My lightweight overlander! Any rider knows the Strom is not a real dirt bike, but it can be a rugged, reliable and inexpensive way to poke around most of the backroads of the west, at 55+ mpg and with a big ol' grin. Mine has taken me on trips near and far, once traveling 3,000 miles through 7 western states in 10 days, including desert, mountains and the coast in Northern California and Oregon.

The 2009 bike is essentially stock, with the addition of bars, a bash plate, a backrest and some handguards. It rides on Metzler Tourance tires. Best fuel economy has come in at a nice 63 mpg, though it usually averages more like 50-55 mpg. The generous tank provides a 300+ mile range. Liquid cooled and fuel injected, the twin-cylinder motor is mild mannered and responsive.

Pictured here in the "Oregon Outback" near the Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge: