Changes...

Damn... it's been a while since the last post. Anywho, there's been quite a few changes since then. Where to start... Well, first off, I'm gettin' outta the Army! I found that I can get paid better, work less and not have to dodge insurgents or Al Qaeda out in the big sandbox if I work in the civilian world. Yeah, I can't jump outta planes and helicopters for $150 a month, but I just want some stabilization in my life.
I'm gonna live and work in the SF Bay area, I'm all giddy like a school girl! Finally a metro area and not the damn sticks of North Carolina. The only thing I'll miss from NC is the pork barbeque "samiches". Dat hogs some good eatin'!!! After living on the east coast since the 80s, I'm definitely looking forward to the move out west. A lot more opportunities for recreation (motorcycling offroad, cycling, camping, traveling). My trip to Yosemite NP back in '04 was just a teaser for what lies ahead.
Other changes... Well I've done quite a few mods to my bad ass motorscooter. I bought some choice bits from Touratech - footpeg relocation kit, Magura X-Line kit; flexible blinkers, Adventure Pipe w/ faux pipe/storage, and Acerbis handguards.

The Footpeg relocation kit is a great upgrade and improves the ergos of the bike. This kit in conjunction with the Magura X-Line handlebars/risers makes standing while riding much more comfortable. The old pegs were too small; the shifter was the non-collapsible type and had a marking rubber tip.

The Adventure Pipe with faux pipe/storage is the schiznit! Now the bike sounds like a proper thumper and the improved power is noticeable. The power now comes at a simple twist of the throttle. Basically the system is just a Staintune pipe offered by AME, which, I must say, does a great job of repackaging the system and tailoring it the the F650. Both the exhaust and storage pipe were a simple bolt on mod and the system retains the look of the stock twin exhaust.
The storage pipe is a great area for tool and misc storage. It's lockable and reasonably weatherproof. I think the total weight savings from the stock system is about 6-7 lbs. I love the way the endcap looks just like an exhaust tip. Very stealthy.