Author Topic: DL 650 (Read 5063 times)

WEINERDOGBONE · « **on:** May 04, 2005, 01:23:42 PM »

I was in to the dealership yesterday and had a chance to look over the DL650. That is a sweet bike. I didn't want to ride it for fear that I'd want to buy the damn thing but it is nice. The sticker was $6,999. It really seems like a steal.

Anyway, I settled for new Race-Tech fork springs but it got me to thinking where I could store a second bike. I'm a little iffy on the twin cylinder engines too. Has anyone ridden this bike. What were your impressions?

dpgasser · « **Reply #1 on:** May 04, 2005, 05:47:52 PM »

I completely agree...I have been seriously considering this motorcycle as well. Everything I read about this motorcycle is VERY positive. Check out this website, it was very informative for me:

http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/VStrom.html

Dave.

jared1970 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 04, 2005, 08:18:37 PM »

It's basically the same thing as an SV650, and I love my SV650. It's a little down on power compared to most of the four cylinder bikes, if you're used to the power of a B12 you might want to consider the DL1000. If the power isn't an issue to you, then I say buy the DL650. If they're as good as the SV650, which I hear they are, then they're worth every penny you'll spend.

BBurton · « **Reply #3 on:** May 05, 2005, 12:44:27 AM »

The DL650 is a great bike, the moto mags think so too!!! The engines in both the DL1000 and the DL650 are two of the best in the industry. You need to take one for a ride, I took 1 ride on the DL1000 and I sold my Bandit 1200s. These are two vtwin engines that like to be revved and they have a very nice power delivery. High performance twin engines rock and are a blast to ride.

Visit the strom forum

Steve · « **Reply #4 on:** May 05, 2005, 04:33:38 AM »

Not a slam or dig at anyone, but what is there about the DL that would draw a buyer away from the SV? I can't see where you are really getting into that much dirt with the DL and as light as the SV is you could most likely deal with it anyway. The -05 SV has almost done away with the ugly thing too.

I'm having a hard time not going down during the May promo and getting a new SV, it just sounds like sooooo much fun. I don't see giving up the b12 though. I know my better half has been just sitting around wishing I would get another scooter.

Steve

ciso · « **Reply #5 on:** May 05, 2005, 02:21:29 PM »

A friend that rides a 919 just bought a new DL 650 and that is all he talks about.
But he went out the door for less than 6k. Our local dealer is really trying to move bikes this year with everything on the floor at least 7 hundred under MRSP.
I agree though about the SV being the way to go. Since my 03 B12s is paid for, I have been bugging my accountant about buying a second bike for one up play, and it will be the SV 650.

tacoman · « **Reply #6 on:** May 05, 2005, 02:34:41 PM »

Funny how everyone is looking at the DL 650. I was looking at one too the other day. The salesman was a young (very large) kid and just bought one. He raved about it the whole time. He had to get out of large cc sportbikes because of ticket/insurance issues. He said he doesn't miss them. He must tip the scales at close to 300 lbs but said the bike has plenty of power. The 650 only weighs 40lbs less the the 1000 but sitting on it, it seems much less. I think the 1000 carries a lot of the weight high. If you wanted to take some gravel road, jeep trail excursions, the 650 would be it.

WEINERDOGBONE · « **Reply #7 on:** May 05, 2005, 10:34:38 PM »

Quote from: "tacoman"

If you wanted to take some gravel road, jeep trail excursions, the 650 would be it.

Thats kind of where I'm at. I wonder how the wife will take the news.

Red01 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 06, 2005, 04:02:52 PM »

Quote from: "tacoman"

If you wanted to take some gravel road, jeep trail excursions, the 650 would be it.

Gravel roads, sure... Jeep trails? I don't think so. You better be on something with more dirt dedication. At least the Jeep trails I typically run.

Thud · « **Reply #9 on:** May 07, 2005, 01:04:51 AM »

Quote from: "Steve"

Not a slam or dig at anyone, but what is there about the DL that would draw a buyer away from the SV?

1. The back seat legroom on the SV causes the better half to fold her legs up. This creates an annoying whine that distracts from the enjoyment of the motorcycle, and requires frequent stops to keep it under control. Then there is that "death glare" thing women do when they are not satified with your purchase.
2. Sit-up-and-beg ergos plus a windshield/fairing. SV requires racer-boy crouch or not-to-great wind protection.
3. Longer travel suspension for potholes/dirt roads.
4. Maintains earlier SV ugly features, plus seriously ups the ugly factor.

Steve · « **Reply #10 on:** May 07, 2005, 09:36:43 PM »

Well I went down and rode a SV-650 today. The front seat legroom causes my lower half to fold up

. The bike I rode had 50 miles on it, it was an '04 that the dealer had dressed up with a full exhaust (leo D), remapped FI and a few trinkets like frame sliders.

I really wanted to fall in love but it just didn't happen. After riding my b12 down there the sv felt like it was lacking in fwd progress for all the noise going on. It was surprisingly smooth though. Perhaps if I was riding a broken in one that I wasn't reluctant to wind up it would be different. The only thing the mirrors were good for was to confirm that I was still on board.

I also sat on the DL. Too much tall plastic for me, and way to vertical of a seating arrangement.

What did I learn? I really like the b12

. For a second (or third) bike I think I will snoop around a bit and try a few others, don't know what though. Maybe I'll just end up improving my SR, that actually has lots of room for arms and legs even though it is a small bike. That or I'll run into a nice boxer twin someday.

echomadman · « **Reply #11 on:** May 08, 2005, 01:48:27 PM »

I dont like my SV all that much i have to say, i'll be trying to sell it and get a B6 over the summer. I just dont see what all the fuss is about, I only bought it because i got it for a great price.

BBurton · « **Reply #12 on:** May 08, 2005, 03:35:58 PM »

Quite a difference between the model year that you have and the new SV's. New frame, fuel injected, more power and better all around package. The B6 will be more comfortable however. My buddy has an 03 SV650 and with his suspension mods and slight engine tweaks, can hang with inline 4 600 supersports all day in the twisties and back roads. Sounds nasty too, with the Holeshot high mount can!!