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DR650SE vs DL650 Wee-Strom for RTW
Hi guys,
I have been reading back and forth quite a few posts specific to both the DR650SE and V-Strom 650, but wanted some direct input from people who have experience with both (Molly Dog, it seems you have both bikes for instance). I am planning an RTW trip leaving in ~9 months and have settled down to one of these two bikes (the initial cost of purchase and set-up is negligible considering its relativity to the overall cost of the RTW trip): DL650 V-Strom: I currently have a 2006 SV650 that I love, so obviously the Wee-Strom gains favor there. Also, I assume (admitted ignorance associated with the following statement) that 80-90% of my riding will be on roads (tarmac, gravel) where the difference in ground clerance is negligible. It has a sixth gear which I love, and fuel injection so altitude changes require no adjusting. Plus, great power, smooth ride, tubeless tires, etc. Excellent reliability, but if something does go wrong on a more complex bike (water cooled, fuel injected) I'm hesitant to believe I can guarantee knowledge as to what has failed and how to repair it. DR650SE: On the otherhand, I can set up a DR650 with Safari tank (30 liters!), Aftermarket seat, new suspension, and windshield (Spitfire S-06 or the like). Also, as an admittedly hesitant mechanic, I feel confident working on the simple DR650 versus the much more complex Wee (simple valve adjustment, air cooled). It's light weight, so my small 5'8", 150 lb. self can lift it easy in case of a drop. Plus, as I research more the peripheral expenses (carnet for instance) a less valuable bike requires less expenses as one travels over time. But, I assume it will be a lot more vibe-y with a single cylinder, and even with the windshield I can't imagine it as comfortable as the Wee. Given my ignorance, and desire to be a smart overlander versus ego-driven overlander, where does one put the value? Ultimately I feel confident that the simplicity of the DR650 will guarantee me peace of mind throughout the trip (in case of mechanical problems or bad road conditions). Yet, given my experience with my SV (superb in all facets), I feel 90% as confident with the Wee-Strom (and I believe my day to day riding will be much more comfortable). It's just the 10% unknown that makes me hesitant. So is it comfort with 10% fear, or less comfort with peace of mind. For those with experience, I'd love to hear your take. Thanks in advance for putting up with my naivety. Cheers, Remy |
You need to take the bike that you feel best suits the trip you are taking, if your RTW trip is going to be all tarmac then go for the DL650 a good handling bike that sits well on the road, is comftable and can eat up a few miles If you are doing a mixture of tarmac and dirt then take the DR650 its light easy to handle and when you drop it in the dirt there is not to much to get broken or damaged. Both bikes are good but both have disadvantage's so its up to you to decide. Look at were you will ride and may be if you can get to ride both bikes, in the end its your choice. Skip
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I had the same dilemma when deciding on the choice of bike, I settled for the DR650. It is a great bike, but you really need to choose the bike that is right for you.
Cheers |
Both are great in their own way, I think there´s no one definite answer, it depends totally on your preferences, and regarding the trip, the routes / roads you´ll be taking. The DL will carry more stuff, and offers more comfort for basically anything that has asphalt. You can tour most of this planet on tarmac, although it will sometimes be far from perfect.
But if you´re inclined to explore the side roads a lot, and have time to do so (because covering the distance will be much slower) then the DR could be better for you. I think the DR will suffer more from the weight that you´re likely to have on board, so it might lose some of its advantage it might have, when the going gets tough. DL is more like a streetbike, the DR a ´proper´ enduro, and both will have good and bad sides, you just need to decide what you value most. I dont think the maintenance of the DR is really a plus, because the DL is also very trouble-free, even if it is technically more complicated. |
Hi I will give an opnion as its what you have asked for. I would go with the DL650(wee strom), Last year I rode to Cape Town from Europe I was on a TTR600 dirt bike. My friend rode a V-strom 1000cc I was amazed, The old saying anybike will do it is very true. We went to lake turkana, which is a pretty hard core route. Certainly the hardest part of my 36'000km trip. I remember feeling anoyed that having his 'street bike' in the picture along with my 'hard core dirt bike' made it look too easy. With a pair of knobbies, (he had TKC 80's) he took it through soft sand, rocks, and ate up the miles so much better than I did on my dirt bike. Even with a wind screen on my bike I was never that comfortable with the long road distances mainly with the noise, where he just cruised protected by the extra fairing. I would take a dirt bike to africa again. But never around the world.- I am actually leaving in about 9months time as well around the world on a africa twin, the wee strom was a real contender, I just loved it when I rode the africa twin, so at a barging price I chose it instead.
