What Did You Do To Your FJR Today?

424468 Views 3380 Replies 546 Participants Last post by bradman, 4 d ago

SoCalFJR

Discussion Starter · Mar 23, 2014 (Edited)

I changed windscreens from a Cal Sci Sport tinted shorty to a Cee Bailey plus 2 tinted reverse flip.

Big difference in quality.

The Cal Sci had very rough edges, looked like it was cut with a hack saw and not finished or polished.
The Cee Bailey had a much better finish with the edges polished nicely.

Went for a ride today and I like it!!

Wind protection for me is better than the Cal Sci especially with the screen up all the way.

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Reserector

· #3,261 · 3 mo ago

10

So here's the whole run-down from this weekend;
On Saturday morning, I met up with a few friends at the Blessing of the Bikes.

Wheel Tire Cloud Sky Land vehicle

On Saturday and Sunday afternoons I knocked out all of the maintenance on the rear of the FJR1300.
Tire (Road 6 GT).

Automotive tire Motor vehicle Abrasive saw Saw Automotive design

Brakes (OEM).

Road surface Wood Font Asphalt Tar

Drive shaft Spline lube. (Moly Paste. All else got grease) No pics because my hands were greasy.
Added a t-stem and TPMS system. (Will add front stem when I tear down the front.)

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To be continued....

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Reserector

· #3,262 · 3 mo ago (Edited)

7

Swapped to an '07 model OEM shock assembly to get a better spring rate.
'03 on the left. ,07 on the right. There's really no visual difference, so I broke out the caliper...

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'03 Lower spring wire diameter:

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'03 Upper spring wire diameter:

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'07 Lower spring wire diameter:

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'07 Upper spring wire diameter:

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You can see that the '07 has thicker wire. All else seems to be identical. I'm sure there is a valving change to go along with the spring rate.

Also swapped to a short-throw shift arm from an R1.

Automotive tire Automotive design Motor vehicle Automotive lighting Vehicle brake

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No more shifting like a tractor. This feels right! Thanks for sharing this hack.

So many improvements! I can't wait to do the front! It will be like a whole new, more spirited machine.

Afterward, I had a good test ride! It's starting to feel like a sport bike SHOULD.
I took off, smacked the clutch and the front came up quicker and higher than ever with the same input. The new shock transfers the power instead of absorbing it! I need to begin relearning, now.

The '07 shock was at 9 clicks out, while my '03 was at 7 clicks out on the HARD setting. I ran the newer shock in to 7 clicks to start with, but it was too harsh, even on the SOFT setting. I am back to 9, but will likely go at least one more.
I used to flat foot, but now I am not quite flat footed. Static height is the same, but it doesn't sink as much under my weight. I'm sure it will sit a bit higher once the front springs are done.

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Benhameen

· #3,263 · 3 mo ago

Made two uncharacteristic mistakes while riding yesterday. Turned in front of a car at a stop light, thought I had the turn arrow, guess not. Car was paying attention and patient with me. Next stop light I attempted to stop while the light was turning yellow, riding buddy did not and blew past me. Maybe that one was his fault. Half a mile from home thinking about other things instead of what I should have been. Lesson learned…

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DesertBike

· #3,264 · 3 mo ago

A proper rear shock can absolutely transform a bike.

Absolute night and day difference when I had that done on my old Vstrom.

Swapping out the rear shock on an -ES is somewhat major surgery. I'll probably save it for the 50k mile mark.

red

· #3,265 · 3 mo ago

Reserector said:
So here's the whole run-down from this weekend;

View attachment 91048

To be continued....

Reserector,

I have not used that particular tire, but you may want to release a few PSI on the rear tire, to help with the harsh ride back there. The rear should feel planted, but not harsh. If the front end wants to fall into turns, add a few PSI to the front tire. Tires and pressures (even a few PSI) can make a big difference to the FJR handling and feel.

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Rumblestrip

· #3,266 · 3 mo ago

Rode the scoot into work as was a nice 55 degree morning. Some "fastest color" red '14 was clogging up the left lane on I-77 , so myself and about 20 cars had to snake around him on the right.. UGH !!!
Did notice the temp gauge didn't get above 160 during the commute and just to about 180 at traffic lights. So will check the new thermostat in a couple days to see if it's faulty.

Reactions: 2

Reserector

· #3,267 · 3 mo ago

red said:
Reserector,

I have not used that particular tire, but you may want to release a few PSI on the rear tire, to help with the harsh ride back there. The rear should feel planted, but not harsh. If the front end wants to fall into turns, add a few PSI to the front tire. Tires and pressures (even a few PSI) can make a big difference to the FJR handling and feel.

The particulars of what you are seeing: I had inflated the new tire to 42 psi the previous evening. Air temp at that time was around 70°F.
I took that photo of the TPMS right after airing up the front tire to 36 and moving it into the shade. The bike had been sitting in direct sun on an 80+° day moments before I moved it and took the photo.

I left the pressures as they were to see how they fluctuate under normal riding conditions. For example, I started out this morning with a static reading of 38 front / 45 rear. 70°F
As I rode, I looked again and the pressures came down to 36 / 41. Must have been the cool road surface affecting the pressure.
So, my early conclusion is that the best we can do is set "cold" tire pressure and expect it to fluctuate beyond our control during a ride. Will it affect handling and ride? You betcha'.
It's something I've often "felt" while riding, and was aware of in cool weather, especially. Now I have data to back up my suspicions.

BTW, I backed off one more click and it feels great. Now the front feels mushy, yet harsh by comparison.

