TimC

I got an Icon Primer magnetic tankbag a couple months ago and it's been great, even at 80-100 mph. Of course, no TX winds here, but if it held on at 100 mph...

If you keep having problems, might I suggest a strapped-down tailbag instead?

Another great video :fing02: thanks for sharing.

<--- Very jealous of the roads you guys have out west. Even if we had long twisties like that where I live they'd be filled with potholes, bad patches and idiots driving 5 mph under the limit!

Great suggestions on the helmet locks. But I can't tell how the one from Aerostitch works...? Also, does the Helmet Guardian work with hard (or loaded soft) bags mounted? Looks like it would but I'd like to be sure. I hate carrying my helmet around when I'm off the bike. That's one feature I really miss from my Kawi ZR-7S!

Thanks again, guys!

I think the white w/black wheels looks really good.

Good luck getting it 100%, g unit. That tank needs some wings!

Those look like nice bags. I finally bought a tank bag last month - a decent Icon magnetic bag. Not the biggest, but certainly adequate for commuting and running around.

I think about the only reason I wouldn't buy a magnetic bag would be if you move on to a bike without a steel outer tank, like a couple BMWs I've looked at. Of course, if you're spending that kind of money, what's a new tank bag? Pocket change really.

If and when I need a bigger bag I may end up with a TourMaster or Oxford. Oxford's zippers are pretty stiff but I'd bet the break in well. Hoping to find some deals on bags at the Cleveland motorcycle show in January. Definitely need a set of soft bags (panniers) for 2007!

Congrats on 3k posts, fixer!

I voted no. I started riding in March and my 1st bike was an '01 Kawi ZR-7S (750cc carb'd naked bike). Not an ideal 1st bike, but not a rocket either. Lighter than the VFR, good handling, fairly cheap to buy, insure and repair. Upgraded to my VFR in August.

I would really recommend an older, less powerful bike for your 1st. Nakeds are much more forgiving of the inevitable drops that occur, plus if you buy an older bike your heart won't be breaking if and when you drop it or worse.

HP/engine cc's, well, that's really subjective. I didn't feel like I was going to kill myself on my Kawi this spring and summer, but the VFR is so much more powerful. The modern engine and fuel injection make a HUGE difference. I recommend you stick with something carb'd and under 600cc, but regardless of what you buy for a 1st bike, please practice a lot of self-control. It's a lot easier to get in over your head on a bike than in a car.

It sounds like you're pretty level-headed. Just the fact you're considering a VFR for a 1st bike says you're likely not a squid. As for others' suggestions of MSF course, gear, practicing manuevers, etc...YEAH! Absolutely. I still wouldn't recommend the VFR for a 1st bike, at least not a 5th or 6th gen. But good luck with whatever you decide to do!

We could call it, "The Bro...."

No! We'd call it "The Man-siere"!!

Sorry ladies, looks like your thread's been threadjacked!

If you want to minimize risk hole up in a room and watch TV the rest of your life.

:unsure: An excellent observation. If I were a "what if" person I'd never ride, wouldn't let me kids play sports where they 'might' get hurt sometime, wouldn't splurge on great stuff I want...and I'd get a lot less joy out of living, that's for sure.

As for the pockets thing, I hate carrying stuff in my jacket pockets. I'll do it, but I don't like it. Finally bought a tank bag about a month ago. Now I have a place for my keys and cellph, plus a small first aid kit and Swiss Army knife. Will also hold a couple small maps, etc. Even stays in place at 100+ mph. Just don't ask me how I know that. :lol:

Terrific looking pipes, foto! Congrats on the new setup.

The metal pipes and end pieces look like titanium, or are they satin-finished aluminum? Also, how much weight would you say you've saved over the stock cans?

Nice looking bag, Rivcyko! Looks like the red trim matches pretty well, too. Thanks for posting those pix.

I may end up getting the EXL soft bags/saddlebags w/red trim for trips and add a med. sized tank bag for everyday use.

Looking for an inexpensive set of soft bags for the back of my '04 VFR w/stock pipes. Don't want to spend a lot b/c I won't use them much. Willing to spend more for better bags, but don't want to drop too much on 'em right now.

Saw some bags (soft bags, tail bags and tank bags) for sale on eBay made by EXL and wanted to know if anyone here has any experience with their soft bags? Leaning toward a Joe Rocket or Icon tank bag for everyday riding, but the EXL soft bags look alright.

If not EXL, I might end up with TourMaster or other medium-sized soft bags. Any thoughts on EXL and/or TourMaster bags? Thanks in advance for your help, everyone!