Another thing is the power, I always wanted more power with my single cyl. When you are riding in 3rd world countrys, they can drive very fast, normaly with bad brakes-hence all the crashes! So having the power to get out the way is a consideration. I was run off the roads 3 times by sucicidal bus drivers around iringa in Tanzania because they were comming down hills behind me at up to 150kph when I could only get 140. when ever I saw one in my mirors I just left the road into the verge before I was ran over. I would defently take the twin clinder DL Hope this helps George |
everyone
thought I was crazy for doing so .... funny how things change! :thumbup1::welcome::scooter: |
it is nice to read good reports about v-stroms.
when i was planning my trip to morocco my bike options are dr650 and dl650. at the end i choose dl650 v-strom. after my morocco trip i'll take it to iran and then middle east (syria-jordan-lebanon may be israel) my only concern is the fuel. can the dl650 v-storm can run with leaded petrol? or what mods shell i do to run it with leaded petrol? i know a lot of people have taken it to iran, pakistan, india and further (ref: petcha72) and some others to africa and south amerika. and i did not read any problems regarding to fuel. thanks |
Both are great bikes for travel!
Remy,
Where are you? I may have a deal for you. Cheers |
Los Angeles.
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Remy, I would definitely take the Vstrom over the DR, but have you considered the oher 650 in the Suzuki range?
I've just finished riding 30,000km from Korea to Italy via Russia/ Kazakhstan/ Scandinavia on an AN650 (Burgman). This included over 3,000kms of dirt and the Burgie covered it all admirably, so don't let anyone tell you need massive ground clearance (I had much less than the average road bike never mind an offroader) or knobby tyres. The Burgie is a parallel twin laid flat in the frame, CVT box and gear final drive. Contrary to popular belief it has a full motorcycle frame and suspension and can best be compared to something like a Honda PC800. When you consider that 90% of your riding will be on bitumen - albeit pretty crappy bitumen on many an occasion) it only makes sense that you choose a road bike to do it on. I could hit the occasional 180kmh if required and cruising on 130kmh two-up and fully loaded with luggage is an absolute breeze whilst still only using 4.5l per 100km. I rarely used the manual ratios in the box (it has 6) as the CVT just made riding that much easier, I was always in the right gear and the engine braking was fantastic for slowing down in the dirt without risking locking up the wheels. Seriously, there's more than one way to do RTW and you certainly don't need an offroader or a big hairy BMW to do it on. Garry from Oz. |
Garry - respect!! :cool4:
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I like my DR!
I've just covered 26,000kms on my DR. If I were to do it again (ie over similar rough terrain), I'd use the same bike because I enjoyed having a lighter bike, so much easier to handle than a big heavy bike that will possible suffer more damage when it goes down. I would probably upgrade the suspension and might use hard luggage again as I got a bit fed up using Pacsafes on my soft luggage to the point where it just felt like a hassle getting into my panniers though they were light and more or less waterproof. Because so many people played/touched with my bike, I prefered having some kind of security for my luggage though I know you have to have some kind of compromise when you have lighter luggage. I'd also put a larger rack on the back as I ran out out room for luggage sometimes. Having said that, you can always take off the luggage and go play in the dirt like I did several times!
