Other than that, how are you getting on with the V-Strom?
Well, it's a lovely easy ride, but on motorways I did find myself thinking a couple of times that the big brother (1000 or so rather than 650) would be a bit more fun, and even more relaxed but motorways are not the best places for a fun ride IMHO.
Despite slightly exceeding the speed limit a couple of times I managed an average of 60.5 mpg, and certainly twisted my wrist a few times.
I'd say it is an excellent bike for the type of riding I want to do, and doesn't encourage licence abuse too much, which my old CBF1000 did, as has every in-line 4 I've ever had, along with every 1000cc engined bike.
It's comfy, cheap to run (tyres included) and so easy to enjoy. Big enough to be seen, well proven and yellow. I'm very very pleased with it.
What's not to like.
Well, this.
A tiny fly decided to splat itself on the very top on my screen as I left home and despite my best attempts it remains there to keep me company. Many many others just exploded onto the screen leaving no obvious body parts, just a splat. This one still has it's tiny wings that I've watched flapping about to my amusement.
Also, given that the bike was pretty clean when I left home, it has now been through a decent shower so now needs some sort of clean, which it may never get.
On a side note, I bought a Shoei GT-Air 2 helmet (think that's what it is called) and a SENA intercom headset specifically made for it.
The helmet is WAY quieter than my previous cheapo Nolan 87, way less buffeting, but at motorway speeds the speakers are totally useless, woeful. I've got a set of the upgrade 'HD' speakers to fit, but had hoped to enjoy some music on my ride. It's OK on SatNav voice stuff, so maybe some fettling will help, but so far I'm not overly impressed with music via bluetooth from my phone.