Since it's been cold...

Here's a few pics of the stuff I've done to the bike over the last week. Some of it was long over due, some of it was on a whim.

First I cleaned up and rewired the mess under the seat where I keep the PDB (wired for 2 heated liners and 12v acc plug)and the little compressor with TP guage.



Then I installed the new Datel Voltmeter to keep an eye on the battery while running all the crap I potentially have attached to the bike.

I copied the idea from 05FJRBlueDevil's install I found here on the forum.

I may someday tie this in on a relay when I do a front PDB/realy for the heated grips install, but since the bike never sits for more than a week I can't see it really putting a dent in the battery charge.



While all the ABCD panels were off I added in a LONG overdue weatherproof 12v acc plug that reaches the tankbag for the BlackBerry(music and GPS), the tire pump also plugs in here. It's powered by the PDB.



While my father was here (also rides an FJR) I got him to help me install the new EPM spring kit on the front and rear. I totally failed to get pics of the front but it was a crazy easy install so here is a pic of the newly installed rear spring ready to go back on the bike. In retrospect, next time I'll pay a suspension shop the 50 bucks to pop on the new spring rather than fight with a pair of MacPherson strut compressors to swap them out. 835lb springs don't compress easily with hand tools.



now if the weather would just cooperate I could go enjoy all this stuff.

WOW!!! that's one mother of a spring.



I am not sure what the stock spring is rated for but it sure looks like that rear tire aint movin.

Dave

Yeah, its rated at 832 lbs. It's actually just a little too stiff for me alone. (190 in gear) 2-up is amazing though. Can't complain for 140$.

Great job.

That's it? You have plenty of time, get more farkles and get 'er done!

Time I got. Fistfuls of Benjamins I do not.

Nonetheless, I plan on adding heated grips and Vstrom hand guards soon and I have a remote sensor thermometer for ambient temps on the way. beyond that I honestly can't think of anything else I need. I dont want GPS or Audiovox Cruise Control.

ACK! I totally forgot to list these on the list:

It's a pic stolen from the website, but all the pics I took showed off the super duper reflective properties!



They sorta don't count as they were put on back in mid September, a b-day gift from my in-laws.

Good looking clean installs, Wanderer; just wandering(couldn't resist),

I have ran the fuse wire power to the front for my 12v plug-in. I stopped when it came time to cut into the fairing.

What did you use (how did you) cut the fairing and shape the diameter of the hole w/o it cracking or having shredded edges?

I know what it takes to cut it, just don't want to have any mishaps. If you would share that, would be most grateful.

FJR-RemingtonRider said:

Good looking clean installs, Wanderer; just wandering(couldn't resist),I have ran the fuse wire power to the front for my 12v plug-in. I stopped when it came time to cut into the fairing.

What did you use (how did you) cut the fairing and shape the diameter of the hole w/o it cracking or having shredded edges?

I know what it takes to cut it, just don't want to have any mishaps. If you would share that, would be most grateful.

Click to expand...

I made a template on paper, then used a razor blade to score an 'X' where the center would be. Machinist's calipers helped ALOT. I drilled a 1/4" pilot hole before using a 1' bit to make the big hole. I didn't have a 1 1/8" bit (the OD of the plug) I had to widen it out a bit with slow circles using a dremel and a sanding wheel. It isn't perfectly round, but the ears hid any evidence and the thing fits flat. Once the big hole was in I just put the plug in the hole and used a 3/16" bit to drill the small holes through the holes in the tab for the screws. I wish I had just gone a bought the damned hole saw and then clamped it to a table.

My way worked, but you'd be best served with a 1 1/8" drill bit/hole saw and a drill press or jig to hold the panel. my way was tedious.

Luckily the plastic is ABS and doesn't chip or crack very easily.

FJR-RemingtonRider said:

Good looking clean installs, Wanderer; just wandering(couldn't resist),I have ran the fuse wire power to the front for my 12v plug-in. I stopped when it came time to cut into the fairing.

What did you use (how did you) cut the fairing and shape the diameter of the hole w/o it cracking or having shredded edges?

I know what it takes to cut it, just don't want to have any mishaps. If you would share that, would be most grateful.

Click to expand...

A unibit works great for this but a hole bit will work just fine. I always put masking tape on the entire area before drilling to help prevent chipping. Works great on fiberglass and plastics.

I did the EPM (hyperpro) springs this past friday, big difference in handeling, yes that is one mother honking spring