I was a little apprehensive as to how it would do at high speed once I got to Europe, Germany and the Autobahns etc but found it would sit at 120/140kph no problem. With the screen, high bars, the Corbin seat and my Ortlieb as a back rest, it was pretty comfortable for the long days and never felt it was too slow anywhere. Finally, I would add that it is really not a bike for taking pillions, if you want to do that, take a bigger bike. |
DR650, no problem
Ive just put 45000kms on my 2006 DR650 with no problems apart from the rear shock feels a bit soft ( i am a bit over loaded i have to say) and i lost the top chain roller 3 days ago, the bolt came lose, found the bolt but the roller rolled down a drain.
no problems what so ever, a bit hard to find oil filter for it out here in Asia. I hope this is of some help Skip |
Wow! Mike and Skip :welcome::scooter::helpsmilie::rofl:
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I am looking at a V-Strom as well, trying to decide between a 650 and a 1000. The dealer here in town has a 2008 DL1000 with 16,000km on it for roughly the same price as a '09 DL650. Is there any advantage to having the 1000 over the 650? The 650 has ABS and from looking at the Suzuki catalogue, it appears the 1000 does not.
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It's the same old story about big versus little bikes , big bikes have more power ,use more fuel and will haul weight more easily . The two bikes are physically the same size so very little difference there ,the 650 is a bit lighter . If you want to go faster with a pillion then the 1000 might be better . But if speed is not an issue and you want to go solo or travel poorer roads and have better economy then go for the 650 . Either bike will be fine. |
Speed is not really a huge factor. As long as the bike can cruise comfortably at highway speed when loaded, that is adequate for me. I would prefer better maneuverability over sheer power. That said, I am 220lbs and with a load, will the 650 have enough oomph when you need it? My friend has a BMW R1200GS and his philosophy is you'll never be sorry for having too much power.
Is there a reason there is no ABS on the 1000? That seems strange to have it on the little brother but not the big brother. I also notice that when looking for used V-Stroms on the net, there seem to be more 1000s for sale than the 650s. Is that because more 1000s are sold or because people who own them aren't as satisfied as 650 owners? |
Thanks Mollydog, good info. Most of my riding will be highway, gravel roads, maybe the odd dirt road or wagon track, but nothing terribly technical. I had initially considered the 650 due to cost as I really wasn't wanting to spend $12K+ on a bike, but this '08 1000 is within a couple hundred dollars of a new 650 and with only 16,000km, seems to have lots of life left in it. I was just wondering if it would be a good move, and by what I gather from your info, it likely would be. I will go talk to the guy at the shop and see how much lower they are willing to go on the price. Thanks again.
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So, back to the original DR650 vs DL650 discussion...:mchappy:
What kind of distances can a person ride with a DR650 on pavement and still be comfortable? I am thinking the majority of my rides would be pavement to a destination followed by a few days of riding trail riding and exploring. Say a ride to the Black Hills, set up camp, and then go exploring. Or there are Badlands within a 2-3 hour drive of home, so highway to there, then gravel/dirt/cowtrails. Or perhaps a 5-6 hour ride on pavement up north, set up camp and then a few days of riding logging trails and such. Given the information, which bike would be a better fit for these types of things? Unfortunately, my life right now doesn't really afford super long trips, so a week or 2 would be the maximum I would be riding the bike anyway. Having something that would also be good for commuting to work on days when I don't ride my pedal bike would be a bonus. Any recommendations? |
:welcome::thumbup1::rofl::funmeterno::rolleyes2::e ek3:
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Details are in service manual Chapter 4. |
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I read through your prep thread. It certainly has helped with my decision on the type of bike I will buy. I think the DR is more suited to the type of riding I want to do, at least at this stage in my life. One thing I have a difficult time comprehending is why the bikes require so much modification in order to be suitable. I understand the need to add luggage racks and travel bits like that, but why are the bikes with beefier suspensions to handle loads and with skid plates, etc? When buying a bike, I would be also very leery of buying a bike that had been previously modified as there seem to be so many options and variables and it would be very easy to screw things up. I guess I just find it frustrating that after spending $5-7K on a bike, I would need to spend upwards of another couple thousand to get it to where it would perform properly. On the issue of a larger fule tank, I see the KLR650 comes standard with a larger tank (23L vs. 13L). I am sure there are deficiencies in both bikes, so I am curious what advantages there are in the DR650 over the KLR650. (My apologies if this should have been in a separate thread.) |
Time for you to go ride both bikes or others too, buy the one you like best.
