[Tao650]

I was curious if anyone has owned a dl650, went on to another bike for what ever reasons and then decided to go back to a dl650. I'll try and make my story short. Bought an 09 dl650 back in 09, I really loved the all things about this bike, but always had a nagging feeling like I settled for the Orange when I wanted an abs bike ( I was in a hurray to ride and they only had the orange). A few months later a deal on 09 Kawasaki concours 14abs came up. Once again the excitement got the better of me and I bought it, bigger and faster is better right? Well I never really fell in love with it, I have no plans for trips, all this power is a complete waste on me. So here I sit contemplating going back to a Wee, as strange as it may seem I'm not finding myself being drawn to any other bike out there. I was just wondering if there were any other crazies out there, I'm tired of talking to myself about this. Not sure if this is the right section for this post.

 

[timbo813]

Sounds reasonable to me. I've considered trying different bikes. I was pretty close to trading for a versys at one time. But, like you I just don't think there is a bike that fits my wants and needs better at the moment. Most of the bikes I "like" better are either WAY more money or they are less comfortable, reliable, practical, etc.

 

[rjwinz]

Your post makes sense. If you don't plan on taking trips or riding a lot of two up the Connie is probably overkill. There are times I prefer getting on my DR650 rather than my Strom because its lighter and easier to ride, especially for errands; I sure wouldn't want to run them on a Connie or equivalent.

The Strom is the perfect all arounder. Few other bikes, if any, on the market can match it.

 

[jokermtb]

I've noticed that the bikes that I really remember as being the most fun, were NOT the high horsepower mega-fast bikes. I think you've just stumbled upon this realization. Which is one of the reason's why I really like the nice and civilized, fun-to-use 'easy' motor on the Wee. It's definitely fast enough for me!

The bike I had the most fun riding around on was an old late 70's Honda XR250 that I fixed up for my Cousin. For the week I rode around on it [didn't bother to plate it for the road, but who cares?! I took my chances!], I couldn't have been happier. It was such a fun motorbike - a true joy to ride.

 

[happypuppy]

The Vstroms for me are a bike that you keep for a long time. They are pretty cheap and maintain and do everything pretty well. The other bikes I have or want are very specific and while maybe fast I would not want to ride them for over a couple hours. The other is extreme is if I did dirt then it too is very specific, and many are not street legal. I know myself well enough if I sold it i would regret it unless it was something that did all the tasks as well as the Vstrom

 

[Tao650]

Hey guys thanks for the input, that's what I like about this forum, good people to share ideas with:thumbup:. The real kicker is you start off knowing you want to ride, get all the ideas of what you might want in a bike, research the hell out of it and then find out after awhile either your circumstances or the bike is not quite what you thought and it sometimes turns out to be an expensive lesson. In the end all I know, is that I love to ride, even if it is only a hundred mile meditation a couple times a week.. I now know that I want to get back on a V Strom. Thanks for listening

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I had a 05 Wee. Replaced it with a Vee. Then got a '08 Wee ABS for the wife. Always enjoyed riding the Wee and was glad to have it back in the lineup. For my personal taste it would not be a good only bike for me, but if you have fond memories of it there is no reason to avoid getting another. They were and continue to be fantastic bikes.

 

[CanadianFZ6]

I will be going back for sure... I have my sites on a 2012 model. However, I guess I will have to wait until next year to get it... but it will happen...

Richard

 

[Tao650]

That's something else to consider , I do like the new look for 12. It does not appear that there are drastic changes to think a redesign would be unreliable. But I was considering an 11 to take advantage of the luggage offer. Also if I can still get my hands on a white one, that will be my last bike forever I promise. Oh wait that's what I told my wife.

 

[pvwheeler]

I went Wee Strom,Vee Strom (owned both at the same time for about 5 months),DR650,Goldwing 1500,and back to a Wee Strom.I do still have the DR650 though.:mrgreen:
I may sell this wee, but you can bet if I do it will be replaced with another one!:thumbup:
Steve

 

[scrivens]

I bought a 1250S Bandit in August and have put a bit over 3000km on it since. A truly nice bike, lovely power, ergos and so on, but I still prefer the Wee as 'my bike'. I had expected the Bandit to make me disappointed with the Wee, but exactly the opposite has occurred. It is just such a 'fun' and capable bike.

