It's been a while since I've posted, but I've been lurking for the last couple of weeks, and decided it's time I got back in the game. (Getting married really caused havoc in my online/forum time)
So, onto business. I'm getting ready for a fairly substantial trip this summer, and I've decided it's time to get all my winter modding over with while the weather is still bad. I've only had my bike 1 year ('04 red VFR :D ) and it has been mostly stock up until now. I live in Calgary, Alberta Canada, and I'm going to be riding down to Monteray California for the MotoGP in July (4 days riding in each direction), which is 3 1/2 days longer than I've ever ridden before. So, to make the journey more comfortable, I'm making some comfort mods.
I currently have: - Genmar (i think they're genmar) mirror extendors, which I LOVE, and recommend to all. - Harris rear hugger (Carbon Fibre) - not really a "comfort mod", but cool non-the-less (BTW, THANK YOU RANDY - I've been wanting to get in touch with you to say that for a while, but I lost your info :( . I'm sorry!) - OEM Honda Hard Saddlebags
What i'm in the process of ordering (all from the same dealer, so I'm hoping a little discount of some sort): - Staintune Exhaust!!! - Throttlemeister (standard weight) - Sargent Seat (Carbon FX - black welt or red....I havn't decided) - MRA variotouring windscreen
So, any other thoughts or comments on what I'm getting (or what else I should get?). I'd like Convertibars, but I'd get the longer cables too, and then I'm out huge money. I also need a tank bag of some sort. Recommendations?
sargent seat....just got one myself....much more comfortable than stock, but sloped a bit to much.....i slide forward a bit too much on it , every time i grab the brakes or roll off the throttle i slide up to the tank, but i feel like the foam is starting to settle down a bit and forming the rear section to my body better. still much better than factory.
no info on throttle meister
i have a zero gravity double bubble...really like it so far
Not familiar with the windscreen you've orderd, but I'm ordering a Puig screen today. Saw one on a FZ1 and was impressed with the thickness and quality. Seems almost as thick as an OEM screen and defintely more substantial than the Zero Gravity unit.
I saw their product at the motorcycle show in NY this past weekend and was impressed with the attention to detail and quality for the price. Not only did I go with the tail pack and saddle bags, but also ordered the GT-35 tank bag. Extremely versatile. The top bag comes off if you dont' need extra room leaving you the "standard" bag (which also has a full map pocket on top) and is exapandable. You can also take that off and just leave the "base" unit that has a large map pocket on it as well for those day trips where you just need a map. Rather slick if you ask me. Oh, and the rain cover is built in. Unzip a pocket in the front of the "base" and the liner pulls out and over the entire setup.
Other suggestion. Satellite radio. Used one for a day on a trip to NY and it was a great companion. It was an XM Roady2 unit mounted on a RAM mount base. Nice and compact setup.
Long time between posts for me too!! Marital problems for me though :( Hanging in there though..... As for equipment to consider, I would recommend a tank bag if for nothing but smaller items you need handy (batteries, maps, toll money, tire guage, etc....). Even with all the luggage, I've found that I don't necessarilly want to open the saddle bags and dig through my clothes for items in a pinch.
I have the Cortech tank system (2 bags - one small, one big, together HUGE), but there are other great choices available. Look for mounting options (magnetic or strap), organized pockets, protective linings, and most important protective undersides to prevent scatching.
ZmZmOn2, Jan 25 2005, 06:36 AMNot familiar with the windscreen you've orderd, but I'm ordering a Puig screen today. Saw one on a FZ1 and was impressed with the thickness and quality. Seems almost as thick as an OEM screen and defintely more substantial than the Zero Gravity unit.
I saw their product at the motorcycle show in NY this past weekend and was impressed with the attention to detail and quality for the price. Not only did I go with the tail pack and saddle bags, but also ordered the GT-35 tank bag. Extremely versatile. The top bag comes off if you dont' need extra room leaving you the "standard" bag (which also has a full map pocket on top) and is exapandable. You can also take that off and just leave the "base" unit that has a large map pocket on it as well for those day trips where you just need a map. Rather slick if you ask me. Oh, and the rain cover is built in. Unzip a pocket in the front of the "base" and the liner pulls out and over the entire setup.
Other suggestion. Satellite radio. Used one for a day on a trip to NY and it was a great companion. It was an XM Roady2 unit mounted on a RAM mount base. Nice and compact setup.
ZMzm Can you use the top bag with the base for a smaller setup if you want? Looks like great bags and luggage. May give Cortech a run for their money.
