The V-Stroms growing on me...

Just back from doing 800 miles over three days in Devon, Somerset and
Cornwall.

And you know, the DL handled it all rather well - from fast sweeping A-Roads
(there are so many _lovely_ roads around there)[1] to Cornish B-Roads to
narrow tracks/gravel on Exmoor[2], it handled it all.

The seat's pretty comfortable too considering I spent 24 hours on the bike
in this period. I've also changed my mind on the Trialwings - they seem
pretty good considering the range of applications they performed in -
especially today in the wet along some roads that weren't in either the best
condition or clean.

Overall speed 33mph, moving average 40mph - maximum speed 96mph. No
motorway. [3]

However, GPS's remain somewhat of a curse - making reasonable progress down
the A382 towards Dartmoor and it says "turn right" - but that's a track.
Hmm, okay - an hour later I find mysef heading BACK up the A382 looking for
a petrol station having just spent the previous hour meandering through
tiny, gravel and mud strewn lanes. Stupid user^w thing.


[1] Almost every road with a number was a cracking road - not necessarily
fast (though many are) but all 'interesting' - and some stunning.
[2] the B&B was slightly further off the beaten track than I expected.
Literally.
[3] Yes, I'm sure someone will post "is that all?" - but considering the
routes I took and the idea behind this trip I'm amazed it's as high as that.

 

I had a half hour test ride on a DL650 last week. I _really_ liked it
(currently am on a 600 bandit) except was a bit unsure about the amount of
wind noise. The screen apparently was able to be adjusted up a couple of
inches, I don't know how much difference this would have made. I'm 5 feet
10 with short legs FWIW.

 

There are things to do with that...

A Windstrom Manta is much better than the stock screen.

 

Suzuki will sell more this year than ever before IMO.

The screen works for some people, others it doesn't - on any setting.

As mentioned by another poster, there are lots of other screens - all with
supporters.

I now have an MRA Vario and that seems to work pretty well for me (5'6, 32"
legs).

Very happy with the bike _now_ - but it definitely took that trip to really
click with it (I've got the 1000 BTW)

 

Well they might sell one to me. I do know that a middlewieght trailie is
definitely where I want to go next. From all the reviews of the 600s the
Suzuki seems to have the edge on power. Anyone?

I have a Skidmarx double bubble for my bandit which sort of does what it
was made to do but it looks awful. It's difficult to know without trying
each one out.

If I could, I would. Insurance rules out litre bikes for me, for one
reason and another.

Anyway, I feel wiser for your input so cheers.