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Since the economy is in the tank I want to do my part to stimulate it a bit. As a result I have been looking at a few bikes one of which is a V-Strom as being a possible future aquisition. With the proper windshield, is this bike comfortable for a 500 mile day on the interstate? Is it reasonably comfortable 2-up? Big question, does the 650 have enough poop to carry a passenger, and some luggage down the road at 70 mph without wringing it's guts out. Does the 650 feel lighter, maybe handle better due to the smaller motor? I'd be interested in anybody's thoughts that have lived with one for awhile.

Thanks

-Harvey

I helped ride Troy's back from CO this past summer. Plenty of oomph on the highway, although that was one up. I know a certain Husky bikini lover hit triple digits getting around a jackass semi on two lane. I don't think Troy has done any 2-up touring. His is a 650.

I believe that Nobiman here and over on KTMTalk (RFS and LC4 forums) has a Strom ... not sure which size ... and that he and his wife have done some 2-up touring. You might want to shoot him a PM.

Mine is a 650, Nobiman's is a DL1000. Nobiman (Randy & Sandy) rides 2 up and loves it--and Randy is a big guy.

I've only done short, local trips with my wife on board. For perspective, I weigh 180 and she is about 115. With just the 2 of us and no luggage but an empty Givi on the tail, the DL650 feels wimpy and the suspension is weak in my opinion. It is comfortable 2 up, though.

The DL650 is great for a 500 mile day. With an upgraded seat, even more so. I have a cut-down stock windshield and an after-market extra tall windshield. On the drive home from Colorado, that tall windshield was causing severe buffeting. So I put the cut-down shield on and have not looked back.

I average probably 50.5 MPG. I've seen 52 and as low as 48.x, but see 50 and 51 all the time. I just got home from a 300 mile day, and I could go back out and ride right now.

If money is not an issue, I'd probably go for a BMW 800GS, but since it is an issue, the Vstrom DL650 is hard to beat for the niche it fills.

Or a 1200 GS .. take a look at Nobiman's comments in a later post in this thread:
http://www.rideforum.net/viewtopic.php? ... &sk=t&sd=a

I got to ride Paul's 1200GS today. It made me very jealous!