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OK, here is my response to the questions regarding the ATLAS Throttle LOCK. I have only used one other type of locking device, and that was the combo bar end weight/throttle lock unit that I found very clumsy, hard to engage/disengage. So I mostly just did not use it. I do not use bar mitts like Hippo Hand so I can't comment personally, but two of my friends, those that recommended this device to me do use them and told me they work just fine with such mitts. One of them uses "ATLAS Bottom" kit as he has stock heated grips with no exterior wires, and the other uses the "ATLAS Top Mount" kit as I do as he uses the Koso heated grips with a wire coming out the bottom of the throttle grip. As you can see from the picture it looks substantial up against the side of your hand against the throttle housing, but in use it has not caused me any problem, and does not interfere with the use of my thumb in using the Mode button. That took some practice of course, but not much, even with heavy winter heated gloves. Learning to activate and de-activate the throttle lock took longer... I went for a good long day ride and practiced until I had used it often enough that I could do so without looking. That took a bit of time, but eventually I could do it. Because it works by friction, you can adjust it or back it off while it is engaged if needed with no problem. Eventually, I learned to disengage it while either backing it off or speeding up so that is was (More or less) seamless. I did this while wearing heavy winter heated gloves first, then much easier with normal gloves... MUCH easier with normal gloves. So, it took a while, but once I got used to it, I find it really, really useful. As I have got older, I find that my throttle hand and wrist suffers from fatigue and numbness more often than I would like, and this thing allows for me to shake it out and to recover from that condition quickly... So I give it a 100% I recommend it. But that is just me, and because of my wrist fatigue issue. Maybe you would prefer a Cruz Control unit? Like any first time installation, I recommend looking at as many install vids you can as it is small and a bit fiddly the first time you do it, but once figured out, very straight forward. It seems a bit pricy, but it is a very well engineered unit and to me at least, well worth it. Try to get the control buttons in a position that is comfortable for your use of course! I hope this was helpful.

Not exactly today, but recently I added the KOSO heated grips which I like because they d not have any additional controller parts to mount anywhere on the bike and are very high quality. The switch to adjust the heat level is directly on the left hand grip at thumb level, with a different color to identify the heat level. I also added the ATLAS Apollo throttle lock which allows one to easily lock and unlock the throttle to hold speed temporarrly to shake out or rest one's throttle hand. This is not a cruz control, but a quick on/off throttle lock. There is a lot of info on line about both of these units, and I did a lot of research before I bought and installed them. But in fact, I came to them by way of recommendations from very experienced fellow riders, who have used them for years on multiple bikes, and who let me ride their bikes to try them out. Which I did. These are both very cool, and I think useful items.

Wow, The Todays Cascade Motor Classics Chili Ride attracted over 250 hardy NW riders! It was a bit cold, but all were well prepared as it looked like a joint Aerostich and KLIM convention, with hours of chat about which heated gear was the best. the new owner of this three store BMW/Triumph dealership group is a class act. the ride was well organized with coffee stops along the way, and a catered Chili feed with six flavors including Vegetarian, Venison, Green, Beef, and a couple of other flavors, and all sorts of high qual condiments, cheeses, corn bread, beer, soft drinks, and plenty of friendly staff to help out. There was a hugh variety of bikes, but as you might imagine, it was a hard core, well traveled bunch that was not bothered by the weather. As it turned out, though a bit cold, the must advertised fog was only a bit of mist along the a short stretch of Sky Line Drive. This sort of thing is mostly a fun way to expand ones access to the wider hard core MC community, and I for one appreciate such opportunities to meet other like minded riders. This was a fun day!

OK, for those of you that missed out on this ride due to scheduling conflicts, or other issues and excuses, here is your chance for redemption! And of course for those of the masses of you that did show up for our own annual ride, another chance for a nice social Winters ride. No rain, no snow, and on a weekend day! This one even seems to have lunch included (I think?) As it happens Cascade Motor Classics, which is now the name of the BMW dealerships in Eugene and Tigard, and the Triumph dealership in Beaverton is sponsoring a 3rd or 4th (Can't remember) annul silly chilly Chili ride starting at the See See Motor Coffee location on Sandy Blvd in Portland at 9:00am this Sunday the 16th---no rain or snow scheduled. Wheels down scheduled at 9:30am, so be there at around 9:00am- no chickening out this time, running to about 3:00. No idea where this goes too, souSo will be a surprise--- sounds like big fun. Go here to sign up: https://cascademotogroup.com/chiliride/ Come on Hardy NW FJ riders, I look forward to seeing you there and riding with you. Don't tell me a few degrees of chilly weather will actually keep you from a fun ride and a bowl of chili or at least a cup of coffee with a bunch of other dedicated NW riders! We have a reputation to uphold!

