[Henry McCann]

My thought process...we have very much enjoyed the ST1300, my wife especially. It has been very comfortable and you can easily roll past our 80mph Montana freeway speed limit fully loaded. But we are looking at shorter trips and gravel/forest service roads. Something the ST1300 isn't designed for. I know people have taken Harley Baggers and I even saw a video of a Victory Vision traveling many miles of gravel roads in Alaska, but there are better options.

In my internet research the VSTROM keeps popping up as a very viable alternative for two up, commuting, fun two lane plus the aforementioned gravel/forest service roads. Also seemingly less expensive used than comparable, BMW, KTM, Triumph and others. I don't think I need the DL1000. When two up we will not be carrying camping gear and just enjoying the ride instead of 600 miles days from point A to point B to reach a desired destination.

In my research I found this site and joined. I thought this the perfect place to get sound advice.

Also this is a DL 650 I found on Facebook Marketplace in Kennewick,WA. It's five hours from me. It looks immaculate. I wanted to know if this is in the ballpark for year, condition and price?
Thank you for your time and expertise! Brett


2012 Suzuki dl
$6,500
Listed 7 weeks ago in Kennewick, WA
About This Vehicle

Driven 10,351 miles
Manual transmission
Exterior color: Black
1 owner

Seller's Description
Looking to sell my Suzuki V-Strom DL650 Adventure motorcycle. It’s in excellent condition. It has been garage kept since I purchased it from the dealer in 2012. I am the only owner. It has brand new Dunlop Trailmax Mission tires with about a thousand miles on them. These are excellent tires. The mods on this bike are a skid plate, a speedo healer, and knuckle guards. It averages about 52 miles per gallon. It’s an amazing commuter with good power. If you have any questions, please let me know via Facebook messenger.

 

[Solo]

You're going to miss the power/torque of a bigger bike. After 45 K miles on a liter crotch rocket, it took a season on my DL650 to get use to having to grab a big handful just to get it to go.
The minimal maintenance & general long life is why I chose the DL.

 

[Philbytx]

We went from a BMW RT to a DL650 as we no longer did long distance touring. It handles twoup just fine and will motor along comfortably at 75 all day with power to spare.
Two things immediately and definitely improved the bike and ride. Installing EBC HH pads front and rear and having Sasquatch upgrade the stock rear shock/spring to our specs. Reckon $100 for the pads and $420 for the shock upgrade. Plus there are many reasonably priced mods and improvements to tailor the bike to your size and shape. Rick at Adventuretech has some great mods available and is regularly on the forums. I have real world experience with a similar transition from a large tourer to a Wee and discovered the DL650 has more than sufficient capabilities and capacities and doesn't require too much expense to tailor it to your own requirements.
Drop me a PM if you need more input.👍

 

[Byronw]

We've had 2 650s and 2 1000s in the garage since 2007. My wife and I are both 6' + tall. The 1000 sits a little taller, it feels a little bigger and can definitely get up and out faster than the 650. We pass traffic on two lane roads without a second thought on the DL1000, with the 650, I'd calculate, downshift, and normally not have trouble, but I just like the bigger motor. The 1000 has better brakes, better suspension, it's a different bike. These are chain drive bikes, you can go crazy with maintenance or minimal cleaning and lubing, and can expect about 25,000 or more miles out of a chain and sprocket set, some use auto oilers and get more. On an extended trip I'll oil it at one of my fuel stops, when home I clean and lube it when I think of it, it's really not a big deal. The rest of the bike has always been bullet proof for me, I've put lots and lots of miles on four of them and never had any problem, ever. Oil, filters, brake fluid, chains and sprockets, brake pads, all easy to do and inexpensive. We do lots of two lane blacktop, gravel forest roads here in Oregon, and it'll also cruise the freeway at high speed comfortably. I added a Givi Airflo shield, Russel saddle, heated grips and a few other things, it's a great tourer, commuter, day ride, fast on twisty roads, great bikes, all. That price seems high, but bike prices have been crazy the last few years. I sold my last 2012 650 with Givi side and top box, engine guard, hand guards, heated grips, skid plate, etc for $4300. That was several years ago though. If you have a chance, see if anyone nearby will let you ride their 650 and\or 1000, it won't take long to decide. I also use searchtempest.com when looking for or pricing out bikes, put in your zip code, how far you're willing to travel, vstrom in the motorcycle\scooter craigslist section, and see what else is available near you. A drive or fly and ride home is always fun. Good luck in your search, let us know what you find or decide.

 

[Stalky Tracker]

Welcome to the forum, Henry.

I have 2006 DL650, almost exclusively one up with side cases, top case, pillion bag, and tank bag. Almost 80,000 miles on it and it has served me well.

 

[Dado8]

For two up definitely go 1000 or 1050, vstrom 650 is "cute" but not for two up...I have '18 650xa and now I see how nice it is when I take my '22 Africa Twin 1100 out for a spin...my previous bikes were, two FJR1300, connie1400, Wing1500 and 1800 so all powerfull machines.