:welcome::rofl::rofl: |
After my last post, I went to those sites and did some reading. The biggest difference I see between the DR and KLR is air-cooled vs. water-cooled. Of course there were other things like brakes, weight, etc., but that was the biggest difference I could see. I do like the idea of the air-cooled DR, mainly due to the simplicity. I mean, that is one advantage of a single, right?
You recommend that I go out and ride a few bikes and compare. Being that I am 6', 220lbs, will a stock bike give me any indication of what it would ride like when properly set up? It would seem that any bike would likely require different suspension settings to work optimally. I have also learned that a test ride around town is somewhat different than real-world riding, especially over the long term. I try not to be swayed by public opinion on these types of things, but it does seem that the DR650 would be the best fit. (KLR=liquid cooled, heavier; XR=more dirt-oriented) Where does a KTM 640 fit into the scheme of things? |
Hi, Remy
I have both a DL650 and a DR650 and I really like them. Of the two I would take the DR650 on a round-the-world trip. It's much lighter and simpler. |
I'd chime on the side of the most paved roadworthy machine...I didn't think I needed to DS machine to ride dirt roads until someone told me I did...If you get my meaning.
So, +1 to Gary and the Burgman. Folks here in Iraq will ride a 125cc or smaller scoot on and over anything. |
There´s absolutely no question about the DR outperforming a WeeStrom off-road.
But a RTW-trip... ask yourself, how much time have you got? And what routes do you plan to take? You will need a massive amount of time to really go around the planet taking in some minor roads and tracks most of the time. I think most people will have some sort of time restraints on their trip, and so they will in fact be forced to choose the main roads quite often. Those roads are used by buses & trucks, and either of these bikes will manage them quite okay. If you´ve really got time to explore the backroads often, and/or you´re planning to ride a lot in Africa, or some of the more remote parts of Northern Asia or South America, then yes, I think the DR650 would probably be a better choice. For all other needs, I would choose the DL650. It is just much more of a tourer, and will be so much better on any ´normal´ road. It has much more power for easy cruising (and safe passing), will carry more stuff without a problem. And you can get it with ABS, also a nice thing to have on a real long trip. Both are about as bulletproof as they get, and there´s no need to worry about the DL having FI, I believe there´s more to worry about the DR having carbs, if at some point you plan to go to very high altitude. Just my 0.02 cents... |
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And you never get your money back out of a tricked out bike.... Remember that if you are looking at one to buy. Kind regards Nigel |
The fact is no one makes a bike that is fully set up to fit everyone's desires.
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DR 650 vs KLR 650 My take
I own both and they have both been extensively modified for Adventure Touring. They both are bullet proof and will reliably and cheaply do the job. The KLR is top heavy and can easily get away from you. I explain it that it is like riding an underpowered BMW 1150 Adventure ( I have one of those also). The KLR is more comfortable on the highway. The DR is more like riding a 250 cc bike with gobs of power. Much better off road and properly set up , good on the road. Both of my 650's have about 25,000 miles on them. The KLR at extended high speeds will use oil. You need to check it at every gas stop. The DR uses no oil! No matter what! I prefer the DR. This is my view YMMV! |
Are there any huge disadvantages with the older DR's, say a 1993? I ask as there is one for sale locally with very low miles for a fraction of the price of a new(er) one. From what I read, they are a bit heavier, but come with a larger tank, engine guard and some other stuff that would normally be added as aftermarket stuff to a newer bike anyway. There aren't many used Dr's around my area, KLR's either for that matter. Most everyone rides crotch rockets or cruisers, so not many DS bikes around.
