Someone talk me out of...

[Gone in 60]

Having put about 150k combined miles on 1st gen 1000 and 1st and 2nd gen V-Stroms, I found the 650 to be far more pleasant.  While the 1000 definitely had more power, it was rougher feeling, and noticeably heavier.  And its sweet spot was at 80-90 mph.  I sold it because I was gravitating to those speeds on the freeway, and knew I'd get tickets.  

The 650 would happily hold those speeds too, but was more comfortable in the 70-75 mph zone.  1st gen bikes had better lighting, fairing protection, much more comfortable seat, and would be my preference.  Don't know how they compare to the later generations.

Thank you for the very detailed review! That’s a lot of good information.

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I have nothing bad per-say to say about them, but they are pretty freaking vanilla..but reliable. if you're comfy on it, buy it.  me? id go for a 900 tracer.

In this case, vanilla is fine.