I am new to motorcycling, but am afflicted with this new passion. I am 48 and have never ridden before. I took the MSF Beginner Rider Course in August, then visited a friend in the Lake Tahoe area for five days of fun on a Kawasaki KLX 250.

I had thought I wanted to purchase an SV650 and then I read an article in the AMA magazine about Adventure bikes. I watched videos about the DL650 cruising on unpaved roads and trails and thought that looked like amazing fun. I love hearing about your trips and what you are learning. This site has been a very good resource already.

I just purchased my first bike, a 2007 DL650 that has crash bars, skid plate, Sergeant seat, etc. I've ridden my WeeStrom just a few times, but have ridden 70+ miles. The drought has broken and it keeps raining.

I am going to commute some on the bike and see if I like it. I have a 30-minute ride, 2/3rds on the Interstate with very, very little traffic. I have ridden on the Interstate twice and think it would be nice to have a cruise control device on the throttle because my hand is cramping up.

Maybe some locals have some suggestions of where to ride, or if there is an active Strom community in St. Louis. Riding up to Hannibal, MO looks good. I am looking forward to travelling a little on the bike and maybe from Missouri over to the Great River Road in Illinois. I will probably take a ferry back across the river.

Signing off,

Soaring Bear

Cross the JB bridge jump off on 3 and follow the bluff road take the ferry acroos to the island ride it, take the golden eagle ferry across to St charles than back to STL. Or so I've heard
Sorry, I realize this means nothing to those not from the area.

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Some people are like slinkies, not really good for much but they bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

The ride from Stl to Hannibal along the western side of the river is awesome. I think its route 79 but I could be wrong. I ended up in Hannibal the day I bought my bike in jeff city. Rode 289 miles that day.
.A wonderful ride
Hannibal is a great if cruise for me and my wife. She loves dinner on the riverboat. I will make that ride again as soon as it cools off some




Sent from my Motorola Electrify using Motorcycle.com Free App

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States visited on L2 DL650A Adventure since 7-14-12

Welcome and be careful in all that traffic!!!!

Go another 3 or 4 miles up the River Road to Marquette Park and run the hill. Some of the best twisties in the area. If you make it during the week the park is usually semi deserted. Even the park personnel tend to exceed the 20 mph speed limit - you didn't hear it from me.

SoaringBear, no disrespect intended. After rereading your initial post you may want to rack up a little more ride time before giving this a shot. Ride safe.

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06 DL1000
09 KLR650

No disrespect taken. I appreciate the concern.

I am taking it slow, being careful, and looking forward to when I take longer rides. I have put 100 miles on the bike and I learn a lot every mile.

Last night I got on and off several different interstate on ramps/off ramps. I have found that sometimes the Wee-Strom just doesn't trip left turn signals and I have to figure out plan B.