New Member - Parkersburg WV

[ShoopCE]

Hi, my name's Chris. I live in WV near the Ohio river so I have a few hills nearby and can get to flat country not very far away.

I joined the forum the day I bought my bike, a 2008 FZ6, cobalt blue (I LOVE blue). I'm the third owner but it's only logged 3800 miles. She's in great shape - was and will be garaged.

I'm 54, married since 1981, with three kids, all in college or out & employed. I'm a chemist (PhD) and work for a chemical/polymers company where I handle environmental regs.

I rode for 14 years dirt & street (DT 400 then RD400 !!!) but stopped riding in 1985 after my first was born, and I started my first suit & tie job (more like 1987 when I sold the RD). I got the bug just recently and I'm so happy to be back riding. I'm starting out careful, and taking the MSF permit course.

 

[lytehouse]

:welcome: to the family Chris!

 

[2nd childhood]

Welcome (back) to the world of two-wheeling Chris. But did anyone warn you that one of the requirements of owning a FZ6 is modding? Get started there, son!

 

[trepetti]

Welcome to a great "Age agnostic" forum. . I will be 57 in January and own an 05 that I bought in March 2012, over 16k miles ago. The members here are great. Some have helped me, I have helped some, I have ridden with a few and all the while felt a connection to them and the bike.

 

[ShoopCE]

2nd,
Thanks - I sort of noticed that modding is expected while looking through the forum while researching the bike. Mine came with the dual headlight fix (thank GOD!) the fender elimination and according, to the parts guy at my dealer, probably has an AM exhaust - no idea what brand.

I REALLY disliked the speedo error so I've already installed a speedodrd. Works great. I've ordered a set of R6 mirrors based on Upshiftoverdrive's post from 8/2. And I'm planning to redo the fender elimination so I can install the stock blinkers. The lil bitty LEDs on the current mod are not very visible in daylight. I might be done then. Maybe.

 

[ShoopCE]

Hey Trippeti,

I noticed the range in ages and general level-headedness of the forums. Lots of good helpful stuff. I think I'll like it here.

Sorry for the ancient, probably worn out joke, but... You're from Jersey? What exit?
(Proof that I am THAT old)

 

[trepetti]

Lol. I thought we Garden State residents got rid of all these anti Jersey prejudice .

 

[darius]

:welcome:

Pick up your manual here: Boneman's FZ6 Site - Mods

 

[ShoopCE]

Wow, That's an impressive collection. Thanks Darius

 

[mxgolf]

:welcome: To a most awesome forum and motorcycle. I just had a Birthday Monday 57 OUCH. Love my Fz6 and am sure you will love yours. Ride safe and enjoy the ride. :rockon:

 

[Skybow388]

Welcome shoop!


2006 faster blue fz6

 

[MG-242]

:welcome: back!

What took you so long

I grew up (not really, I never grew up ) just across the river from you in Woodsfield. Some pretty awesome roads up that way - Rt 26, 536, 800, etc.

 

[dpaul007]

Welcome!! If you plan on doing any longish rides, make sure you get a seat upgrade!

 

[FIZZER6]

Welcome!

...and welcome back to riding! :rockon:

This is an excellent sporty/all around motorcycle and if maintained will give you tons of miles of trouble free riding!

 

[ShoopCE]

Welcome!! If you plan on doing any longish rides, make sure you get a seat upgrade!

Thanks.

The last owner or maybe the first one had the seat shaved to reduce the height. I'm 6'0" (less 1/4" whenI get measured) and don't need to lower profile. Also need to undo the forks lowering they did.

Main thing I want RIGHT NOW is for UPS to deliver my new R6-style mirrirs so I can see past my elbows.

 

[trepetti]

Hey Shoop. Shoot me some pictures or a link to the mirrors. I have the same problem. And I have ugly elbows

 

[ShoopCE]

Hey Trippetti,

Here's a link:
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006H81ZOY/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1]Amazon.com: 2003-2009 Yamaha YZF R6 / YZF R6S 2006-2008 Black OEM Stock Style Racing Mirrors - Left & Right Set: Automotive[/ame]

Mine are due to arrive today so I don't have pics. But you can see them on Upshiftoverdive's post in the MODS section. He has one pic with one stock and one R6 installed.

http://www.600riders.com/forum/fz6-mods/50208-what-mirrors-do-you-have-your-motorcycle.html

Check his post for others' comments & insight. I'll add to it when I get mine on.

 

[Yasko]

:welcome: from Texas:cheer:

Gear up, and ride safe.:rockon:

 

[MG-242]

Thanks.

The last owner or maybe the first one had the seat shaved to reduce the height. I'm 6'0" (less 1/4" whenI get measured) and don't need to lower profile. Also need to undo the forks lowering they did.

Main thing I want RIGHT NOW is for UPS to deliver my new R6-style mirrirs so I can see past my elbows.

They may have had other intentions other than trying to lower the bike when they dropped the forks. Just sayin'.

 

[ShoopCE]

Hey MG,

I've read that another reason to lower the forks is to improve cornering, at the price of slightly less stability. I can see that. But are there any other reasons?

Without a good reason to keep them down I'll probably raise them, at least a bit. I replaced the mirrors with the R6 version. Now I can see pretty well past my elbows. First ride was today. I noticed the right mirror was way out of alignment on the way home after work. Then I noticed that if I use the steering lock, the frt brake level tips the mirror. If I raise the forks back up at least a half inch, the lever will clear.

BTW, I grew up in PA near Harrisburg. Been here 18 years & like it.

Thanks,
Chris