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mortenk

· #3,268 · 3 mo ago

Rumblestrip said:
Did notice the temp gauge didn't get above 160 during the commute and just to about 180 at traffic lights. So will check the new thermostat in a couple days to see if it's faulty.

Do you feel this is improper behavior? I always see around 160 degF while cruising, and during stops the temp will slowly rise until fans kick in at 221 degF. However, if my traffic stops aren't long and weather isn't super hot, 180 degF doesn't sound "wrong" at all. Simply let your bike idle after you come home with a warm engine and check that fans kick in at 221 and then turn off again at 212.

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Rumblestrip

· #3,269 · 3 mo ago

mortenk said:
Do you feel this is improper behavior? I always see around 160 degF while cruising, and during stops the temp will slowly rise until fans kick in at 221 degF. However, if my traffic stops aren't long and weather isn't super hot, 180 degF doesn't sound "wrong" at all. Simply let your bike idle after you come home with a warm engine and check that fans kick in at 221 and then turn off again at 212.

I'm not a temp gauge stare-er at-er, but do remember operating range from the past years usually in the 170-180 range. And would creep to the 200 mark at the same lights riding to work.
Over the past month, replaced coolant and thermostat ( and other service stuff ) as the bike clicked over 100k miles. Perhaps it's just fresh coolant and thermostat working at optimum levels. But was odd enuff versus what I'm used to seeing, that I noticed it.

RaYzerman

· #3,270 · 3 mo ago

I don't think the coolant temps are that unusual for a 55 F day........

As for tire pressure, best not have the bike sitting in the sun to check pressures.... normally assumed they should be set as if ~70F. I usually use 40/42 as minimums on an FJR.

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Reserector

· #3,271 · 3 mo ago

That's why I usually adjust my air pressure while the bike is parked in my living room, but that day it was already outside, and I was tired.

red

· #3,272 · 3 mo ago

Reserector said:
That's why I usually adjust my air pressure while the bike is parked in my living room, but that day it was already outside, and I was tired.

Reserector,

Not my business, really, but most home-owners/renters insurance goes totally void when a motor vehicle is kept in the house instead of the garage. Does not matter if the gas tank is drained, or even removed. No coverage for anything that happens, whether vehicle related or not.
People with lithium battery fires from a scooter may get a wake-up call, after the fact.
Better check with your insurance guy; please don't take my word on this.

Reserector

· #3,273 · 3 mo ago

red said:
Reserector,

Not my business, really, but most home-owners/renters insurance goes totally void when a motor vehicle is kept in the house instead of the garage. Does not matter if the gas tank is drained, or even removed. No coverage for anything that happens, whether vehicle related or not.
People with lithium battery fires from a scooter may get a wake-up call, after the fact.
Better check with your insurance guy; please don't take my word on this.

That was sarcasm. I don't actually store my bike indoors. I was reacting to the point made about setting cold tire pressure using 70°F as a basis. I don't feel that it is practical.
I do appreciate your concern, though, because it is genuine. Thanks for being a good dude.

Reactions: 1

red

· #3,274 · 3 mo ago

Reserector said:
That was sarcasm. I don't actually store my bike indoors.
I do appreciate your concern, though, because it is genuine. Thanks for being a good dude.

Reserector,
Okay, no problem then.

I'm a hang glider pilot, and I taught personal flyin' for decades. It was not too unusual to hear a new pilot had brought the glider into the house, and slept in or under the sail material. I can relate; these are the real wings that have grown from their shoulders. Now and then, I hear tell of bikers who bring a bike inside, either just to be within reach, or simply to prevent theft. I understand both people entirely, but with a bike, reality may be an issue. Never know.

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chazglenn3

· #3,275 · 3 mo ago

Changed the battery. Even though it was plugged in all winter it wouldn't start the bike. No complaints from me...it was 7 years old.

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Reserector

· #3,276 · 3 mo ago

chazglenn3 said:
Changed the battery. Even though it was plugged in all winter it wouldn't start the bike. No complaints from me...it was 7 years old.

I'm curious what brand and model it is. I got 8 years from a factory installed Yuasa once. Its replacement only lasted a few years with regular use. I guess they keep the best ones in Japan.

Reactions: 1

chazglenn3

· #3,277 · 3 mo ago

I bought one of these in May 2016 and got another one delivered yesterday. Great deal and good life!

Reserector

· #3,278 · 3 mo ago

chazglenn3 said:
I bought one of these in May 2016 and got another one delivered yesterday. Great deal and good life!

Amazon.com

Thanks! Same price on eBay, so I carted one and hit "save for later". Now, when my current (pun recognized) battery fails, I can pull the trigger on that one.

Reactions: 1

Barsinister

· #3,279 · 3 mo ago

Rumblestrip said:
Rode the scoot into work as was a nice 55 degree morning. Some "fastest color" red '14 was clogging up the left lane on I-77 , so myself and about 20 cars had to snake around him on the right.. UGH !!!
Did notice the temp gauge didn't get above 160 during the commute and just to about 180 at traffic lights. So will check the new thermostat in a couple days to see if it's faulty.

I rode my superfast red colored FJR to work Yesterday too, In possibly the same area you mention. I had to think if it were me and I concluded it couldn't have possibly have been. I left late thinking traffic would have lightened up. NOPE. I usually drive my truck in at 540am and experience 0 traffic. 485 came to a stop numerous times. Got on 77 and it too was stopped. Snuck into the toll lanes that were empty and got off 3 exits later. I wasn't passed 😁 . I will not be riding in at that time ever again. Too many dumb cagers.

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Jim D

· #3,280 · 3 mo ago

I cured my Arachniphobia I hope. All gone except #2 & #5 and those were cleaned. Plus a new and larger ground (earth) all the way to the battery.

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