Finally got my bike back!

[MajBach]

So it's been 7 weeks and a nightmare dealing with a lazy rep from the insurance company but I finally was on the road again today. You might recall early in July I hit a buck doing about a buck-twenty (kph). Didn't drop the bike or get hurt but the front end had seen better days. The anxiety I've been feeling over the past two days has been palpable! I was convinced i was going to get to the dealer and something was not going to be completed or the insurance company was still asleep at the wheel. I've had to light a fire under someone's ass weekly for the past 6 weeks! It didn't go perfect, but I did get out of there without a hassle. I'll deal with the insurance company later as they still owe me some $$$.

So...it was only seven weeks but it felt more like seven years. Bike totally had a stiff and unfamiliar feel to it. The first stop I made, I couldn't figure out why it felt so gutless when I went to take off until I remembered that I had to gear down - lol! Seriously, I totally forgot a bike doesn't reset itself to first gear at a stop.

My comfort level slowly returned over the next 5 hours... as did the exhilaration of all that power and agility! I intentionally took the same back road that I hit poor little Bambi almost two months earlier. I wasn't at all concerned about hitting another 'forest rat' and getting hurt as I was losing the bike for another 2 months. I made a quick stop at Bambi's final resting place and got some closure (and 'watered' the grave too) before the final stretch home. Sure was physically draining though. Not an unusually long trip for me but the last half hour or so, I was wishing I was home and not on the bike. Knees were sore, hands asleep, eyes puffy. Was likely a lot more vigilant this ride than usual.

So, a couple of new farkles added while the bike was being repaired. I got the mirror extensions that a few have posted on this site. Not sure if it was from the supplier that is a no-no to mention on this forum so I wont risk it. But, they were a decent enough add-on. The guys at the dealership really liked them too. I was a little disappointed actually. Although these extensions match beautifully - even looking like OEM, they don't do that much. While they DO put the mirrors out a little, they seem to move them forward more. Still, it was enough to make the investment worth it.

Also installed a pair of aftermarket horns to replace the stock ones. This farkle was hilarious when I first tried it. The guy that sold me the bike included this kit complete with relay. I expected it to sound like a bike horn only deafeningly loud. Well, it [they] sounded literally like a Cadillac on steroids. I kid you not! While reasonably loud, the tone is such that it doesn't inspire immediate reaction nor does it sound like it has any business being on a motorcycle. They're coming off but...what do I replace them with? Many here have spoken about aftermarket horns. Do they sound like a bike horn or a car horn? I want to keep the bike horn sound but just ramp it up a few thousand decibels. Suggestions?

Also replaced the damaged CJ Baileys windshield. Man, I like this farkle. I have the windshield that is 4" wider than stock and I believe 25" high (also +4?). It has a reverse lip at the top as well. Not only do I find it aesthetically pleasing but it is flawless as a wind deflector. Highly recommended.

I also received a pair of driving lights in the mail...or anti-Bambi lights as I would like to call them. Someone here pointed out Martin Fabrication for driving lights? Thanks, I am happy with this purchase so far for price and quality. I'll post a few pics once installed.

Finally, I also rec'd a few of these in the mail last week. My former brother in law had a strip on his snowmobile a decade ago that I thought look pretty snazzy but have never seen them for sale anywhere. Finally found them on ebay after deciding a black FJR is almost invisible from the sides at night. I plan on running a 12 inch red or blue strip down each saddle bag with maybe another smaller strip somewhere forward of my knee. Again, will post the completed project.

One question about rallies. Anyone know anything about the ride coming up in Canada on the 9th? I think it starts in Calgary and I've been looking forward to it.

Glad to be part of the gang again,

MajBach

 

[dcarver]

MajBach, I fully understand your post. I too hit Bambi and waited.. and waited. .then waited some more.

So worried the bike would not be 'straight' or 'good' after so-called repairs.

That was over 50k? ago?

