I have been riding since the age of five, everything from sport, dirt, cruiser. The last couple of bike I had was an 01 Bandit and an 04 Roadstar, the bandit was a sport touring, but it just didn't have the feel of the FJR, and I hated the Roadstar, my legs were killing me two hours into the ride. I traded both bikes and some money for the 06 FJR. I have 22,000 miles on it since. I do not wear anything less than my Shoei X11, Joe Rocket Phoenix Jacket with armor, Joe Rocket gloves, jeans, and Tour Master riding boots. I used to wear shorts and tennis shoes on the Roadstar. This little rocket that I have now, takes this old fat guy back to my younger GSXR days. I become a kid again with little worries when I am on the FJR.