My Wee Bee Report

[Mondo]

Picked up my new, to me since it is an '08 with 6000 miles, Wee in Ohio today and rode it the 360 miles home.

I was surprised how smooth it was. No vibration problems at all.

Averaged 55 mpg. And uses regular.

A bit cramped for my 34 inch inseam, meaning my legs were bent more than I prefer. I will raise the bars an inch, drop the pegs an inch and have Spencer pad and build up the seat about a half inch and it should be perfecto.

The seat was better than my ST, but needs a little Spencer magic.

People on the Strom forum discuss windshields to no end (sound familiar?). I had virtually no problem with the stock setup and may just leave it alone.

It sure flips through curves real nice and fun.

When I paddled it around my garage, I thought I was Charles Atlas.

I missed my heated gear. My first farkle will be a power let.

I am a happy guy who made a good choice. The ST will be my long tour bike for as long as possible. The Wee will be my fun bike while I set it up to be my long term bike when the ST outgrows my old bones to keep me riding and attending events well into my 70's, Lord willing.

Greg Kane

 

[ChucksKLRST]

Good to hear you got your Wee. Look into the Madstat windshield bracket. It realy works good with the stock windshield. You will also find out the Wee makes a pretty good long distance ride also.

 

[azlife4me]

Congratulations and thanks for the report.

 

[Dinkie Diesel]

Greg, I'm jealous! It's good to have something that makes you happy all over again. We don't care what you show up on just so long as you have room for a mini flask. Keep the two bikes separated in the garage. You don't want anything happening between them if one of them gets emotional.

 

[sscharf]

I used to have the DL1000, and my wife has the 650. I loved the stock 1000 seat - it is the only seat I have not had redone, put in a bunch of miles. On the other hand, I don't like the 650 seat, as it is all "scooped" out.

I highly recommend at least trying the 1000 seat.

BTW, I'm 5'10, short legs, ymmv.


steve

 

[Bigmak96]

A new toy, I'm jealousy Greg. Have a fun getting to know her.

 

[scootac]

Will you be setting the Wee up with bags and such for trips,,, or just have it for commutes and day trips?
And Congrats on having another bike to enjoy!!!

 

[Mondo]

Good to hear you got your Wee. Look into the Madstat windshield bracket. It realy works good with the stock windshield. You will also find out the Wee makes a pretty good long distance ride also.

Thanks! I will check it out.

Greg

 

[Mondo]

I used to have the DL1000, and my wife has the 650. I loved the stock 1000 seat - it is the only seat I have not had redone, put in a bunch of miles. On the other hand, I don't like the 650 seat, as it is all "scooped" out.



steve

Scooped out is a really good description. I assume the 1000 seat fits the 650? I was hoping Spencer could build it higher. Anyone know if he can?

Greg

 

[Mondo]

Greg, I'm jealous! It's good to have something that makes you happy all over again. We don't care what you show up on just so long as you have room for a mini flask. Keep the two bikes separated in the garage. You don't want anything happening between them if one of them gets emotional.

Oh, my! I heard some strange noises in the garage last night. I bet the premium in the ST is quite enticing to the Wee. What color would grey and yellow combine to make?

 

[ChucksKLRST]

Oh, my! I heard some strange noises in the garage last night. I bet the premium in the ST is quite enticing to the Wee. What color would grey and yellow combine to make?

Don?t worry about leaving the two alone in the garage at night. I have four in my garage, and they all get along. HOWEVER you must give each one their due attention. I did not give my ST the attention it wanted and now she is sulking with a sticky SMC. Parts on order. They were not even jealous of the new NT. The key is they all need attention so you will need to give it to them. GO RIDE.

 

[treemuncher]

Mondo let his WeeBee sting my senses at DinkieSTOC via a short test ride. Interesting ride. Not the power of the ST but less weight and more nimble in the corners.

I test rode it thinking that it might be a great starter bike for Della and I think it definitely is just that and more. Too bad for me that the sting was a slow festering sort. Last weekend, I went out and purchased a used BluWee with the intent of test riding it through the winter and spring months before selling it to Della. Now I have to worry about falling in love with the little blue mule and refusing to let it go. Good fuel economy, not afraid of dirt or gravel roads, likely better on tires than my ST, a great factory seat that is comfortable for hours on end, smooth, quiet and more. Oh yeah, and more storage that a Goldwing!

Today, I got out on the little blue bandit for a longer, better test ride. About 120 miles or so. Radar, gps, music and heated gear installed for a real (normal to me) ride. Side boxes and side bags removed. Stock screen at the lowest position. Now I can jam to the tunes and listen for the Escort - my concentration is locked onto the ride.

Wow! This little thing is quick in the turns without any need for lean or pressure. Sure, I sit a little low but the CG is lower and the turns feel quicker. No heavy feel in the turns. No major acceleration potential like the ST but it gets up and runs quick after it's wound up past 7k rpms. Passes are made with quick, precise ease. Certainly not the rush of my former RD400 but then again, I was not suffering post adrenaline rush at any time during today's ride. No shakes is a good thing!

Tomorrow, I get to test it out for a longer ride. I'll see how well I can keep up to Bobby on his GSA. If the little mule can keep up with him through the corners, I will be very impressed. He is a capable rider and he throws that BMW through the paved corners with ease. We will be riding some light dual sport. After today, I'm getting used to the nearly bald stock front tire and the original design PR on the rear through moderate gravel. It's certainly less than planted but it is manageable for now.

How many times have I been on a LD ride and seen a dirt road that I wanted to explore but my ST just really was not into it. Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, WV and everywhere else I've ridden. Dirt always has a way of calling my name. Learned in the dirt and always dealing with dirt, I guess I have at least one muddy vein! This little mule has the potential to be a really fun ride. So far, so good.

What else is there to say but Weeeeee!!!


Update: day 2 of this weekend's ride

I did a mild dual sport day with 5 other guys. Lots of rough pavement, 3 creek crossings, 25+ miles of dirt roads, 120+ miles of pavement. I led, they followed. The only one to consistently keep up in dirt or street was on a Kawasaki Supermotard 400. The DRZ and the Beemers never really stayed on my tail. The XT250 never had a chance. I think I've been riding with Uncle Phil too much!

I was told several times," I can't believe how fast you can ride that Vstrom with those street tires in the dirt or on the pavement" from several of the guys. Rodger knew I liked the bike because I really picked up the pace compared to my normal rate. It felt good to pass those cruisers that never even saw or heard me coming.

Bottom line is this: the Wee Strom is a solid performer. I've ordered some Shinko 705 dual sport tires that I know from experience on the XR650R will make the Wee rock. IF and only IF I ever have to get down to one bike, the Wee would be it. It does not have the power or LD comfort of the beloved ST, it can't rock the woods and gravel like the XR, but as an all around performer, I have never ridden anything so fun or versatile as this little DL 650.