FJowners.com

General Category => Introductions => Topic started by: iwt-custom-parts on April 30, 2013, 05:28:22 AM

Title: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: iwt-custom-parts on April 30, 2013, 05:28:22 AM
Let me introduce myself: I'm Jack, a Dutch guy who has a great hobby: Yamaha bikes.
It started in 2006 when I began making custom parts for my Yamaha XJR 1300.
Later on a lot of people asked me to produce the same parts for their bikes.
Even FJ riders were asking to make custom parts. And as you probably know, the engine of the FJ is almost the same as the engine of an XJR.
There are more parts that are the same like the calipers, disk brake bolts, etc.

I'm not a professional. Just doing it for a hobby. Maybe it's interesting for some of you.

Just take a look at my website: www.iwt-customparts.com (http://www.iwt-customparts.com)


Best regards from The Netherlands!
:good2:
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: fintip on April 30, 2013, 05:44:26 AM
Welcome.

Maybe your next post won't sound like a self glorifying billboard?

:scratch_one-s_head:
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: iwt-custom-parts on April 30, 2013, 06:36:32 AM
Quote from: fintip on April 30, 2013, 05:44:26 AM
Welcome.

Maybe your next post won't sound like a self glorifying billboard?


I'm sorry if you think it's 'self glorifying'. It was not meant that way.
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: Steve_in_Florida on April 30, 2013, 09:33:36 AM

Jack,
Welcome to the forum!

I had a look around your web site, and you do have some nice parts.

Several years ago, I did some traveling up your way, primarily to visit the cities of Nijmegen and Arnhem. I like the Netherlands, and miss living in Europe.

By the way, I see that Queen Beatrix abdicated the throne to her son, Willem. Wish I could have been there for the Queen's Day celebrations.

After looking at some of the images of your customer's bikes on your web page, I have to wonder out loud, who made the decision for XJR's to *NOT* be sold in the United States? What's up with that?

Cheers!   :drinks:

Steve

Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: Pat Conlon on April 30, 2013, 09:36:52 AM
Welcome Jack.

I  have seen your website before. You started it as a hobby but now is it a full time job?
Are you a machinist by trade? Tell us more about you.

Also, put a post down in the Vendors Section for ease of future reference.

Cheers amigo!  Pat
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: movenon on April 30, 2013, 09:40:45 AM
Welcome  Jack ! Wish someone would make some nice reasonably priced FJ front fork caps... Hate those black plastic ones. Ok, hate is strong... strongly don't care for. :biggrin:
George
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: racerman_27410 on April 30, 2013, 09:48:07 AM
Welcome to the group!


Good to have you onboard with us.


KOokaloo!


Frank
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: aviationfred on April 30, 2013, 02:50:31 PM
Welcome to the group.  :hi:

Fred
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: fj11.5 on April 30, 2013, 07:13:39 PM
Welcome mate,, great looking items, ,, george, dousnt everyone have ss fork caps with An fj logo  :shok: I know at least one other member does,  try this guy,I bought mine from him on ebay.  Www.motorrad-ranch-rellingen.de (http://www.motorrad-ranch-rellingen.de), ,,email fj-style@freenet.de ,, name is mario kastner
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: iwt-custom-parts on May 01, 2013, 06:14:10 AM
Quote from: Steve_in_Florida on April 30, 2013, 09:33:36 AM

Jack,
Welcome to the forum!

I had a look around your web site, and you do have some nice parts.

Several years ago, I did some traveling up your way, primarily to visit the cities of Nijmegen and Arnhem. I like the Netherlands, and miss living in Europe.

By the way, I see that Queen Beatrix abdicated the throne to her son, Willem. Wish I could have been there for the Queen's Day celebrations.

After looking at some of the images of your customer's bikes on your web page, I have to wonder out loud, who made the decision for XJR's to *NOT* be sold in the United States? What's up with that?

Cheers!   :drinks:

Steve


Hi Steve,
Thank you for your warm welcome. Yes, Queen Beatrix is now Princess Beatrix and we have a King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima from Argentina. A new era with young new people.
Regarding the decision not to sell XJR's in the USA: I thought the 400cc was sold, but I'm not sure. It's a pity they didn't release the 1200 and the 1300. It's a great bike. But the FJ also. Marketing decision I guess.
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: iwt-custom-parts on May 01, 2013, 06:53:56 AM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on April 30, 2013, 09:36:52 AM
Welcome Jack.

I  have seen your website before. You started it as a hobby but now is it a full time job?
Are you a machinist by trade? Tell us more about you.

Also, put a post down in the Vendors Section for ease of future reference.

Cheers amigo!  Pat

Hi Pat,

Thanks a lot for your welcome. Actually, after 6 years it's still a hobby.