Indeed it was a nice day! The sky was blue, and sun was bright, and it was even a few degrees above freezing! It was so nice I took the long, long way home and put a hundred + miles on the clock. I got a few surprised looks from cagers along the way, and even saw one other rider. We stared at one another, surprised, and waved. Got home very happy at having succeeded in completing my 5th annual last day of the year ride... this year was definitely the coldest, but actually the driest.

It turned put to be a stunningly sunny winters day. Wet streets of course, nothing new in our part of the world. Once I dropped down a few hundred feet below the alpine heights of my West Hills Chateau, there were only remnants of snow here and there. Temps were low, but nothing that electric gear (Personnel favorite being Warm N Safe ) couldn't handle easily. The usual die hard "Wouldn't miss this ride for the world" crowd showed up as expected (That being Keith of course), and we were disappointed as usual that there were no others interested in venturing out into this glorious sunshine to say a lovely moto goodby to what was a... questionable year. So, wishing you all a very much better year to come, with lots of wonderful and safe riding, and good health to you and yours from me and the rest of the crowd (See attached) on this years 'anual year end ride'.

OK, me too! Maybe a tiny bit late, but I'll be there. Ask them to keep the coffee hot.

Looking better all the time. Most of the reports show snow stopping around 10:ish and temps rising above freezing around 10/11:00ish and continuing suny-ish for the rest of the day, not great but not bad either. Looks like I can limp down off the hill and squish along to Newberg, maybe a bit late, but get there upright... What do you guys say?

8:10 am West Hills, Portland... 32degrees, snowing lightly. Snow predicted through about 9:am. temps below freezing for the rest of the day at this location. Since I am in the hills riding on wet roads in below freezing temps may be sort of silly... but I am only about an hour+ away from the Newberg, so I won't give up until about 10:30 or so. Fingers crossed. I have never missed one of these and would hate to do so now!

Yep, Same here up in the West Hills... My dog loves the snow too. I live at about 600 feet and we still have plenty. the forecast is for the heaviest snow later tonight, and it has dropped down to below 30 degrees here already. Well, a last chance yearly dance is becoming more and more doubtful. Rain has never stopped us, but snow and ice is another story entirely. Two weeks ago I stacked another half cord of nicely split stove wood, and perhaps it was just in time. We haven't missed one of these little year end celebratory rides in a long time, but indeed, we'll see! Damn, I hate to miss this little tradition.

Hi Keith, Sorry for the late reply. I'll be there, wouldn't miss it. This has become a Tradition! I hope others will join us! Putting it on the calendar right now. See See Motor Cafe in Newberg is an easy place to get to regardless of the weather, and of course that time of year is always a wonderful opportunity for testing GorTex and tire traction. Come on you hardy Northwesterners, you are not going to let a little cool damp weather stop you from riding to a fun year end meet up with like minded moto head crazies and good cup of coffee! I look forward to seeing you all there. See See Newberg

Hi Keith, What was the final disposition of the chain?

Thank you for the Pics! Any idea what where I can get a set? Just what I am looking for.

Picture of you on the bike with feet on Hwy pegs please...

I like living in the NW. But I lived in Truckee for many years and rode, hiked, climbed, and skied that area. I try to get back there whenever possible. Yep like living here and the NW has a lot to offer, but man, I miss the Sierras. Thanks for the wonderful pictures!

There are plenty of products that do the job very well. For me it's a mater of several things. Not flinging onto the back wheel, not being a mess and drip;ing all over the place when applying, easy to carry on the bike without any worry of spilling, and easy to apply. For me that has for many years meant Motul chain paste. Comes in a squeeze tube with an applicator brush attached, and spreads on with no mess in minutes. At the end of a long day of riding (On tour that may be 4oo to 600 mi and I like to reapply every 4/5 hundred miles) I normally wipe off the bike with a wet rag, and apply a new layer of the stuff on the chain. The whole process takes about 10 or 15 minutes. that gives me a chance to inspect the bike to make sure nothing is amiss, and the bike (And chain) are ready to go in the morning. Because you are applying the stuff with the brush that comes on the tube, it goes on evenly and there is normally no reason to over do it. I think that long chain life is at least partly due to keeping it clean. So cleaning the chain is something I do from time to time. I use plain old kerosene and one of the three multi headed chain brushes. The motul stuff does not build up and collect a lot of dirt like many others I had tried. Cleaning the chain and sprockets is a snap and isn't particularly messy. This is usually a part of my oil change routine. To each his own of course, and I am sure most if not all of the products available are just fine, but this stuff works for me better than anything else I have tried for all the above reasons.

