Is it touring capable

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Duel: a contest with deadly weapons arranged between two people in order to settle a point of honor.

Dual: consisting of two parts, elements, or aspects.

[Ncdan]

A 13oz. can of chain wax is $8-$10.  I lube about every 500 miles, a can lasts me 5k-8k miles.  The Smith Oiler is what $100-$250??!!

Hey, thanks but I ain't buying one. 

NCDan...Sorry for hijacking your thread.

No worries, we are still receiving good information regardless the of  original subject. It's a learning curve:)

[Guzzistajohn]

John,

If you can have your definitions of what "is" and "is not", so can I...

The Weestrom is a streetbike with some ADVstyling.  It's not a dual sport and was never intended as such. You're not going to change my mind, so we can agree to disagree.

A simple perusal of the ADVrider forums will show our friend Ncdan that touring off pavement is done profusely by the self proclaimed Stromtroopers.  It's a cult bike.   Hey, everyone has to have their thing.  It would never be my thing, as there are much better tools out there.  Personally, if I was shopping for a cheap used touring bike that could go off pavement,  I'd shop for a low-miles Girlie Tiger.  Cheap and super-capable.




I hope Dan enjoys his Weestrom.

Somewhat capable  This one's been from Duluth to Daytona,The Rockies, Top of Pikes Peak, Blue ridge, Smokies, All over Missouri, Arkansas and surrounding states, and did a bun burner 1500 - still goin' strong!

[Lcarlson]

A big factor in chain/sprocket life is passive cleaning. Chain lube is applied then wears off over the next 300 leaving les protection and dirt can stick to it. A continuous oiler add drop of oil every minute or so to the chain that gets worked all around to continually lubricate the chain. The other thing it does is as dirt sticks to the extremely lightly oiled chain it continues to build until it becomes to heavy and centrifugal force flings it free of the chain. So you have passive cleaning and no need to ever wipe down, use a brush or chemicals to physically scrub or clean the chain . It lubed and cleaned every second its moving. This  also great when its raining as he chain is always protected and no more forgetting to lube you chain when you get home from riding and the chain is still warm.

2 buddies of mine went to Alaska in 2018. One on a shaft drive bike the other on a chain drive bike with a Scott Oiler. Both were amazed that even while traveling the Hall Highway the bikes were filthy mud was piled up on the swingarms but the chain looked like it was just cleaned shiny and bright.

Another thing lots of folks believe chain oilers are dirty and fling lots of oil everywhere. If they are set up wring and dripping too much oil yes they are messy. Same as over applying aerosol chain lube or glopping on gear oil. The idea is o lube the chain not drown it. If set up properly (which is easy) they are less messy than traditional arenol lubes and buy far way less expensive to operate. A quart of the cheapest ATF you can fine if about $4 an will last 20,000 miles. How long does a can of chain lube last re-applying it every 300 miles

+1. A Scottoiler is transformative. Compared to the benefits, the cost is trivial.

[Ncdan]

+1. A Scottoiler is transformative. Compared to the benefits, the cost is trivial.

What is the definition of "transformative " as applying here. Asking because the Scott sounds like a great thing if a chain is in my future?

[twowheeladdict]

Hey guys, just doing some research. I was thinking about adding a second bike, possibly a duel sport bike. I want one  as light as possible but it must be big enough for comfortable touring, within reason, understanding it's not going to compete with a heavy touring mechine. The one,of probably many out there, I've been looking at is the Suzuki Strom 650. This bike,with larger planners, seems like a good choice and older models with low miles can be had from 3-4K can be found. What say y'all?

I'm reading Dual Sport Bike.  I'm reading "Light as possible"

Then I read Suzuki V Strom 650.  WTF?

The Suzuki V Strom is neither a Dual Sport bike or light.  LOL!

The Suzuki V Strom is as capable off road as any UJM built in the 1970s.  The Harley Road King can handle Forest Service roads and gravel and light trail work in the hands of a competent off road rider.

I thought you were going to mention the DR650, KLR 650, XR650L, maybe Tiger 800XC, 650GS.  Even then, all those bikes require a rider with skill to ride off road. 

[twowheeladdict]

I don't get the impression than Ncdan is intending to go off-road with it.   The "dual sport" thing was just an indication of the bike type.   I say that because I have a "dual sport" and I'm not taking that monster off-road; it's the best road bike I have ... !

Lannis

A dual sport is very much off road capable.  KLX250S, XR250L, DRZ400S, KTM250 and 450s, etc.  The 650cc dual sports require some muscle off road.

This is why they came out with the moniker Adventure.  Adventure bikes are road oriented but can do light duty off road in the hands of a skilled rider.

