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1,023 Posts
I guess welcome to bikes and the forum! Lot's of 'Stroms are around the PNW
PNW DL650 Noob
New 2007 Wee Strom owner from PNW (Whidbey Island).
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Riding the Clinton ferry to Whidbey after purchase near Seattle. This is my first bike and I''m lovin' it already. I took the MSF course several weeks ago and have been bumming rides from buddies to get practice. I was torn between the usual suspects - DL650, F650GS and KLR650. I rode a KLR and it was fun, definitely a good trail bike. GS is too expensive for what you get. The Wee on the other hand is cheaper, big and bad but handles nicely on the road, dirt I'm not brave enough yet. I didn't hesitate to buy it once I test rode it though, it is a great machine. Many will say it is not the best first bike but I come from nearly 20 years of mountain bike and road bike riding and racing which I still do a lot. So I have a little bit of experience on two wheels at the limits. I have a lot of respect for the power and have been riding very conservatively. Looking forward to many new adventures.
Riding the Clinton ferry to Whidbey after purchase near Seattle. This is my first bike and I''m lovin' it already. I took the MSF course several weeks ago and have been bumming rides from buddies to get practice. I was torn between the usual suspects - DL650, F650GS and KLR650. I rode a KLR and it was fun, definitely a good trail bike. GS is too expensive for what you get. The Wee on the other hand is cheaper, big and bad but handles nicely on the road, dirt I'm not brave enough yet. I didn't hesitate to buy it once I test rode it though, it is a great machine. Many will say it is not the best first bike but I come from nearly 20 years of mountain bike and road bike riding and racing which I still do a lot. So I have a little bit of experience on two wheels at the limits. I have a lot of respect for the power and have been riding very conservatively. Looking forward to many new adventures.
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I think it's a fine first motorcycle. It's predictable and forgiving, and very competent; you won't outgrow it. Search the forum and bookmark vendors of replacement turn signals; that's the first thing you'll break when you drop it (as we all do when we're new). :biggrinjester:
It's hard to get out of Oak Harbor without being in a caravan of traffic for an hour, but it's worth it. For your first day trip, I highly recommend heading straight east through Deception Pass to hwy 20, for as far as your butt wants to go. You won't be disappointed; it's one of the best motorcycle routes in the state. And don't turn around at Winthrop like a tourist ... there's some beautiful country out east, and it's a lot less crowded.
Welcome aboard. :thumbup:
It's hard to get out of Oak Harbor without being in a caravan of traffic for an hour, but it's worth it. For your first day trip, I highly recommend heading straight east through Deception Pass to hwy 20, for as far as your butt wants to go. You won't be disappointed; it's one of the best motorcycle routes in the state. And don't turn around at Winthrop like a tourist ... there's some beautiful country out east, and it's a lot less crowded.
Welcome aboard. :thumbup:
Joined
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28 Posts
Thanks for the encouragement. HWY 20 to the Methow and then down to Wenatchee is one of my favorite drives in my Vanagon. It should be considerably more fun with the Wee, Washington has an endless supply of fun roads and mountains to explore. Can't wait to get out there.
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4,092 Posts
It's even more fun when there aren't any stoopid Vanagons in the way. :biggrinjester: :biggrinjester:
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771 Posts
Welcome to the group. Glad to hear that you took the MSF course to get rolling. I actually teach the courses in Bellingham, Burlington and Everett. Did you happen to come through one of my classes? Get good and practiced and then check out the PNW section for group rides. There are some great people around our area that ride V-Stroms and have a lot of valuable lessons to share.
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