PLOPFIZZ3

TOURING ON A FZR/ AND USEFULL GEAR

Touring is basically unbearable, But I'm fairly tiny (5'3" 100lbs) so I find the seat to peg room spacious and the bars perfectly placed. The stock seat is comfortable up to about the 3rd hour of riding and after that I have to start standing up on my pegs every once in a while the give my foo a rest (I imagine it's worse if you've got the whole package).

- Wind Protection: Hits upper chest

- Jacket: I want to get a good leather racing jacket, but have'nt yet, so denim's better than nothing, I also like my Betty Boop leather coat but have to be careful not to scratch the tank with the metal snaps.

- Mirrors: No vibration but you have to move your elbows if you want to see the cops coming (I've seen guys put them on upsidedown and is supposed to work well, but I think it makes the bike look like Micky Mouse).

- Tank bag: I only use my tank bag when I want to travel with a change of clothes, has a rubbery bottom so it doesnt slide around or scratch the paint, also has a clear front pocket you can stick a map under.

- Helmet: Shoei CX1 -I believe it is a person's right to ride without a helmet if they want, and am lucky to live in Colorado where there is no helmet law, but if your going to wear one, remember the words ' twenty dollar head, twenty dollar helmet' Well I guess that would make my head worth about $300 (Hey, isn;'t that what Hugh Grant got busted for)?

- Gloves: Fox, kevlar enforced ($40)Love em, but the black leather make my hands blackish. Some leather protector sprayed inside helped this alot.

- Bungee net: ($6) - works great, but you have to be carefull to attach it where it won't wreck the paint to bad.

Lightweight Rain Gear: ($50) - Got some from the local hiking place and they are excellent -& they don't make me look like a nipple either!

- Lock: Kriptonite Disk Lock will run you about ($70) and is good for stops where the bike is very visible. A Cobra Link Lock will lighten your pocket about ($250) but ease your nervousness.

- Shoes: I'm shrimpy, so short of Spice-girl platform shoes, I like some with a bit of sole. Filas are pretty good- be sure to get black or brown because the top of your left shoe will be totaly dirty from shifting.

- Plastic foot:You know, one of those stupid looking flat things to put under your kickstand so your bike doesn't sink into the tarmack on a hot day. This has been useful more times than I can count.