mcatrophy
Privileged to ride a 2018 FJR1300AS
Ok, probably destined for NEPRTdom, but might be of interest to someone.
Nomenclature: Because off Yamaha's curious naming differences between markets (see here), let me firstly say that my Gen III AS has the adjustable suspension of the FJR1300ES in America and Canada (and possibly other areas). So for probably most readers, this applies to riders of the FJR1300ES.
When I got my 2014 FJR1300AS, I rode it the 9 miles home from the dealer, with the suspension set for "Rider only, Standard". I was somewhat taken aback by the very poor comfort level, my best description was that the front and back of the bike seemed totally out of touch with each other, and the ride was very harsh.
My first thoughts were "What the hell have I done, buying this?" Particularly knowing that most riders talk about the FJR's suspension as under-sprung. I've been very happy on both of my Gen IIs, weighing in at a mere 145 pounds (plus gear), maybe I'm simply not heavy enough for my Gen II AS? Most riders appear to have significantly more weight than me.
Over the next few rides, I started to play around with the settings, and I found that the "Hard" setting gave probably the best balance between front and back, but still a very harsh ride. However, on the plus side, from when I first had it, the bike gave me far more confidence on the road. Most noticeable was that, without thinking, i was taking corners significantly faster than with my Gen IIs.
Anyway, today I went out for a ride (SWMBO is away for a couple of days, so I can play a little). Before I went, I checked the tyre pressures (as I generally do once a week or before any significant ride). They were 40 front, 42 rear.
Since new, I've never put air into the front tyre. Every time I've checked it it's been 40 or over (depending on temperature I suppose). Anyway, I've known from first reading the Driver's Manual for this bike that Yamaha recommends 36 PSI whereas for my Gen IIs the recommendation was 39. Presumably what my dealer assumed for my Gen III. Most comments on this forum have said "Run 40 front, 43 rear" or similar, except for some (all?) years of the Gen I. So I've been leaving mine at this pressure.
Today, I decided to drop the pressure to the nominal 36. Then off I go for a 115-odd mile loop, through some nice twisty roads, nice autumnal scenery, nice weather - a perfect way to fill a few hours (2:50, actually).
What a transformation! All that teeth-rattling juddering has gone. Front and back move together. There's something approaching my Gen IIs' comfort levels available. The "Hard", "Standard" and "Soft" settings all feel better.
Downsides? Perhaps not quite as pointy in the front, maybe that front rail it was riding on has become a groove it rides in. Still very good handling, though. Also, possibly a bit more noise from the front tyre when braking hard.
Seems to me that Yamaha might actually know what that pressure should be, after all it is one of the suspension design parameters.
Don't yet know what affect this might have on wet roadholding or wear, but I'm going to run it at 36 or near from now on.
Who knows, this might be the point when acquaintance turns into lurve
.
Nomenclature: Because off Yamaha's curious naming differences between markets (see here), let me firstly say that my Gen III AS has the adjustable suspension of the FJR1300ES in America and Canada (and possibly other areas). So for probably most readers, this applies to riders of the FJR1300ES.
When I got my 2014 FJR1300AS, I rode it the 9 miles home from the dealer, with the suspension set for "Rider only, Standard". I was somewhat taken aback by the very poor comfort level, my best description was that the front and back of the bike seemed totally out of touch with each other, and the ride was very harsh.
My first thoughts were "What the hell have I done, buying this?" Particularly knowing that most riders talk about the FJR's suspension as under-sprung. I've been very happy on both of my Gen IIs, weighing in at a mere 145 pounds (plus gear), maybe I'm simply not heavy enough for my Gen II AS? Most riders appear to have significantly more weight than me.
Over the next few rides, I started to play around with the settings, and I found that the "Hard" setting gave probably the best balance between front and back, but still a very harsh ride. However, on the plus side, from when I first had it, the bike gave me far more confidence on the road. Most noticeable was that, without thinking, i was taking corners significantly faster than with my Gen IIs.
Anyway, today I went out for a ride (SWMBO is away for a couple of days, so I can play a little). Before I went, I checked the tyre pressures (as I generally do once a week or before any significant ride). They were 40 front, 42 rear.
Since new, I've never put air into the front tyre. Every time I've checked it it's been 40 or over (depending on temperature I suppose). Anyway, I've known from first reading the Driver's Manual for this bike that Yamaha recommends 36 PSI whereas for my Gen IIs the recommendation was 39. Presumably what my dealer assumed for my Gen III. Most comments on this forum have said "Run 40 front, 43 rear" or similar, except for some (all?) years of the Gen I. So I've been leaving mine at this pressure.
Today, I decided to drop the pressure to the nominal 36. Then off I go for a 115-odd mile loop, through some nice twisty roads, nice autumnal scenery, nice weather - a perfect way to fill a few hours (2:50, actually).
What a transformation! All that teeth-rattling juddering has gone. Front and back move together. There's something approaching my Gen IIs' comfort levels available. The "Hard", "Standard" and "Soft" settings all feel better.
Downsides? Perhaps not quite as pointy in the front, maybe that front rail it was riding on has become a groove it rides in. Still very good handling, though. Also, possibly a bit more noise from the front tyre when braking hard.
Seems to me that Yamaha might actually know what that pressure should be, after all it is one of the suspension design parameters.
Don't yet know what affect this might have on wet roadholding or wear, but I'm going to run it at 36 or near from now on.
Who knows, this might be the point when acquaintance turns into lurve
Cruise helps me relax on long, high-speed cruises. One useful and under-reported feature of CC is that it allows you to pick your preferred speed (limit + a bit), and not go OVER it. This can be wallet saving on a bike that will hit three figure speeds without any apparent discomfort.