Of course I'm willing to tell you all who I am and what I do.
I'm 52 years old and happily married. I have two daughters and two cats. I work as a Quality Manager in the Hatchery Technologies business.
In 2005 I bought a Yamaha XJR 1300 from 2000 and still have it. In 2006 I was bored and started to make some custom parts for my own bike using a lathe.
I made a website and it's amazing how the internet has become a big market place.:smile:

Regarding a post in the Vendors Section: is this allowed? I don't want to give the impression that I'm only want to advertise my business. Which is not.
I'm only a enthusiastic. Of course, if someone wants to buy things for their bikes: feel free to do it. 


Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: iwt-custom-parts on May 01, 2013, 07:04:52 AM
Quote from: movenon on April 30, 2013, 09:40:45 AM
Welcome  Jack ! Wish someone would make some nice reasonably priced FJ front fork caps... Hate those black plastic ones. Ok, hate is strong... strongly don't care for. :biggrin:
George

Hi Movenon,
Thanks for the welcome!
The XJR and mostly all bikes have also those plastic fork caps. I changed it into carbon fibre ones. I can't post an image here, but they look a lot better.
Best regards,
Jack
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: Zwartie on May 01, 2013, 08:19:39 AM
Jack,

Welcome to the club. I checked out your site and you've got some nice accessories for the FJ there! I had the pleasure of visiting NL back in Oct 2011 with my parents and brother. It was a bit of a pilgrimage as both of my parents were born in NL - my dad came to Canada in 1951 and my mom in 1957. Most of my mom's brothers and sisters are still in NL so we have close ties there. When I was there last my brother and I rented a couple BMWs for a day and went for tour with my cousin - he has a 1050 Tiger. It was a fantastic tour, especially with someone who knew his way around! This summer I am going for a ride to Alaska with 3 other guys, one of whom is my cousin. He is going to ship his bike from Germany to Halifax and join us for the ride. It's about 16,000 km round trip for the 3 Canadians and closer to 20,000 km for my cousin. Should be an epic journey. If / when I make it back to NL we just may have to go for a ride!

Cheers,

Zwartie
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: iwt-custom-parts on May 01, 2013, 08:45:50 AM
Quote from: racerman_27410 on April 30, 2013, 09:48:07 AM
Welcome to the group!


Good to have you onboard with us.


KOokaloo!


Frank

Kookaloo to you too! :biggrin:
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: movenon on May 01, 2013, 09:06:49 AM
Quote from: fj11.5 on April 30, 2013, 07:13:39 PM
Welcome mate,, great looking items, ,, george, dousnt everyone have ss fork caps with An fj logo  :shok: I know at least one other member does,  try this guy,I bought mine from him on ebay.  Www.motorrad-ranch-rellingen.de (http://www.motorrad-ranch-rellingen.de), ,,email fj-style@freenet.de ,, name is mario kastner

I sent him an e mail. Thanks ! I have seen at least one set here on a local bike (he won't park the bike outside unattended long enough for me to remove them :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:), . With only 4 of us FJ owners here it wouldn't take long for him to find me.....   You have been reading about guns in America....  :rofl2:  Happens out West :lol:
I am surprised that someone here doesn't make them.
Thanks again George
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: Zwartie on May 01, 2013, 10:40:01 AM
Quote from: iwt-custom-parts on April 30, 2013, 06:36:32 AM
Quote from: fintip on April 30, 2013, 05:44:26 AM
Welcome.

Maybe your next post won't sound like a self glorifying billboard?


I'm sorry if you think it's 'self glorifying'. It was not meant that way.


No worries Jack, I don't think the rest of us saw it that way. Welcome to the site! It's always nice to know we have places to find parts and bling for our FJs. You will find that most everyone here is cordial and polite.

Zwartie
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: The General on May 01, 2013, 02:10:23 PM
Quote from: fj11.5 on April 30, 2013, 07:13:39 PM
Welcome mate,, great looking items, ,, george, dousnt everyone have ss fork caps with An fj logo  :shok: I know at least one other member does,  try this guy,I bought mine from him on ebay.  Www.motorrad-ranch-rellingen.de (http://www.motorrad-ranch-rellingen.de), ,,email fj-style@freenet.de ,, name is mario kastner
Hey Mate, Have ya got a pic?
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: iwt-custom-parts on May 01, 2013, 02:30:16 PM
Quote from: Zwartie on May 01, 2013, 08:19:39 AM
Jack,

Welcome to the club. I checked out your site and you've got some nice accessories for the FJ there! I had the pleasure of visiting NL back in Oct 2011 with my parents and brother. It was a bit of a pilgrimage as both of my parents were born in NL - my dad came to Canada in 1951 and my mom in 1957. Most of my mom's brothers and sisters are still in NL so we have close ties there. When I was there last my brother and I rented a couple BMWs for a day and went for tour with my cousin - he has a 1050 Tiger. It was a fantastic tour, especially with someone who knew his way around! This summer I am going for a ride to Alaska with 3 other guys, one of whom is my cousin. He is going to ship his bike from Germany to Halifax and join us for the ride. It's about 16,000 km round trip for the 3 Canadians and closer to 20,000 km for my cousin. Should be an epic journey. If / when I make it back to NL we just may have to go for a ride!

