Glee better?

[Strommerboy]

25000 happy miles on my Wee. I'm wondering again about changing the bike. I'm doing more two up touring these days but generally the bike copes well. The main problem when considering a change is one of legs, mine are short 30" inseam and my wife's are long 32". There seem to be few bikes that fit us both so well in terms of comfort. So the question is do we go for the Glee? I'm not really a fan of the Veek though that might be a comfortable option. The Glee is touted by my local dealer as much better than the Wee and just as capable two up. But is it? An reflections or opinions gratefully accepted.

[greywolf]

I've had both. The stock Glee is a bit better than the stock Wee in many places. It has digital instrumentation except for the rev counter, a bit better suspension, a little more power and better aerodynamics. It's a little quieter, a little lighter, the ABS is a little better and the seat is about 50% better. All those little things add up. Changing windscreens and seats can help both models so differences there may not be important to those who want better out of both.

Seat height on the Glee is a bit higher due to a slightly longer shock but the Glee is more amenable to lowering. It isn't so subject to aerodynamic front end lift and doesn't have the 10mm limit on lowering the front with a fork brace the ABS Wee does.

[Strommerboy]

Thanks Greywolf. Is the gross laden weight of the Glee comparable with the Wee? I've been led to believe that because of its derivation from the DL1000 the Wee has a higher GLW.

[greywolf]

Both Glee and Wee got their frame from the Vee. I haven't looked to check for sure but the Glee should do a little better than the Wee because it is a little lighter, has better suspension, basically the same frame and better aerodynamics.

[Sea-Strom]

I have owned both. The new bike feels lighter than the old one, particularly to push. The stock screen is better. The clocks are better. The gear change is smoother. It rides better. No disrespect to pre 2012 650's They were great bikes. Both better for taller riders. For two up I would say any 650 is a little under powered but as they go, the DL650's torque is very acceptable. Most of all though, the handling of the new bike is exceptionally good. Oh yes and bang for buck, particularly good with 0% at the moment - little can touch the middleweight Suzuki IMO. Buy one - I did, two weeks ago!

[ukiboy]

I have a 2014 Glee and used to own a 2010 Wee. Both bikes are superb. IMHO the differences aren't that big. The Glee engine is smoother and v slightly pokier.
I preferred the looks of the old Wee, angular and a bit more aggressive.
Comfort wise I also preferred the Wee - with a madstad fitted along with the standard screen I had no complaints at all and I found the seat on the Wee a bit roomier and more comfortable; I guess these things are very subjective.
The bottom line is that you cannot go far wrong with either bike: both offer superb VFM with huge amounts of user friendly competence.
I traded a CBF1000 in for the Wee and I never felt like I was missing something.
I traded a VFR1200X Crosstourer in for the Glee, and likewise, I don't miss much at all - Suzuki has hit the jackpot with the 650 VStroms, they are hugely underrated bikes. Best mid range all rounder bike on the market in my book  

[Hondaman]

It's all interesting reading.
I can't compare between the old & new 650 but so far I'm chuffed to bits with the glee and wouldn't hesitate to travel 2up.

A friend is keen on one & asks how it compares to the  vara 1000 & Crossrunner - very favourably in all honesty.

[Barbel Mick]

I'm 1/2 in shorter in the leg than you the wife is a fair bit shorter in the leg than your good lady,  we have no problem on the "glee". We don't race round every where  and don't feel the need to on that bike.
Fully laden it had no problem in the Pyrenees climbing the " hills" and pulling out the hairpins!
I think you'll be fine just check the good lady's comfort, personally I think that's very important as they are sat on the back doing 'f' all while we are enjoying the " ride". Not quite that simple but I'm sure you get the idea?
We've talked about getting the 1000 but not sure we need it.

[Joe Rocket]

I've just spent three long weekends (in the past six weeks) touring in Burgundy, Brittany a and round trip into the UK. That's two up with Mrs Rocket and full top box and side cases. I've found the Glee missing nothing in power needs and ability to pull easily. It's very stable at speed on the motorway, capable through bends ascending and descending and easy to manoevre at slow speed. Braking too comes up to the mark despite the momentum built up when fully loaded.

Two minor drawbacks; the standard screen at speed is not enough, I've a Givi Airflow coming, and the Givi boxes make it a very wide bike so filtering is not really practically safe in 'tight' queues, in fact I don't filter unless there is a least two bike 'widths' to pass through.

Riding on my own it is a more fun machine, more nimble and responsive without the load.  

I too can't compare to the Wee but I'm more than happy with my bike.  

[Hondaman]

Joe, that's goot to know. What kind of consumption were you getting 2up with gear?

[alan29]

I did 2 up down to the Tarn last year - 2500 miles. Averaged 65+mpg.
Brilliant bike.

[Joe Rocket]

Hondaman, like alan29 I got 62mpg on the motorways and 66mpg on general roads. Have to use 6th gear a lot to keep in the 60's though but the bike still pulls remarkably well from 3k.  

My Airflow screen came today and fitted it this afternoon. WOW, what a difference! 130kph and visor up, no wind buffeting. I had to lift my arse off the seat by 5 or 6 inches to find the blow above my helmet. Well worth the money, 136€ including delivery.  

My local bike shop wanted 192€!  

 )

[Hondaman]

Wow thanks - around mid 60s is impressive when 2up touring.
My first fill up was 66mpg with mixed solo use, I didn't know wether it would improve as everything loosens up or reduces as I get used to the flinging the bike around .

The Airflow is certainly a vast improvement, nice & quiet but I do get a slight turbulence above 70 which blurs my vision a bit, if I can tune that niggle out it'll be the best bike I've had I reckon

[Joe Rocket]