Since my hatching day is this weekend, my family took me out to eat tonight.  I chose one of the more relaxed and laid back seafood establishments to get my oyster on, Shuckers Oyster Bar.  This was the first time I have used the REX for anything other than commuting or riding for the sheer joy of it.  One of the things I like about this place is that half the seating is outside and they reserve a section of parking lot right in front of the door for motorcycles only.

When I pulled up, there must have been a good dozen or so bikes there already.  Folks that took the day to enjoy the weather that is finally starting to cool down from the horrible southern heat that’s plagued us the last couple months and were stopping in to get their oyster on too.  I’ll admit that the Kawi green REX looked out of place amongst what was strictly cruisers and one spyder, all of them black with the exception of one burnt orange Honda.  As we sat waiting, and waiting, and waiting for some service (but that’s a whole ‘nother story), I began to notice a trend as all the other bike riders left.  Nearly each and every one of them stopped at the REX to give it a good looking over with what mostly seemed like curiosity but a couple of them talking to each other and nodding their heads approvingly.  I might add that most of them were slightly older riders.  I mention this only because most people under around 35ish usually look at my REX as “just an old bike”.  It was nice to see so many people have some appreciation for something that isn’t your standard run of the mill cruiser or sport bike.  Around here Harley is usually the road king with most people and ‘busa/CBR/ZX being popular with the kids.

There was another guy that wasn’t a rider that night go out and give it a once over who then came over to talk to me about it.  He asked how long I’ve had the bike and after answering, he asked if I got it at an auction.  Turns out that he knew the previous owner and spun me a story that explains why the bike had sat for a couple years before showing up at the auction I bought it from.  Turns out the previous owner went to prison.  I didn’t ask any particulars about what happened to get him there, I just hope that he doesn’t get out one day looking for his bike.

Once finished eating, we convened at my house to hang out for a while more and the family broke out some gifts.  They were some really nice items.  First up was a set of Crystal Head Vodka that came with 2 skull shaped shot glasses.  While this wouldn’t normally be hugely noteworthy, this particular bottle is autographed by the great Aykroyd himself when he was in town.  My brother had told me about him showing up for a meet and greet but I wasn’t able to make it out, thankfully I have thoughtful family members and he grabbed a bottle for me while he was there.  Thanks Bro!  The second item was a pair of Xelement XG-852 deerskin gauntlet riding gloves.  These are so much better than my basic leather glove that I have been using as gear.  They have a double layered pre-curved palm, anti-slip material on the thumb/index/middle fingers, gel padded palm heel, fleece interior with 40g of thinsulate and the gauntlet part is zippered for removal in warmer weather.  I also like the fact that they fit so much more snug than my basic pair does so I shouldn’t have any issue with gaps and the glove wanting to bunch up and travel on me like the current pair does.  I can’t wait to give them a try.

Sometime last week the engine case slide rails finally came in and I had some free time today so I figured I would install them.  They are built by Zeus Armor who custom makes a number of parts and accessories for bikes.  I wanted a little protection for the engine in case I was to ever lay the bike down.  Here is a shot of the pieces before.

And a few shots of the bike’s engine before the install.

After working out the best way to get the rails on since they came with no instructions I set to taking the stock bolts and rods off.  Once everything was test fitted and placed, they bolted right up without issue.  Here are some after shots.

They add about 10 lbs to the bike weight but I think it will be worth it in the long run.  They also came out with some highway foot pegs that can go in place of the pucks for long rides right after I received the rails and I might have to consider a set of those for trips.

I also took the time to put the horn back on.  I’ve been riding without it for a couple weeks now since I replaced the stock radiator mounts with smaller lighter ones.  I didn’t think I would miss it that much but there have been a few incidences where I really needed it to blare at asshats pulling dick moves on the road.  so I pulled it’s mount off the old shroud and looked around for a place to put it.  Found one right below where it originally was were the wires would reach in their stock location so no other mods were needed.

Along the way I put in the shorter RAM mount arm so the phone isn’t sticking way up in the air off the bars any longer.  Then ran a phone charging cable under the tank to the storage compartment and hooked it up to a Battery Tender USB quick disconnect plug that I can hook up when I need some juice to the phone.

And finally, I played with some of the suspension settings to see if I can make the ride any better since I know that stock it was setup for a 150 lb rider which is half of me when geared up.  I put everything a couple clicks to the harder side than stock on both the forks and rear shocks.  Now I just need to go for a ride and see how it goes.