The list:
Cal Sci screen
Yamaha sliders (from Canadian Dealer)
Yamaha tank bag (from Canadian Dealer)
MV Motorrad Handlebar plate riser
Mirror extenders (Twisted Throttle)
Barkbuster handguards (Twisted Throttle)
Suspension Redo - Penske rear, re-worked fork cartridge (Mike Faillace, Metric Devil Moto - Horsham, PA)
Original Grip Buddies - Super Sharkskins
Russell Daylong seat
The result:
WOW
I wasn't sure if if this bike would be a keeper - not a european twin (former effete rider), no left foot needed electronic clutch, very heavy - but, priced right, very low mileage, well cared for and available to purchase after all my bikes were lost in a fire. I quickly grew to love the AE - the secret was to use index fnger to shift up and down, instead of using thumb for downshifts (l read about this on this forum!). What a pleasure in traffic, and so quick shifting at other times. It did take a bit to get used to, i no longer need to simulate clutch slipping with rear brake/slight throttle application - now, I can feel the throttle engagement point. Interesting, I was in Germany this past September and saw a few AEs there, still sold in Europe. Anyway, once I got over the "I like to shift" attitude and realized how much I liked this set-up, I decided to dial in MY new bike.
The mirror extenders really work, I can actually use the mirrors for something other than checking out my arms and shoulders! The MV risers and Russell seat dialed in the fit, and the latest Grip Buddies seems to have cured my quick-to-numb right hand. Barkbusters have stopped the cold back of the hands - I may even keep these on in the summer to stop hot air flow. Cal Sci screen has ended the helmet boom, and works pretty well. The Canadian purchased Yamaha Tank Bag is a great fitting, high quality, reasonably priced piece of kit. The Yamaha sliders were more expensive than the more popular USA sourced ones, but I felt more comfortable with the attachment method being Yamaha engineered/approved (probably not a big deal though). Bike is now real comfortable.
. . . and in its own paragraph, the suspension work by Mike Faillace, Metric Devil Moto. More like Metric Moto Magic. I thought the stock set-up was pretty good after I made the adjustments recommended by others on this forum, and the bike was pretty new - about 2,000 miles, yet I wanted more from the suspension. My goal was more precise handling, and I wanted bump compliance for our terrible Philadelphia area roads. Mike is a wizard. After spending time with me in order to understand how I ride, what I have liked in previous bikes, etc, and then asking questions about my size, weight, etc, he then inspected my bike quite thoroughly. He was confident that he could make a big difference - and he did. He ordered a Penske shock to his specs, and totally reworked the forks. My bike now goes faster, brakes quicker, and impresses me with how much I improved my riding skills, and did so overnight!! I think I was pretty lucky to find a suspension expert within 30 miles of my home.
To be a little sappy: I want to thank the forum administrator, and so many of you who gave me really good advice, support, and recommendations. The vendors I dealt with were all terrific. It is now almost 10 months since the fire, I am making good progress with the PTSD, and once again, enjoying the heck out of motorcycling.
Cal Sci screen
Yamaha sliders (from Canadian Dealer)
Yamaha tank bag (from Canadian Dealer)
MV Motorrad Handlebar plate riser
Mirror extenders (Twisted Throttle)
Barkbuster handguards (Twisted Throttle)
Suspension Redo - Penske rear, re-worked fork cartridge (Mike Faillace, Metric Devil Moto - Horsham, PA)
Original Grip Buddies - Super Sharkskins
Russell Daylong seat
The result:
WOW
I wasn't sure if if this bike would be a keeper - not a european twin (former effete rider), no left foot needed electronic clutch, very heavy - but, priced right, very low mileage, well cared for and available to purchase after all my bikes were lost in a fire. I quickly grew to love the AE - the secret was to use index fnger to shift up and down, instead of using thumb for downshifts (l read about this on this forum!). What a pleasure in traffic, and so quick shifting at other times. It did take a bit to get used to, i no longer need to simulate clutch slipping with rear brake/slight throttle application - now, I can feel the throttle engagement point. Interesting, I was in Germany this past September and saw a few AEs there, still sold in Europe. Anyway, once I got over the "I like to shift" attitude and realized how much I liked this set-up, I decided to dial in MY new bike.
The mirror extenders really work, I can actually use the mirrors for something other than checking out my arms and shoulders! The MV risers and Russell seat dialed in the fit, and the latest Grip Buddies seems to have cured my quick-to-numb right hand. Barkbusters have stopped the cold back of the hands - I may even keep these on in the summer to stop hot air flow. Cal Sci screen has ended the helmet boom, and works pretty well. The Canadian purchased Yamaha Tank Bag is a great fitting, high quality, reasonably priced piece of kit. The Yamaha sliders were more expensive than the more popular USA sourced ones, but I felt more comfortable with the attachment method being Yamaha engineered/approved (probably not a big deal though). Bike is now real comfortable.
. . . and in its own paragraph, the suspension work by Mike Faillace, Metric Devil Moto. More like Metric Moto Magic. I thought the stock set-up was pretty good after I made the adjustments recommended by others on this forum, and the bike was pretty new - about 2,000 miles, yet I wanted more from the suspension. My goal was more precise handling, and I wanted bump compliance for our terrible Philadelphia area roads. Mike is a wizard. After spending time with me in order to understand how I ride, what I have liked in previous bikes, etc, and then asking questions about my size, weight, etc, he then inspected my bike quite thoroughly. He was confident that he could make a big difference - and he did. He ordered a Penske shock to his specs, and totally reworked the forks. My bike now goes faster, brakes quicker, and impresses me with how much I improved my riding skills, and did so overnight!! I think I was pretty lucky to find a suspension expert within 30 miles of my home.
To be a little sappy: I want to thank the forum administrator, and so many of you who gave me really good advice, support, and recommendations. The vendors I dealt with were all terrific. It is now almost 10 months since the fire, I am making good progress with the PTSD, and once again, enjoying the heck out of motorcycling.
