Good thing you didn't stop me...

[Azzy]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/2456137847_5d7e7e21a7.jpg?v=0

Here she is kids! Finally got it Last night.

First impressions: Glad I made this decision. It handles well, its got more muscle than I need at the moment, but will give me what I need in the future. It feels so solid, the riding position is comfy, and it just feels right. Oh, and I think its gorgeous.

I'm not sure if its me, the bike, or just getting to know a new machine, but I stalled it out twice -- once up a hill in second gear, and once 3 minutes after I picked it up. I'm learning you need to keep the revs up just a little and modulate the clutch nice and easy.

Questions that have come up in the last 12 hours:

1) What do people recommend for locks -- or do you use locks?

2) My helmet is the same one Ive been using for autocross since ~1998. I should probably get a new one, huh?

3) I don't plan on doing huge trips anytime soon, but think that some general luggage might be a good idea -- maybe a seat bag. Any comments?

Thanks again for all the support, the nice comments, and all the great info that I got from you guys that lead me to this desicion!!

Mike

[Pat H]

Don't fret too much till you have the first 500 mile service done. the bike changes a lot during those early miles as does your riding style.
Wait till it's all shaken down and see what your left with.
Oh and welcome to this exclusive club (well not that exclusive, they let me in!)

[Mike in Ohio]

I read somewhere that life expectancy of helmets is about 3 years even where they've never been dropped.
i have a disc lock but I figure--why do I pay insurance anyway. I think the brand is called "Disclock" or something equally as simple.
There's no room on that bike for anything unless you pack it on the bike. I own an ST but I owned the "S" for a few months. I used a soft duffle bag bungeed to the seat. I now have the OEM panniers and love them, despite their relatively high price.
Have fun and welcome to the club

[Pat H]

Yup a new lid every few years is a must. For some of us theres important stuff in there.

I have a big chain and lock but leave it locked to the metal hoop at work (don't need it at home as it's garaged)
Locking to an impovable object is better than a disk lock as the most common method of theft (here in London) is lift onto back of truck.

[de100kb]

Nice bike Azzy :D I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do[clap]

[Nigelc]

Azzy welcome to the club. I stalled when I first got mine and have to admit it was the rider as I don't do it now! Nigel c

[stainman]

Welcome Azzy. You have the best colour there. I would say a new helmet is a good idea.
Plenty of options for Tankbags a search should find plenty of Info.
Enjoy the Bike.
:D

[GAJ]

I use a small retractable cable lock that I bought at a bicycle store; it has a combination lock, so no need for a second key, it's about the size of a pack of cigarettes and I run the 3 foot retractable cable through the back rack on my ST (you could put through the grab handles on your S) and around the chin bar on my full face and voila. This way your helmet can't be easily stolen by cutting the strap and there's less chance of someone putting something nasty inside it.

The lock in the US cost me about $12.

Nice bike!

My first car was yellow, (VW Rabbit back in '76).

[lostboy]

Azzy thats a fine looking machine, do it proud and choose your accessories carefully, I rekon a nice tank bag and or maybe a seat bag if you really have to store stuff. Other than that get a new lid for sure, nice arai if cash isn't to much of a problem or if its no problem at all - Sport Integral Carbon - its outragously expensive lmao

[Roadpizza]

Congratulations! YELLOW Looks just great...period.[:D][:D][:D]

[EJ_92606]

My first car was yellow, (VW Rabbit back in '76).

Hey, my first car was a '75 Rabbit, yellow too!!!

To the original poster...love the color!

[Roadpizza]

I had a Champagne Edition with burgundy interior. I forget what year but, it was the first year with fuel injection and it went like stink! Very fun car.....

[Azzy]

I first learned to drive in an 81 rabbit -- when I was 8!