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I don't know the pre '97 DR's well :stupid::stupid:
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I just hate to plunk down the cash for a new DR (about $7K up here). I'd rather someone else eats the depreciation on the bike than me. Who knows, if the bike is really weel suited to the type of riding I have planned, I don't mind upgrading to something newer, as it seems bikes depreciate to a certain point then hold their velue pretty well. I could likely sell an older bike for close to what I buy it for and feel better about buying new(er) if I know what I am getting into. While the info on this board is fantastic, it is no substitute for the real experience.
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This is correct about used bike prices ... at least around here. DR's drop down to about US $2000 and stay there .... no matter how old they get and even condition doesn't seem to matter. Mind, there are "asking prices" and actual "selling prices".
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I have looked online at bikes for sale in the US and you are right about the prices. However, by the time I fgure the exhange rate (20%) plus, taxes, fees, etc. I am looking at about $5000 to get a bike up here. That is similar in price to what I would pay for a bike up here, when they are available. This 1993 I mention has about 3500 miles from new and could likely be had for something in the range of $2000. I will have to ask about the kick start part though.
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Be patient, get the bike you want. :welcome::smartass::smartass:
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KLR vs DR or VStrom/Versys
I've been debating this same question for the past few months.
First it was KLR vs DR. Then came in talk of the V Strom. Then it became V Strom vs Versys. I've owned suzuki's most of my life currently have two in my garage and i've always had a great experience. But the Kawi's have always seemed attractive albeit a tad temperamental. Anyways back on topic a DR/KLR or a VStrom/Versys? I reached my conclusion by going back to where it all started A globe. I realized from past trips that after a fair amount of time on the road plain ol wilderness doesn't cut it. I need to be amazed by places and the people that live there. Well if ppl are there in all likelyhood there is some semblance of a trail or dirt track. Not forgetting that i want to truly enjoy tarred roads when i finally reach them after a few days on butt numbing, spirit crushing roads. And thats why i chose the VStrom/Versys for the journey. Once that was done i have now settled on the VStrom for the following reasons 1. It's a Suzuki' 2. Touratech has gear for it, so plenty of people are going RTW on it. Which means dealers are stocking the parts or atleast the manuals. Plus you could run into someone who is riding one and knows a lil more than you do about your current problem. 3. It's been done.. so to on a KLR. Well that means it's the right bike for the trip. One that can do it. 4. If shit does go wrong on a RTW trip.. well ain't that the stuff of stories. Happy Travels. -- Four Wheels Move the Body, Two Wheels Move the Soul -- |
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It seems that you have taken a logical approach in making your decision and that's good. Whatever you had decided on, it would have been able to do the job that you had asked. As has been said and proven several times over; it's not what you ride around the world on, but the fact that you have the desire, willingness and dream to do so and hence you will make it happen. Enjoy your ride. Daryll |
My vote is for one you can walk away from, maybe a dr kitted out for <$4000 USD.
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Had another one of those days today during which I was glad I brought my KLR and left the V-strom in my garage at home. Pavement is still fun, but when pavement mysteriously evaporates for hours at a time, leaving instead single lane tracks through landslides, mudholes, up and down ridiculous grades while dodging oncoming trucks, pedestrians and household pets.....
But I do miss the V-strom comfort. And if I succeed in persuading my g.f. to join me in Chile, so will she. enjoy, Mark (Coban Guatemala. onwards towards Honduras, a.k.a. "#$%$&/(?=#$ Honduras, tomorrow) |
Remy,
I have both a V-Strom and a DR650. Were I to take one on an extended journey away from first-world countries, I would select the DR650. A custom seat renders the bike as comfortable at the V-Strom, and the DR650 has additional advantages such as resistance to crash damage, simplicity, and ease of maintenance. My stepson rode his DR650 from Colorado to Buenos Aires last year and was pleased with his choice of bike. |
It doesn't get any better...
I bought a DR650 in Cape Town at the beginning of the year, best decision I ever made..