By the way, for those of you that haven't been to Denio --- it is a required and much appreciated gas stop a long way from anywhere.

I have added to the range of this bike by punching a few holes around the top of the filler tube which allows a bunch more fuel into the tank, usually get about 120mi (Depending on speed of course), added KTM hand guards and Madstad screen, and and am comfortable in an AeroStich suit. I use the Warm n Safe Heat Layer "Shirt" because it is a very thin layer that produces serious heat (and packs small), and winter weight W n S heated gloves. Using the the duel controller, you can control the temp of the gloves and shirt separately. All of this stuff is costly, but lasts for years and certainly makes riding all year possible and enjoyable. To each his or her own of course, but this is what I use... and it works for me all year as even in summer, some early alpine mornings can be chilly. Oh, and a much louder horn too!

Hi Dale, Just noticed your post on matriculating from FJRs ( and way back in WeStock days, ST1100s and the odd sport bike). Same here, the older I get the lighter I want my bikes to be. This one works just fine and is definitely easier on the knees. Welcome to this gang, and hello again from past forums and rallies.

Heading through Hopland, stop at the Blue Bird Cafe...

Oh, you have seen this then! Just catching up I guess😴

This could indeed be a tire issue. In fact the Orig equipment tires are not that great and may be worn badly at this milage... Maybe, but ing that were the case the tech should have noticed. but it also may not be. This is really dangerous and can result in a tank slapper which can be very hard top control.. Did you have the dealership guy ride i and actually feel it first hand? It could be a bad tire, but also several other issues are possible, but it is a problem the dealership should experience and deal with. I can't believe they actually rode the thing experienced this and then sent you out on the road. Please make sure the dealership, a Yamaha Dealership since your bike is nearly new, experiences this themselves, and don't ride the bike until it is fixed. This is not OK.

In thinking back to the Last Day of the Year Ride I am struck by a comment made by @keithu who, standing in the drizzle and puddles of the SEE SEE Cafe parking lot, comment that he could not believe how clean my bike was. So, I thought I would comment. I suppose I am a bit obsessive, but simply being on this and other forums makes us all sort of de facto obsessives… Like many or likely most of us, I really like to ride, to ride long distances is even better. And, I like my bike(s). And indeed, the bike is a part of the experience, so I take care of it. My routine is simple after a long day’s ride I unload the thing and wipe it down with a wet terry shop towel. That puts me up close to it and lets me both clean it off and check for anything that might be amiss. Then at the end of long day, say over 400/500 miles, I reapply chain lube. Easy, quick and simple. Doesn’t take much time and is an opportunity to re hydrate, and to safely bring up my blood alcohol level. My FJ is one of the black and gray matt finish units. We are admonished not to use regular wax stuff on such finishes, so in my quest for a way to shine it up I found that there are now many protective finishes that will work. The one I tried is called F11, but there are lots of them and I’m sure they all work. Basically I washed the bike well, and applied the stuff per instructions to every surface including the pipes and windshield. The on line ads showed Harley guys pouring it on like it was just a pail of soapy water… that is not at all necessary. Once your bike is clean the first time, a very light application, rubbed in well, and then wiped off works just fine. Well, it really works. Cleaning, even when covered in mud, dead bugs, and even road tar… it cleans up with just plain water. I reapply it very lightly and buff it out with micro fiber towels after wiping the bike down with wet terry shop towels… that’s it. I admit to being lazy so places like shocks and other parts hard to reach are neglected, so a regular very complete wash is necessary once or twice a year. I use so little of this stuff that one bottle lasts over a year and a half. I know there are others such finishes as @salish900 mentioned the one he prefers. this is just the one I found first. Another thing I use is something called MOTUL CHAIN PASTE, which comes in a tube much like toothpaste. it simply does not fling off onto the rear of the bike and back wheel like many other lubes. I also use it at the end of day event when the chain is still hot. It does not drip, and goes on with the little brush attached to the squeeze tube. It does not seem to attract dirt and does not seem to build up, so generally there is no wiping-off or cleaning necessary. From time to time, usually at oIl change time, I clean the chain and sprockets with Kerosine. I do clean off my windshield and mirrors often, and reapply the F11 then as well as I like to have a clean shield, and the stuff also stops the deal bugs from sticking. That’s it. I do not wax it, polish the shiny bits, or “Detail” it with tooth brushes. My yearly wash is a soap bucket and hose kind of job. But I do like a clean bike and chain and this routine does the job. I know this sort of thing is like motor oil, everyone has there own special stuff. One of the things I like best about forums is hearing about how other obsessives deal with these things. I am entertained and educated by it. Sorry for using up the band-with, raining hard outside and stuck at my desk—-Working.

🏍️ 🧠 💭 Why we ride.