Sorry but apples and oranges comparison... the wheel is much less important than the geometry, tires, weight distribution, suspension, etc. I have a Multi too but I don't think the 17" is a big factor in how it handles compared to say the 1190 Adv.
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What's your opinion on the Vstrom 650?
- Thread starter ns3v3n
- Start date
Sorry but apples and oranges comparison... the wheel is much less important than the geometry, tires, weight distribution, suspension, etc. I have a Multi too but I don't think the 17" is a big factor in how it handles compared to say the 1190 Adv.
Did yours have twin-plug heads? Maintenance on those doesn't look easy--one of the front plugs seems hard to get to. I don't think it's necessary but I've read of someone draining the coolant and removing the radiator to change one of the front plugs.
As far as valve adjustment, intervals are shorter and there are twice as many heads & cam shafts to deal with compared to e.g. a Versys 650.
They will run all day at that speed, no problem, but the motor is spinning at around 6K RPM so its a bit bzzzzy and can be wearing. Everyone complains about the elusive 7th gear. I haven't gotten mine back on the road yet to see how it feels now but I installed the 16T front sprocket to drop the RPMs a bit, a common mod. I don't do much off-road so the taller gear is okay with me (still has enough power at the bottom). You should know that the speedos are off by about 8% at freeway speed so if you research this issue there is a noticeable difference between indicated and actual MPH and they are top heavy especially with a full tank of gas. Once you get use to it is not a problem
Those bikes are just broken in. I bought a used one with 80K miles for $1500. It was on sale because it was an abused outdoor dog (not garaged). The PO was kind enough to leave up her "for sale" video; DL650A Its my project bike and the motor is fine and they go well over 100K or more unless severely mistreated. Mine is going to go to 160K ;-)
ns3v3n
New member
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2009
- Location
- Union City
- Moto(s)
- Ninja 250, 05 SV1000, 07 DRZ 400, 07 Vstar 650, 06 Vstrom 650, 16 DR650, 18 Monster 821
- Name
- Paul
Thanks everyone, I will definitely find one to sit on to see if it fits me or not. Great info! Cheers.
H.D.30-06
New member
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2006
- Location
- Antioch
- Moto(s)
- 2001 H.D. Sportster(sold), 2008 650 vstrom
(R.I.P.)
2011 Kawasaki Versys 650
- Name
- Mike
I have an 08 650. I'm 5'8" 29 inseam. I just decided to get used to tiptoeing it. I'm not sure if the 08 is first or 2nd gen but the stock charging system on some of the vstroms are subject to frying the stators but that was an easy fix with basic tools and skills. I love mine. Does everything well.
Just did a lil research 04 to 11 vstroms are 1st gen.
Just did a lil research 04 to 11 vstroms are 1st gen.
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Gary856
Are we having fun yet?
BMW GSs have 19" front wheel, and their handling is amazing on twisty pavement. Even better when the pavement gets rough and dirty.
Yeah, 1st gen on the DL650 is through 2011, though at some point the 1st gen bikes got twin plug heads and also an option for ABS.
For the DL1000, 1st gen goes through 2013. The second gen (2014+) bikes are really nice.
In the second gen of the DL650 they introduced the DL650XT model with tubeless wire wheels.
rodr
Well-known member
Here's a summary of DL650 model year changes thru 2011.
Lots of changes in 2007. And in 2008 stator output was increased from 375 to 400W. That was a mixed blessing because stator failures started happening more at that point... happened to me and so I switched to a series-style regulator to preserve stator life.
Lots of changes in 2007. And in 2008 stator output was increased from 375 to 400W. That was a mixed blessing because stator failures started happening more at that point... happened to me and so I switched to a series-style regulator to preserve stator life.
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fubar929
New member
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2003
- Location
- Mountain View, CA.
- Moto(s)
- 2015 KTM 1290 Super Duke R, 2018 Ducati Supersport S
The bike I rode (Triumph Tiger Explorer) actually handled really well in the twisties... it just felt nervous as Hell when you were trying to hold a straight line, especially on the freeway. Nothing I couldn't handle, but not something I'd want to ride for long distances. It's a shame, because that 1200cc triple is one sweet motor!
The Vstrom is a very affordable and reliable do all bike, both sizes (650 & 1000) 1st gen. TONS of aftermarket options and fun farkles to make it your own. Not the best looking bike or the most inspiring performance platform if you want a sport bike but in the right hands and upgrades it holds its own.
I love my DL1000 1st gen and will probably always have this bike in my stable.
I love my DL1000 1st gen and will probably always have this bike in my stable.
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two wheel tramp
is the cutest
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2010
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- your mom’s house
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- DR6Fiddy x 2!, 790 ADV S, 9Fiddy SM-R, 89 Transalp, TTR2Fiddy
- Name
- Triple R
- BARF perks
- AMA #2771957
My offer to let you sit on mine is still open. You should come to speisekammer in Alameda this coming thursday to meet new barfers and sit on my bike.
JakesKTM, i will most likely always have a wee in my stable, too. :fistbump
sfr
New member
Hi everyone,
I've been eyeing the Vstrom 650 for a more comfortable commute and I always wanted an adventure bike for longer trips. I currently ride a Vstar and I'm looking to switch. I read there is a very popular following for that bike. Any of you have one? Thoughts? Comments? The only thing I'm worried about is that the bike is too tall for me, I'm only 5' 7", on the Vstar I can put both of my feet flat on the floor since it such a low bike. Thanks everyone!
check out my opinion review of vstrom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LMG79JEBs4
GreenMagic
I'll take a lime green w/
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- May 29, 2013
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- Oakland
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- 1995 Kawasaki ZX6E, 88 Katana 600 (stored), 78 Honda CX500 (sold in Holland illegally), 81 GS650E (s
- Name
- R
I've just sat on one only a few times. Ridiculously comfy. The older owner I talked to adored his for the comfort reason. No problem flatfooting at 33 / 34" inseam
I'm ergo picky on bikes, quite so, due to carpal tunnel damage etc...
I sat on just about everything at the Hayward dealer.
I did direct comparisons with the V-Strom in the store, vs. the Versus, the big Connie, ZX14R and what turned out to be my favorite for comfort and fitting me perfect:
The Ninja 1000. I was shocked. It felt even better than the V Strom. Fwiw.
I think you could do well with the V Strom too. I had been eying them for awhile and read everything in sight on them. Had thought that would be my 'next' bike or long distance comfort bike (but not now - Ninja 1000 I think).
I'm ergo picky on bikes, quite so, due to carpal tunnel damage etc...
I sat on just about everything at the Hayward dealer.
I did direct comparisons with the V-Strom in the store, vs. the Versus, the big Connie, ZX14R and what turned out to be my favorite for comfort and fitting me perfect:
The Ninja 1000. I was shocked. It felt even better than the V Strom. Fwiw.
I think you could do well with the V Strom too. I had been eying them for awhile and read everything in sight on them. Had thought that would be my 'next' bike or long distance comfort bike (but not now - Ninja 1000 I think).