ltljohn Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 I think I'll keep it. 2015 650 V-Strom XT ABS I finally had to admit that I will never be comfortable with my RT, it is just too tall and heavy. Even with all I have done to lower it I always have to be extra choosy where I stop so I don't drop it. After lots of research and the counsel of good friends I went with the Wee. Yes this is also tall but it is much lighter and I can lower it with just an easy inexpensive mod. See you all at the UN! Link to comment
eddd Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 Nice scoot. Getting a bike that fits you and your needs is key to enjoying the ride. Sometimes manufacturers just don't offer what you need, or the price is too high for what you get. My Kawasaki EX650 is not what most people would ever consider as the platform for a sport touring bike, but it worked out well for me. Your new bike will have lots of aftermarket products to help you customize it to fit your exact needs. Link to comment
Papa Joe Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 You need to be comfortable. If you are uncomfortable, you are most likely not thinking about the things you should be thinking about while riding. Be Safe and Ride On Link to comment
realshelby Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 Get a Rostra electronic cruise control on that like I have on my V strom and you will think it was a born highway cruiser! 16t countershaft sprocket drops the revs a bit and makes the speedometer dead accurate. Link to comment
doc47 Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 Sweet! Had a chance to ride a Wee at John Day some years ago and loved it. You are in for some fun! Enjoy, brother! Link to comment
TEWKS Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 See you all at the UN! So, are you Ridin' the Strom out? Looks like Suzuki took back their beak. Very nice bike, John! Pat Link to comment
Dousta Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 I also downsized to a WeeStrom last year, a 2013 model. After 48 years of sport tourers, I wanted something lighter and able to do some off road duty but still capable of comfortable one up long distance highway riding. After research decided the Wee was what I was looking for. It is a compromise, not a dedicated dual purpose but an adequate "adventure" bike and hard to beat for the price.I live in British Columbia and spent 7 days in the interior exploring forestry roads, etc. last fall to get a feel for this type of riding. So far I have nothing but praise for the bike and am heading up to Alaska on it this year for three weeks. Regarding height,I feel that changing suspension settings should be a last option as it changes a bikes factory set dynamics. Where I bought my bike, Suzuki offered a lower seat option and also contracted a person who carved the seat lower for a modest price. ($150)What I did after reading about it on a forum, was when you take the seat off you will notice four removable blocks which sit on the frame. They are approx 3/4" thick and I cut them down to approx 1/8" so still resting on the frame. I am 5'7" and can now put both feet flat on the ground. Link to comment
RichRS Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 Many lower the Strom with no problems. I've lowered my front about 5/8 inch, and the back approx 1 inch. I have since raised the back about 1/4 inch, which brings me to the suggestion you try the Soupy adjustable links. they are well made, and you can adjust it to any height in just a few mins, and they install real easy. If I plan to go off road, I can quickly raise it up for clearance. I've noticed no handling problems, and it will still carve turns with no problem. I have a Terry Adcox seat on the way, should be here tomorrow. Hoping it will give the extra comfort I need for the long hauls. Oh, Soupy also has an adjustable sidestand, which you may want if you lower the bike. Enjoy the bike! Link to comment
Kathy R Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 Good choice, John. You are going to have yourself some fun! The RT is so special, but your Wee will solve problems while taking a much smaller bite out of your wallet. Just a few Farkles that I love: A cannister attached to the side case frame, holding a rag and chain oil. Center stand Aftermarket shocks Link to comment
Bud Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 Congrats! Love my 14 Wish I had the spoked wheels like you have. I also ordered a Terry Adcock seat but mine won't be here till June. Wish I was going to the UN so we could compare. Enjoy the new ride!!!!! Link to comment
ltljohn Posted April 13, 2015 Author Share Posted April 13, 2015 Kathy, I really like the canister idea. Does anyone have a link for the Terry Adcox seat? Link to comment
