StreamRider Re-Introduction

[StreamRider]

I joined this forum about a year and a half ago to post my appreciation and "review" of the tech day in Eden, NY I attended and said I was going to post here more often instead of the "other site". Well, the ease of use and the colorful buttons swayed my favor soon after and I abandoned the idea of checking a forum that reminded me of a 1997 CompuServe Chat that also required me to link and host my own pictures. Ho-Hum aside I decided to give in after EOM and consideration of what both forums have to offer. Well that and the realization while at EOM that I was quite possibly the only person in attendance that was there solely from the "other forum". Not trying to mention while still mentioning the hypocrisy and favoritism that becomes quickly apparent when you ruffle a few feathers on a site that is moderated/admin'd by three people that are obviously close friends and gestapo rule the ideas and opinions of other users that don't align with their beliefs. I will digress. <<deep breath>>

Anyhoo, I would like to say a formal Hello to everybody I met and those from the tech day I got a chance to run into again at EOM, a Hello to everybody on this arena that I have not have had the chance to offend or argue with yet and introduce both my daughter and myself to you all. Hi from Albany, NY.
I was the guy with the GEN 1 with dirt bars and the ugly seat/darkside tire who was not doing a very good job of refraining from the indulgence of cheese and bourbon. It was a pleasure to meet you all and I had a blast. A HUGE thank you to two very skillful riders who allowed me to tag along on the actual Saturday of riding as without them I would have been alone in WV and with no direction. Had you guys not been so cool my trip would have been quite different. I was also thrilled that the two of you rode the style you did as I am also not the type to want to see landmarks and smell flowers, I wanted to do exactly what you guys wanted to and twist throttles and eat up pavement with little chances to catch our breath and eat. I was prepared to stop and look at some history or waterfalls as that comes with the territory of riding with people you don't know but was elated when all you wanted to do was run the risk of felonious speeding on roads that I still cannot understand how an engineer signed off on. Thank you.
I remember your actual names and will refrain from sharing that on here but I would love if you responded so I can associate your screen-names with who you are.

Anybody else that knows me and I met I would also love to know your handles on here so I can put together who is talking. That would be great.

A little about myself and how I live my motorcycle life:
I grew up on dirtbikes, for most of my adolescence I was not allowed to have one but I was tall so when all my friends would take out their quads I got to ride their fathers farm bikes or the beaters. Usually a XR650L or Yamaha XT650 enduro. As early as I can remember I was always on some type of big bike that I had to learn how to control the weight and engine to not kill myself. The first bike I actually was "allowed" to ride was a Yamaha big wheel 200, I loved that thing and went everywhere on it. It was my freedom and my ability to have friends as I grew up on top of a mountain with a dirt road in the Adirondacks where my closest neighbor and kids to play with were 5 miles away. When I was 15 I saved enough money mowing lawns and splitting wood to purchase a friend's uncle's CR500R (yes, the 2 stroke death machine for $500) and three collarbone breaks later I was an "adult" and work/pot/girls became more important.
At 20 I purchased my first street bike, a Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird. Much to the dismay of my late Father who I remember clear as day saying to me "5000 miles is really high for one of those Jap bikes. I don't think it's a good idea." I know he knew that was BS and he was more trying to sway me away from the 1100cc streetbike life. His intentions were good. Mine however were not. I ended up taking a plea deal the next summer and the idea was to have my license revoked for 3 years with a +1 mandatory from NYSDMV but they "messed up" the paper work and the two counts of reckless operation and endangerment that were supposed to run concurrent did not. Seven years later to-the-day I was at the Rennselear County DMV and taking my permit test and an hour later I was sitting on a 2007 Husqvarna SMR 510. <insert: "watch me, I'll do it again".meme>

I still have the Husky and am going through the process of completely rebuilding the entire bike, if y'all are interested in that I would be happy to post some of those pics. I have owned a handfull of larger GW bikes in the interim and got into the endurance aspect of riding. Sold them all (except the Husky) in 2016 when I found out I was going to have my daughter and caught that whole "I need to get my life together and be more responsible" plague of thought. During Covid I got the itch and found myself pouring through YT videos and FBM listings looking at bikes and eventually I purchased another GW with the intention of doing more LD riding as at this point I was not with my kids mother anymore and had 50% of the week as a single man left to his own devices. Quickly realized that I was not ready for the slow-life the GW offered and after spending years following the trial and tribulations of John Ryan after reading "The Man Who Would Stop At Nothing" I was dead-set of getting a FJR. Did my research and knew I wanted a 2003 for a few reasons, the year, gearbox, the weight (or lack there of), the speed and the lack of ABS. I HIGHLY dislike ABS and my disdain for it is only overshadowed by the people that perpetuate the idea that ABS assists in stopping/slowing a two wheeled vehicle faster then proper braking, that is simply and factually not true. Add in the inability to do stoppies and/or slide the rear end purposefully and well that's a hard no for me.