Hard bags are great and for a tank bag try an Oxford magnetic mount expands to huge and a great little item, also will be useful as a backback when off the bike wandering ,base stays put . Some throttle lock device ,I just use a universal one for long trips easy to remove ,have fun wish I could be there.javascript:emoticon(':rolleyes:') smilie
Towing service card (HRCA and or AMA) Flat-kit (know how to plug w/it) and inflation (CO2 or 12V compressor or both) Tire pressure guage (digital) Spare fuses (know where they go) Cell 'phone GDO Map(s) First Aid Kit supplimented w/ your prescription(s) $20 in bills, $3 in change Photo copy of DL, insurance and medical info w/ emergency contact info Bottled Water in Coozy Small flashlight (reverse batts in storage) OEM toolkit Swiss Army knife and Leatherman tool Zip ties and duct tape Hand wipes Rain suit & glove covers Ball cap 2nd pair of gloves Spare key(s) Ear plugs Pen and paper Sunglasses Eyeglasses repair kit Clear or Dark shield Blistex Gum Powerbar Digital camera Trojan(s)
All this fits in my Tourmaster tank bag and under the seat.
Looking at your list, I'm not sure Ms. Corbeau -- who doesn't ride -- would appreciate me packing Trojans... Come to think of it, now I realize what she meant by "When you get your VFR, the seat cowl stays on all the time..." :D :D :D
I live in Calgary, Alberta Canada, and I'm going to be riding down to Monteray California for the MotoGP in July (4 days riding in each direction), which is 3 1/2 days longer than I've ever ridden before.
Mckenzrw, you must be cranked up! Woo Hoo! I know I would be about a trip like that. You almost got me wishing it took more than 1 day to get to Laguna from here. :D
I think we'll have a good VFRD dinner this year in Monterey. Usually we have a little meet at Bullwhackers on Cannery Row. :beer: Hope to see ya there. B)
Well with this warmer weather we've had the last week you should be able to get all your moding done without freezing them off too quickly. (Newly wed and all, you probably needing them at the moment :D ) . I have the ZG Touring screen and much prefer the ride, seems to push the wind just high enough up my helmet not cause a lot of buffeting I was getting with the stock screen. I Bought a tank bag at Blackfoot last year, It was the "Cargo" expandable I only got chance to use it a couple of times but it worked well for me. Planing on using it more this year, hoping to do a week trip in the interior of B.C. in June. Good to see another Rider from Calgary, Maybe we could hook up for a ride in the summer sometime. Hopefully it's better than last years.
That's an awesome list VFR_ATL, although ditto about the Trojans. I think my wife would not be impressed.
Tyke: are you on the Calgary Groundpilots website? If not, you should check them out www.groundpilots.com. I've gone on a couple of rides with a number of them, and they are great. I'd love to do some trips with a fellow viffer rider though!
mckenzrw, Jan 25 2005, 08:28 AMSo, to make the journey more comfortable, I'm making some comfort mods.
I think the Helibars are good enough. Everybody who's tried mine loved 'em, they make the riding position nearly FZ1-ish. I don't have them on all the time, but I do put them on for long trips. I could go long distances without them, but they make a huge difference in how quickly you get tired of being on the bike.
Nice ride you've got planned. The last two years of WSBK here have been a blast, even without the races :beer: MotoGP can only be better!
VFR4Lee, Jan 26 2005, 04:16 AMI think we'll have a good VFRD dinner this year in Monterey. Usually we have a little meet at Bullwhackers on Cannery Row. :beer: Hope to see ya there. B)
Wow, that's wierd. I think the big VFR list meets there too, and I know the Bay Area VFR list does.
Blue Viffer: W/regards to the Moto Pak tank bag. Unfortunatlely no, we asked that question as well but I'm sure Ryan said the zippers are different so you wouldn't be able to zip upper small bag to the base. That would be the ultimate setup.
Great packing list - but after reading another thread about the R/R issues you may want to add a spare R/R to that list of items.
ZmZmOn2, Jan 25 2005, 10:36 AMNot familiar with the windscreen you've orderd, but I'm ordering a Puig screen today. Saw one on a FZ1 and was impressed with the thickness and quality. Seems almost as thick as an OEM screen and defintely more substantial than the Zero Gravity unit.
I saw their product at the motorcycle show in NY this past weekend and was impressed with the attention to detail and quality for the price. Not only did I go with the tail pack and saddle bags, but also ordered the GT-35 tank bag. Extremely versatile. The top bag comes off if you dont' need extra room leaving you the "standard" bag (which also has a full map pocket on top) and is exapandable. You can also take that off and just leave the "base" unit that has a large map pocket on it as well for those day trips where you just need a map. Rather slick if you ask me. Oh, and the rain cover is built in. Unzip a pocket in the front of the "base" and the liner pulls out and over the entire setup.
Other suggestion. Satellite radio. Used one for a day on a trip to NY and it was a great companion. It was an XM Roady2 unit mounted on a RAM mount base. Nice and compact setup.
Good to hear they make a quality product. I'm thinking of ordering the tail bag. What do you think of it?
The rack blends in with the lines of the bike very well and it is available with one of three removeable adapter plates for 3 different luggage manufacturers. The first pic shows the rack alone while the second pic shows the rack with the adapter plate for the Givi box I own.
End of thread · 17 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 6 May 2005