where I was struck. Between that money, what I've been able to save up in my 'New Bike' fund, and what I feel I could reasonably sell the bike for as is on the open market, I think I could muster up around $9k towards a new bike. I figure that could put me pretty close to a new DL650 (without many accessories) or a well-kitted model 2-5 years old.
While the Strom is at the top of my next-bike list, I've also been casting eyes towards everything from the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 or Tiger 800, Yamaha Tracer GT 900, Kawasaki Versys 650, and even some slightly more used but well-loved BMW 700s or 750s.
What say you, fellow Stromtroopers? Keep the bike that's served me well for the last 5 years, or move on to something more fresh?
I decided a couple of weeks ago to finally resolve the ABS problem, as it's been this way for over 2 years. I'm still doing my research on what it will cost to fix it (doing the work myself). It could be $200; it could be over $1000.
But I recently received an insurance payout from an accident where I was struck. Between that money, what I've been able to save up in my 'New Bike' fund, and what I feel I could reasonably sell the bike for as is on the open market, I think I could muster up around $9k towards a new bike. I figure that could put me pretty close to a new DL650 (without many accessories) or a well-kitted model 2-5 years old.
While the Strom is at the top of my next-bike list, I've also been casting eyes towards everything from the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 or Tiger 800, Yamaha Tracer GT 900, Kawasaki Versys 650, and even some slightly more used but well-loved BMW 700s or 750s.
What say you, fellow Stromtroopers? Keep the bike that's served me well for the last 5 years, or move on to something more fresh?
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Move on but not to a BMW. BMW stands for Bring More Wallet, BMW parts are really expensive.
Really depends on what you want and can afford. There are very limited numbers of new bikes available right now so this could be a determining factor for you as well. Even used bikes are in short supply. I would definately want to stick with my own good running bike (approx same mileage as yours) rather than buying another used one with questionable reliability, I have very seldom had my ABS kick in so doubt I would be willing to spend much if I had to repair it on my 2012. My buddy is fine with his 2006 Strom, non ABS.
I've seen a few ABS repair costs and they can be expensive. I'm fine with my '08 non-ABS. I would either ride it like that or move to newer Strom.
If you could bump to a Triumph Tiger 800 or 900, those are nice!
If you could bump to a Triumph Tiger 800 or 900, those are nice!
Oh brother, here we go again. Probably ought to mention Ducati too, you know those valve adjustments.Move on but not to a BMW. BMW stands for Bring More Wallet, BMW parts are really expensive.
Bajakirch,
I say buy something new/different. Life is too short to ride the same old thing.
I'm going to rent a Tiger 850 Sport in September hopefully and get to know that platform. I rented a semi Beat up Tracer 900 a couple of years ago and could see getting one of those if I decide I need more acceleration. I Like my Vstrom 650 , as it really meets my needs. Wants change by the day and I should be careful following those.
Those new Tiger Sport 660's are sweet. I would have bought one instead of the Strom, but I didn't want a new bike as a newly returning rider. No regrets with the 650 though!
Its a hard call when you have to make a decision on spending a lot of money on a bike like that. The bike is ten years old. What is its market value with or without the repair? Many people would buy it without the ABS of course. I mean the brakes still work, just no ABS.
As for upgrading to a newer bike: Another call only you can make. I rode Wee'
Sell it "as-is" and get a newer bike? Only you know your budget and what you are willing to spend. I have owned bikes for many decades and have favorites. My 2005 Wee was great...until I updated it to a 2017 which was a big step up .But I have also had a few BMW's. They were great bikes....so long as they didn't break. I have a few Triumph Tigers. My 1050 was nice back in the day but currently I have a Tiger 900 GT Pro and it is, by far, my most loved machine ever.
You can't make the wrong call on this. The 2021 is worth fixing if you want ABS. If you want to sell it there are many buyers out there who would love to have it. There are many great choices as to models but as most will tell you its hard to find a decent deal. I would ride a new Tiger before I would buy a Yammy Tracer. The Tracer is loved by many but the Tiger has some clear advantages depending on what you want a bike to be. Its on you.....
As for upgrading to a newer bike: Another call only you can make. I rode Wee'
Sell it "as-is" and get a newer bike? Only you know your budget and what you are willing to spend. I have owned bikes for many decades and have favorites. My 2005 Wee was great...until I updated it to a 2017 which was a big step up .But I have also had a few BMW's. They were great bikes....so long as they didn't break. I have a few Triumph Tigers. My 1050 was nice back in the day but currently I have a Tiger 900 GT Pro and it is, by far, my most loved machine ever.
You can't make the wrong call on this. The 2021 is worth fixing if you want ABS. If you want to sell it there are many buyers out there who would love to have it. There are many great choices as to models but as most will tell you its hard to find a decent deal. I would ride a new Tiger before I would buy a Yammy Tracer. The Tracer is loved by many but the Tiger has some clear advantages depending on what you want a bike to be. Its on you.....
Well Baja, new Tracers and Tigers are out of reach of a $9,000 budget. You could probably get one of those used and be happier than a pig in shit. Which one to get depends on your preferred riding style and surface. Like the Strom, they aren't off-road, but some models are more ON-road than others. Triples are absolute GEMS of engines. I'll never sell mine.
That all said, you have what I think was the only vulnerable year for the Wee ABS system. I think the subsequent years are more reliable and reasonably repairable or easy to find good used units. You have your Wee farkled. Maybe some of those farkles will transfer to a newer Wee. They won't really bring you any extra money if left on your 2012 when you sell it.
