New Wee Strom owner and forum member here from SoCal (Pasadena area). I bought my Wee as my first motorcycle because my car took a complete dump and the repair costs don't make sense at this point based on its age.

I did a lot of research before buying my first motorcycle and at the end of the day all signs pointed to the DL650. I use my DL650 primarily for commuting but my wife and I also ride two-up all over SoCal and we are having a BLAST!

When taking the driving portion of the Basic MSF Course, the instructor was impressed when I rolled up on a DL650 and complimented my "smart" purchase. In fact he told me that a friend of his had a DL1000 and traded it in for a DL650 and they ride together a lot. As a side note, my instructor was riding a very modified SV650.

I've noticed that the DL650 gets all kind of looks and in SoCal there's no shortage of eyes doing so. I was riding on PCH in Malibu the other day and stopped for a coffee when an older man on a Harley rolled in after me and spent the better part of five minutes walking around my bike and examing it. I found it peculiar but ultimately take it as a compliment because why would a seasoned motorcyclist be compeled to spend even 5 seconds looking at my (or any other) motorcycle? The DL650 is something different, that's why. The SoCal motorcycle scene is dominated by sport bikes and HD's and the DL650 stands out as something unique..........and I enjoy being unique!

From a fellow SoCal V-Strom 650 rider, welcome! I too often feel lost in a sea of sportbikes and Harley's, and I appreciate the Wee for its unique looks and all-around practicality. I'm on the west side of LA, and use my bike for commuting around the city and for hitting the canyons on the weekends. I often find myself moving over to allow GSXRs and Ducatis to blow by me, but it doesn't bother me. I want to enjoy the ride and the scenery, and I'd rather not dump my bike trying to drag a knee on Mulholland. Commuting on the freeways in LA is exercise enough!

Now, any advice on getting my wife to ride with me too?!?!

You've picked a great bike, and found a nice group of helpful folks here on the forum.

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2005 Suzuki V-Strom 650 aka The Red Bike
2006 Suzuki Boulevard C50 aka The White Bike (traded in)

Hola, Pasahogan. I'm in Temple City.
Did the Crest this morning. Beautiful golden sunrise. Went to Newcombs for Brekky. Probably do it again tomorrow it the Channel 7 weather map doesn't show too much rain.
We are close to some nice riding that doesn't include biker bars as a destination.
In my circle of friends that camp together there are 3 Wee's. Not so rare.
I think there are 5 GS's, but those area as common as dirt.