Alrighty, y'all, I finally did it - I got my CBR lowered today and what a difference it makes! They dropped it an inch-and-a-half, added an adjustable side stand, and put on the frame sliders. The only thing they couldn't put on were the lever guards, but it was only because they didn't fit right. I was able to put me feet almost all the way down in traffic, and it is the most stable I have felt on it. Super happy!

If anyone was ever planning to visit Vancouver Island on motorcycle, I'd recommend timing it to the Port Alberni Toy Run on September 19 and 20, 2026. https://portalbernitoyrun.ca/ This is one of the biggest and best toy runs I've ever been on. The average attendance is between 800 and 1600 motorcycles, depending on the weather. The actual ride starts at Little Qualicum falls, and then rides about 30-40 minutes to Port Alberni, where half the town comes out to welcome the bikes. Lawn chairs are 5-10 deep in good viewing spots, it's like a parade. https://youtu.be/qDNlBUMi5ZE?si=yLLPDR5Hva7Pg8gN The police close the highway going West until all the bikes are past. So it's probably the safest toy ride I've ever been on as well. https://youtu.be/ybRhT9lo_B8?si=n1hqab_G-OUl4b_j

I had a realisation that i've been doing everything subconscious from the start. It's now the 2nd week since i started riding my daily route to work (it's a ~10km heavy trafic center city route). As a new rider i thought trafic would scare me. But i've been riding defensively from the very start thanks to the hours and hours i've watched Dans videos and teachings. Started watching almost 10 months ago, before i even got my licence and my bike. And all of that got into my subconsciousness. I can see AND hear in my head "side of the vehicle", open lane, road hazard ect. and avoid every possible threat. I have conditioned myself to notice the key things to be safe. Brake just in case and then accelerate out of it. And all of that without activelly thinking about it. So i find it easy to get into motorcycling. Of cource i know that i have a lot to learn and build up my skills and experience as i'm very green, but i love it so much. Thank you @Daniel Tolomei for your time and effort that you put into your videos and the knowledge that you share! You made it a lot easier and enjoyable for me and i'm sure for a lot of other people as well!

I was riding the Port Renfrew Loop today, when a bear crossed the road. I'll see if it's on my bike security camera. (It was).

When coming to a stop at an intersection like this and you're first in line try to position yourself at the green box if that particular intersection does not have a dedicated left turn lane reason being is sometimes a car will cut that corner short where the red box is especially if they are trying to beat the light they'll take the blue line rather than the purple line