Bike forums in general

[93fj1200]

Since I was here last, I have began a career as a motorcycle mechanic.  I always enjoyed the forum here and thought it was a treasure of knowledge and my favourite part is the list of modifications that can be done as well as the help from the more knowledgeable members on breakdowns.  I was travelling from Ontario down to Panama through Central America and the guys here helped me on a number of occasions.  I have also spent a lot of time on VMax forums and they are equally helpful.

After becoming a bike mechanic apprentice and working on a variety of different bikes and having to look online for help occasionally, I have seen that most forums have a hell of a long way to go to get to the level of this forum.  Most are just guys talking about changing lightbulbs and how stupidly they are riding.  Don't even get me started on how ridiculous the Harley forums are.  Congrats to everybody on how good the forum is.

I now own a 2001 VMax that has got me down to Guatemala and returning to Canada via Mexico for 8 months, Florida to Ontario, then out to Alberta where I am living now.  Don't hold the VMax against me!!  I will be purchasing another FJ this winter as I find it to be the absolutely best compromise for touring which I love.

I bought a set of Hepco & Becker side bags 42 litres and a trunk 52 litres for the VMax and will transfer them to the FJ. They are fantastic bags and well worth the price. 

The VMax is a great bike with a ton of available options and wish the FJs were the same.  I know a lot of people are always intimidated by the power but after having driven it a lot, I would pick an FJ any day.  The VMax goes crazy once you hit the V-Boost but the FJs have power everywhere and it is a lot more controllable and also handles much better than the VMax.  Even though the FJ is not the greatest handler either, it is way better than the VMax. And with the updated 17" rims, it is far superior. 

I have owned an 84 and a 93 and am not sure which I want now.  I did go on a trip around Mexico with 12 new or newish Harleys and a rescue truck.  Surprise, surprise, my 93 (18 year old at the time)was the only one who didn't see the back of the rescue truck.  By the way, I did not brag to them.

[Bill_Rockoff]

Sounds like you are having one amazing adventure.

We like to say around here, "It's not the bike, it's the people."  But I'll add that "this sort of bike seems to attract this sort of people." 

[fj johnnie]

 Awesome. A classy bike attracts classy people.

[Arnie]

Welcome back :-)
Shame you chose to miss the 'dissing' of the HD riders :-)
Probably a polite thing to do since there were 12 of them (equal IQ odds)

Arnie