Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
dl650 vs everything arrgghhh too much choice dl650 vs everything arrgghhh too much choice
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree7Likes

Reply
Page 3 of 4 12 3 4
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 5 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Which year model is the DL650 you tested? 2012 looks and feels quite a bit different (more agile, better stock suspension, or at least damping setup) from previous version.

And if it had the crappy Bridgestone TrailWings that I believe are its OEM tyres at least in Europe (actually in every model since 2004), then it will feel much better everywhere, when you put more modern rubber on it. For someone, who comes from a sportsbike, a fork brace might also be a nice investment, makes it less prone to sidewind and steering feeling more precise.
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 5 May 2012
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluebus View Post

its funny that everyone says the dl is so heavy, i thought it felt incredibly light and easy to manover. looks big but didnt feel big if you know what i mean. guess its all down to what your used too.
Even a Harley can feel light and flickable until it's on it's side on a muddy track or when you're trying to push it fully loaded around a cramped hostel gravel car park etc etc.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 12 May 2012
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 34
Test rode a xt660z today.......my god the vibrations! seriously only took it for a spin round a largish carpark and thought i was being electricuted, great cure for constipation i would imagine!.

really like the look and feel of the bike, but if ivibrates like that at low speeds, what in gods name is it like when you get up to motorway speeds?
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 12 May 2012
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluebus View Post
Test rode a xt660z today.......my god the vibrations! seriously only took it for a spin round a largish carpark and thought i was being electricuted, great cure for constipation i would imagine!.

really like the look and feel of the bike, but if ivibrates like that at low speeds, what in gods name is it like when you get up to motorway speeds?
hahah oh boy !!

That's probably one of the smoothest less vibey Single Cylinder bikes on the market..

Go and try a KTM 640 or a XR650 etc

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 12 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne UK
Posts: 252
Currently 2,500 Kms into my round the world trip on a TT600RE..... oh how much do I regret getting rid of my Wee Strom ????


Every second of the day !!!!!! I hate this bike I am on !! soooo vibby I feel I have no hands by the end of the day.. and the seat!!! despite inserting a gel pad and using a sheepskin... my butt just hurts all day long... on a positive note.. the bike is so easy to ride standing up it helps with my butt lol

Cheers
Geordie aka Will
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 13 May 2012
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 34
well thats a bummer! you'll get used to it though, i used to tour on an old xt 500 single and yea to start with youd wonder what in gods name your doing but once the scenery changes a few times it becomes less about the bike and much more about the journey. infact same could be said for pushbikes or walking, its all just a means to an ends.

having said that...... what made you change your bike for the trip geordie, i'd be interested to know your thinking there.

problem i'm having is second hand values, of the two bikes i'd really go for (f800gs/ tiger 800xc) neither have been around long enough to have depreciated much. I loved the dl650 motor, but it does seem so utterly road orientated, really think suzuki have missed a trick there. Maybe i could get a scrap wee motor and retro fit it into dr650 frame. that would do it for me, a crosser with a smooth powerful v twin
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 13 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne UK
Posts: 252
If I can sort out the handlebar vibrations I will be happy ish !

The numb bum I will learn to live with.

The reason for the change of bike.... rougher roads thru Russia.... I will be kicking myself, if by the time I have crossed Russia, I am thinking I could have done this on the Wee !!!

I miss the smoothness of the Vstrom... must be a V twin thing

Cheers
Geordie aka Will
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 13 May 2012
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 34
Good luck geordie! Keep us posted it would be interestinmg to hear how you get on on the single in comparison to how you think the wee would have done? I know 2 lads did a rtw on wee's not so long ago but the consensus from them was thay would have prefered smaller bikes.

like i say it would be nice to chop the motor out of a wee and stick it in something more dirt orientated, best of both worlds. Its not like the wee engine is heavy its the oversize of the rest of the bike that makes it so big. there is a lad somewhere ont interweb swapping the front end from a ktm (cant remember what type) onto a wee i'll see if i can find the link.
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 15 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
People go RTW on streetbikes. The Wee is much more capable on bad roads than your average streetbike, the wheels aren´t made of cheese, even if spokes could be better (but I still prefer tubeless), and it is much easier to find the bashplates, crashbars etc., that it´ll need, cheaply and off-the-shelf. (But I´m not saying that a streetbike, or a Wee, would be the best choice for everyone – as mentioned before, that depends on the rider and the trip!)
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 16 May 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
Bike
I ride a F650 gs twin on my RTW, I have ridden down thru Africa over the old Mayole road etc. To this point the bike has been flawless and extremely comfortable, however I did invest in a Corbin seat which I recommend if you are 2 up. I have owned a DL 650 as well and it is an extremely good reliable bike, but not the one for me as it was just to big and heavy. I am a relatively sedate rider (well my wife riding behind me may have something to do with that) who users a bike as a means of travel, however when I see the guys on the DRs & XTs etc. they tend to ride these bikes a little harder (well alot actually) & I do admire there passion for riding. So I really think you first should determine what kinda rider you are and get a bike that suits you !! I will eventually do the west coast of Africa on my own (wife does not want to do this side) so I won't take the BMW twin, I'll be taking a DR650 because it will be aggressive riding at my choice. Just for the record my wife as a F650gs single & is fun to ride, but 2up it would be a nightmare not to mention very uncomfy
Cheers
Paul
__________________
....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 28 May 2012
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 34
Picked up an 07 strom last week. been doing short trips and so far so good. took a bit of time to get used to a diferent rev and power range (i kept ringing its neck like a sports bike). now ive sussed were the torque is at i'm really enjoying it.
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 28 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne UK
Posts: 252
I would swap my granny for my old strom right now !!! getting to like the TT600 but the vibes are still there!!
Miss the smoothness of the strom.... good luck with yours

Cheers
Geordie aka Will
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 1 Jun 2012
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 34
Have you got weights on the bars geordie? They can make a hell of a diference. Its amazing how much of your experience with a bike is down to what you are used too. I'm loving the strom on windy a roads and single tracks, but duel carriage ways very dull and it feels like im ringing it at anything over 80. but then thats just me being used to twice the horse power which was great on fast roads but always threatend to lauch you into the hedge on the windy back ones.

out of interest have you covered any roads in your trip yet that you would not have taken the strom on?
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 2 Jun 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluebus View Post
Test rode a xt660z today.......my god the vibrations! seriously only took it for a spin round a largish carpark and thought i was being electricuted, great cure for constipation i would imagine!.

really like the look and feel of the bike, but if ivibrates like that at low speeds, what in gods name is it like when you get up to motorway speeds?
Chain needs adjusting and you need to rev it a little, that's all. Great travel bikes.

I test rode a G650GS the other day just as a comparator and couldn't believe what a piece of shit it was compared to the Yamaha. Also tried the F800GS - the ride was great but the reliability sucks....

The Tenere is fine up to about 75-80 mph, but happier at 70 mph, which is fast enough for me and the fuel economy is much better too.

I can't fault the bike actually.
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 3 Jun 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne UK
Posts: 252
So far I have not encountered any roads the wee strom would not have been able to handle!!

But that said, I am starting to bond with the TT600, though its not as comfortable as the strom!

Cheers
Geordie aka Will
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 3 of 4 12 3 4

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Wanted to buy Dl650 or maybe BMW F650 in UK before early May 2012 blairntv650 TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 2 26 Jan 2012 09:17

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:05.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top