Bliz

I've put about 10,000 miles on my 2007 FZ1. Bad: Seat is terrible and Yamaha comfort seat is only slightly better. Ambient temperature gauge is not accurate. That's about it for the bad. Good: Good suspension Strong engine above 4000 rpm. Will still pull 6th gear from 2000 rpm with stock gearing. Not a lot of vibration for an inline 4. For me I don't especially want a hard pull or hit at low rpm. Good handling especially if you change the 190/50 rear tire for a 190/55. Makes for smoother quicker turn in. Fairly comfortable. Yamaha touring windshield is pretty good. Bike turns and handles very good yet is extremely stable. Yamaha quality and reliability. Headlights are excellent and both lights are on. Not this stupid one on one off light. Overall it's just a very fun bike to ride. I've been riding for a lot of years and this bikes performance abilities are far beyond my skills.

I've used a Harbor Freight tire changer for the last 10 years. I've scratched several rims until I got some experience and learned a technique to changing tires. Dynabeads work really well to balance tires. Just pour in 2-3 ounces in the tire when it's half on. There are a couple of good Youtube videos on using the Harbor Freight changer.

I live in Little Hocking at the southern end of 555 so route begins here. Route 7 north about 1 mile Parkersburg exit to the right (bypasses around Parkersburg) take bypass to the Staunton Ave exit about 3 miles to interstate 77 south about 3 more miles to Mineralwells exit rt. 14 to Elizabeth follow 14 from Elizabeth to Spencer from Spencer take 33\119 to Arnoldsburg 16 north to Grantsville 16n from Grantsville to Smithville route 47 from Smithville to Parkersburg 155 miles total round trip back to 555 and Little Hocking.

I've had several Arai and Shoei helmets but the my current Bell RS1 is the most quiet helmet I've owned. Motorcyclecloseouts.com has them for around $240. Helmet is Snell rated and runs true to size. Also shield can be changed in less than 10 seconds. Good helmet at a reasonable price.

I've had Arai, and Shoei helmets and have come to the conclusion there is no such thing as a quiet full face helmet. I've ridden with ear plugs for over 20 years and ear plugs will cut the noise on any helmet. It's not just the helmet but other factors that contribute also to wind noise. Windshield shape, head winds. For me it's a lot more enjoyable ride wearing ear plugs. If you're looking for a quiet helmet the Bell RS1 that I have now is the quietest full face helmet I've owned.

I've been up that way many times. Lake Placid is really a great place. Mountains, Olympics stuff, lot of things to do and see. Going to the top of Whiteface Mountain is a great ride. We stay at Mountain View Inn which is in downtown Lake Placid. Nice rooms and reasonably priced (at least for Lake Placid.) First time we stayed there we arrived on bikes in the rain in the dark. The owner took his BMW car out of his garage and told us to put our bikes in his garage. Nice people.

I've had a pair for about a year now. I use them as an offroad boot. These boots are not made in Italy any more but China. They are comfortable but very heavy. Worst feature is the buckling system. I had to take a screwdriver to flip the metal rod out of the clasp to unbuckle. Finally took a dremel and widened the plastic clasp where the metal buckles into. Helped some. I paid $199 and because of the buckling system were not worth that. But for $99 they're worth that.

If you're going to Lake George do yourself a favor and head 90 miles north to Lake Placid. Lake Placid is about the most beautiful place east of Colorado.

Some of the lesser used roads here in Southeastern Ohio like parts of 144 and 124, ODOT is using somekind of tar and chip paving. Leaves the road with gravel on it and lumpy. Just ruins it for motorcycles. I hope this is not there future paving policy.

Forked Run State Park in Washington County Ohio. 30 minutes south of Marietta. Close to Ohio River and great roads. Hardly ever crowded.