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RTW 2-up on a Wee-Strom? RTW 2-up on a Wee-Strom?
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  #1  
Old 23 May 2010
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RTW 2-up on a Wee-Strom?
if i can talk my future wife into it I'm planning a RTW in a few years. (2014?) I rode a '99 KLR around the americas for a year in '03-'04 with little probs, but i had it farkled to the max. Now i'm considering a used Wee, like '07-'08, low mileage, of course farkled. how do ya'll think the Wee would handle 2-up? im 90kg, shes 45kg, but we'll have a ton of luggage. I'm not that concerned with speed/power as i ride slow anyway. more worried about her comfort and weight of our gear and reliabilty. Should i get ABS? what stuff should i change out? leaning towards all the Happy-Trail add-ons including Denali panniers. what other changes should i consider? we'll be doing mostly pavement but also plan to do lots of dirt roads, like in peru/chile, etc..
on a unrelated side note, anyone ever heard reviews of a Eaglemate single wheeled pull behind cargo trailer? i cant find any reviews except on their website.we want to carry two mtn bicycles with us! tom in montana
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  #2  
Old 23 May 2010
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Lots of riders pull trailers ... mostly Gold Wing and HD guys. No problems on road, off road they can get a bit squirrely, depending how over loaded they are. You have two years to prep so take your time and do some long-ish local trips around the US to "shake down" your set up. Refine it as you go.

The Wee Strom is well documented as a reliable RTW bike. Much info here and elsewhere. Needs the usual stuff, bashplate, hand guards, DL1000 Seat. I would up grade the suspension a bit firmer.

The more you pack on there the harder it's going to be riding in steep, loose off road conditions. The trailer is not a bad idea at all, but test it out off road first. (On steep down hills dirt) You can rent bicycles in many places. Why carry them? You can't have it all. (or maybe you can!)

For lightweight, off road trailers, try Trail Tail.

Learning to travel light takes time and experience. Farkles is one thing, but plain just too much crap is another. Think back on your KLR trip and what worked and what did not.

In the end your wife will probably have you on a nice cruise to the Carribean! (five meals a day, Badminton, Golf, free 1st run movies, on board brothel, (I made up that last one!)
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Old 26 May 2010
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I'm a big fan of the Wee over the big 'un, but with all the gear, and trailer, maybe you should consider the 1000cc Strom?

Cheers bloke

Nigel in NZ
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Old 26 May 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wildlands1 View Post
if i can talk my future wife into it I'm planning a RTW in a few years. (2014?) I rode a '99 KLR around the americas for a year in '03-'04 with little probs, but i had it farkled to the max. Now i'm considering a used Wee, like '07-'08, low mileage, of course farkled. how do ya'll think the Wee would handle 2-up? im 90kg, shes 45kg, but we'll have a ton of luggage. I'm not that concerned with speed/power as i ride slow anyway. more worried about her comfort and weight of our gear and reliabilty. Should i get ABS? what stuff should i change out? leaning towards all the Happy-Trail add-ons including Denali panniers. what other changes should i consider? we'll be doing mostly pavement but also plan to do lots of dirt roads, like in peru/chile, etc..
on a unrelated side note, anyone ever heard reviews of a Eaglemate single wheeled pull behind cargo trailer? i cant find any reviews except on their website.we want to carry two mtn bicycles with us! tom in montana
Trailer??? Why not just go in a jeep? Or leave the wife, or get her to get her own ride? WTF would you take a trailer behind a bike? - all the hassle of a car and bike with the benefits of neither IMHO.
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  #5  
Old 27 May 2010
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I have the Wee Strom,get Barkbuster handguards,they make some specifically for the Strom;
Bash plate is a must as can bottom out fairly easily,I have the Suzuki one & is quite tough.
Micro indicators on the front are a good idea as standard one stick out too far & you will destroy them the first time you drop the bike,back one are generally protected by any racks you may have.
A better spring on the rear shock or a shock upgrade are a very good idea especially 2up as the standard shock will start to suffer very quickly on rough roads.
Planning to start my trip in 2014 too so keep an eye out for a blue Wee Strom
All the best
Andy
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  #6  
Old 27 May 2010
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WEE Strom
I had an 08 wee I am also 90kg & the boss is 48kg, we did many trips 2up with the kitchen sink as well, it will handle your trip with ease and comfort, one of the biggest mistakes was selling it for a Beemer I need shooting !!!!
Cheers
Paul
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Old 27 May 2010
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i had an 07 dl650 and also did two up trip. i am 65 and she is 55. we had total laggage of app 50 kg. i mainly stayed on the roads. bike handled very well. more than i expected. bash plate, hand guards, external 12v socket, centre stand and engine guard is good to have.

for off and dirt road it might be good idea to improve the rear shock and a couple of tkc tyres.

have fun
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