I've never ridden a bike with ABS, but I know it can save a front lockup and low side on a tricky surface.
That all said, you have what I think was the only vulnerable year for the Wee ABS system. I think the subsequent years are more reliable and reasonably repairable or easy to find good used units. You have your Wee farkled. Maybe some of those farkles will transfer to a newer Wee. They won't really bring you any extra money if left on your 2012 when you sell it.
I've never ridden a bike with ABS, but I know it can save a front lockup and low side on a tricky surface.
Baja, I was in your position last year when I realized my 2009 Wee's ABS had given up the ghost and it was coming up on 100K miles. I stumbled upon a 2012 BMW R1200R FULLY kitted for relatively short money ($6K) and bought it to replace the Wee. Unfortunately I love the Wee so much I couldn't bring myself to sell it, decided to keep it, ABS be damned. Looking at what I did from a practical point, it was pretty idiotic, I rationalized spending $6K so I wouldn't have to spend $1200, no logic there, just emotion, I wanted to try a new bike. People do this all the time.
If I were you I would only replace it with a new bike, or keep your Wee and fix it, 55K miles is nothing. Buying used you may end up with someone else's problems and be even deeper in the hole. Good luck and keep us posted.
If I were you I would only replace it with a new bike, or keep your Wee and fix it, 55K miles is nothing. Buying used you may end up with someone else's problems and be even deeper in the hole. Good luck and keep us posted.
You’ve been riding it without ABS for two years. Wait a little longer and keep pilling on the miles. Summer is half gone inventory is low on both new and used bikes. Take this time to
do the research to know which years and if any other Suzuki uses that part.
Start actively looking for parts on eBay, if your patient you may be able to fix it for a reasonable price.
That is what I did and eventually just wanted a new / different bike and sold the bike 26 months later. And want did I replace it with……a newer 650. Suzuki made some real improvements on the 17s.
do the research to know which years and if any other Suzuki uses that part.
Start actively looking for parts on eBay, if your patient you may be able to fix it for a reasonable price.
That is what I did and eventually just wanted a new / different bike and sold the bike 26 months later. And want did I replace it with……a newer 650. Suzuki made some real improvements on the 17s.
If you are in MN I'd give it a shot. Repairing the ABS that is.... 😁
Where in Wisconsin?
Where in Wisconsin?
This is an aside from your main question about repair or replace your bike. Regarding the ABS fault you state that you suspect the ABS hydraulic unit. I apologize if I have responded to any previous post you may have made on this issue. There have been so many ABS threads on the 2012 that I can't recall all that I have responded to. I also have a 2012 which had an abs fault. I utilized the official Suzuki service manual to troubleshoot the problem. Following the repair flow charts led me to the solution being to replace the ABS hydraulic unit. However the root cause of the problem was the wiring harness was rubbed through and one of the wires going to the front sensor was shorting to the frame. This was NOT easily seen by just using a light and looking from top down at the harness. I didn't see the problem until using an inspection mirror and looking at the backside of the harness. Gas tank was removed and coolant overflow bottle to get access for good inspection.
Determine the fault code being generated if you don't know what it is. If it is related to the front wheel sensor then you absolutely need to inspect the harness for the problem I described. Multiple reported cases of this being a cause of an ABS fault on the 2012 650. If all still points to the hydraulic unit I would look for an alternative Kawasaki unit or used Suzuki module as reported on this forum.
If I were faced with having to pay full price for a new hydraulic unit for my 2012 to repair I would live with the problem and use the bike as non ABS. The price of the part is probably equal to the value of the bike.
Determine the fault code being generated if you don't know what it is. If it is related to the front wheel sensor then you absolutely need to inspect the harness for the problem I described. Multiple reported cases of this being a cause of an ABS fault on the 2012 650. If all still points to the hydraulic unit I would look for an alternative Kawasaki unit or used Suzuki module as reported on this forum.
If I were faced with having to pay full price for a new hydraulic unit for my 2012 to repair I would live with the problem and use the bike as non ABS. The price of the part is probably equal to the value of the bike.
Keep the bike unless you are really itching for a newer model or a different bike.
A solution for the ABS was shared in a reply to a previous post of yours (Getting serious about fixing my ABS system)
A solution for the ABS was shared in a reply to a previous post of yours (Getting serious about fixing my ABS system)
Time for a change. Nothing like a fresh/new bike. Perhaps even consider a NC750X, very economical ? I have tried the 900 Tracer. Its a frantic motor and very powerful. The Versys is a good bike. Triumph 800 is ok but I preferred the 1200. Perhaps another Strom of course.
Of course you'd say that, but let's put that in perspective; you have what can only be called a "harem" of motorcycles.I say buy something new/different. Life is too short to ride the same old thing.
A bike that's paid for is my favorite one. 
Three?Of course you'd say that, but let's put that in perspective; you have what can only be called a "harem" of motorcycles.
The best time to look for a bike is when you already have a bike and some cash in hand. This is when you can search out the deals and get more for less.A bike that's paid for is my favorite one.
The OP has 9K to work with assuming that includes the approximately 2K in he'd get for the DL after all the dust settles (either cost of repair or discount for non-operational ABS) so right now about 7K in cash. Personally that is where I'd set my budget and start looking. After I got a new to me bike then I'd sell the DL and then bank that money and use as seed money for the next bike of for farkles/gear
I can say from experience that having cash in hand, the willingness to spend it and striking while the iron is hot is what has gotten me some exceptional deals.
I'm with you the one's that are paid for are my favorite. The one's that leave a little foldin money left in my pocket are my most favorite.
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