 

[jettawreck]

I loved my ST1300 but as my wife started to ride more she wasn't real comfortable on it, even with a trunk/backrest installed. So I started looking for a Wing for two up riding, expecting to keep the ST. Didn't ride the ST much after getting the Wing and a friend inquired about buying it, so I let it go. We've enjoy(ed) the Wing and trailer setup a lot but I was wishing I had something a bit smaller/lighter and gravel/forestry road capable since we have endless miles of such around here. After one of the guys I ride with had back surgery he bought a BMW 650 since his sport bike was too uncomfortable. I found the 650 V-Strom in January in northern MN. It was a great buy and has fit the need/want list very well for me. "My" bike and "our" bike. Very different uses, both very enjoyable.
As far as having one bike and doing touring two up on a V-Strom (even a 1050) I don't think you (and/or her) will be happy with the switch. Short trips on the back roads, great! But after having that superb V4 ST power and smoothness, I think you will be disappointed. Keep the ST and buy the V-Strom because you will regret letting the ST go.

 

[PlugnPlay]

Coming from a 1300, just curious why you're looking at a 650
My Suzuki 1300 is a sport tourer and the DL1000 was its perfect ADV/touring complement
(because as Solo said above) you're gonna miss the power/torque
I mean, unless you're planning on dropping the bike in offroad conditions and you're worried about the pickup weight
(which is what happened to me after I discovered single-track desert riding - got something lighter cuz I crash in sand ... a lot)
Good luck with the search!

 

[TinMan88]

I will offer a couple points worth considering. 1. How much do you intend to ride two up. 2 How eager do you want to be about munching miles in a big state.3 Your combined weight. 67 HP is not an abundant amount unless you have become more patient in you old age. I myself don't think Vstroms are very good dirt bikes. At all. Just me sayin. I would steer you toward the 2023 1050DE for a couple reasons and granted - no one has ridden them yet. I don't know your budget so bare with me on that. 1 Suspension is more developed (we hope) 21" front wheel rolls over junk better yet is not a hindrance on pavement. 3 Lower gearing overall and reduced gaps in the gears will be more flexible to haul your butts up a grade. The sodium exhaust valves are in response to an engineering need and I welcome that.. The Yamaha Tenere 1200s get good reviews in some circles but again, DO NOT drop one of these big buggers on its side alone. My wife and I ride 100/200 miles in a day on our wee 650, it is barely enough. same on our Vee 1000. They are not going to be the magic carpet your touring bike is - on the tarmac. If you plan 2 up dirt, a rear shock is going to be mandatory for your safety.
As always, PM me if you wish. Cheers

 

[Dado8]

"There is no Replacement
For Displacement"

... somedays I miss my FJR1300ES

 

[cpd419]

Sounds a little high for a ‘12 model imo.

 

[cpd419]

Mine has Suzuki side luggage and some more upgrades with 22000 miles all ridden by me and I would take that in a minute.

 

[Hans471]

I have ridden for over 50 years. Everything from off road racing to K1200GT BMW's. Doesn't make me an expert on anything but it does qualify me to at least offer an informed opinion. Back in 2005 my primary bike was the K1200. (It had replaced my K100RS ABS). At that time we were backing away from long rides and settling down into more rural, back road outings at a more leisurely pace. After talking to DL650 and DL1000 owners we decided on the DL650 as being the best for our riding. We got a new '05 DL650 and enjoyed it for the next dozen years until trading it up to a 2017 Gen 3 DL650. The Gen 3 bike was a great upgrade, better in so many ways than the Gen 1 bike. After two or three years we ended up selling the BMW as we transitioned over to the DL650 for our outings and the BMW was just not being ridden much.
Our DL650 was plenty bike for the two of us. We did only day trips, no luggage and little or no Interstate highway usage. Main riding was state and secondary roads with some local gravel roads. The DL650 was perfect for this. It had plenty of "spunk" for this type of riding and I didn't miss my K1200. I liked the lower weight and seat of the 650 compared to the 1000. It was a nice bike to handle and move around. It is not a thunderous powerhouse like a liter bike but that was fine for us.
As I learned from DL owners back in 2004-2005 the 650 and the 1000 are two different bikes . One must consider what their expectations and desires are. The 1000 is not a better bike than the 650, rather it is a "different" bike.

 

[big Mike]

I went from. 99 St1100 to a 2011 650 VStrom. Yes I do miss the extra torque and almost immediate acceleration in most any gear. However the 650 now suits the type of riding my wife and I now do. Both of us are in our 70s and 600 mile days are probably not in the books anymore. We find 400Kms per day (250 miles ) is just about perfect. We take our time, stop for coffee,ice cream or just looking at the view is a nice way to travel.

To be fair we are both are relatively light at a combined weight all geared up of about 300 pounds so the power is adequate to our purpose..