Side Note: I am the type of person that likes to buy old-ish things and then do what I want with them. I like to get something for a steal and like to do all of the work myself if I can, everything can be a learning experience. I rarely buy anything mechanical "new". I would never set foot in a dealership and/or have to take a car/bike in for "scheduled maintenance". I believe the years of any vehicle are the best shortly after the initial models, before they start cutting costs and skimping on materials. I like reliability and robust-ness, a good Rom/Rus AK is better then an Armailite. Cry about it all you want but it is fact. I would never-ever-never own a BMW or a Ducati. Just no. Not my style, interest, or something I would want to get into. I like to buy in cash and own things outright. If that's not for you or you disagree, that's fine. It's the spice of life. TETO

So, EOM was awesome and I see a lot of the comradery and relationships you all have created riding and caring for these machines. In my short time of owning one, now three, I have very quickly developed a love for them as well. While I am no spring chicken by any means, I can see very many similarities in the way that the GW community and the FJR owners are moving through time and it is apparent that the larger touring/dependable/workhorse bikes that fell out of favor in the late 2000's due to them not being "extreme" enough are finally coming back into the light by younger generations that understand both the value and the purpose of bikes that we all love. Just going to a GW meet you see the generation gap clear as day. The old couples and riders that have been half way across the world and the LD folks that have every doodad and gadget strapped next to their water jug and piss tube and then you see 20-somethings with older interstates and anniversary editions that look and sound brand new off the 1986 showroom floor. I hope the FJR and ST crowd can welcome them into the ranks and I hope for the sake of the model and style of riding that we love, we can with the help of social media like YT and TikTok make that popularity rise, much like Tiger did for golf, and gain a foot hold again enough to secure the production of the SPORT-touring style of bike. I have my eyes set on a Kawasaki H2SXE in the next few years when the "scheduled maintenance" periods are gone through and their price demand lowers but only because I know my 2003's will still be kicking and if I need more sport in my touring I will have that option while still being able to tour. While the internet will still have plenty of 2003's that people have very little idea of the value-per-dollar of these bikes hold, I know I can stay chock-full-of-fun and be able to enjoy this ride.

As for my introduction of my better half, the 7yr old that has been my co-pilot for most of this year. She has accrued about 4k miles this season (her first) and the experience of being able to have your child over the comms and be such a natural at riding is something I never thought I would get to experience. I am blessed to have the love of my life with me and asking me to go for rides when I would just hop in the truck. Since her first ride around some office buildings to her last day of 650+ miles she continues to surprise me in just how much she loves the experience, well, everything but the initial dressing-for-the-slide part. Just getting her ready for school is a task in itself so throw on gear/pants/jacket/boots etc. and the chore becomes work. I will post her journey in a separate thread and share our pictures and her story a bit later. We have been working her way up to do a SS1000 with me and if we do not get to do it this year she will be with me next spring to get her #. More to come.

Thank's for reading and thank you more for being so welcoming. Keep the shiny side up and if it's already scratched then the second and third one hurt less.

[0face]

Welcome aboard!

[LKLD]

Welcome back!

While this sandbox may not have all the bells and whistles of the 21st century, it is my go-to for anything FJR. Lots of good people, many my friends, and just a whole family feel to it. Hopefully, this time, you’ll give it more time, to get that.

[Cav47]

As for my introduction of my better half, the 7yr old that has been my co-pilot for most of this year. She has accrued about 4k miles this season (her first) and the experience of being able to have your child over the comms and be such a natural at riding is something I never thought I would get to experience. I am blessed to have the love of my life with me and asking me to go for rides when I would just hop in the truck. Since her first ride around some office buildings to her last day of 650+ miles she continues to surprise me in just how much she loves the experience, well, everything but the initial dressing-for-the-slide part. Just getting her ready for school is a task in itself so throw on gear/pants/jacket/boots etc. and the chore becomes work. I will post her journey in a separate thread and share our pictures and her story a bit later. We have been working her way up to do a SS1000 with me and if we do not get to do it this year she will be with me next spring to get her #. More to come.