(Also - I often have a pillion and wanted the Bandit for its extra power in this hilly place, but one of my two regular pillions cannot get comfortable on it. My 5' 2" daughter is fine, but my 6' mate doesn't fit. At the end of a three hour run the other day he couldn't get his leg over the seat to get off.)

 

[dkbellga]

Yep, 2004 Wee, wanted a bit more power and storage, so I sold it and got an 07 FJR1300. Power was amazing, but frustrating because it's hard to enjoy legally, and hard to not utilize otherwise. Also didn't enjoy all the weight.

Now I'm happily with an 09 Wee ABS (definitely hold out for the ABS if it is something you think is important...it is).

 

[TrophyHunter]

Have had the Wee since new in 2005, added a DR650 & toyed with a Super Ten (selling the Wee). After 2 up over the weekend and some back roads..it's stayin'.

Same feeling...the extra power would be wasted on me and the Wee takes the wife and I everywhere comfortably.

 

[Tao650]

Thanks again everyone. There is something else I miss about the Strom, I like being in the wind more. There was the butt clenching, holy crap feeling when I was on the highway and got hit with a good cross wind. It may seem weird, but I liked that moment, woke me up and made feel more alive. Ok, ideas are flowing again, I gotta get back on a Wee, season is getting shorter. Be safe everyone.

 

[jb1950]

Hello,

I have a very similar story... I rode a 2009 Wee for two years, after several years of progressively larger cruisers. Most of my riding is commuting and short trips (primary mode of transport)... I experienced the horrible head winds of the Columbia Gorge twice with the Wee, and after the last time, came home and went shopping for a larger, heavier bike... and ended up with a great deal on a 2009 Concours 14... great bike, incredibly stable, plenty of power (though I seldom enter the main power band starting at about 5000 rpm.)

I have found that I miss the Wee. for how I ride - short trips, minimal two-up, and I am also thinking again of semi-off road - logging roads, maybe some limited gravel...ironically I also miss the wind (the good kind, feel of the breeze) - I had my Wee dialed in with a Madstad and a Givi taller screen. - although the head and cross-wind instability were a deal breaker.

Bottom line, i am looking at the 2012 Wee - am reading and viewing all I can get my hands on... it is taller, which concerns me re: wind, although the Suzuki PR says that it is more stable, and reviews (mostly Split, Croatia press promotion) indicate that wind response has improved.

I also miss the better fuel economy, and the "flickability" of the Wee... the Concours is very smooth at speed, though a PITA at slow speeds, and in traffic...

Looking forward to the new Wee to arrive here in Portland...

--John

 

[Tao650]

I'm back a 2011 DL650 for about 2 weeks now. I am much happier, I forgot how much fun this bike is to ride. The Concours 14 was a good bike, but for me it was just to big and to fast and more of a complicated bike then I needed. The only problem I'm having with the Wee is that I not getting anything done around the house.:thumbup: Be safe.

 

[garandman]

//
Bottom line, i am looking at the 2012 Wee - am reading and viewing all I can get my hands on... it is taller, which concerns me re: wind, although the Suzuki PR says that it is more stable, and reviews (mostly Split, Croatia press promotion) indicate that wind response has improved. //

Th suspension is pretty similar, so I'd suspect that a fork brace and typical suspension upgrades will help a lot. I never think about it anymore.

"Sports Tourers" have a lot of bells and whistles and look cool. But seeing a few at a track day - not the hot set up for corners. I have to hop curbs all the time so they don't fly for me.

 

[CanadianFZ6]

I just went back with a brand new 2011... I was going to wait for the 2012, but I got a deal that I could not refuse... Had an '09 previously.... I had many bikes over the years, but the Wee is just the perfect bike.... :thumbup:

 

[Banks C]

Can't say I have left the Strom. But like many of us, I have bought and sold several other bikes since I got the DL650. I ALWAYS seem to come back to the Strom for my rides. IT is simply fun, capable, reliable, and economical. When the dust settles, the ST13, ST11 and others find themselves in the Garage waiting for Wee and I to return.

When all is said and done, there is simply no other bike that I have enjoyed more. Thus is seems to stay while I keep trading, buying and selling the other bikes.

 

[MoBandi]

Interstingly, I have had lots of bikes over the years, some bigger, some smaller, but none seem to be the "Swiss Army Knife" of bikes the Wee seems to be. Kind of a fun side-note: My wife kept stealing my Wee and leaving her small bagger parked, so we went and got her a K4 in black. Immediately we went on a 900 mile plus weekend. Shouldn't be long before she wants to get rid of her "other".