Cheers,

Zwartie

Thank you Ben, -Dankjewel  :smile:
I'm trying to answer every post, so here I go.
Must be a big change for your parents moving from The Netherlands to the other side of the world.  So you was born in Canada?
That journey this summer will be indeed epic. Maybe you can keep us posted here with some nice pictures and a kind of a blog.
Whenever you are here in Holland, you are welcome! 
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: iwt-custom-parts on May 01, 2013, 02:34:02 PM
Quote from: Zwartie on May 01, 2013, 10:40:01 AM
Quote from: iwt-custom-parts on April 30, 2013, 06:36:32 AM
Quote from: fintip on April 30, 2013, 05:44:26 AM
Welcome.

Maybe your next post won't sound like a self glorifying billboard?


I'm sorry if you think it's 'self glorifying'. It was not meant that way.


No worries Jack, I don't think the rest of us saw it that way. Welcome to the site! It's always nice to know we have places to find parts and bling for our FJs. You will find that most everyone here is cordial and polite.

Zwartie

It's amazing how polite and friendly you all are here on this board!
Cheers,
Jack
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: fj johnnie on May 01, 2013, 03:52:28 PM
 Welcome. There are a lot of Dutch immigrants here in southern Ontario. My parents came over from the NL around the same time as Zwartie's. We visited Amsterdam and Zwolle last summer and I even got to watch MOTOGP in Assen!!!! Every where we went we where welcomed and treated wonderfully. What a awesome place to visit!!!
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: baldy3853 on May 01, 2013, 10:06:51 PM
 :hi: welcome aboard enjoy the ride :good2:
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: Zwartie on May 01, 2013, 10:33:52 PM
Quote from: iwt-custom-parts on May 01, 2013, 02:30:16 PM


Thank you Ben, -Dankjewel  :smile:
I'm trying to answer every post, so here I go.
Must be a big change for your parents moving from The Netherlands to the other side of the world.  So you was born in Canada?
That journey this summer will be indeed epic. Maybe you can keep us posted here with some nice pictures and a kind of a blog.
Whenever you are here in Holland, you are welcome! 


Alstublieft!

Yes, I was born in Canada (eh!) way back in 1966 - 4th of 5 kids. My Dutch is pretty rusty - I understand it better than I can speak it and to be honest, I know more of the swear words than anything else. And of course when we go to NL or our relatives come to Canada for a visit, everyone just speaks English anyway. My wife is also Canadian born but both her parents are from NL...well, Friesland actually so I tell her that doesn't count! We love dropje, oliebollen and pannekoek - heel lekker!!!

Doei!

Zwartie
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: iwt-custom-parts on May 02, 2013, 03:05:37 AM
Quote from: Zwartie on May 01, 2013, 10:33:52 PM
Quote from: iwt-custom-parts on May 01, 2013, 02:30:16 PM


Thank you Ben, -Dankjewel  :smile:
I'm trying to answer every post, so here I go.
Must be a big change for your parents moving from The Netherlands to the other side of the world.  So you was born in Canada?
That journey this summer will be indeed epic. Maybe you can keep us posted here with some nice pictures and a kind of a blog.
Whenever you are here in Holland, you are welcome! 


Alstublieft!

Yes, I was born in Canada (eh!) way back in 1966 - 4th of 5 kids. My Dutch is pretty rusty - I understand it better than I can speak it and to be honest, I know more of the swear words than anything else. And of course when we go to NL or our relatives come to Canada for a visit, everyone just speaks English anyway. My wife is also Canadian born but both her parents are from NL...well, Friesland actually so I tell her that doesn't count! We love dropje, oliebollen and pannekoek - heel lekker!!!

Doei!

Zwartie

There are more Dutch people in the rest of the world than in The Netherlands. LOL.
And it's panneNkoek, not pannekoek. It's the new spelling. It changes like every year.  :dash2:
Hou doe.
Jack
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: Bones on May 02, 2013, 04:40:11 AM
From one newbie to another,
Welcome Jack.
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: Zwartie on May 02, 2013, 09:05:00 AM
Quote from: iwt-custom-parts on May 01, 2013, 02:30:16 PM


There are more Dutch people in the rest of the world than in The Netherlands. LOL.
And it's panneNkoek, not pannekoek. It's the new spelling. It changes like every year.  :dash2:
Hou doe.
Jack

Thanks for the update. My parents are both from Groningen (province, not city) so it's a wonder I can spell at all! That also means that any Dutch I learned was actually their dialect, not the "echte" Dutch.

