New guy here - I bought a 2012 two weeks ago. I am having a blast with the bike and learning a lot in the process. I started riding in August last year (42 years old) so I'm taking things nice and slow. I have the KTRC set on 3 and it is very docile under ordinary usage.

I have 500 miles in it so far. I did an oil change and cleaned and lubed the chain today. The free service manual download here is awesome. I used 4qt 12oz of M1 10W40, the OEM filter and a new crush washer (29¢) for the oil change and Maxima chain cleaner and wax for the chain. I bought a Pit-Bull stand for the bike which really helps with the maintenance. My next job to tackle is adjusting the chain tension.

I don't have the seat cowl yet because the selling dealer forgot to put it on, but they are sending it to me. I chose the blue version because I like blue a lot. There are two green versions within 50 miles of where I live. I don't need more power but I suspect I will be purchasing some sort of exhaust dealio soon to get a better sound. I suppose I have a lot of research to do. I'd really like to trim some of the weight off of the bike. I have a Muzzy fender eliminator kit that I need to install, too.

The only issue I have had so far is when I put it in first gear it thunks quite a bit but I assume that is normal. I also have been shifting 2-3, 3-4, 4-5 and 5-6 without the clutch. It shifts perfectly smooth that way so I hope I am not destroying the transmission!

Anyways, I tend to ramble so I'll stop here. I hope to learn a lot from you all! (The picture below sucks because I don't have a real camera.)

G'day Xyzzy Luv the bike mate

My kingdom for a garage as big as yours, lol Welcome!

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog

I haven't had a nice garage for over 10 years. I had to park my last two Corvettes outside and it killed me.

My dream is a custom garage with a storage lift for working and storing cars, A/C, a heater, a refridgerator and a bunk area upstairs with a computer and a TV.

But, for now, I am very happy.

You should see the entrance angle to my driveway. I have only had the current Corvette for a month or so and the rubber skirt up front is showing serious signs of abrasion. Fortunately it is a sacrificial part.

I was able to get the Muzzy fender eliminator installed so now I am looking for my next mod. I am never happy to leave things alone, but that is half of the fun, right?

We finally got a picture with the cowl and fender eliminator installed.

The blue looks better and better every day.

Full-size picture.

* Last updated by: Xyzzy on 5/11/2012 @ 10:44 PM *

Sweet machines, but dude, I'd kill a small elephant to have a garage like that...