Something a friend with a broad experience of motorcycling told me caused me to sit up and look at the 650 in a different light. That is the Wee weighs about the same and has roughly the same power as his new at the time Norton 850 Commando. At the time this was a bit of a road burner. Gave me a different perspective on the Wee.

Mike

 

[ThruST]

My thought process...we have very much enjoyed the ST1300, my wife especially. It has been very comfortable and you can easily roll past our 80mph Montana freeway speed limit fully loaded. But we are looking at shorter trips and gravel/forest service roads. Something the ST1300 isn't designed for. I know people have taken Harley Baggers and I even saw a video of a Victory Vision traveling many miles of gravel roads in Alaska, but there are better options.

In my internet research the VSTROM keeps popping up as a very viable alternative for two up, commuting, fun two lane plus the aforementioned gravel/forest service roads. Also seemingly less expensive used than comparable, BMW, KTM, Triumph and others. I don't think I need the DL1000. When two up we will not be carrying camping gear and just enjoying the ride instead of 600 miles days from point A to point B to reach a desired destination.

In my research I found this site and joined. I thought this the perfect place to get sound advice.

Also this is a DL 650 I found on Facebook Marketplace in Kennewick,WA. It's five hours from me. It looks immaculate. I wanted to know if this is in the ballpark for year, condition and price?
Thank you for your time and expertise! Brett


2012 Suzuki dl
$6,500
Listed 7 weeks ago in Kennewick, WA
About This Vehicle

Driven 10,351 miles
Manual transmission
Exterior color: Black
1 owner

Seller's Description
Looking to sell my Suzuki V-Strom DL650 Adventure motorcycle. It’s in excellent condition. It has been garage kept since I purchased it from the dealer in 2012. I am the only owner. It has brand new Dunlop Trailmax Mission tires with about a thousand miles on them. These are excellent tires. The mods on this bike are a skid plate, a speedo healer, and knuckle guards. It averages about 52 miles per gallon. It’s an amazing commuter with good power. If you have any questions, please let me know via Facebook messenger.

I had an 06 ST 1300 loved the bike, bought my first Wee an 06 as a project just to see if I'd like it. It was so much fun that I sold the ST. I went through a couple more Wee's and settled on an 09 which I still own today and it's my go to ride. I have to say I don't feel it's a real 2up bike. Just not enough power/torque for 2up riding even 1up your constantly shifting to keep it in the power band. Maybe a 30 minute ride 2up would be ok. Like I said my Wee is my go to bike, but for 2up we ride my Versys 1000. You might want to look at the 1000/1050, your best bet would go test ride both sizes with your wife and see how it feels for your situation. Just my 2¢, either Strom is a great choice.

 

[Henry McCann]

Thank you for your experienced responses. These have been some great posts full of the kind of information I needed. Much to think about. I would love to spend at least an hour two up on the 650 and 1000 to better get a feel for both. I'll look more carefully at the 1000 after your posts.

Just getting into a more leisurely approach to our rides and want to travel more of the many miles of gravel roads in Montana and I don't see any Rexford to Alzada in a day type of trips in our future. (The Northwest corner of MT to the Southeast corner.) My wife is happiest in nature, whether that is hiking, biking or motorcycling. No desire to try and turn either VStrom into a dirt bike.

I thought the Marketplace ad I posted was at least a grand high after looking at All of Craigslist, but hadn't paid serious attention to VStrom prices so I wasn't sure. (I will also try searchtempest.com, thanks Byronw). Somehow it just never seems to be a hardship to spend time researching different motorcycles to find another one.

Thank you again and grateful to have found this site. Thanks also to Philbytx and TinMan88 for the offer to PM if needed.

 

[om28]

I'm not going to weigh in on the ST1300 vs DL650 as I don't have experience. But the 2012 DL650 for sale in the add seems priced pretty high to me at $6500. I know used prices have spiked and bikes can be hard to come by, but I would think $5K would be more in line. FWIW I paid $6900 out the door for my 2009 DL650 brand new.

 

[KSRider650A]

I have a '91 ST1100 that my wife and I have been enjoying since 1998. It has had at least a dozen garage mates next to it over the years but I will never sell it. Neither will I sell the 2012 DL650 that I bought fully-farkeled (and I mean FULLY) with 20k miles, for $5000 in 2021. We use the ST for out of town trips and I use the Wee for commuting to work in-town. Both bikes are awesome for solo, or two-up. Our combined weights geared up is about #300 and the Wee pulls us just fine. I must say though that after riding the Wee for a week and then getting on the ST, putting the ST into the first turn is always a WTF moment. She's a beastie for sure...

 

[Marmora]

I went he ST1300 to dl1050 route also.Wife not interested in riding anymore(YES).Loved the Honda,just not riding it much.Sold it to a guy with KLR65. Eye opener for him; how did it get up to 140 KM/ H That quickly! Found a new riding buddy.

No regrets on either of us.Really loving th DL1050.

 

[SteadyHorse]

If you're in Oregon and want to save some driving, I'm about to put my 2012 650 up for sale. I can get you details if you're interested, it's my avatar picture.