Guest Post: Introducing Sheila!

Hey all, it's Rob here.  First off, apologies from both of us for not updating the blog as of late: we've been enjoying the beautiful Australian winter here, and that means less time blogging and more time making new friends and discovering the great city of Sydney.  Second, and before we provide more of an update on what we've been up to, we want to introduce the new addition to the team: Sheila, the 2008 Suzuki V-Strom 650!

Those of you with a sharp eye may note that Sheila is the same make and model as Ginger, our 2011 V-Strom.  Well yes, after searching for weeks, we came to the decision that for the money, nothing beats a V-Strom.  Yes, a Ducati Multistrada is faster.  Yes a BMW or KTM has actual offroad pedigree.  Yes, a Triumph will break all the time (but will have 'character').  But if you want a bike that just eats up the miles, is dependable as anything, and isn't expensive at all, it's got to be the Wee-Strom (I still can't justify the larger 1000cc v-strom, it's heavier and more expensive on insurance and not really needed).

So, without further ado, here she is. 

Some fun info: She has an aftermarket exhaust, which actually has a noticeably different sound.  She has a large kappa top case and two side bags, which gives plenty of storage capacity for touring.  What she doesn't have though, is a bit noticeable: no handguards (this will be the first purchase), no engine guards and no large adjustable windscreen (although the stock isn't that bad).  The other downside of the v-strom: i've found that the seat is only good for 2 hours, before I need a break, and after then, my bottom is fairly sore.  That'll be fixed with a sargent seat (see here for details http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/sargent-world-sport-performance-seat-suzuki-dl650-dl1000)


Anyways, the plan is to take Sheila on some adventures around Australia.  We don't want to be the people who move here for a few years, and then never leave Sydney, or only go to the big cities.  So far (and to be detailed in further updates, we promise) are trips to the Blue Mountains, and Port Macquarie (including the second coldest ride of my life!)