[TheDarkCutlass]

I am lucky enough to be coming into some money, after paying off all my debt, I might have enough to look at possibly replacing my 400 with a 650.

Its not a garentee that the One Whom Must Be Obeyed will allow me to purchase, but with all the work my 400 is due in for, like complete transmission overhall, seat replacement (its cracked/torn), body panel replacing from incident about year ago (side swiped, but kept it up), and other various nickle-and-diming things, it might be worth my wild to go ahead and replace while I can get a few dollars out of it.

With that in mind, I have been out of the loop on the forum, and have been really out of the loop with the 650's. Basically kind of need a quick run down on about what year+ should I look for due to design changes, and when looking at a used bike, any particular thing I need to look out for? Like should i avoid certain years if possible? I know about that bolt thingiemabob for the CVT, but has anything else surfaced in the past year or 2 that have been causes for concern?

Thanks for any/all help =)

 

[MJR]

Get. The newest one you can afford. Generally is say avoid '03-'04 but they can be upgraded with the Polish adapter. Like anything look for one that someone has cared for, runs good, and no unusual noises.

 

[DandyDoug]

PM sent to DarkCutless

 

[Desert Rat]

Exc. only way to go

Being a 400 rider for four + years I was in the same boat when looking for a 650. One thing after checking out the 650 site was getting a Exc. which I'm sure glad I did. Found a very good 09 with low miles & new rear tire. After riding it for 4k miles in just three months I'm very :thumbup: with my ride.

One other thing my 400 did everything I needed it to do. Now that I have a 650 only item I miss from my 400 is the larger under seat storage. Yes it got 12 more mpg then my 650 64-52 mpg but I wouldn't go back.

 

[NormanB]

Whohoooo if you are rolling in dosh get a new 2013

 

[TheDarkCutlass]

Whohoooo if you are rolling in dosh get a new 2013:wink:

Not quite that much however do like the new look of them.

One other thing my 400 did everything I needed it to do. Now that I have a 650 only item I miss from my 400 is the larger under seat storage.

That was one thing I was a slight concern. Is the 650 storage really that noticeably smaller?

For giggles I swung by local dealer who had a trade in Tmax (other possible option I'm looking into) and can say, compared to the 400's storage, the Tmax's is tiny.

Also, when compared to the 400 (since you were in same boat I was in, had my 400 for 4-5 years (or something like that)), does the 650 have a noticeably a-lot more power/get up and go? This is the true reason I want an upgrade in CC. Love the 400, I also love that I can plant my feet firmly on the ground (something I can't do with tmax nor 650), I just want more umphf under the seat.

 

[bigfoot]

Some dealers, like mine, were selling 2011 650's below cost.
Mine did finally get rid of his and he isn't ordering any more.

If you buy a used 650, try and get an Executive model.
Check the tires for cracks.
If the bike has sat for a few years on concrete the tires will be shot and you'll have to figure that into your offer price.

 

[TechArtGuy]

As for storage, though the trunk may be smaller by a little on the 650 you don't have the center hump which allows for stashing more larger objects diagonally or large bags etc. Glovebox storage is a little less on the standard and even more so on the exec with the abs module taking up the space. Though the two top storage compartments have alot more room than the 400 and can easily hold most bottles of drinking water with the door closed.

And as for the pickup with the power difference, that depends on the cvt setup you have in terms of acceleration. My old 400 could keep up for a good while but past 85 on a straight stretch but it was maxed on throttle so a 650 would start pulling away as speeds would be climbing quicker for the 650 at that point. Though not recommended to test that on a busy highway or highly patrolled one. But on steep uphill inclines the 650 will come out on top without having to go full throttle to maintain speed, especially on the interstates.

Personally after switching, the 650 is a much better fit for me of the trip versatility.

 

[Desert Rat]

That was one thing I was a slight concern. Is the 650 storage really that noticeably smaller?

Also, when compared to the 400 (since you were in same boat I was in, had my 400 for 4-5 years (or something like that)), does the 650 have a noticeably a-lot more power/get up and go? This is the true reason I want an upgrade in CC. Love the 400, I also love that I can plant my feet firmly on the ground (something I can't do with tmax nor 650), I just want more umphf under the seat.

Under seat storage is smaller but not that big a deal. Dash storage is also smaller but not that much. My inseam is 32" so I have no problem being flat footed at a stop. As far as power goes to me that's the big difference between the 400 & 650.
I have a winding 2 lane up hill road I ride between work & home. Many a time there is also a head wind. Couldn't tell you how many times on the 400 I would pull out to pass & decide it wasn't safe to try. I just didn't have enough power as the next blind corner was coming fast. With the 650 that has never been a problem & that's without even using the power button. I ride with my son a lot & he has a Victory Vision. There would be many a time he would pass on that road & me on my 400 I would need to hold back. With the 650 that's never a problem keeping up. Like I said before I liked my 400 but love my 09 650 Exc. :grin:

 

[TheDarkCutlass]

Thanks for the comparisons, luckily one of the things around my area is that its all flat except for some bridges, and 85+ mph speed is not really a concern, its just more of that first initial launch boost that I'm after.

Of course option B would be to put the money into my bike, and maybe upgrade a few things on it. At least with mine, I know the problems, with a new one, there's no telling lol, decisions decisions...

 

[Bill-Bill]

I can say that the under seat storage on the 2013 is a bit narrower and smaller than my 09 or 11. I can also attest to the fact that the 650 has way more get up and go than the 400. At least all my 650s were/are better than the 07 400 I had.

Bill

 

[LeDude]

I would skip the 03/04 models no matter how tempting they look price wise.

I would also avoid, 2nd/3rd owner bikes, as the maintenance history on them can get convoluted.

Ask how the scoot has been maintained, ridden.

If possible, take it for a test drive, put it through the gears in bot auto and manual and try the power mode.

On older models that don't have the cross bars on the center stand, check to make sure that it is not cracked.

Most 650s are not ridden that hard, especially if you are buying from an older / mature buyer.

good luck with your purchase, there are a lot of them out there right now.