Thank's for reading and thank you more for being so welcoming. Keep the shiny side up and if it's already scratched then the second and third one hurt less.

Welcome to the forum.

You actually take your daughter on a motorcycle to FJR events???? How wild.

My biggest regret is not starting that process with my daughter earlier. Now at 20, she seems too busy to join me. Enjoy it while you can

Good on you both!

[BkerChuck]

Welcome. We likely met or at least crossed paths at EOM but forgive me if I don't recall your name.....I was the one offering to share the Creamsicle shine Friday night.

[StreamRider]

You actually take your daughter on a motorcycle to FJR events???? How wild.

My biggest regret is not starting that process with my daughter earlier. Now at 20, she seems too busy to join me. Enjoy it while you can

Good on you both!

She has not been to a FJR event, yet. She has been on a lot of "long" rides and a couple over-night ride/sleep/ride's with me. Having her 3.5 days out of 7 limits what we accomplish in our timeframe but we will get there.

[bigjohnsd]

I would never-ever-never own a BMW or a Ducati. Just no. Not my style, interest, or something I would want to get into

I said that once then I rode a GS and now have over 100,000 miles on them - never say never!

Welcome to the forum, in this group, it is not WHAT you ride, but rather THAT you ride!

[StreamRider]

I would never-ever-never own a BMW or a Ducati. Just no. Not my style, interest, or something I would want to get into

I said that once then I rode a GS and now have over 100,000 miles on them - never say never!

Welcome to the forum, in this group, it is not WHAT you ride, but rather THAT you ride!

I said it about sleeping with men and haven't tried that yet, much like that scenario I would NEVER ride/own a boxer engine, I have owned a GS800 though and they are too heavy for the trails and too slow for the road. JMPO

[extrememarine]

welcome - It was great to meet you at EOM!

There are definitly "shinyer" options for forum software out there, but phpBB allows us to avoid ads and minimize operating costs.

Keep an eye out for the SE Ohio Ramble thread - it's an awsome gathing in the spring to shake off the cobwebs and take in some pretty spectacular roads near Marietta, Ohio...

Wayne

[Dan Cooper]

HaHa, Crap now he's over here, too !!
There's just no escaping the magnetic vortex that is StreamRider.
I'm sorry I missed EOM this year and missed getting to meet you face to face.
Considering how "entertaining" you are on the forums, I'm sure you are a real hoot in person.
Besides, you owe me a beer, and I owe you a beer.

Maybe next time.

dan


“The race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the strong, but that is how the smart money bets.” ― Damon Runyon, On Broadway

[raYzerman]

Hey wow, yes, we didn't have a lot of conversation at EOM, but it was great to see you..... missed out on tech day this year, maybe next year....

[StreamRider]

HaHa, Crap now he's over here, too !!
There's just no escaping the magnetic vortex that is StreamRider.
I'm sorry I missed EOM this year and missed getting to meet you face to face.
Considering how "entertaining" you are on the forums, I'm sure you are a real hoot in person.
Besides, you owe me a beer, and I owe you a beer.

Maybe next time.

dan


“The race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the strong, but that is how the smart money bets.” ― Damon Runyon, On Broadway

I’m far more “tame” in person… I feel like I owe you more with all the intelligence you’ve shared but we can work it out when the time comes. The “magnetic vortex” is a wonderful combination of words that, whether sarcastic or heartfelt, I will take as a compliment. Cheers and here’s to a new (to me) forum.

[Dan Cooper]

HaHa, Crap now he's over here, too !!
There's just no escaping the magnetic vortex that is StreamRider.
I'm sorry I missed EOM this year and missed getting to meet you face to face.
Considering how "entertaining" you are on the forums, I'm sure you are a real hoot in person.
Besides, you owe me a beer, and I owe you a beer.

Maybe next time.

dan


“The race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the strong, but that is how the smart money bets.” ― Damon Runyon, On Broadway

I’m far more “tame” in person… I feel like I owe you more with all the intelligence you’ve shared but we can work it out when the time comes. The “magnetic vortex” is a wonderful combination of words that, whether sarcastic or heartfelt, I will take as a compliment. Cheers and here’s to a new (to me) forum.

