Moving from DL650 to DL1000 - Anyone done this?

[Descolada]

I have been wondering about the experience of going from a DL650 to a DL1000. Have anyone done this and what was the experience like?

[Brockett]

A bit bigger and heavier and a lot more horses.
Cruising with luggage, tent etc. at 90 is no problem.
However, when pushed, it drank a lot of petrol.
I think I got 26mpg for 100+mph.

To be honest I traded my Vee for a Glee because I was riding much too fast and just couldn't stop doing it.

Around town the Glee is much more manageable and it doesn't seem to be begging to go into 3 figures all the time.

[chalky]

Been having the same thoughts myself, nearly bought a K6 vee last week.

[DOG]

Can't comment on the finer details of DL1000 although my other bike is a Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200 which is a fine bike having a similar style as the DL650 but the 650 is more economical, lighter, more chuckable, nimble and more fun and easier to live with day to day. You'd almost think I dislike the Explorer, no, I don't. It's pretty bloody quick, carries a pillion and luggage as if not there, sounds the business when accelerating, fuel wise it returns 50-53 with no difficulty but the biggest drawback is the numb bum after a while in the saddle. The massive benefit is it's not a BMW and neither is the VStrom.

[Abercol]

PM me if you want a shot of my Vee...I've not ridden a 650 so might be interesting.

[Descolada]

PM me if you want a shot of my Vee...I've not ridden a 650 so might be interesting.

A generous offer, thanks. Are you planning to attend ST7 next year?

[kennydies]

my K8 is still for sale :-)

[Abercol]

Hadn't planned on it, but then, I don't remember where & when its being held! hopeless I know.

[Gassoon]

I have been wondering about the experience of going from a DL650 to a DL1000. Have anyone done this and what was the experience like?

Terrible! I tried it at 20 mph, fell off and damaged both bikes! Boom-boom!




I know - coat, get, leave    Can't even blame drink this time

[Jay2]

Another 650 owner wondering about the benefits of moving up engine size?

Can see the immediate downsides:-
Less mpg
Heavier bike

What are the positives?

Main reason for asking is taking the strain off my 650 when fully laden and when out with riders on bigger machines my 650 just gets left on the straights.  

[frez]

The positive is effortless, fast acceleration at any legal speed.

[hookie]

I bought the 1000 after test riding both as I wanted the extra punch of the bigger engine. The 1000 weighs about 20kg more than the 650 and uses more fuel, typically 10-15 mpg better on the 650. In normal road use you won't get left behind by bigger bikes and the punch of the big Vee will leave a lot of then behind when overtaking even when loaded up. Handling and braking will be pretty much the same for both. Rear tyre life will be shorter on the 1000, especially if you regularly use the power available. I typically get around 4-5,000 miles. Insurance may be a bit higher and servicing similar except for valve shims which are a bit easier so should be cheaper if you have to pay for it. Best thing is to get a good ride on one and see what you think and with the pros and cons discussed on here make a decision.

[Abercol]

Yes...    Wot he Said.

I love the punch of the Vee, regularly having sportbike owning mates astonished at the Vee's drive out of a corner, romping away from them before their bike comes fully on song.

[Descolada]

Thank you everyone for taking the time to add your feedback. I would love the extra performance, but probably not at the expense of making it ... well, .... generally more expensive to run.

 

[frez]

I love the punch of the Vee, regularly having sportbike owning mates astonished at the Vee's drive out of a corner, romping away from them before their bike comes fully on song.

It is only because they are too lazy to use their gear box and make sure they are keeping it in the power band that you romp away from them. It is the advantage of bikes with an early peak torque like the vee, you can be easy on the gearbox where the sportsbike rider is having to go up and down through the gears to keep the bike performing.

[Fat Rat]

It's a silly discussion because the solution is obvious.

Own one of each like I do  

[Descolada]

It's a silly discussion because the solution is obvious.

Own one of each like I do  

 

OK Mr Rat, tell us which one you ride the most (prefer to ride).  

[Fat Rat]

On a serious note, I have owned three DL1000s and a Wee and now a Glee.

I replaced my last 1000 with a new Wee, I convinced myself that the Wee was powerful enough, that was fine right up to the time I was trying to keep up wih my Brother in law on his nutter bastard Sportsbike across Europe. That prompted me to buy the Tiger 1050 (which I still have).

The short answer, the Glee is effortless to ride, you can almost think it around corners whreas the Vee is heavier but has the additional beans.

I like them both and each has its place.

Having read that back I can see I have not answered any of your questions  

[Descolada]

How does your Tiger factor into this, do you still ride and enjoy the bike?

[Fat Rat]

I love it