Tks for the heads-up on the V-Strom 650, especially with regard to the passenger accommodation. I hear great things about both the V-Stroms and the Africa Twin.
With regards to the elelctronics thing, from what I gather WTF even HARLEYS use keyless fobs now. I dunno if it hangs on the side of the bike or not.
They've been using those keys for a while. You just have to have them in proximity to the bike or it won't turn over to start.
Kind of a pain, actually. If the battery goes dead in the key fob, you're outta luck. The first time my key battery went dead I didn't know what the hell was wrong with the bike.
