I purchased a V-Strom 1000 in 2003, the second year of production, in the bright YELLOW color. Owned and rode it until 2008. I sold it and purchased a BLUE 2008 V-Strom 650. Best decision of my life. The 650 was much, much better in all aspects. Smoother running, fuel injection dialed in, lighter weight, single exhaust, and much better off road.
When I took the 1000 off road it would sometimes take 2 men and a boy to help me get the bike out of deep loose sand! It was more than a handful off road.
You made the right choice in which model of V-Strom to purchase.
Enjoy the ride!
1cw