I hope you have the same success story...

dcarver

 

[MEM]

Finally, I also rec'd a few of these in the mail last week. My former brother in law had a strip on his snowmobile a decade ago that I thought look pretty snazzy but have never seen them for sale anywhere. Finally found them on ebay after deciding a black FJR is almost invisible from the sides at night. I plan on running a 12 inch red or blue strip down each saddle bag with maybe another smaller strip somewhere forward of my knee. Again, will post the completed project.

If you want increased visibility, you might want to try these: Real Time Industries reflective decals

I just FINALLY got around to ordering the rear bag and top case reflective decals kits. They look great - in daylight AND at night

 

[escapefjrtist]

If you want increased visibility, you might want to try these: Real Time Industries reflective decals

I just FINALLY got around to ordering the rear bag and top case reflective decals kits. They look great - in daylight AND at night

Gotta agree with ME, Alex does a great job with his products and service!

Although it's a rotten background and a cell phone pic to boot, here's my (new to me) '09 with the black reflective decals. I think the decals really help break up the all black theme...

--G

 

[madmike2]

So it's been 7 weeks and a nightmare dealing with a lazy rep from the insurance company but I finally was on the road again today. <snippage> It didn't go perfect, but I did get out of there without a hassle. I'll deal with the insurance company later as they still owe me some $.

:clapping:

So...it was only seven weeks but it felt more like seven years.......had a stiff and unfamiliar feel to it. . My comfort level slowly returned over the next 5 hours... as did the exhilaration of all that power and agility! ......................... I made a quick stop at Bambi's final resting place and got some closure (and 'watered' the grave too)......

:yahoo:

Sure was physically draining though. Not an unusually long trip for me but the last half hour or so, I was wishing I was home and not on the bike. Knees were sore, hands asleep, eyes puffy. Was likely a lot more vigilant this ride than usual.

Yes, many of us have suffered long departures from riding. The first few rides are a re-learning experience. Mental fatigue from multi-tasking is normal. Physical responses like yours are normal because our muscle memory and the muscle tone we use for riding has suffered some atrophy. It will all return...take your time and relearn each maneuver.

I got the mirror extensions that a few have posted on this site. <snippage>While they DO put the mirrors out a little, they seem to move them forward more. Still, it was enough to make the investment worth it.

Uhhh....yep! That's why some of us have installed the Gen I FZ-I mirrors. I like to know what's approaching from behind and, as a "wide bodied" (full-figured) rider, I need all the width of field I can get.

Also installed a pair of aftermarket horns to replace the stock ones. <snippage> I want to keep the bike horn sound but just ramp it up a few thousand decibels. Suggestions?

I rather like the 110+ decibles and sounding like Grandma's Buick. At least it startles those who are violating my space and they take a second look. I don't want to sound like a bigger motorcycle...they might just keep coming my direction. I want them frightened enough to return to their space and double check their mirrors and side windows. That's just my not-so-humble opinion.

.....Cee Baileys windshield. Man, I like this farkle. I have the windshield that is 4" wider than stock and I believe 25" high (also +4?).

Yes! See above for "wide body" comment. I like wind diversion. Mine looks ridiculous to some, but not to me when I'm sitting on it!

We all personalize our bikes to suit our need and style. Add all the visibility you think you need and you'll find others who have done more.

One question about rallies. Anyone know anything about the ride coming up in Canada on the 9th? I think it starts in Calgary and I've been looking forward to it.
Glad to be part of the gang again,

MajBach

I think you're talking about WCR (Western Canada Rally) WCR link at Radium/Blue River. Look through the linked thread, register and attend. There are some really great folks there....even some from South of the 49th parallel. Jeff is "riding herd" on the event and he's one of the really good guys! Have fun!

.....Er, don't hit any forest rats or other four-legged residents.....

 

[beemerdons]

+1, Gunny; Glad to have you back MajBach, Have Fun!

 

[wheatonFJR]

I know the "rusty" feeling as I am usually away from seat time for about 4-5 months every winter. I do lots of drills and take it slow until I am acclimatized again to operating the bike.

Horns - use 138dB Magnum Blasters. :dribble:

Glad you are back on the road...