I'm a big Kawi fan. I had two Vulcans and really wanted to get a 650 Ninja when I changed to the standard. I prefered the feel and ride of the FZ6R just a tad more. With these bikes that's all it comes down to, personal preference. You can't really go wrong.
Bargain Bin
Got my winter gloves a number of years ago in the bargain bin at a Harley store. Those gloves are great. I find that they are often too much to wear in the middle of a sunny winter day. The big thing is make sure they are gauntlet style and go over your sleeve not under it. The wind...
Becoming a Teacher
I messed up badly the first time around, too. Actually messed up three times. All I can say is don't mess up. It costs a lot in time and money and respect.
Went back to school in my 30's to become a science teacher. Quit my job, learned to live with less, went to community...
NYC parking tip
Do not park next to a storm drain. I learned why the hard way the other day. Had to give $175 to a locksmith to "fix" the problem. :mad:
$500 vacation
About 10 years ago my wife and I had $500 to spend on a one week vacation. My only desire was to wake up at least one morning and see the Smokey Mountains. We drove from Florida to two different camp grounds in North Carolina and one in Georgia with our two dogs and a tent. The...
Forgot a Freebie
Staten Island Ferry is free. I recommend going at night for a great view of the city and the Statue of Liberty lit up at night.
I also recommened the Q to Coney Island because of view of the harbor, Brooklyn Bridge, and SoL.
My Home Town
First, eat your heart out! Pizza, hot dog from a street vendor, a variety of street carts, etc. To be sure of food quality use Yelp or Urbanspoon apps, available for iPhone or Android.
Freebies:
Ground Zero, but you have to get a ticket ahead of time on line for a specific...
Difference
A riding buddy of mine just rode my bike last week. She rides the FZ6 all day long in her job around the 5 boroughs. Basically, she said the 6R feels bigger. The tank is definitely wider at the thighs. Also, the frames are made of different material and the FZ6 feels a bit more...
love BBQ
After doing ribs, pork, and fish, finally smoked my first brisket last month. Now that I've done two, I can say I definately learned a few things. First, you must have a nice layer of fat on top to cook with. You can always slice it off after. Grain fed tastes better than grass fed to...
perpetual summer
I was almost always cold. While riding and living in Florida was certainly warmer than in NY, I was used to wearing jeans all year long anyways. The MOST IMPORTANT thing to do in hot weather is to stay hydrated. I noticed that bad thinking and dehydration happened after as...
mini manta
I've got a Joe Rocket mini manta. It always surprises me with how much it holds. My favorite parts are the two clear front pouches that I use for the EZpass and my phone.
Long Island FZ6Rs
Seems there are lots of us on the island. I'm in Brooklyn too. Let me know when you all want to meet up at Billy Joels's 20th Century Cycles. Then we can grab some oysters for lunch.
Why I bought it, why I'm keeping it
There is no other bike that has the things that bought the FZ6R for. With minor changes, the bike is great for all around street riding, touring, and twisties. It was well below $10K and insurance rates were manageable. On paper, I really wanted the FZ1. But...
no commercials
I'm a radio snob and hate commercials. Got a free subscription to XM on a new car few years ago and got totally hooked. I'm used to good community/university radio and now play it constantly online when at my computer.
Frankly, I don't really like making playlists like I used...
In my ears
I got the Insta-Mold custom ear plugs at the motorcycle show for about $60. Then I got the Sena SMH5, $109. Together they are just what I wanted regarding protection for my ears and the ability to listen to tunes while I ride.
Ninja v FZ6R
IMHO the 2012 Ninja 650 is more comfortable to sit on in the showroom floor than the FZ6R. And some of the new Ninja features are....cute. If I had to compare today, I think the smoothness of an I-4 would still win me over. It is what stopped me from getting a ZZR when I got Baby...
inseam and personal comfort
Height is not so much the issue as inseam is. At 5'5", I've got a 31" inseam. So with a half inch on my boots, a few extra pounds, decent upper body strength, and a lot of riding experience the FZ6R feels just right to me. Although when I do a lot of manuevering in...