TimC

I think it depends on the bike. On my Ducati Monster they looked a million times better than the stock mirrors. I agree - bar end mirrors depend on the the particular bike. IMO many naked sportbikes look better with bar end mirrors than the long stalk and circular or rectangular slab mirrors. Last year I rode with a guy who had a very sharp orange Kawi Z1000 with bar end mirrors that looked totally sweet. Don't forget there are different styles of bar end mirrors - different shapes and made of different materials. I may not be as crazy about bar enders on a faired bike, but 'm looking forward to seeing how the whole package looks on your VFR, Wesley. And to seeing how those lights look when they're lit up!

Nice. And nice to know such things can be done. I'm not planning to do this myself, but for folks who want the VFR to ride more like a supersport, this is a good (but not easy) option.

LOL. Me, too! Anybody need one in Italian Red?! I'll even discount it to $109.99. :blink: Hey! I had one of those. Much cooler than a Big Wheel! IIRC you could really skid that thing around. The only bad thing was that after awhile the wheels weren't exactly "round" anymore! :P

Congrats on the '06 and welcome to VFRD, Robert! Nice list of mods you have going already. You're smart to only do a couple things at a time as far as ergos go. Make a change, see how you like it, then make more changes if necessary. Baileyrock is right, tho...if you're coming from a different kind of bike, you might allow yourself a little more time to adjust to the VFR's ergos. If you bought your bike new the cowl should have come with it. If you bought the bike used, the previous owner or shop might have it. Before you order the Corbin AND the cowl, double-check that the cowl will fit with a Corbin. It probably will, but some aftermarket seats cause problems with cowl fitment. It's just garnish anyway, IMO. I haven't put mine on since I bought my Sargent seat 9-10 months ago. Sure it looks good, but I bungee stuff to my rear seat a lot, so it's easier for me to just not have it on there at all.

I went the cheap and simple route. I bought a Kryptonite mountain bike seatpost cable and Craftsman small brass lock. I carry this in my tankbag or backpack and lock my helmet (over the chinbar/thru shield area) thru my handlebars or fork tripleclamp. Cost me about $10. Of course it's not 100% secure, but it is effective enough to deter a bad guy just walking by, eyeing my helmet and thinking evil thoughts. Helmet cable lock

That disclaimer is probably the only reason they haven't been sued by state governments. Clever device tho.

Generic and Valvoline dino oils so far, but following my winter storage oil change I'll be using Mobil 1 synthetic going forward. So far I've used Honda OEM and Fram oil filters, but plan to try a couple others next season. Also, I change my oil every 3k-4k mi.

Welcome back, Martina! I think we all have moments when a little self-doubt creeps in and makes us second-guess ourselves, our skills, or even riding at all. I don't have many of those moments, thank God, but they do happen. Glad to hear you have overcome them!

Nice post, Alien TLR. Your cold weather gear list sounds similar to mine. I don't have any heated gear, or grip warmers for that matter. But for most rides between 30F and 50F, I'm wearing: long-johns under my jeans, plus for longer rides rain pants over jeans heavy socks with some wool content and maybe a pair of thin dress socks under those long-johns shirt under turtleneck or mock turtleneck pair of winter windproof/waterproof gloves windproof balaclava plus maybe a scarf for a bit more warmth my usual leather jacket with or without liner, depending on how cold it is Gotta say the windproof balaclava is awesome. I couldn't ride in cold temps without it. It's amazing how quickly your chin gets cold, and just a scarf won't help that. And if I get a little too warm wearing all this stuff during a longer ride, no problem - I just open the zippered jacket vents for awhile and maybe stow the rain pants, plus I'll always carry my regular leather gloves so I can also stow the winter ones.

A couple years ago I tried an inexpensive 'wireless' (i.e. battery powered) detector, but then I just figured I should slow the heck down, so I did. Still, would have nice to simply suction cup mount that thing on the back side of my VFR's windshield. But I don't think it was all that great a device anyway, not as effective as the more expensive ones.

Nice! Congrats on the cool new wheel. Got a question for all 8-spoke fans: They look great, but is there any benefit to an 8-spoke wheel beside the look? Not planning to buy one, just curious. Thanks.

Just cruising various threads tonight. I'm guessing Topeka 800 got his Pazzos installed OK. If not, give us another shout here. BTW, I love my Pazzos. I got the regular length levers in black with silver tabs. They operate and look great!