TimC

Glad to see the slider did its job. It stinks to go down, but at least you were spared major damage by your wise investment. Kudos!

I've had a Sargent (w/CarbonFX and red welt) on my '04 for over 5 years and 50k miles. I bought it during a group buy in the spring of '07.

It's been terrific and I love the looks, but I think it's about time for new padding, as lately it feels like the edges are digging into the backs of my thighs. That's probably something I'll have done during the next off-season, unless it gets so bad I can't stand it anymore this year.

Great and very funny how-to, Olive! Thanks for sharing it with us.

My biggest fear is dropping one of the screws. I got a magnet set from Sears a couple years ago to magnetize the screwdriver tip, and it works pretty well. No sudden movements though, otherwise I think the dang screw would still drop off the end!

Looking good IMO. :fing02:

The only negative to V4s are that they usually do not make for clean-looking naked bikes. Too many hoses and wires, etc. compared to twins and inline 4s. I'm sure they could be designed to be more sleek when nude, but VFRs have mostly been full-fairing bikes.

Still, I think that raw look with exposed bits is one bonus to a streetfighter. Looking forward to seeing more, Shane. :smile:

Not planning any mods for the winter months - unless I happen to find a nice used set of CF cans for sale (that are compatible with the OEM hardbag brackets).

Since my friend and I just did most routine maintenance (all fluids, new chain & sprockets, etc.) in March I normally wouldn't need to do much this off-season, but I rode a ton of miles this year, so I'm thinking I'll have to do more than usual. Stuff that I'd usually do every other year I might have to do now instead.

*sighs* I guess that's the price you pay for getting a lot of riding in during one year. :wink:

I do have a complete set of brake pads waiting to be installed, and I know that's one thing I need for sure. Would like to install a good set of grip warmers soon, too.

My season isn't over just yet but I'd like to clean up my bike before winterizing it next month, and will likely wait 'til spring to do everything else.

Amen, Veefer. :fing02:

If you're going to 'reply' to posts, edit the post you're quoting so it contains just the passage to which you are responding. This goes double for posts with pix - especially more than one pic! :dry:

BTW, I like it when members state in their thread titles or subtitles that their post is "pic heavy". That way if I'm just giving the site a quick browse I know to wait to check out the thread when I have more time available.

Looks terrific! :mellow:

Just an update/FYI - I bought a used 6th gen OEM shock last fall and had Jamie rebuild and re-spring it for my weight. Turned out great! A buddy and I installed it last month and, coupled with heavier fork springs and oil, my VFR finally handles like a sportbike - even with my fat arse on it! :fing02:

Looks good. All that's missing is a nice Marsee tankbag. :fing02:

Please post up a real-life pic when you have time. :fing02:

I bought a used ZG DB from a fellow VFRD member a couple years ago. I finally swapped out the OEM windshield for it awhile back but didn't like the fit of the ZG compared to the OEM. Because of that and since I couldn't tell too much of a difference between the two at various speeds I re-installed the OEM.

The ZG is sitting in a box if I ever change my mind.

Sorry to hear about the mishap, but your post is a good reminder to us all. :rolleyes:

I bungee stuff to my rear seat often, and usually double-check it before getting on the bike. I'll also reach behind me periodically during my ride to make sure my stuff is still there.

...however I just can't imagine clutching with 2 fingers, I'd think it'd be more fatiguing....I dunno

+1. I usually keep the bike in 1st gear while waiting at stoplights. With a shorty clutch lever, at longer lights I think my first two fingers would get tired from holding the clutch in. That's the biggest reason I went with the standard length levers.

I like the idea of a long left and shorty right, but I have the standard/long levers on both sides.

BTW, I love these. Much better than OEMs for me.

I can't recall the brands, but there are a couple no-cut options available. Do a search here on VFRD and a couple threads ought to pop up for you.

Having said that, however...

I have the R&G set on my '04. I did have to drill holes thru my fairings, and while it's a PITA once it's done you'll never have to worry about it again. And it's not like it trashes the looks of the bike IMO, so I'll take the better protection of these vs. no-cut sliders that might do more harm than good if hit hard.

