Update Me: Opinions Welcome

101stpathfinder · Oct 31, 2024

I’m in the market for my 5th FJR. I don’t want convincing of any other bike models.
I retired this past June and have been riding ever since (About 50k since June) I have fallen behind in research and need a quick refreshing.
History:
‘05, ‘08, ‘09, and ‘18 FJRs
I’ve never owned an ES. Opinions?
My ‘18 had initial recalls. Did they straighten issues out in later model years?
Updates since the ‘18 model?
Any info would be appreciated, as I am sort of rushed.
BTW: I will post up a story of my ‘18s demise. It was only the 2nd brand new bike that I have purchased in my life. I purchased it left over and had to wait for a build from the crate for $9,999… so yes, I was spoiled with that one. It became my primary LD bike 2 years ago and had only 142k on it.
Thanks again for some updates and opinions.

Mr_Canoehead · Oct 31, 2024

Congrats on the retirement.

With the miles you put on, I'd be worried about the electronic suspension needing service. When they go, it's expensive. You might be better with a regular FJR and upgrade the suspension to something serviceable.

ksiesel · Oct 31, 2024

Also no significant updates beyond '16 unless you count building the bike fresh from the factory with transmissions that do not need the recall. I think either the '22 or '23 builds had the trans sorted out. Anything from '16 up to that point will need the recall - same as your '18 did.

SkooterG · Oct 31, 2024

Pretty much my same reply from one of the other sandboxes:

2nd gear recall was on all model year FJRs from 16-20. So starting with model year '21 FJRs they are good from the factory. Also, all the other improvements he mentioned started in 2016. So the FJR has not changed at all since 2016. Except last year of the 'A' model was offered in 2019. (Except for police model FJRs I think)

Lots of various opinions on the ES suspension. Many will poo-poo it but I like it. But I also like my FJRs with custom standard suspension. And the Gen 3 'A' suspension is the best yet from the factory although not as good as custom. Did you have your high $$$$ suspension on the crashed bike? Is it salvageable? I think the ES is a great suspension. IMHO, those who will not like it are those that weigh a lot and load the FJR up really heavy two-up with luggage, and those that ride very aggressively and know how to set up a $$$$ custom suspension. But with just me on it I really like the ES, even riding aggressively. I love how you can easily change damping on the fly or pre-load while stopped with the flick of a button.

It seems so far that practically no maintenance is required on the ES USD forks. ES shock is $$$$. A couple have gone out but you can get them rebuilt (with a stiffer spring if desired) for a few hundred $$$ at EPM Performance. But removing and installing ES shock is now a lot more difficult.

IIRC you never ride two-up. And your LD riding shouldn't overload the ES suspension. And unless things have changed in retirement you ain't a fatty. So the ES suspension should work fine for you. Also, I know regular maintenance ain't your thing. Did you ever service your '18 suspension in 142k miles? So, pick your poison.

And don't hit freaking deer!

Rocnsanman · Nov 1, 2024

I too like the ES Suspension. There are now a couple of shock rebuilders that can do the rear shock at a reasonable cost so that shouldn't be a concern. The front suspension is very easy to service. Only those over 220 lbs or those that tend to overload the bike will have negative feedback. I do a combination of 1 and 2 up frequently, the ES is IMO a very good factory offering. Perfect? No. But even with custom after market suspension on an A model there are limitations and compromises. I personally thought my '07 was the fastest and my '09 was the best handling. BTW, my '15ES has gone 78k miles with zero problems.
Hope this helps

JQL · Nov 2, 2024

I have the 2019 European version, FJR1300 AE, which has the electronic suspension but manual transmission.

I like the electronic suspension and have about 25,000 miles on her without problems. I love been able to alter the suspension for a luggage (when touring), a pillion or to stiffen it up for the twisties at the touch of a button. Saves the old knees!!

I am told that the rear suspension "needs significant servicing" (not just the bearings checked and greased) around the 70,000 mile-ish mark. When that occurs, I'll take mine to a specialist and get it rebuilt as it is much cheaper than the Yamaha replacement!

There were three recalls for the 2016→. One for the 2nd gear, one for the front brake light switch and one for the fuel tank venting. I believe they were all sorted in the 2021→ models.

vzhq16 · Nov 3, 2024

I'd like to know who rebuilds the rear shock for the ES models. I have a '16 ES with 44K trouble-free miles on the clock and the rear shock has become a bit under-damped. The bike gets a bit unsettled in the twisties and I've noticed when coming to a stop there is a bit of bounce that wasn't there a few months ago.

The new replacement is $$$$ and I assume a rebuild would not only be cheaper but may allow for some customization?

Whooshka · Nov 3, 2024

vzhq16 said:
I'd like to know who rebuilds the rear shock for the ES models. I have a '16 ES with 44K trouble-free miles on the clock and the rear shock has become a bit under-damped. The bike gets a bit unsettled in the twisties and I've noticed when coming to a stop there is a bit of bounce that wasn't there a few months ago.

The new replacement is $$$$ and I assume a rebuild would not only be cheaper but may allow for some customization?

Google EPM in New Jersey.

https://epmperformance.com/pages/hy...n0hY6UNXg2HZFMWmdvHdk4knO-RZcmDYaAt4MEALw_wcB

Rocnsanman · Nov 3, 2024

The rear ES shock can be rebuilt by Traxxion Dynamics (California) or European Packing (732 786 9777) in New Jersey. If you weigh over 200 lbs the rear shock is marginal at best from the factory, suffering from the inability to give you the proper pre-load. Changing the spring will help a lot but the shock has internal limitations that need to be addressed as well. If you decide to send in your shock for servicing please report back.

SkooterG · Nov 4, 2024

Rocnsanman said:
The rear ES shock can be rebuilt by Traxxion Dynamics (California) or European Packing (732 786 9777) in New Jersey. If you weigh over 200 lbs the rear shock is marginal at best from the factory, suffering from the inability to give you the proper pre-load. Changing the spring will help a lot but the shock has internal limitations that need to be addressed as well. If you decide to send in your shock for servicing please report back.

Ok, so as I said in the 4th post on this thread and Whooshka mentioned in the post above yours you can get the shock rebuilt for several hundred $$$ at EPM performance and upgrade the spring to a larger rate (though it is a progressive rate spring). Not European Packing. The phone number you listed is for EPM Performance. And Traxxion Dynamics is located in Georgia! I wasn't aware they will rebuild the ES shock. They wouldn't a couple years ago. So, are you sure? I know they will work on the ES forks.

Other big suspension shops I am aware of that have good reputations are Cogent (Georgia), and RaceTech (California). But last I checked a few years back they were not servicing the ES shock.

For more information on servicing the ES shock go to FJRiders.com. There is a big thread where two different folks detail removing the ES shock, sending it to EPM Performance for a rebuild, and re-installing.

Rocnsanman · Nov 4, 2024

Scooter, You are right sir. It was RaceTech not Traxxion that I read now services the ES shock. The phone number I listed is for EPM. I had EPM service my Hyperpro Shock and I was told at the time (approx. 1 year ago) that they can also service the ES rear shock and offer a spring upgrade as well. Thanks for catching this.

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