My girlfriend and I drove (2 up) 30,000kms on a 7 month trip up to Ethiopia and then back to Malawi. I could spend hours writing about the DR's pros. The bike's been across rivers in dugout canoes, I managed to get it onto the ferry to Zanzibar, no matter the terrain (I hate sand) it always made it. There are a few must's before you set off though: Corbin seat Sheep skin Mirror extenders Larger tank New horn Replace rear shock, (Wilbers pro) although this is more a 2 up issue. We managed 500/600km days (when we needed to) without any problems, I ran TKC 80's and didn't have a single puncture. I'll stop now.. |
Remy, are you out there???
Remy, you seem to have disappeared from your own thread entirely...
Just wondering what bike you picked in the end, and how it faired on the journey. I did a circle route of South America on an XT600, and was quiet happy with how it held up. I'm now doing a North down to Central America on a Wee. Still in the states now, and the bike has held up well for me, up to Prudhoe Bay in Alaska, and plenty other dirt roads, but I'm curious about what it will be like in Central America (if their speed-bumps are anything like the ones in South...). |
Dr
I have both the Wee and the DR.
The first 48,000 miles on the Wee strom was stone cold reliable with all my touring and travelling to CA and back. However, it developed a fuel pump/filter problem that i'm still diagnosing (too cheap to replace both :() That led me to wondering if at 50k miles i want to take the Wee on any more adventures around the world. The answer is no. If the fuel pump/filter were to fail, i dont have the mechanical chops to deal with it on the road. My choice for future trips is the DR. I have been learning its internals slowly and am loving the bike now. With a few cheap mods, you have a very reliable and capable bike that any mechanic anywhere in the world can fix if you can't. Plus it is loads lighter and goes places where you wont take the Wee. |
Travelingstrom had a pickup screen get clogged on his DL--caused all sorts of issues until it was properly diagnosed and fixed. I don't know the details, but I've been told that's a common problem and an easy fix. You might try contacting him.
Hope that helps. Mark |
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Regards your Fuel pump filter issues. This is not very common, at least not on the Vstrom forums. I read of one or two clogging up on the 2600 member Vstrom group. That back in 2003 when the fix was figured out. My memory is a bit dim on this as it never happened to me despite about 20,000 miles of Mexico and Baja Gas. But IIRC, the pump has TWO filters. One is removable and cleanable. The other, I believe does not come out but can be cleaned with a tooth brush to clear it out. Or perhaps you have to disassemble the pump to get to it .... can't remember. In any case, my solution was to regularly run Chevron Techron through the system or Sea Foam. No pump/filter problems in 70K miles on my '02. When you hang out with these guys you tend to learn every Vstrom trick in the book! That's my bike parked backwards and dirty ... of course. :smartass: http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pXs6Z_85Tj8/TH...0/IMG_0627.JPG 120 Vstromer's can't be wrong! http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pXs6Z_85Tj8/TH...sm%2520crp.jpg Quick spin on the Playa, Black Rock Desert, Nv. |
Firstly, just go. Any bike will do.
Hey a danish dude rode a Nimbus bike RTW, possible he is still on the road. The Nimbus factory closed in the fifties (i think). He on the Forum somewhere. My choice would largely be dependant on what type of riding you are going to do. If your choice is mainly tar seal then any bike will make it with a bit of loving tender care. I have been from India thru to Europe on a BMW and it rode nicely, but we were 99% on the tar seal. My wife rode a XT600 which I bought for 300USD on the same trip and it never missed a beat. The BMW has a flat front tyre. This time around I'm on a DR650 kitted for serious off-road, because that's what we are going to do in South America, avoid tar seal where we can. Some days we will be lucky to make 100km, but that's fine. Even when get to the "states" we will try to avoid tar seal. And when on tar seal, we will be happy to accept a lot less miles/day than a "proper" road bike, simply because we not in any hurry. Just do it ! |
my 2 cents:
I've owned both, and hauling a bunch of kit on an RTW would make me take the 'strom........secondly, I'm lazy and old. I'll plug a tire any day before patching a tube.:rain: |
and hopefully as this post is 7 years old Remy made the correct decision :)
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unleaded fuel
and how about the question if the vstrom is suited for leaded (African) fuel?
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the engine will be OK, but if you are going to be running on leaded for an extended period then remove the catalytic converter from exhaust system.
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