AL vs K series

[saundersp]

Hi All,

Can someone point me to any information between the difference between the V-Strom 650 AL and K series.

I had an AL2 [that I bought off a member from this forum in 2013, went all over Europe on it] and some not so nice person 'borrowed it' with out my permission and wrote it off. Now I would like to get another 650, but I'm limited with funds, so was thinking of an older model and want to know what is the difference or what do they have the same - are the engines the same and its only body work, instrument panel, etc. that are different.

I have tried to search for the difference but get information on technical specs - if anyone point me to an idiots guide between the two, that would be very helpful.

What I am trying work out is it good to get a 2005 model or go for a 2012 [after longer saving period]? Any suggestions will help.
Thanks.

Paul

[Mark Shelley]

Get the older one. If you like it, keep it. If you don't like it, keep it until you can afford the newer model, then get rid. From memory when I was looking for one. The later seat is more comfy and the later engine is a bit better, being the Gladius version, rather than SV.

[greywolf]

A means with ABS brakes. It was optional starting in K7 models. In became standard in different years in different countries. Check to see if the bike that interests you has ABS. K4-L1 models are commonly referred to as Wees. L2 and later Glees are a little bit better is all aspects except range and ease of removing plastics for maintenance. The Wees had a slightly larger fuel tank though the Glees got a little bit better fuel economy. Suzuki claimed that was enough to offset the tank size difference but that was not my experience.

The Glee is a little lighter, has a slightly better stock seat, power curve including top end, suspension, brakes and oil cooling. Its rider won't get buffeted as much with the stock screen and it doesn't suffer from front end lift as much as the Wee. It's a little taller due to a longer shock. All of those differences are small. The Glee feels a little better and is quieter, sound insulation on the clutch cover and scissor primary gears instead of straight cut accounting for part of that.

Both need a different windscreen and seat real for long distance comfort with screen work on the Wee being needed for just about any distance at speed. Lower the front end on the Wee by raising the fork tubes a little and front end lightness at speed or in wind gusts is mollified. Other differences are small and can often be made non-existent with aftermarket parts.

[SuzukiSte]

Top one is the old one    http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_dl650%2004.htm
Al2 this one                   http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_dl650_v%2012.htm
Hope this helps 

[saundersp]

Thank you for your speedy help and info.

[Miggs]

Google some reviews from when the L first came out.
They usually go into a fair bit of detail comparing with the old.

[greywolf]

The L0 and L1 are still Wees, so not the first of the L decade.

[Brockett]

Watch out for pre reg bikes to ensure you know the model numbers and the specification changes. I bought a K9 wee that was first registered in November 2010 so it is a K9 on a 65 ( late 10) plate. then when I bought crash bars based on the registration number, they didn't fit. The K9 and L0 look the same but are not.  IIRC the K7 and later have twin spark plugs and the K6 only one. So make sure you know the exact model you are considering buying and do not rely on the registration plate to identify it.

[greywolf]

K9 and L0 use the same crash bars. In fact, crash bars are one accessory that fits just about every 650 from 2004 until the present except for a possible impingement on those models with a chin cowling in front of the oil filter. I wonder what the problem was.

[Brockett]

Suzuki crash bars L0/K9 - The part numbers were different and when I offered them up they did not fit. The dealer took them back and ordered in a set suitable for the K9. It was very good of them to do it as Suzuki do not take returns. Maybe it was a UK / European market thing.