[Lcarlson]

What is the definition of "transformative " as applying here. Asking because the Scott sounds like a great thing if a chain is in my future?

Lubing a chain is a minor nuisance; cleaning it is a major PITA as far as I’m concerned, enough so that I swore I’d never buy another bike with chain final drive. Well, so much for that — I bought another one. The beauty of the Scottoiler is that it basically “transforms” the final drive into an essentially maintenance-free component. To me, that’s a big deal.

[Ncdan]

Lubing a chain is a minor nuisance; cleaning it is a major PITA as far as I’m concerned, enough so that I swore I’d never buy another bike with chain final drive. Well, so much for that — I bought another one. The beauty of the Scottoiler is that it basically “transforms” the final drive into an essentially maintenance-free component. To me, that’s a big deal.

Ok, that sounds good and something I woukd definitely would look into if I end up with one of these types of bikes.

[Ncdan]

Hey Dan,
Check out this video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_QQEeW2gO4
For what I think you want to use it for, the V Strom should be a good choice. 
Good luck,
Nick

I found that on utube the other day as I had been looking at a Kaw on CL then I found this video. It helped me to make my mind up real quick between the Kaw and the V-Strom. Thanks a bunch for the response !

[Perazzimx14]

A 13oz. can of chain wax is $8-$10.  I lube about every 500 miles, a can lasts me 5k-8k miles.  The Smith Oiler is what $100-$250??!!

Hey, thanks but I ain't buying one. 

NCDan...Sorry for hijacking your thread.

Yep you got it figured out. You pay more for lube and get conservetavely 2/3rds less miliage out of a set of chain and sprockets. Hard to justify paying  $175 for a "smith" oiler that makes $200 + in chain and sprockets last 2 or 3x times longer.

Penny wise and a pound foolish!

 

[Ncdan]

I'm reading Dual Sport Bike.  I'm reading "Light as possible"

Then I read Suzuki V Strom 650.  WTF?

The Suzuki V Strom is neither a Dual Sport bike or light.  LOL!

The Suzuki V Strom is as capable off road as any UJM built in the 1970s.  The Harley Road King can handle Forest Service roads and gravel and light trail work in the hands of a competent off road rider.

I thought you were going to mention the DR650, KLR 650, XR650L, maybe Tiger 800XC, 650GS.  Even then, all those bikes require a rider with skill to ride off road.

Wonderful post with a twist of sarcasm, now blister us with your knowledge on the subject on the initial subject on the V-Strom which was the bike I was attempting to gain info on. Thanks for the response.

[twowheeladdict]

I found that on utube the other day as I had been looking at a Kaw on CL then I found this video. It helped me to make my mind up real quick between the Kaw and the V-Strom. Thanks a bunch for the response !

So, Kawasaki for the win?  That was the conclusion I came up with after seeing that video.   

Of course I had the KLR and the Versys.  The KLR is way better off road with a set of Dunlop 90/10 606s.  The Versys is an upright sport bike that has a suspension capable of soaking up the bumps.

I have run the dirt devil on the Versys, but the KLR was much better on ORV trails.

I've ridden a friends V-strom 650 and it is definitely a spacious bike.  I would say it sits between the KLR and the Versys.  The KLR is better on trails and the Versys is better on the twisties.  I just didn't get any excitement riding the V-strom over the 100 miles I rode it.  Felt like a Honda to me. 

Speaking of Honda, check out the NC700X and possibly the 500X.  The 700X can store a FF helmet in the fuel tank trunk.

[twowheeladdict]

Somewhat capable  This one's been from Duluth to Daytona,The Rockies, Top of Pikes Peak, Blue ridge, Smokies, All over Missouri, Arkansas and surrounding states, and did a bun burner 1500 - still goin' strong!

There are Harley riders that can claim the same thing.  :) 

There are adventure riders and their are "adventure" bikes.  Adventure riders don't have to be on "adventure" bikes.  Any bike that is taken on an adventure is an adventure bike, but not every "adventure" bike is taken on an adventure.

[Ncdan]

So, Kawasaki for the win?  That was the conclusion I came up with after seeing that video.   

Of course I had the KLR and the Versys.  The KLR is way better off road with a set of Dunlop 90/10 606s.  The Versys is an upright sport bike that has a suspension capable of soaking up the bumps.

I have run the dirt devil on the Versys, but the KLR was much better on ORV trails.

I've ridden a friends V-strom 650 and it is definitely a spacious bike.  I would say it sits between the KLR and the Versys.  The KLR is better on trails and the Versys is better on the twisties.  I just didn't get any excitement riding the V-strom over the 100 miles I rode it.  Felt like a Honda to me. 

