Another FJR completes Saddlesore 1000 !

[KYFJR]

What a great day! To set the stage, my dad calls me earlier in the week and wants to go for a ride so I propose doing 1100 miles...from northern KY to Mackinaw City and back. He says his ST1100 is up for it so we chose today to do the run (only available day for us both). We left at 5 AM and didn't hardly see any traffic until the Michigan border...then things started to get interesting. Everyone is still on vacation from the 4th of July I guess. Every truck and SUV imaginable was pulling a trailer or RV - unreal! I even witnessed a trailer coming unhitched (but still attached with chains) and it started fishtailing until it whipped the truck pulling it around into some trees - a total 180 - scary as hell. With dust still flying in the air, we started to pull over to help when an Excursion wanted to leave dad and me for a speed bump. The driver was watching the truck/trailer accident and not watching where he was going. We pulled over up the road but by then 10 other cars pulled over as well. Not much we could do except take note that trailer accidents happen and be careful when following or passing them!

The ride back home was (thankfully) uneventful but it did give me time to think about what a great bike the FJR is. You guys will think I'm nuts but I like the stock seat on the '03 (6'3", 200 lbs with a 36" inseam). Maybe ignorance is bliss? A bigger windshield (CB) and cruise control is all I have ever done to this bike and it is so enjoyable you almost can't describe it. What a smile the FJR brings to my face and only you guys know what I am talking about! I've ridden dad's ST1100 and it feels like a scooter on steriods when compared to the FJR. No smile, just a means of transportation - but still a great bike in its own right.

We got home around 9 PM and so ends a great day on a great bike. Now it's time to start on the '06. I've only got 500 miles on her....BunBurner Gold anyone?

Pnut

 

[Bounce]

congrats!

 

[RoadGlide]

What a great day! To set the stage, my dad calls me earlier in the week and wants to go for a ride so I propose doing 1100 miles...from northern KY to Mackinaw City and back. He says his ST1100 is up for it so we chose today to do the run (only available day for us both). We left at 5 AM and didn't hardly see any traffic until the Michigan border...then things started to get interesting. Everyone is still on vacation from the 4th of July I guess. Every truck and SUV imaginable was pulling a trailer or RV - unreal! I even witnessed a trailer coming unhitched (but still attached with chains) and it started fishtailing until it whipped the truck pulling it around into some trees - a total 180 - scary as hell. With dust still flying in the air, we started to pull over to help when an Excursion wanted to leave dad and me for a speed bump. The driver was watching the truck/trailer accident and not watching where he was going. We pulled over up the road but by then 10 other cars pulled over as well. Not much we could do except take note that trailer accidents happen and be careful when following or passing them!
The ride back home was (thankfully) uneventful but it did give me time to think about what a great bike the FJR is. You guys will think I'm nuts but I like the stock seat on the '03 (6'3", 200 lbs with a 36" inseam). Maybe ignorance is bliss? A bigger windshield (CB) and cruise control is all I have ever done to this bike and it is so enjoyable you almost can't describe it. What a smile the FJR brings to my face and only you guys know what I am talking about! I've ridden dad's ST1100 and it feels like a scooter on steriods when compared to the FJR. No smile, just a means of transportation - but still a great bike in its own right.

We got home around 9 PM and so ends a great day on a great bike. Now it's time to start on the '06. I've only got 500 miles on her....BunBurner Gold anyone?

Pnut

I'm jealous!!!!Got to find more time.

 

[Rogue]

Way to go!

 

[Randy]

Congrats on the ride! I'm jealous that you were able to make the run with pops. Growing up, I did some things with my dad, but, he was too busy working 2 jobs to keep the family supported and didn't have the time to do a lot of the father-son things (fishing, camping, etc.) Although I am nearly 40 years of age, my dad still tells me nothing would make him happier than me selling my bike. I continue to tell him the only way I will sell it is if I'm going to use the money to buy another. He doesn't get it, but, then again, after 74 years of age, I'm not surprised at him being set in his ways.

