I'm looking at a new wee strom and certainly see the practicality, the value and I'm impressed with the aftermarket support. I'm interested in doing more long distance touring as most of my riding is commuting, day trips and a couple multi day rides.

My concern is, I rode my dads 07 wee and didn't like it. To be honest, and I don't want to offend anyone, it felt like I was riding a sewing machine and after about 3 minutes on it all I wanted was for him to pull over so I could get back on my own bike.

Did you love to when you first rode it yours? Did it take some getting used to? Did you come off another bike and feel like you settled or have you loved it from the first ride? I'm worried I'd buy one and never "love" riding it, even though I think it's an unbeatable bike for the money. Thanks. ...Steve

If it didn't move you, get something else. A motorcycle is a love at first ride machine.

__________________
Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A is just getting started.
Nicknames for posting ease on my part, Vee = all DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 DL650s. Glee = 2012+ DL650s

I agree, and I felt that way with my other bikes but was hopeful I'd learn to love the Wee. I've considered most other options and on paper, you can't beat the value of the Wee for the riding I want to do.

Is there much difference in the ride between the 07 and a 2012/2013?

Thanks for the advice. ...Steve

The difference is evolutionary, not revolutionary. The Glee is quieter and has better suspension.

__________________
Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A is just getting started.
Nicknames for posting ease on my part, Vee = all DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 DL650s. Glee = 2012+ DL650s

All I can tell you is I have had two Connies, a Goldwing, and a bunch of cruiser style bikes. Harleys and Hondas. And even a KLR 650. And this is by far the most fun bike to ride I have ever had.

For me, it was love at first ride. I bought it that day. (2012 Wee)

Bike's are a personal thing though.

Personally , you could not give me another cruiser. This style bike is the deal for me. And since I can not justify the price of a BMW, the Strom is great!

__________________
2012 DL650A, 2012 Prius

The Wee is like riding a sewing machine... a good running Husqvarna sewing machine. Quiet, smooth, with nary an ill vibration. It's the anti-bike to my old 4-speed H-D Sportster, which is like riding a loud, wild kicking mule!

I rented a Wee in Switzerland 6 or 7 years ago. I first fell in love with the look of the bike. Then fell madly in love with it after I rode it. A few years later I finally got an orange '09.

The Weestrom is the bike I use with my feme covert for the long rides. The Sportster is for the other days I ride with my close friends.

I love both bikes quite equally. They serve me well. Whatever mood strikes me that day is the bike I'll ride.

Like Greywolf stated... if you don't feel it don't ride it.

.

Get a ride on another Wee, perhaps th '07 was a little off song when you rode it.

I got off an R1150GS and it was the best move I've made regarding bikes.

My '09 Wee is fantastic and hasn't had a single issue in 62,000km of touring/commuting/day rides.

__________________
Ock. in Oz
Australia, NSW, Windsor
ockerstrom@rocketmail.com

Member of The McGrath's Hill Mob.

Shiro Nakama Ju San

White '09 V-Strom DL650ABS, Blue '87 Kawasaki KLR650 [Sold]
Green '94 Kawasaki KLE500

"Normal" is only a cycle on the washing machine.....

If you wait, all that happens is that you get older.

Try the new one, I have an 07 and have loved it from day 1, but it was a really well maintained bike that only had 14,000 ks on the odometer (it now has almost 30,000 after about 22 months of being with me!)

__________________
DL650 -Candy Apple Red K7 - mine
DL650 -Cany Max Orange L0 - Drew
DR250 - sold - mine
DR350 - sold - Drew

Can you put a finger on what you didn't like? Is it something that is an easy farkle fix or if it's that the Wee is civilized you could find a Vee to test out.

I love the Wee as a commuter and for trips around town. If I'm going to ride for a thrill or more than 100 miles I want the more visceral Vee under me.

I think everyone should have both.


Sent from my iPhone using Motorcycle

__________________
'06 Vee, Burgundy.
'09 Wee, Orange.

" I like my Motorcycle's Loud and my Firearms Quiet." -Me

I have the 2012 DL650 and absolutely love it, I have done over 18000km in 11 months.
That consists of day rides and road trips.

You can't beat the reliability and value for money you get with the DL as well as after market accessories.

I suggest you try the new one as a comparison to your dad's and see what you think then.