Just wanted to post a follow-up.
Just got back from
The Big Ride III and I have to say the little Wee did an excellent job.
I had just got my Rick Mayer seat in after NatSTOC so this was my break-in period. I still got a little sore just because my bikes tend to sit around for weeks then I get on them and do several 500-800 mile back-to-back days. However, I was more comfortable on this 10 day trip than I was on any day of the 6 day NatSTOC trip which consisted of less miles. So, the seat is a winner for sure.
There were a few times where the power of the GS would cause it to pull away on some high-speed sweepers/runs but those were really exceptions and most of the riding we did were at speeds quite comfortable for the Wee. The ST1300 is faster than the GS so it's probably a similar issue in that case.
The Wee is still not a light bike but when you're used to an ST it sure seems light. It was nice to park pretty much anywhere and still be able to maneuver the bike out of gravel, dirt, odd-parking lots and not struggle with the weight of the bike so much.
I never felt like I had no wind protection but I know there isn't as much as the ST. It just never seems to be an issue.
This last trip was my full test of the bike as a touring bike FOR ME. I didn't get the bike to take it off road but it's nice to know if you get caught in a situation where a dirt road is your only option, or a preferred option, the bike will handle it without much of an issue. The Super Tenere actually handles the dirt roads better in my opinion, due to it's softer suspension and setup. The Wee is a bit jarring and rough on dirt roads but I'm told that's more like how a dirt bike handles, speed smooths things out. Well, still a new bike and I wasn't going to take chances so I just took it easy on the dirt sections we did.
When I did a similar test-trip on the Super Tenere I was also impressed by it's application as a sport touring bike. However, the Wee adds a little to that equation, it's cheaper to own, cheaper to maintain and cheaper on gas (assuming you aren't always hitting the high-speed interstates), lighter and also the aftermarket items work better for MY application. So for me, the DL650A is a winner and something many here have already known for years.