Don't take this ride for granted. You are truly lucky to have shared this experience with your dad.

 

[Sherman]

My only experiences with Dad and MCs was when I push started a Honda S90 into the garbage cans - he enjoyed that one. And when he asked me why I was buying that '72 Kaw 750 demo model instead of the new '73 Kaw 900, after all - it was faster. ($2000 diff was why)

You bring back fond memories.

 

[KYFJR]

Thanks for reply Randy and believe me I don't take it for granted. I have been very fortunate to have a great dad - his true passion was also motorcycles. He started me when I was 3 and I grew up with always having motorcycles around - both on and off road (dad wasn't into ball sports). We have built a foundation around motorcycles and when he called and said he wanted to ride, you know damn well I'm not going to let him down. He is 67 (I'm getting close to 40 too!) and he started to think he was "losing" his touch. So 3 weeks ago we rode thru West Va, Va, to Boone, NC, then hit the BRP to 28, Dragon, Cherohaula, yada yada yada to build up his spirits and after 3 days of riding dad said he felt great and wanted to keep riding! And he was excited about riding again! It looks as if the spark was back! So when he called I answered. Just thank goodness my wife and kids had something planned or I would have been in the doghouse!

He had wanted to get his "certificate" because he has done numerous 1000+ day rides. One ride in particular stands out...on a fall day in 1990, we rode back from Leadville, CO to Argos, IN in one day - my 1984 VF700 sabre (ouch!) showed over 1200 miles. So did dad's GW. My arse still hurts thinking of that one!

That was the longest ride of my life...and he acted like he could just keep going! I looked up to him then and still do...

Pnut

 

[airboss]

SS1000, with your Dad, thats just super, can't think of Any time better spent.

 

[FJRocket]

Thanks for reply Randy and believe me I don't take it for granted. I have been very fortunate to have a great dad - his true passion was also motorcycles. He started me when I was 3 and I grew up with always having motorcycles around - both on and off road (dad wasn't into ball sports). We have built a foundation around motorcycles and when he called and said he wanted to ride, you know damn well I'm not going to let him down. He is 67 (I'm getting close to 40 too!) and he started to think he was "losing" his touch. So 3 weeks ago we rode thru West Va, Va, to Boone, NC, then hit the BRP to 28, Dragon, Cherohaula, yada yada yada to build up his spirits and after 3 days of riding dad said he felt great and wanted to keep riding! And he was excited about riding again! It looks as if the spark was back! So when he called I answered. Just thank goodness my wife and kids had something planned or I would have been in the doghouse!
He had wanted to get his "certificate" because he has done numerous 1000+ day rides. One ride in particular stands out...on a fall day in 1990, we rode back from Leadville, CO to Argos, IN in one day - my 1984 VF700 sabre (ouch!) showed over 1200 miles. So did dad's GW. My arse still hurts thinking of that one!

That was the longest ride of my life...and he acted like he could just keep going! I looked up to him then and still do...

Pnut

Cool! Congrats and thanks for sharing! Maybe consecutive IBA member numbers? :yahoo:

 

[KYFJR]

Consecutive numbers? That would be cool. I'm sure they may be some confusion be we have the same name with the same middle initial :blink:

Weird, huh?

 

[SkooterG]

I'm sure they may be some confusion be we have the same name with the same middle initial :blink:

Your dad is KYFJR Sr.?

Congrats on the SS1000. That was just awesome to be able to do it with your dad. Warms my heart.

My dad doesn't understand my passion for motorcyles either. Oh well.

Kudos to both you and your Pops! Make sure you note that you two rode the ride together and you are father/son, and I bet you will get consecutive IBA numbers. Plus, I know IBA head cheese Mike Kneebone would love to hear that story. You should consider doing a write-up for posting on the IBA website. I bet it would make a great story.

 

[KYFJR]

Thanks for the advice...I'll do that. I even ask for consecutive numbers!