I can't decide

[daffyduck1962]

So currently have a 650GT 2010. And it's brilliant except for the lack of grunt when you need to overtake Captain Slow on a single carriageway.

So test rode a 1000, 2008 and wasn't that impressed. Because - Didn't feel that much more power was available, and the clutch 'grabs' as the plate come together. Is this the 'norm'?

And then  I thought about he next model out yet note the bhp is no different, so why is it a better bike?

The handling on my existing 650 is far better than I could have expected and didn't  notice any difference on the 1000Mk.1 version either.

Therefore is there any point in spending up to £5k on the 2014 model compared to a 2008 model which can be had for under £3k?!

Then I notice some of the older 1000 Mk1'shave been tuned with a Power Commander. Is it worth it? Is this the route I should consider for the 650?

I'm happy to spend the money on a Mk.2 1000 if there ae significant improvements over the previous model, otherwise, the age of the bike doesn't bother me so long as it works as it should.

[Fat Rat]

If the silver bike is yours, keep it! That's exactly how a V-Strom should look.

The Vee (2003 - 2008) definitely has more grunt, it can also be lumpy at low speeds, the Power Commander can smooth some of this out (not sure it is needed, or will add any benefit to the 650). The Clutch on the DL1000 tends to rattle itself apart at around 40k (a reasonably inexpensive fix if you can remove and re-fit the Clutch Basket yourself.

The first of the daft pointy DL1000s (2014>) had ECU problems, this was subject to a recall.

If you decide to sell your classic and buy a daft beaked version, do two things;

1. Get some therapy
2. Offer to sell me your bike

 

[Fat Rat]

By the way, that top image is a 2003/2004?

[kwackboy]

Why not test ride a later 650, a glee maybe ..? they have a better motor with more grunt and one up, would give an old Vee 1000 a run for it's money.

[Rusty Nuts]

Superbike Factory has a clutch of 2016 plated, low mileage, beakless glees.

[daffyduck1962]

I've been to Superbike Factory, and considering the attitude of the staff, I wouldn't buy a bike from them as their idea of customer service is to turn them around asap for as much profit as possible, and stuff the customer. They only want your money. They were genuinely shocked when I asked what prep they would do to a bike I was considering buying, as it was dirty and did not  look like it had been touched for a while. No bartering, hard to find someone to help, as they are all on the phone.

I can't believe people are daft enough to buy a bike without checking it over themselves. Trust no-one, never be disappointed. Especially when  buying second hand.

[porter]

I guess it depends how much you value the looks of a bike.
If you don't care much get a 2014 on 1000, great real world grunt (50-100mph), great brakes, good suspension, good mpg and easy servicing.
If it has to look a certain way stick with the older 1000 and put up with the poor brakes, soft suspension and higher mpg just for no beak!

[UK_Vstrom650]

Surely no-one buys a v-strom for the looks 

If you want more grunt, you can't beat cc's so go for the 1000, being mindful of the trade-off with a bigger/heavier bike.

Personally, I'd buy a newer bike than an older one, but I'd also look at the Versys 1000...

[Bobmc]

I previously owned your version and now haven a 2013 650XT. Completely different bike with loads of grunt. Not quite up to the 1000 but still more than enough for everyday riding. Take a test ride and see what you think

[pichulec]

I've got 1000 (2005) and it has a lot of grunt, however it has been tweaked (ATRE + modified clutch basket) so it is not lumpy as usual ones. If you get Vee, get yourself a tre, does not cost much but make difference.

[Flanners]

Loved my Gen1 1000GT with a TRE it was a great all round bike, now got a 15 plate Gen2 1000 in the Summer with the recalls done and think it is a worthy upgrade addressing most of the issues from the Gen1 for me, fantastic usable grunt low down in the rev range, build quality is much better, mpg is better (slightly smaller tank) two up/and or fully loaded touring is better, the bike doesn't even feel loaded up when on the move and rides are much more enjoyable, suspension especially the rear is better, braking is better, traction control is nice to have as is ABS, seat and comfort/riding position is better, only fly OE panniers are small to pretty much useless and curved beak is a bit meh.

[Brockett]

That there grey Wee is the best looking of all the Stroms. If my hips were 20 years younger I'd still have my K9.  Don't worry too much about overtaking captain slow. Throttle back and enjoy the view. On the other hand drop a gear or two and let it rev'. You might be surprised just how much power you can unleash.

[Champy72]

Just fitted my DL650 2019 with a decat exhaust, and eliminated the O2 sensor.

Big difference in power! You could try that with your 1000 and get similar results?

[Bobmc]

I have a K6 1000 and a 2013 650 XT. I have previously owned a first generation 650 as well. Since acquiring the 650 it has been my go to bike for riding locally on Shetland and I sued the 1000 for longer journeys. It has a power Commander among other mods.

Due to the onset of arthritis in my hands I have found the 1000 more difficult and I have used the 650 more. In the last 2 months I have used it for a 750 mile 3 day trip to Ireland, a tour round the Highlands and yesterday I rode 560 miles on it having fitted panniers for the first time.

I agree the 650 doesn’t have the same outright grunt of the 1000 but there is not a lot in it and if you plan your overtakes it all works fine. A lot of the miles yesterday were, of necessity, on motorways and dual carriageways. I was touring at speeds between one with an 8 in the number and one with a 9 in the number. I was getting high 40’s mpg. I can honestly say I didn’t miss the 1000 for the first time ever. I have now decided to sell the 1000 and will rely on the 650 as my main bike. I will upgrade the suspension but other than that I will leave well enough alone as the engine is great.

Ultimately it comes down to what you want, need and can cope with. Sadly the 1000 has become too heavy to manoeuvre and I found using the clutch excruciating after a while. The 650 is lighter, more nimble and the clutch action is much lighter than the 1000.

Just have an extended test ride and then sit down and ask yourself some searching questions as to whether or not the 1000 will be better for you.

Best of luck.