Dood, we're good.
"whether sarcastic or heartfelt" -- Don't be narrow minded, it can be both !!
You certainly do invest a lot of personality into your posts, and you certainly have the gift of a well written story.
Makes for interesting reading by those of us who are more bound by "just the facts" frame of mind.

dan



What we need is a machine that will let us see the other guy’s point of view. -- Sir Arthur C. Clark

[StreamRider]

welcome - It was great to meet you at EOM!

There are definitly "shinyer" options for forum software out there, but phpBB allows us to avoid ads and minimize operating costs.

Keep an eye out for the SE Ohio Ramble thread - it's an awsome gathing in the spring to shake off the cobwebs and take in some pretty spectacular roads near Marietta, Ohio...

Wayne

I'm done complaining about the netcode, it's all good and I apologize for my gripes before. We put up with sore asses and strained wrists so we can get halfway across a continent, I can quit my bitching about the "look and feel" of a free forum to communicate with people more intelligent and based in communication standards.

I may owe dancooper a few beers but I owe you a lot more for the jump Sunday morning from my dumb-ass leaving my grip heaters on. I literally said to myself when I hard wired them "Dude, you're gonna f@$k up and bump that switch with your knee and get stranded." but fell for the old "I'll fix that when I get back, just be happy you have it for the trip." BS. What a life saver I thank you again.

[StreamRider]

HaHa, Crap now he's over here, too !!
There's just no escaping the magnetic vortex that is StreamRider.
I'm sorry I missed EOM this year and missed getting to meet you face to face.
Considering how "entertaining" you are on the forums, I'm sure you are a real hoot in person.
Besides, you owe me a beer, and I owe you a beer.

Maybe next time.

dan


“The race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the strong, but that is how the smart money bets.” ― Damon Runyon, On Broadway

I’m far more “tame” in person… I feel like I owe you more with all the intelligence you’ve shared but we can work it out when the time comes. The “magnetic vortex” is a wonderful combination of words that, whether sarcastic or heartfelt, I will take as a compliment. Cheers and here’s to a new (to me) forum.

You certainly do invest a lot of personality into your posts, and you certainly have the gift of a well written story.
Makes for interesting reading by those of us who are more bound by "just the facts" frame of mind.

dan



What we need is a machine that will let us see the other guy’s point of view. -- Sir Arthur C. Clark

I really appreciate that, thank you.
I look at it this way; the internet, when broken down into it's simplest form, is only used for a few things. The main one being communication of ideas, albeit the OP asking for help and the RE the ones with the answers. I am, more-often-then-not, lacking in the experience or knowledge to offer answers so I would rather fill the void left and provide the other part of the web. I prefer to offer what I have and at least attempt to entertain. I would be happy to bet hard earned cash (I don't actually earn it in any way shape or form in a "hard" way, I am a private contractor) most of us look at the internet mostly on the toilet or when we are bored and looking for a giggle or release. Far be it from me to deny my bullshit spitting fingers the pleasure of denying at least one person that.

[StreamRider]

This just doesn't seem right to me...f@$king squid, put on some gear and stop rev-bombing every car! The Buick obviously doesn't want a race.

[StreamRider]

For instance: I'll take the role of OP for a sec and ask "How do I change the moniker or quote under my picture? I see people with ones and I know it isn't in signature but I would like to add my own.

I want to change this to say "I post as much as I ride." Is that possible or is that an inside joke thing for the long-term users?

[wheatonFJR]

For instance: I'll take the role of OP for a sec and ask "How do I change the moniker or quote under my picture? I see people with ones and I know it isn't in signature but I would like to add my own.

I want to change this to say "I post as much as I ride." Is that possible or is that an inside joke thing for the long-term users?

Welcome. And good luck with that lol. Just wear the sign with pride. It’s your cross…and test to see if you can handle the load lol. Even being friends with bastard that moderates this site doesn’t help. Bastard!!!!!!!!

[Dan Cooper]

This just doesn't seem right to me...f@$king squid, put on some gear and stop rev-bombing every car! The Buick obviously doesn't want a race.

HaHa, that was there when I first signed up. I don't know how to change it, or much care. I quit noticing it a long time ago, until you brought it up again.

dan

[wheatonFJR]

If you want to personalize something, do it in your signature.

That title is just for HMFIC to haze people.