Yetti's 2009 V strom 650

[jfman]

Very underrated bike the weestrom.

I rode one two up to Ushuaia thru all kind of terrain.

What it lacked in suspension it made up in reliability and capability

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Jfman,

Thats awesome! I plan on keeping this one for a long time.

 

[jfman]

I hope you do. I sold mine in Colombia rather than shipping it home. Now I ride a KLR650 locally. No big trips in sight.

 

[Ducstrom]

Amazing bike. I had an '04 in blue. Just a fire up and go anywhere bike, put on 56,000kms in 3 years. It was my first road bike and I still miss it.
Funny story, about five years after I sold it I was filling up at a gas station in North Vancouver and heard a bike pull into the pumps, totally recognized the sound ( I had put a scorpion pipe on it). Turns out it was my old bike and the guy who'd bought it was still riding it! Chatted about how much he still liked the bike, all the trips he'd been on and how reliable it was. Was great to see it being enjoyed still.

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Been missing Patagonia as of late, so on a wet windy day, took her out. Just a few miles to the local hardware store and back.


My helmet is not connecting to my phone, does not seem to be putting out a Bluetooth signal at all. Tried a factory reset, no dice, so now it's sitting on my counter ( on) until the battery dies.

Sent from somewhere remote on my BlackBerry

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

I ordered front and rear heidenau k60 scout tires for her. They will remain at home until im off this contract.

 

[MTVR]

Why did you stop riding the KLR? I just got me a new out-of-the-box 18 camo and I find myself riding it more then my 750 road bike.

Cruisers serve no functional purpose.

 

[MTVR]

Found one, I did have to add the LED flasher module. And will probably look into LED headlights

Sent from somewhere remote on my BlackBerry

Modifying the headlight with HID or LED conversions is not safe or legal...

 

[MTVR]

I have been using the BILT Techno modular Bluetooth helmet,

https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/bilt-techno-20-sena-bluetooth-modular-helmet

The music, phone and intercom functionality work well- almost seamlessly. My brother and I were able to talk with each other but when out of site, ( think around a big corner) and about a range of 100 meters.

It plays whatever custom tones you have set, example on the ride to work today a txt message came in and said " work message" as the phone was programmed to do. When talking with someone on the phone, they have not had trouble hearing me nor I them.

It has three vents, two on top and one chin. Recently one of the top vents broke, ( not thrilled about this, as it was in its bag at the time). it is not a replaceable part, and unfortunately cycle gear in Seattle was not helpful, but simply offered me 15% off of a new helmet if i traded my old one in. As that was the current promotion. This was purchased from the Portland cycle gear store in October of last year. And has about 3500 miles on it.


That being said, this did survive a few decent off bike experiences. A few on gravel at about 30mph, ( Caratera Austral) and one at a out 40mph on pavement. Those im sure had an effect on the strength of the top vents.

It is Modular, so has the flip up face peace, as well as visor and built in flip down sun shade. I have been happy with it, and will replace it in kind when the time comes, but for a $240 helmet, want to get some solid timeout of it.

The chin strap is a little frayed, i am guessing from my stubble when riding on vacation, as I have to remain clean shaven all other times.

I have worn it in torrential down pour and wind, rain, cold, and heat. It sealed well in all but the most ( about 8 hour day of wind and rain) where the top of the visor would send a drip down the inside about once every 10 mins.


I went with cycle gear for their legendary customer service and warranty. As the closest store to me, is over 3 hours away in Portland. The Portland store i went too ( they have a few) was great.

If anyone has any specific questions feel free to ask,

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If your helmet has hit the ground, it's junk. If it's hit the ground twice, it's still junk.

Get a new helmet...

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

weird, all the new bikes, cars, and trucks with LED headlights must be breaking the law....

care to expound on that?

Also the ORS:

ORS 816.050 – Headlights

Each of the following is a requirement for headlights as described, (1) On vehicles required to be equipped with two or more…

www.oregonlaws.org

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Next time I am a few hundred miles from anywhere I could source a like motorcycle helmet, in South America after a wreck ill remember that.....if i ask nicely maybe one will magically show up.

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Next time I am a few hundred miles from anywhere I could source a like motorcycle helmet, in South America after a wreck ill remember that.....if i ask nicely maybe one will magically show up.

all aside, thanks for the info.

 

[MTVR]

The Wee-Strom is a great motorcycle. I prefer the SV650, but the Wee-Strom is more adventure oriented.

Like others have said, the suspension would benefit from springs for your weight, and appropriate fluid and/or valving.

And a couple of sets of EBC sintered "Double-H" front brake pads would be good...

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

I am still pretty new to the Moto world, and should look into weight matched springs. Any recommendations?

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

I got as much riding in as I could prior to heading to Alaska.