realshelby Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 Kathy, I really like the canister idea. If one canister is good....wouldn't two be better? I keep tools and roadside emergency stuff in the bottom one and a can of chain lube in the top one. Link to comment
Skywagon Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 Heck Terry if you would just chrome the end caps it would look like dual exhaust Link to comment
ltljohn Posted April 13, 2015 Author Share Posted April 13, 2015 Terry, do you have a source for those tubes or are they just PCV pipe? Link to comment
realshelby Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 Terry, do you have a source for those tubes or are they just PCV pipe? They are both welding rod holders. You can get these at Harbor Freight for cheap, or the bigger one is available at any welding supply shop. They are water tight to protect the rods and very easy to mount to a rack. Link to comment
realshelby Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 Heck Terry if you would just chrome the end caps it would look like dual exhaust Wouldn't that be a triple? I always wanted an H2......... Link to comment
TEWKS Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 Terry, do you have a source for those tubes or are they just PCV pipe? I've seen these used. http://www.agrisupply.com/manual-canister/p/67670/ Pat Link to comment
Bud Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 Terry, do you have a source for those tubes or are they just PCV pipe? I've seen these used. http://www.agrisupply.com/manual-canister/p/67670/ Pat I bought two today at Rural King, a ag supply store in IL. $6.99 each. Link to comment
Kathy R Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 Kathy, I really like the canister idea. See it tucked to the inside of the GIVI side case frame on the left. Holds a good size can of spray on chain lube and a diaper. Pop it up on center stand, on level ground. 1st gear and spray. Done in seconds. Ride another 300 - 600 miles and repeat. Your chain will take care of you. Link to comment
Bud Posted April 15, 2015 Share Posted April 15, 2015 Kathy, I really like the canister idea. Does anyone have a link for the Terry Adcox seat? You have a PM He doesn't have a website. Here is a facebook link: Terrys custom seats facebook page And here is his email address: Terry's Custom Seats Here is a link to some pics in the forum: Stromtroopers Terry Adcock thread He has a reputation for being completely honest and a straight shooter. I've talke with him several times on the phone, talked to his wife and traded emails. My seat should be done mid June. They want to know exactly what you want so you will be satisfied. I told them a narrow nose, no forward slope towards the tank and a pocket for my rear. Just plain good folks making a living by working hard and not charging an arm and a leg. $250 for the rider's part. Don't remember but I think it was either another $50 or $100 for both rider and passenger. Folks that have them, love them. Link to comment
Bud Posted April 15, 2015 Share Posted April 15, 2015 Kathy, I really like the canister idea. See it tucked to the inside of the GIVI side case frame on the left. Holds a good size can of spray on chain lube and a diaper. Pop it up on center stand, on level ground. 1st gear and spray. Done in seconds. Ride another 300 - 600 miles and repeat. Your chain will take care of you. I see you painted over the yellow lettering. Makes it look not so much like it belongs on a tractor. Link to comment
Matts_12GS Posted April 15, 2015 Share Posted April 15, 2015 Terry, do you have a source for those tubes or are they just PCV pipe? I've seen these used. http://www.agrisupply.com/manual-canister/p/67670/ Pat I used those on my Wee and have one on my GS still. Link to comment
Kathy R Posted April 15, 2015 Share Posted April 15, 2015 I see you painted over the yellow lettering. Makes it look not so much like it belongs on a tractor. There was no yellow lettering on it. It was nice and plain, blending into the location with no muss or fuss. Link to comment
Bud Posted April 16, 2015 Share Posted April 16, 2015 Wow, here is what mine looks like. I guess I got the ones for Dummies who could not figure out how to remove the top???? Link to comment
Kathy R Posted April 16, 2015 Share Posted April 16, 2015 Mine is suitable for hiding the wine If it was CO there would be a big pot leaf Maybe the farmers around here don't need too many directions Link to comment
Foot Posted April 17, 2015 Share Posted April 17, 2015 Awesome John. Tell me how you like it. That maybe Debs next bike. Alan Link to comment
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