Back on-topic...
Well, as planned, I met with the fearless leader of HBR at their headquarters yesterday afternoon.
We went over all the 'busa production pieces and prototypes they have in their line-up. (There are (not one, but) two Gen2 'busas in their facility which they use for design and fitment efforts.) We talked about the Hayabusa (in general, and of course, the new, just-announced '09 colors), the .oRg (it's close-knit member-base, family-feel, percent population desire for after-market upgrades, etc.), among numerous other aspects, all 'busa focused.
Additionally, I talked extensively with their Rider Support contact, Matt, who has been invaluable to me in building a new .oRg relationship with HBR. He's an awesome connection and will be a huge asset to anyone (from here) who has any HBR related wants/needs.
We set up a loose time-line for the balance of the pieces they're wanting reviewed. It's an impressive list.
1. Undertail
2. Tire Hugger
3. Ram Air Scoops w/Integrated blacked-out front signals (they're
sweet, BTW)
In addition to these things, Roger,
el jefe (boss-man, translated from Spanish, of course), offered their windscreen, as well, at my next visit there. "Cool," I thought to myself.
We also discussed, briefly, their providing more detailed, higher-quality (color) instructions to accompany parts which would require them. They agreed to look hard at that, and I offered to assist (everything from editing to paper-to-practice).
To demonstrate how valuable this rider-support meeting was, our relationship evolved from 'here's the parts; let us know what you think' to 'let's set up our next meeting when you can bring the 'busa here and we'll do the install for you.'
Again, who is luckier than me? I don't know.
What I do know, though, is that everyone (who is interested in HBR products) from this family has just become a little 'richer', a little 'phatter', for this meeting.
Lastly, and I feel, very importantly, when we were discussing HBR exposure, Roger intimated to me that he's more interested in the exposure to the Hayabusa community
through this forum than my assessment article which will appear in
Rider's Review. I was somewhat taken-aback because
Rider's Review is a magazine which covers all motorcycle models and types, ride reviews, product reviews, etc. To this publication, I am a regular contributor, as many you are aware.
We put off the photo-shoot for a couple of weeks, when the bike is there for it's 'fitting'; I'll share 'em with you when I get 'em.
uke:
we wait...
