Three questions comparing 2011 to newer dl650s

1844 Views 9 Replies 8 Participants Last post by billeclubb, 11 mo ago

r60rider

Discussion Starter · 11 mo ago

I’m thinking of moving from a 2011 dl650 to a newer model due to mileage. I’m a bit put off that the newer models carry a half gallon less fuel, but do have a fuel cell. 1, will a newer model (2019 onwards) beat 60 mpg? 2, the headlight-fairing is narrower so does a newer strom have as good a headlight as the 2011 (which is fantastic). 3, does the newer fairing protect as well as the older one?
ride safely

Save

1 - 10 of 10 Posts

om28

· #2 · 11 mo ago

These are points I've wondered about too, but being I don't have a new bike I can't be of much help.

As far as the gas question, Suzuki claimed gas mileage improved when they went with the newer motor in 2012, which is why they decreased tank capacity. Gas mileage varies greatly with different people, so no use asking others. I would think you'd get the same or better mileage with the newer bike.

Save

mr2mch01

· #3 · 11 mo ago

My 2011 went 300 miles on a tank of gas several times...at highway speed. & when I filled up..it still had about 1/4 gal left!
That would equal appx 60mpg.
I believe all 650s from 07 onward got better mpg due to the dual spk plgs & other engine updates. Mine also had a 16T front sprkt.
Suzy did make even more engine changes on the 12-16 models along with internal trans gearing changes negating the need for a 16T sprkt change.
As for their bs about the smaller tank size... I think it was more about making it narrower at the seat so riders could stand up easier...& less frontal protusion on one side for slimmer fairing styling.
The 17up bike styling was just brought in line with the 1000 styling for family recognition.
Gen1 & Gen2 Strom headlights are hard ta beat...but leds do help on the newer 1000s.

See less See more

Save

nuke

· #4 · 11 mo ago

I ride regularly on longer trips with my buddy who has a 2006 model and myself a 2012. I use around 10% less fuel than him which covers off the 22 vs 20 L tank size differences.
I can easily get 3.8L/100 km (62 mpg US) when tooling around secondary roads without side cases.
57 mpg is probably more realistic with combination city and some higher speeds.

Headlamps on the 2012 model are great.

Unsure about wind protection as buddy has a larger aftermarket windscreen but I find it quite adequate on the 2012 with Suzuki vario windscreen and doubt there is much difference.

Save

Improperly Torqued

· #5 · 11 mo ago

This thread may help, though it compares Gen 1 (instead of Gen 2, which you have) to Gen 3.

Save

Improperly Torqued

· #6 · 11 mo ago

mr2mch01 said:
Suzy did make even more engine changes on the 12-16 models along with internal trans gearing changes negating the need for a 16T sprkt change.

The gear ratios are identical on the Gen 1 and Gen 3. (I can't speak for the Gen 2.) The engine on the Gen 3 is slightly stronger and slightly more efficient.

Save

r60rider

Discussion Starter · #7 · 11 mo ago

Thanks. The comparison helped a bunch.

Save

Philbytx

· #8 · 11 mo ago

Nicer motor on the 2017's

Save

Nicad

· #9 · 11 mo ago

Fairing protection of the 2017+ is poor IMHO. A Givi airflo makes it good. I had so much buffeting with the stock windscreen.

Save

Reactions: 2

billeclubb

· #10 · 11 mo ago

Nicad said:
Fairing protection of the 2017+ is poor IMHO. A Givi airflo makes it good. I had so much buffeting with the stock windscreen.

But buffeting was a big deal on the gen 1 also, that's why there are so many windshield options. But i agree the Airflow is terrific.

Save

Reactions: 1

1 - 10 of 10 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month