Is the 1000/1050 worth it?

[locksim]

I've got a superb AL8 650 - low miles and utterly excellent but I keep thinking of the extra power of the bigger Vee!

Then I recall I sold a Stelvio, which had power in spades, because it was too big, heavy etc

So... is the big Vee worth a go or should I stick to the wonderful 650?

[Brockett]

It depends how you use it
The 650 is more than adequate for the today's roads
The bigger stroms will feel more powerful, but in the end, I doubt they will get you "there" any quicker.  On most roads the faster you go the sooner you catch up with the traffic queue ahead.

[nigel s]

It is always worth a go, get a test ride.
I tried both and am glad I got the 650 , if only for the extra range..and tyre life...and mpg and...

I will stop there before the pile on starts

Don't forget the 800, an ideal compromise between the two ?

Ho Hum

[vstroman]

If I was touring 2up I'd definitely consider the 1050, as it is the 650 is perfect for solo riding,
in the future I'll likely go for the 800, going to be very hard to part with the 650,
still might keep it as a winter bike if I get the 800.

[porter]

I love my 1000 in every way and for a big bike it's cheap to run apart from the rear tyre life that is. The only thing that gets to me is the weight of it some days.
  Get a ride on one and see if it suits you.

[graingerblaze]

I loved my 650 for 6 years, excellent all round bike for sure. The only time I actually wanted more power was when sat on the motorway with luggage, solo, the easy overtake wasn’t always there when abroad at 80+. For 90% of the time, the 650 is perfect and has more than enough power!

For me, I jumped up to the 1050 for the extra torque. I try and avoid motorways but when you do have to use them, I really appreciate the extra grunt. I don’t find the weight any different, I guess the 1050 distributes it well as I didn’t find my 650 that light when manoeuvring. Tyre wear is down to your wrist, both are capable of early replacement but I will agree it’s easier to do on the 1050/1000 as the extra torque is fun.

As others have said, take both or the 800 for a spin and see what suits you… no wrong answer if it’s a Strom 

[Gert]

Without knowledge of the rider's age, general build and level of fitness, it is difficult to advise any rider as to whether changiing to a 1050 would be a good option.  Yes, the DL1050 has more power but as said, at what cost.

If it is a case of simply having money to burn, then why not.... get the more powerful ride. But.... be aware that the extra cost of owning a larger capacity bike will not simply end there.

As a prosective new DL1050 owner, you will likely be faced with various additional costs.... some planned some unplanned. The extra cost could range from items like various farkels / mods / comfort / accessories / extra luggage / suspension upgrades / etc, etc. Not to mention the additional running cost of a larger capacity bike, starting with insurance being mor expensive, shorter tyre life, fuel consumption is slightly less than the DL650, possible traffic fines when using the available torque, etc.

As already advised, go for a test ride and if you can afford the bike taking into account the extra costs. If it ticks all the boxes, then by all means go for it.  Sad but true, the heart what's what the heart wants.

Perhaps some research https://www.stromtrooper.com/threads/now-that-you-have-had-it-for-a-while-how-do-you-feel-about-your-dl1050.435900/

[locksim]

Thanks all, I'm a fit, 6'4" 59yr old so the manhandling bit isn't an issue.

Thanks for all your replies - I might have a ride on one but, having read the Stormtrooper notes, I'm more than ever inclined to say the Gen 3 650 is possibly my perfect motorcycle. I almost always ride solo, without much kit, an overnight bag maybe - I never seem to need the hard panniers I have, just the topbox. I'd love a bit more go but the relaxed ride, astonishing mpg and the fact that it is a known quantity, already paid for and living in the garage is a strong argument in its favour. I probably need to ride it more to appreciate its qualities! I recall I sold my Stelvio, a scorching road burner of a bike in the same style, because it was too big and too heavy for B roads and general fun. Excellent if you are a "committed personal best time from A to B" type rider but I'm not that anymore - just a trundler with occasional A road "get to the destination a bit quicker" type moments

[nigel s]

Same size/age as me, I found going to a 14t front sprocket worked well, same mpg better roll on , and will still sit at 76 mph all day with no vibes. Cheap to try too , just get a JT cushioned 14t rather than a one-damped one.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/195265446923?_skw=Vstrom650+14+t+front+sprocket&itmmeta=01JGCDNSRZWYVF4E9EJ0N25XHR&hash=item2d76ba440b:g:ROwAAOSwoAlk51Gi&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAABAHoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKn5x9tQy5S9KQ4JAfaqSyobwueK%2FL5COxxVPm%2FwMhlu2urX%2F8dTt9M6gw6dF533j4BSvtspslGOAoh8wUdkLfUPs3nvIz%2BpjlVKEexKKRzqJ7C%2Fo2%2BaPayLz4TTXAyY6lAic0zp246quNIKKgHb7lr2hBBwIVV3B6qTGAxeY6LGyvRz%2B0bzKH2SgccUFYIjqSVMZLG%2B8k9P39s%2FyMAm%2B9L%2BeGFfDazBHowUf9AtyK4jP%2FTS28DTzHXL2m4ls0fjlVOlmisicQEsHKiwTwNC6%2BQv01xLBPEqNuDZv4UNiZKtXr%2F6msWMeyXr0ZFlPpuGnIc%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR9Kc142DZQ

[locksim]

Top tip, Nigel - one is on its way to me now

[AdvntureSi]

I debated the 650/1000 thing.  And went for the 1000..
As I do/did ride 2 up a bit and there are some bigger trips away on the cards (already done one, 4 weeks, fully kitted for camping etc, 4k miles down to Spain), it was a great choice...
No doubt from what I have read, the 650 would have done it, just not quite at same pace and ease..
Mpg wise.. I was getting 52-58mpg on the trip....(Did see a 60+) But that may have been a miss calc/very slow day)...
Rear tyre has suffered the extra grunt.. so that's poss got another 2k in it..
Perhaps just ride the 650 harder when you need to, or if you want more of a relaxed ride, the 1k offers that extra grunt..
The different front sprocket on the 650 is a good call...

[Bobmc]

I have owned both over the years and s till have a 650 The 1000 just became too heavy to move around

[Tomfum]

I have had all three 650.s gen 1.2. and 3 ...a 1050 and now have an 800 v strom and for me the 800 is the best . Better brakes than the 650 ..better suspension than the 650 .. a lot more power ..and just as good as the 650 on fuel ....against the 1050 the 800 is lighter ...cheaper ...and the seat is a lot more comfortable.