Trying to pretend a Wee can go where a Honda 650XLR can is ludicrous. Even the new entrants from the main brands are lacking in clearance.
Adventure sector seems to be acknowledging the limits - mind you the Africa Twin has broad capabilities if you are tall enough but still chunky at over 500 lb but ground clearance at 9.4" is "respectable and a 21" front.
That's a nice jump over the pathetic 6.9"clearance of the Stroms.
Still the XLR is 346 lb and 13" clearance ....big gap for any off road.
The Verysus 300 is intriguing for me in Australia.
7" clearance, big tank and 386 lb.
Lighter than my 650 KLR, ABS and a very welcome 6th gear.
These lighter machines can get people moving towards better off road machines or towards the longer leg Adventure Tourer.
Finding out trying to horse a Wee out of a bog or on it's side in sand is more of a pain than adventure can be a put off to new riders.
Even BMW has a sweet 300 for entry and downsizing riders.
I think even Gene has at times appreciated partners lighter machine