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Which wee..? Which wee..?
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #1  
Old 10 Jan 2013
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Which wee..?
A question to all the wee owners out there.

I'm trying to decide between a 2011 old style expedition model with all the extras or a new model, same year but no farkles. Both similar milages and prices. Old one from a dealer, new one private. I've not ridden a new one so my question would be is it worth the extra over the old one given what I'd need to spend to equip it to same standard..?
Or is the difference between them not that significant..? Planning on using it for two up touring in Europe carrying camping gear etc.

All opinions welcome.
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  #2  
Old 11 Jan 2013
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I've just bought a new, fully farkled 2011 old style wee and have noticed that some after market things like tank bags are showing as discontinued on some web sites. I guess that's to be expected but it did surprise me a bit. Not having ridden a new model I can add nothing of value beyond that.
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  #3  
Old 11 Jan 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Crusty View Post
A question to all the wee owners out there.

I'm trying to decide between a 2011 old style expedition model with all the extras or a new model, same year but no farkles. Both similar milages and prices. Old one from a dealer, new one private. I've not ridden a new one so my question would be is it worth the extra over the old one given what I'd need to spend to equip it to same standard..?
Or is the difference between them not that significant..? Planning on using it for two up touring in Europe carrying camping gear etc.

All opinions welcome.
I currently own the 2012, and older 2007 ABS. Also had a 2009 before.
Yes, the new one is definitely better. Things that stand out are improvement in suspension set-up, older one´s damping was quite soft (even when new) and nicer throttle response, and maybe because of these, handling feels more balanced. Wind management has also improved, so it does higher motorway speeds without issues. It also uses about 10% less fuel, and has immobilizer, newer ABS-system, oil cooler less prone to damage, and better stock seat.

But differences are not really enormous, and the older one is a very good bike in its own. And there are known ways to cure most of its shortcomings quite cheaply, too, so while I would probably be tempted to go for the 2012, it really depends on how the 2011 is farkled & modified.
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  #4  
Old 11 Jan 2013
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I own a 2012 and are wrapt with it, have done plenty of highway miles and high country fire tracks and my only slight problem is, that is sits a little high for me in the city stop start traffic. But I am only 170cm.
I ride with mates who have had the older model and the 2012 model and they tend to say what the others are saying, and that is the the 2012 rides, handles, stops better & is more fuel efficiant than the previous model.
Just be careful as the costs tend to sneak away from you when you are fiting out the new model from scratch,
All the best for your trip in Europe
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  #5  
Old 11 Jan 2013
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Hi guys, thanks for your thoughts.

Pecha, the old style bike has a centrestand, crashbars, sumpguard, heated grips and Suzuki ali boxes. It's only done 8100 miles and should have a bit of warranty left.

I'm leaning toward it as I'd need to spend around £1000 to get the newer bike up to the same spec and it's a bit more to start with. Test ride should be easier too as it's local.

I think I know where this is going...
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Old 12 Jan 2013
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Damn my procrastinating, missed out by a few hours..!

Oh well, if I'm honest, I couldn't really justify the expense anyway
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Old 13 Jan 2013
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Bad luck, something will come along.

I made the decision back in May. Went for a "leftover" 2011 on a 12 plate with most of the toys. I'm happy. I'm richer having only bought a few bits (USB socket, better tyres etc.), my memories of the BMW new models testers club remain far in the past (don't like first year of any model) and it does everything you can ask of it with no hassle. Averaging 68 mpg (UK) doing a mix of commutes and touring.

I did test ride a 2012. It is better but not (by the time I'd matched the spec and offered deals) £3000 better. I can see one in my future in about 3 years though if the current one continues to perform.

Andy
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Old 14 Jan 2013
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Hi Andy,

I may well end up doing the same, ie a new model in a few years time.

In the cold light of dawn I've decided the money would be better spent travelling. My 14 year old Transalp has plenty of life in it yet and I've done most of the mods already. In fact, now Honda has announced it's ending production of the TA, (after 26 years..!) it's surely only a matter of time before it becomes a classic, like the AT. I need only sit back and watch it appreciate then sell it when it reaches the price of a new Strom..!
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  #9  
Old 5 Feb 2013
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Had this same dilemma end of last year and went the old style 2011 expedition .Alot of bike for the money.
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  #10  
Old 5 Feb 2013
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Don't forget, there are a lot of the older model with low milage outthere ready to be picked up at bargain prices. Keep your eye out, lurk on VSRI and ther UK strommers forums as well, I see bikes for sale all the time

Having ridden the 06,07, and currently on an 09ABS I can say they are great RTW bikes. I have taken them some places they probably should not have been, but we have survived. The bike is tough and reliable, even after crashing, they just get up and go.

Nothing against an old bike, but if you are going for an extended camping tour on highways, then a touring bike is the way to go, not an off road bike.

But, horses for courses

Cheers
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  #11  
Old 30 Apr 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
Bad luck, something will come along.
Well you were right Andy, I've picked up an '09 X model from a fellow hubber...

Quote:
Originally Posted by TravellingStrom View Post

Nothing against an old bike, but if you are going for an extended camping tour on highways, then a touring bike is the way to go, not an off road bike.
Yeah, much as loved my trusty TA, the Strom is just much better for the job, it was obvious from the first ride.

It's a steep learning curve for me now as we're off on tour in a few days...! Nothing like leaving it to the last minute....
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Old 30 Apr 2013
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I got hold of a 2008 wee GT after much deliberation. LOVE IT !!!!
Came with OEM luggage the odd shape plastic jobbies, ok for my commute to work with sandwich box and flask. Everything else is great. Can't wait for first trip away to come round. Managed 270 miles on a tank so far which is a good start. Long run should see that improve.
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  #13  
Old 1 May 2013
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That's good news.

Enjoy the ride

Andy
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