SubjectArc

Since we're talking about ear pro, I'd like to *plug* (hurr hurr hurr) deep impression molds. For $100-ish will get you professionally fitted and molded deep-canal plugs rated for about a 24db reduction. This is important because: -The noise environment in a helmet at highway speeds is about 96-106dbs -OSHA industrial sanitation requirements for hearing is 85dbs sustained noise environments obligates the use of hearing protection. Deep canal plugs will protect you from hearing loss. As an air traffic controller and OSHA rep for my union, hearing is essential for my job. One already loses hearing due to natural senescence. And once it's gone, it don't come back. Why rush things? I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post other businesses up in here, so let me know or shoot me a PM and I'll set you up with some quality small business owners that would love the work.

I think if I were to ever get an H-D it would be a blacked out V-Rod Muscle. *Very* respectable performance, and minimal branding of the sort that elicits eyerolling. Dutchy is correct though, one should always get what they like, and not worry so much about others' perception. That being said, I suspect I shall never be "cool" enough for a H-D. Have you seen the Yamaha Stryker? Now, there's a cruiser I think I would enjoy.

I'd be interested in your opinion on the R3's shifting impressions. I hopped on a friend's year or two old Ninja 300ABS and found the shifting experience to be.... jarring. Windering if it's just her bike or more of a issue with materials used in a more economical segment of the market!

Was there a substantial size difference between the two? Because the main thinking behind the R3 is she feels it's of a more manageable size than something larger like the VFR, and therefore more confidence inspiring to start on. But Katie does bring up some great ideas about shoes helping!

The VFR for the lady is definitely something for her to "grow" into. It's very likely she'll be getting a R3 for Christmas to develop her skills. But afterwards... lets just say I have an excellent list of bar, frame, fork, and exhaust sliders sitting in a wish list for when she's ready for the step up

This is excellent advice regarding the boots. She has a nice pair of Dainese Paranas but I suspect I can convince her onto some taller boots when it comes time for her to set off on her own. The bike is enough out of her reach that she'll need something. I'm hoping a seat shave off the height and width will get her enough of the way that some different boots can complete the fitment. Would really like to avoid messing with the suspension. Thanks for the great idea!

That's a great idea! I have zero experience with Aprillia, but just online window shopping, they look exactly like that I'd be looking for. If I had to make a short list, it'd be the Yamaha FZ-10, BMW S1000r, and the Aprillia Tuono 1100. Just from your screen name I'm making the assumption you're female. My girlfriend is getting into riding and eyeballing the VFR in a seriously interested way. Problem is, she has a 28 "inseam. If you have that issue, do you have any suggestions for mitigating the short leg situation? Thanks!

I think eventually once work/life circumstances allow, I'll eventually get something like this for long distance adventuring. I can't see myself ever being "cool" enough for a Harley Davidson, so maybe a R1200GS is what I'd age into, but I do get the perks of long range touring. Better still if it can handle less than perfect terrain :-)

Funnily enough, the VFR and the Street Triple were actually the final contestants before I decided to bring home the VFR. They are really great bikes.

No diss taken my friend! Actually, this reader considers future track conversion utility to be a major plus. You did hit the nail on the head regarding roads. In my little corner of the US, cruising speeds typically run 130-135kph. If I had the opportunity to ride mostly urban or B roads, I would be all over a bike like your W650 or a supermoto. Beautiful bikes you have btw!

Wow, great feedback, was not expecting such a response. These two replies probably come closest to my ponderings. To me, the VFR is a hair shy of sublimely comfortable for me, so I'm not yet ready for the "big and easy" bikes at 30. i think I'm looking for something substantially faster and nimbler than my VFR. I'd prefer to not have to tie myself in knots like my Ducati rider buddies though. To me, this says a naked. Like the BMW s100r or the KTM Superduke 1290r. Are there any opinions on living with these bikes before I start heading to dealerships for discussions?

Hi guys and girls , I have a 2015DLX in white. And I love it. It's going to be my forever bike. However, I'm thinking to get the VFR a stablemate. The "problem" I'm having is the VFR is perhaps the most jack of all trades bike I think I could've picked. But finding a moto that fulfills a niche that my VFR won't in some fashion fulfill is something I've been pondering with alot of my moto-buddies, to little resolution. I am leaning towards something faster, like a s1000r or a 1290r. But even if I can convince a dealership to test one or both of these motos, it's doubtful I'll be able to fully examine its livability especially with a naked on longer-ish highway runs required to get to the fun roads around New Hampshire. In any event, almost all options are on the table, so long as its not a dirtbike or a H-D or one of its cruiser cousins. So, if the 8th Gen is chocolate, what would be the peanut butter to go with it, in the members' esteemed opinion? Thanks, and happy weekend! PS- will move this to the general motorcycle forum if needed, but this question is specifically geared for 8th Gen owners' opinion

Stealth bump- Any updates on how close we are on the order? Thanks!

Glad to see this is still getting attention. Just a few more til the min number is reached!

Hi everyone, as the riding season draws near, I've been doing the internet gear trawling to pass the time. As a US consumer, there's some really great deals to be had. $300 Kreiga bags on Revzilla being had from Northern Ireland @ $170 shipped. Dainese Fighter Jackers for $700 on Revzilla? $496 shipped from motostorm.it, plus a 60 Euro credit with a review. I had a question about a German website. http://www.gsg-mototechnik.de/ They have some great looking no-cut sliders I'd love to purchase, the T-Rex's look very cumbersome, and I'm not of a mind to drill fitment holes in something I'm meant to protect. Unfortunately, the vendor doesn't seem to have much in the way of online payment. After sending an email, I was informed they'd write up an invoice and send along their bank information for a account transfer. Has anyone done any business with these folks? The website appears excellent and professional, but the purchase process smacks of a CraigsList ripoff. Love to make sure this is a reputable establishment before firing off funds into the unknown.