Congrats! Those look sweet.

I have a few question tho...

-I thought rearsets usually moved pegs up and back. Do these move the pegs in all directions?

-Are you going to feel more vibrations without rubber inserts on the pegs?

-Is there much weight savings with these vs. the stockers?

I guess we will all find out if a third brake light upon deceleration is a good idea or not.

There is a rider in the Health Care Bill that will spend a few million dollars researching the value of a third yellow light on the rear of motorcycles that would turn on upon deceleration.

I understand a lot of buses and taxis in NYC are testing this system, and it is being widespread tested in certain European countries.

Huh, interesting. Perhaps not such a silly idea after all.

I don't know. Just because Congress is considering it doesn't mean it's a good idea. :fing02:

Just kidding! (I know, no politics. 'Twas just a non-partisan joke!) I'd like to see this concept in action sometime.

Personally, I don't think adding an engine braking light is a great idea. As responsible riders, we should be keeping an eye on our mirrors at all times, and when there are cages/bikes behind us we need to let them know we're slowing down by tapping the brakes. I do the same thing in my car.

Like COS said above, I'm in the habit of 'tapping' my brakes to let following drivers/riders I'm slowing down gradually (i.e. engine braking). I let off or partly close the throttle, then hit the front lever very lightly a couple times. I only wish more drivers were attentive enough to be able to judge a change in speed without having to see brake lights.

OT...Big pet peeve: Drivers who believe their foot should be either on the gas or on the brake 100% of the time. It's like people forget they can coast. It's even more annoying in a traffic jam.

Back on topic...During group rides in the twisties I'll tap my front brake to let following riders know I'm slowing a bit ahead of a turn/curve. This is especially true when I'm leading the ride.

BTW, I've read that downshifting to slow down is less fuel efficient than simply engine braking/coasting, which makes sense to me. I still prefer to downshift at times to bleed off some speed.

I had grip warmers on my first bike, but like Hondalover above, the fronts of my fingers would still suffer. I may try Hippo Hands this winter. I have a pair of Olympia winter riding gloves that work down to about 35F, but any lower and they're ineffective, esp. at highway speeds.

BTW, I ride 'til snow starts to stick, at which point they start salting the roads and I winterize my bike.

I agree that the stock suspension components for US-bound bikes should "fit" slightly heavier riders, but especially on bikes aimed at the sport-touring segment, designed to be ridden loaded with bags and/or 2-up.

But I also agree with George - suspension is one of those things you mod if necessary, and for most people isn't a barrier to buying a certain bike. I'm planning to mod my VFR's suspenders this off-season.

Ouch. Sorry to hear about the crash, Doug, but glad you're generally OK.

Thank God for gear!

I did the ICE cellph/photo for my "wallpaper" thing this morning. Came out great. I also wrote the same info on a Post-It note and stuck/taped it to the back of my driver's licence. Hope it's never needed!

Sorry to hear about the downed rider. Sounds like he got pretty banged up, but glad he'll be OK.

Lots of good ideas here. :fing02: Personally, I usually wear a wristband Road ID (www.roadid.com) when riding away from my home area, and it's always in my jacket no matter what. I also have a necklace/dogtag type for cycling and other exercise.

Congrats on hitting the 75k mark! Very cool. :cool:

I'm looking forward to hitting the 40k mark later this year on my '04. I hit 30k about a month ago and took a photo of it with my cellph camera. That photo is now my front screen "wallpaper" on the phone! :fing02:

I just got a very clean used CBR900 shock via eBay for my '04. I'll be sending it to Jamie Daugherty to rebuild it, probably install a Gold Valve and swap springs (for my high weight) before it gets installed on my VFR.

I'll swap the OEM fork springs for RaceTechs (which are sitting in my garage now) at the same time. I'm expecting huge improvements at both ends!

"?? What the hell is it ??"

What is it? It's ugly, that's what it is! :biggrin:

Just kidding. Well, not really. I mean it IS ugly. That thing looks like one of those ribbed vinyl seats from a '70s car. But I bet it's also very comfortable and serves it's purpose well.