650 V-Strom cruising speed

[amk]

I have watched mine gas mileage this past season, so I was at 105 km/h, gps, 112 indicated most of the time. There were several fast rides as well, 135 km/h gps, 145 indicated, they did not last longer than for 3 hours each, but even with that short time the oil consumption was noticeable, gas mileage dropped to 400 km on full tank.

[Ozarkcowboy]

Originally Posted by Evenflo76

Yes, even more so with a 16t front sprocket.

I would cruise 90-95 solo with luggage when the traffic permitted.

^^^THIS^^^

I'm running a 17t sprocket,after a 16t for 10k miles. Think the wee should have come with the 16t out of the factory. Although,if I were planning a long trip with slabbing in mind the 17t is fantastic if you wanted to cruise at indicated 90mph,really drops the rpm.Sure, I do feel a loss in the low end but man can you hook-it down the highway.Will be going back to the 16t whenever I need next chain,but as easy as they are to swap I'll hang on to the 17t.

[cip2006is]

If I ride at 85 - 90 km/h my WeeStrom eats 3.9 liters/100 km.
If I ride over 140 km/h it never takes more than 5.5 liters/100km,
Don't know miles/gallon, I work with EU standards.
The most pleasant cruising speed (for me) is in the middle at 120 km/h.

[Twilight]

^^^What he said^^^

And you work with world standards. Only US an UK use different.

[Canuman]

Originally Posted by tedder

He's serious. It's a girl bike.

It doesn't need high-octane because it makes cute little amounts of horsey power.

That's my little pony power. Comes from marshmallows and rainbows. I guess you need 100+ hp to be an ADV rider?

[Kidder]

Originally Posted by Canuman

The Wee has one of the best engines and silkiest transmissions I've ever ridden on. Correctly set up, (do the seat and windscreen, twiddle the suspension, and you may want bar risers) 80 mph for days or weeks is no problem. Six gears make all the difference.

Yes, a 650 is a 650 is a 650. What a wonderful thing that is! It's an excellent motor in a very capable bike. Given the comfort and frugal fuel use, you'll be in the saddle when others are at the pumps or rubbing the circulation back into their butts. (Or ending their trip 'cause they have to get back to make a payment on a bike costing twice as much.)

What he said. I actually wish I would have kept my 07 ABS instead of selling it and buying a Super Tenere.

[Canuman]

Originally Posted by Kidder

What he said. I actually wish I would have kept my 07 ABS instead of selling it and buying a Super Tenere.

There is no substitute for a reasonably light standard bike, well built. To put this in perspective, a manpower is 1/6 of a horsepower, yet people have bicycled around the world. Not so long ago, the Wee put out what would have been Grand Prix horsepower. It corners like an angel. It is reliable. It's fast enough by far.

As with any other bike, it has some stuff that could be better. I don't need huge HP to adventure ride. There are plenty of riders that want huge horsepower to get to the local bar. Many others have made thousands of miles well under twenty hp.

Are you a rider or a poseur? That's what defines the Wee.

[amk]

You really call 220 kg wet mass of behemoth shape

Originally Posted by Canuman

a reasonably light standard bike

?

[PachmanP]

Originally Posted by Kidder

What he said. I actually wish I would have kept my 07 ABS instead of selling it and buying a Super Tenere.

I'll trade ya.

[Pecha72]

Originally Posted by amk

You really call 220 kg wet mass of behemoth shape ?

Maybe not. But suggesting that adding 40-50 extra kilos, and doubling the engine size somehow gets that fixed, is just funny IMO. The DL650 is a real bastard to ride in any real off-road environment, but that's just more typical for this category. Try the same on a 125, 250 or 400cc enduro bike, and you'll realize in a minute, that these are all behemoths. ANY 'road' they can still all do just fine, and that's really the whole idea, along with good space&ergonomics. Dunno where the need to cross a swamp with them comes from. Get a lighter bike, if you fancy doin' that.

[pebble35]

My 2 cents worth !

Back in 2008 I did 11,000 miles in 28 days on a 2007 Wee.

Cruising at anything from 50/60 mph to holding it around 100mph depending upon the roads.

Maintenance on the trip was :

Changed tyres (worn out !), changed air filter (blocked with sand/dust), adjusted and lubed chain every couple of days.

Apart from that lot nothing else was needed - no oil change or even topping up with oil.

A great little bike that I really regret selling !

[Canuman]

The OP was asking if he could ride a Wee at sustained highway speeds, not if he could do the Dakar on it. The Wee is not a dirt bike. I agree it is way too heavy and under suspended for that. You simply have to look at it to understand that. The OP also didn't ask about aesthetics. You have to make your own decision there. I personally find many "custom" bikes hideous and bizarre.

What it is is a reliable, comfortable, reasonably priced bike with the ability to do pavement and decent gravel roads day in and day out. It has an excellent headlight, good wind protection after you deal with the stock screen, and doesn't beat you up on long hauls. It weighs a ton compared to a dirt machine, but is reasonably light in comparison to many touring bikes. Trans Labrador on a Wee? No problem. Trans Alaska? It will eat that up also. You learn to love that huge tank after a very short while if you're riding in the arena for which this bike was designed.

I don't take my KDX on long pavement rides. I wouldn't take a Wee in the woods. Neither is a piece of crap because of it.

[MNrider]

Thank you everyone for your opinions. Here are the PROs as far as I'm concerned, as compared to my RT:

50 pounds lighter.
6 more HP.
6-speed.
Isn't afraid of the occasional dirt road.
Will cruise all day at 75-80 and will hopefully get more than my current 33 MPG at that speed.
Lots more aftermarket parts available compared to my 81 G/S.
Anti-lock brakes.

Paul Delau
Minnetonka Minnesota
95 R100RT
81 R80G/S
07 Ural

[Superstar]

Originally Posted by PachmanP

I'll trade ya.

As a huge VSTROM advocate (owned 2) and current Super Tenere owner, I can honestly say the S10 dominates any comparo I have done thus far.

Not sure where his displeasure with the S10 lies.

[Kidder]

Originally Posted by Superstar

As a huge VSTROM advocate (owned 2) and current Super Tenere owner, I can honestly say the S10 dominates any comparo I have done thus far.

Not sure where his displeasure with the S10 lies.

Heavy, worse gas mileage. My Strom was more comfortable with the Tall Touring Seat. And no messing with those finicky spokes. I also liked the characteristics of the engine better on the 650.

Sure, the suspension is better on the S10, it's got shaft drive and it's got a few more whiz bang features. But, for the money, I should have kept my Strom. It had much better range and they're in the same niche. I like the S10 but I liked the Strom better.