texscottyd

Here were the plugs from the 24k mile service, original and untouched from new. Definitely have some use on them, and each has a dark and light side based on how they were oriented in the cylinder. I’ll probably change them at 12k mile intervals going forward…

Thanks @Lone Wolf - A ride is definitely next step before making a decision. The current owner said basically the same thing... ride it before you get too serious: "You'll know pretty quickly if you love it or hate it"

I have an interesting opportunity to pick up a nicely sorted 2009 Harley XR 1200, and was looking for some feedback from the forum. I recall seeing a couple of members having mentioned owning one, but can't recall who to reach out to directly. Simple background: I'm not a 'Harley Guy' but have always kind of wanted a Street Tracker... I've just never been up for building one myself. A good friend has decided to part with his 2009 XR 1200, and offered me a reasonable deal for first right of refusal. It's been nicely upgraded, only 5K miles, two owners from new... never wrecked or abused. It has the long Ohlins piggyback shocks, upgraded X model forks with Andreani cartridges, and a spectacular Termignoni exhaust; otherwise is mostly stock. It would be a third or fourth bike (depending on how you count), so I'm not concerned about commuting, day-to-day practicality, etc... Mostly, I'm just looking for something fun and different. So, what do you all know?

It really is a fun motorcycle. Not sure if I would want it as my only bike, but as a second play bike, it’s hard to beat. It’s a REALLY entertaining urban and short-range hooligan bike, but the FJ is a much better longer-distance mount.

It looks like the YZF-R9 that has been discussed & rumored for years is finally close to appearing. It’s such an obvious model, I’m honestly surprised it has taken Yamaha this long to produce: https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-news/yamaha-yzf-r9-coming-soon/

I've come to the stark realization that fond memories of motorcycles from prior eras are much better than the present-day reality of going back for a visit... My first street bike was a CB400F SuperSport, and it was an impressive bike at the time. But a recent ride on a friend's nicely-restored CB (essentially the identical bike to the one I owned) was almost comical: It's so small, and slow, and toy-like. This can't possibly be the same thing that was such a rush when I was 16?

Before & After is pretty compelling, even without the glorious new soundtrack. 😀 I’m happy! Money well spent…

Wife: “Who was at the door?” Me: “Just the FedEx guy…” Wife: “Oh, what was it?” Me: “Just some random maintenance stuff I ordered for the bikes…” 😳

I can actually smell this thread... 🔥🧯

Allow me to introduce you to my little friend: I’m really conflicted on stuff like this. I don’t want to be “That Guy” disturbing all the neighbors, but damn these triples & twins sound nice with a proper exhaust. 😀

I think that’s a common spousal perspective. She’ll periodically wander past as I’m doing something foolish, and casually ask “your life insurance is paid up, right?”

@BVEBRAD - I don't see an update in this thread (which we've admitted hijacked with a lot of EV banter), but I recall you getting your issues with the T9 resolved... is that correct? Software update, or throttle bodies, or something similar? Hoping that Yamaha got it sorted for you, and the ownership experience has been more pleasant of late. -Scott

Expensive EVs are all the rage, it seems. But God bless them, Cadillac just brought us this distinctly anti-green swan-song statement: 682-hp worth of premium-swilling, in-your-face Escalade-V. The sheer audacity and absurdity of it really appeals to me...

Indeed. I hate strange/unknown/intermittent issues, especially with electrical components. Glad to hear it’s running well, and hopefully there are no further issues for you!

@kilo3 - Nice! The headpipes on mine are looking rough… how did you do that?

Everyone was close, but @skipperT was right on the money: All six exhausts tight (ranging from .10 to .20), and all intakes in spec (five at .15, one at .13) Net: Mine seems to follow the general pattern that many have reported on these CP3s. We’ll loosen up that one intake to get back in the middle of the range, and reset all six exhausts.

ECU has been flashed by 2WDW. Stock exhaust. Oil changed every 3K miles. Name-brand pump premium E10 (93 octane label). ‘Spirited use’ but not abused. Results to follow shortly… anyone else want to make a guess?

I have a nice set of Yamaha OEM spark plugs, in great condition! Less than 24K miles on them… Free, winner just pays actually postage. 🙄

Place your final bets now: We’re going in!

Finally reached the 23.8K mile service, which I’ll just round up to 24K. I’ve never had the plugs out or valve cover off, so it will be interesting to see what we find. I feel like I should open an over/under bet on exhaust valve clearances… 😀

The Nicky Hayden tribute sticker on the XSR is a nice touch. These triples really are a ton of fun!

Indeed. Just being able to log a few miles here & there has done a lot to keep me sane…

Just tell her that’s 7.62 in Europe… 🙄

Despite some rather stressful times lately, I had one of those Zen Rides this evening, under the most unexpected of circumstances. My mother-in-law has been in the hospital for over a month, and I’ve sort of become her advocate & primary supporter. It’s beautiful in Houston right now, so I rode the FJ to the hospital to see her this afternoon. It‘s typically a simple & boring trip, so I decided to try something different and just freestyle a random route home through suburbia. I queued-up Elvis Costello’s ‘This Years Model’ to play straight through on the Sena, snuck around the exit gate of the hospital parking garage (hey, 15 bucks is 15 bucks…), and started exploring. I seemed to catch every light green, avoided almost all crazy Houston traffic, and found some entertaining little city neighborhood routes… a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing ride. I pulled into my driveway just as a beautiful sunset was on the western sky, and the last few bars of ‘Radio, Radio’ were finishing playing. Sometimes it’s the simplest things that bring us comfort…

Hey Brian - I’ve had Corbin seats on a couple of bikes over the years (FJ1100 & VTR1000 SuperHawk), and found them to be quite comfortable. The one on the FJ came with the bike, so it already had a bunch of miles of use before I got it, and I can’t speak to break in miles. I remember the VTR seat being firm, but not ever what I would consider hard or uncomfortable… to me, it felt the same on day one as day 365. Those were both 20+ years ago, so I have no idea if it’s even relevant information to compare to the new Corbin saddles. They still seem to have a good reputation, so I’m surprised to hear your experience so far…