RIP, Professor Ionbeam. You will be greatly missed. It was a pleasure knowing you and Helen and riding with you both, and an honor to call you my friend.
Many of you know of Alan's technical knowledge, specifically FJR related knowledge, and his very generous dispensing of that knowledge. He didn't hold back if he thought he could help you with something.
One day back in 2004 after I had determined I needed a new FJR, I ordered one through Yamaha's PDP system and patiently waited for delivery. I had never seen an FJR in person at that point let alone sat on one. My curiosity was strong that spring.
I posted on the 'beige' FJR forum (whatever we called it in those times) asking if anyone in the southern NH, NE Massachusetts area owned an FJR they'd be willing to let me sit on and verify the 'fit' I expected given what I'd read about it. I was currently riding a Concours 1000.
A couple days later I got a response from Alan saying he lived nearby and was familiar with my location and that he'd be willing to ride to my house and allow me a test 'sit'. Wow, just like that. A few days later Alan and Helen show up on their beautiful 2004 FJR. We chatted for a bit ( a lot actually- Alan is famous for his gift of gab) and soon he's offering me a test ride on his bike. I didn't hesitate. I gave him the keys to my Concours, I jumped on the FJR and off we went. Within the first few miles, I knew I made the right choice for replacing the Concours.
This was how I met Alan and Helen. So friendly and generous. We rode together many times over many years and I met several other FJR riders through NERDS events that my wife and I enjoyed immensely.
Alan was a unique and interesting guy. If you got to meet him or just converse with him on the forum, consider yourself lucky. I do, and I'll miss him.
(My 2005 FJR showed up later that year and I fell in love immediately. I rode it for 12 years and sold it to my brother when I bought my 2014. He's still riding it and it stills runs strong at 140,000.)
