have done cornwall (loads of steep hills) with the mrs on honeymoon- she brought the whole kitchen, not just the sink, still able to fly round the place.
have done a few long weeks away 2 up since, no regrets.
Milz I know went to France on his Wee,2 up, full panniers, topbox and tank bag. smallest bike other than his was a 955i trumpet Sprint. he kept up with all the 'big boys' yet his bike was the talk of the trip as he was with them all the way yet could still get 200+ miles to the tank and skip their 100 mile fuel up.
v twins will deliver usable power across the power band and be happy scraping pegs as plodding on the M-ways.
the v-strom has a split personality, part time tourer part time hooligan. well that may just be me. but many have said the same.
test ride one and see for yourself.
comfort for your passenger could make the difference with the wee, many have said the wee/vee seats as standard are good, leg position very good. only bike the mrs feels more comfy on is my old mans' Deauville, but she won't let me have one as it's "an old man's bike"- her words.
I'm not allowed to sell my wee as she's comfy and happy hooning around the countryside on the wee.