First of all I would like to thank Hayabusa.org and all its members for the warm welcome. This if my very first post on this site but I have been dropping by from time to time. I have been ridding my 02 LE Hayabusa for about 2 years. My first bike was a 98 Kawasaki ZX9R. I had it only 8 months before going for the big dawg. Although I have not been ridding as long as most of you I do however have much respect for this machine. I have already attended the beginners and advanced ridding courses. I have also ridden with many instructors to improve my ridding skills. I would not recommend anyone start out with this bike no matter how mature you think you are. Normally 8 months would probably not be long enough either but I just happen to be a natural. In saying so I am by no means cocky or over confident. Just 5 months ago I was kind of showing off and before I new it the bike and I went down. I managed to stop but it was extremely too heavy to hold up. Long story short, minor damage thanks to the frame sliders. I have spent many nights wondering what to post but I wait no longer. I've been living in Japan for about 15 years, 35 years old, 1 child and a great Japanese wife. I am prior military but now work for the navy as a civilian. I will now attempt to post some pictures of my bike. I look forward to learning all about my bike.