Zwartie
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: jvb_ca on May 02, 2013, 11:10:56 AM
Welcome Jack.. :hi:
Hmmm...lots of us Dutch here. I was born here but my parents immigrated here in 1946. My father from Voorthuisen, Gelderland I believe, and my mother is from Freisland. Not quite Dutch as my Dad says...lol. Have plenty of relatives in NL on Dad's side. I don't speak it but understand most of it. I was there when I was 16 and had a blast bombing around on uncle's Zundapp bromfeits.
HUP AJAX!

Cheers...Jake :drinks:
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: iwt-custom-parts on May 02, 2013, 01:54:00 PM
Quote from: jvb_ca on May 02, 2013, 11:10:56 AM
Welcome Jack.. :hi:
Hmmm...lots of us Dutch here. I was born here but my parents immigrated here in 1946. My father from Voorthuisen, Gelderland I believe, and my mother is from Freisland. Not quite Dutch as my Dad says...lol. Have plenty of relatives in NL on Dad's side. I don't speak it but understand most of it. I was there when I was 16 and had a blast bombing around on uncle's Zundapp bromfeits.
HUP AJAX!

Cheers...Jake :drinks:

Hi Jake,

After  WWII , 1:3 Dutch people was thinking of emigration and soon was 1:20 actually gone.
More than 550,000 people - to Canada, Australia and New Zealand because it was so empty and rich there and The Netherlands seemed so full and poor.
The government was also stimulating and paying for emigration. Now all has changed and everybody wants to enter Holland. :biggrin:
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: Zwartie on May 02, 2013, 04:48:01 PM
Quote from: iwt-custom-parts on May 02, 2013, 01:54:00 PM
Now all has changed and everybody wants to enter Holland. :biggrin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ882QYzr-M

Sorry, couldn't resist!
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: fj johnnie on May 02, 2013, 04:57:54 PM
 Good one Zwartie. One of my favorite lines of all time. I will make sure to bring dropjes and sour herring if we ever ride together. I wonder if they are going to change those Wilhelmina peppermints to the new King's name?
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: jvb_ca on May 02, 2013, 07:25:00 PM
Quote from: Zwartie on May 02, 2013, 04:48:01 PM
Quote from: iwt-custom-parts on May 02, 2013, 01:54:00 PM
Now all has changed and everybody wants to enter Holland. :biggrin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ882QYzr-M

Sorry, couldn't resist!
Hahahaha...that too funny.

Cheers...Proost...Yacob.
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: iwt-custom-parts on May 03, 2013, 01:08:34 PM
Quote from: Zwartie on May 02, 2013, 04:48:01 PM
Quote from: iwt-custom-parts on May 02, 2013, 01:54:00 PM
Now all has changed and everybody wants to enter Holland. :biggrin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ882QYzr-M

Sorry, couldn't resist!

[sarcastic mode on] Very funny Bennie, very funny......[sarcastic mode off]  :rofl2: :rofl2:
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: Pat Conlon on May 12, 2013, 07:48:32 PM
Had and a girlfriend who had a bumper sticker: "If you ain't Dutch, you ain't much".
Very cool folks the Dutch. I throughly enjoyed Amsterdam (from what i can remember) when I visited while stationed in Germany with Uncle Sam.
I was politely taught an important lesson then: Do not speak German in Holland when you can speak English.

Very, very nice people the Dutch.
Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: karstenp on May 13, 2013, 12:18:38 PM
Quote from: jvb_ca on May 02, 2013, 11:10:56 AM
Welcome Jack.. :hi:
Hmmm...lots of us Dutch here. I was born here but my parents immigrated here in 1946. My father from Voorthuisen, Gelderland I believe, and my mother is from Freisland. Not quite Dutch as my Dad says...lol. Have plenty of relatives in NL on Dad's side. I don't speak it but understand most of it. I was there when I was 16 and had a blast bombing around on uncle's Zundapp bromfeits.
HUP AJAX!

Cheers...Jake :drinks:

Jack,

Welcome Jack!  Just like Jake (that is why I like him!)....another Dutch descendent here...   My father was born in Ruinerworld just east of Meppel and raised in Berghuizen.  We took a trip last summer to visit some family.  Beautiful country!

Perry

Title: Re: Hello from The Netherlands
Post by: keand3 on May 19, 2013, 01:28:32 PM
Welcome Jack!

Been to The Netherlands several times and i love it! Would like to ride there some day.

Cheers
Ken