My first intro was a bit long, and I didn't want to make it longer by elaborating about the last 16 years of riding etc. But anyway, I'm 6 ft, a lean mean buck 57 and not all that bad looking. Sorry. This FJR is bike # 6 for me. I started out on a 91 FZR600, then to a 93 GSXR750, daughter born and down graded to a 94 RF 600, up to a 98 super hawk, 4 yr. and 24K later, traded for a new 02 CBR954, 2 yr. and 18K on that and on the current steed the 05 FJR. Wheelies were popular on the super chicken and 954; I think only 2 on the Yamie so far. So hot rodding to me I guess is that I'm riding the FJR like a sport bike. Fast and precise. Aggressive on the bars and throttle, but still respectful of the machine. It's possible I've pushed it a bit harder through the corners than some of the sport-touring world. But hey, FJR....SPORT touring bike, I tend to use the sport bike part more than the touring. Except for the bags. Its great having 2 trunks. Currently I'm in my 15th year as an aircraft mechanic and my 3rd year as an MSF instructor. So now that I'm starting to grow up, (35 yrs old) I've really tried to practice what I teach in MSF Class. Mechanically, I take as good of care of my bike as possible. I do everything I can, and know when its time to get the pro's to do what I can't.

I commute to work every day rain or shine, and have hit the occasional pothole at speed, or gernaded the brakes due to someone's all important cell phone call in morning rush hour!

When the buzz in the grips started, more of an engine vibe hi-freq. thing, I wondered if it was something that the dealer did. So at freeway speed, I pulled in the clutch and coasted a few times. Everything was glass smooth. So I'm a bit leery shot gunning the front wheel bearings. But than again, stock ones are no where near as good as aftermarket. I may change them anyway if I'm going to continue to ride this way. I'm at 3 clicks harder than stock on compression in the front and rear has been set at hard after my second ride on the bike when I got it last year in Aug.

Thanks for all the great suggestions keep'em coming.

Chris