I too did my first longer ride last week to Boise from Lynden, 600 freeway miles almost the whole time. I agree, the Strom just "does it". In Idaho the speed limit is 80 mph and my first real thriller on this bike was getting around a cattle truck doing at least 80. With the Adventure bags and luggage I had strapped on, I thought I was going to meet my maker because of the wind. Those bags catch a lot of wind beside the truck, especially once you get close to the front. I'm sure the trucker had a smile.
MapQuest calls it a 10 hour trip, but I took closer to 11.5. A LONG time in the saddle, even though I have a custom seat. Riding from start to finish I put on 1,700 miles. I do have an Airhawk, but left it at home.
Next time, I'll probably drive a car and put the Strom on my new Droptail trailer.
Oh yeah, I left Boise at 3:00 am and in the Oregon Blues it got down to 42*. I was trying to beat the afternoon heat by leaving early.
The V-Strom - it really took it all in stride, and I got 45 mpg average too.