Speaking of Honda, check out the NC700X and possibly the 500X.  The 700X can store a FF helmet in the fuel tank trunk.

I must say after the video I would choose the V over the Kaw, sorry;)

[twowheeladdict]

I must say after the video I would choose the V over the Kaw, sorry;)

I was teasing because the video is biased towards the V-strom.  First, it didn't compare with the much improved '08+ KLR, and second it didn't compare with the Kawasaki Versys 650 which would be a closer competitor to a 80/20 bike. 

Whenever a video has the comments locked you know many commenters screamed BS video!

[Ncdan]

I was teasing because the video is biased towards the V-strom.  First, it didn't compare with the much improved '08+ KLR, and second it didn't compare with the Kawasaki Versys 650 which would be a closer competitor to a 80/20 bike. 

Whenever a video has the comments locked you know many commenters screamed BS video!

I'd say that's an accurate assessment👍

[Guzzistajohn]

There are Harley riders that can claim the same thing.  :) 

There are adventure riders and their are "adventure" bikes.  Adventure riders don't have to be on "adventure" bikes.  Any bike that is taken on an adventure is an adventure bike, but not every "adventure" bike is taken on an adventure.

No disagreement here : ) seems like we have to put a name on everything now days. Does rap and hip-hop really need separate names??

[Chuck in Indiana]

When I first saw the title to this thread, I thought, "Yes. It all depends on how badly you want to go with what you have." 

[Kiwi_Roy]

Are you telling me the Griso is not a dual sport?

[Ncdan]

Are you telling me the Griso is not a dual sport?

If that bike can get up there then it has earned the right to be called anything it wants to be called:) 👍

[Perazzimx14]

Lubing a chain is a minor nuisance; cleaning it is a major PITA as far as I’m concerned, enough so that I swore I’d never buy another bike with chain final drive. Well, so much for that — I bought another one. The beauty of the Scottoiler is that it basically “transforms” the final drive into an essentially maintenance-free component. To me, that’s a big deal.

This is 100% accurate. All you need to do it top up the reservoir every 600 to 1000 miles and ride. During 3 day weekend rides of 1,500 + miles  I'd top off the reservoir before I left and then carry a 3 ounce bottle with a pointed nozzle filled with ATF and never come close to using it all. For pointed bottles look at tie-dye kits in the craft section at WalMart. The bottles have a powdered dye in the and are $1.97. Dump the dye out and you have a convenient way to carry ATF.

When traveling for a week + I'd bring a couple of repurposed 5 hour energy bottle filled with ATF as backup.

[Dinsdale]

Hey guys, just doing some research. I was thinking about adding a second bike, possibly a duel sport bike. I want one  as light as possible but it must be big enough for comfortable touring, within reason, understanding it's not going to compete with a heavy touring mechine. The one,of probably many out there, I've been looking at is the Suzuki Strom 650. This bike,with larger planners, seems like a good choice and older models with low miles can be had from 3-4K can be found. What say y'all?

The WeeStrom is an outstanding bike in its class, but it's NOT a dual-sport.  My other mount is a DR650, which IS a dual-sport.  I ride long distances regularly with 2 friends on WeeStroms.  Great on bitumen, just marginal on gravel and not at all on real off-road stuff.  You also stated that you wanted a light machine.  The WeeStrom is 216Kg, whereas the DR is 147Kg.  DRs have been around for over 20 years and still produced new, so there's something right about them.  They're fantastically reliable and well capable of >150,000Km.  Have look on drriders.com

[T4halo]

I had a V Strom for less than 6 months.  It sat in the garage while I rode my V11S. I thought I would ride the ugly thing. I didnt. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the V Strom aint no beauty. Sold it and bought an R80ST. 

T4

[kballowe]

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Well, if you're gonna tour, then ya gotta have luggage.
 
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[steven c]

 KTM's off road, sure they are pro riders but big bikes can do it, just not normal riders.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_cgEazJ3WQ

[Guzzistajohn]

KTM's off road, sure they are pro riders but big bikes can do it, just not normal riders.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_cgEazJ3WQ

I'm getting me one of those big'ol KTM's so I can ride like that 

[Perazzimx14]

Well, if you're gonna haul tires for your daughters car, then ya gotta have luggage

[kballowe]

Well, if you're gonna haul tires for your daughters car, then ya gotta have luggage

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HEY !

Can you stop by after work ?

I have a job that requires your unique talent
 
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[kballowe]

Yes, luggage.
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ALSO - don't forget your bungee cords.
Bungee cords are good.
Lots of them
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