Russ, sorry I missed your call the other day. Believe it or not, I was out riding with my son, he on the Triumph and me on the Shadow. Might be my last ride on the Honda as it's up for sale along with the Lance Duke 250. I'll be doing most of my riding on the Xciting 500 from now on (or until I get the new 700ri or a Burgman 650 Exec). I just ordered the taller Givi windscreen for it to hold down the wind buffeting and maybe extend my riding season an extra month. How'd you like the x500? Enough power, you think, for the freeway? Mine seems to roll along pretty comfortably at 70-75 with a little bit of reserve. I ride pretty conservatively now, anyhow.

Going up to Philly to visit a sick friend. He just had a second stroke in as many weeks. Doesn't look too good. I'm afraid we've reached an age where this kind of stuff starts happening to our friends and peers (and to US). Talk to you when I get back.

chas