06 Shakedown run

[Fred H.]

I took the 06 down to the Texas Hill country for an overnight and put about 500 miles or so on it.

I really like the brakes on this bike, almost as much as the powerplant. This linked ABS system rocks. I can stand this bike on a dime from 80mph in no time at all, though I do notice the ABS engages on the rear wheel alot. I suspect non-ABS bikes lock the rear pretty easily.

I appreciate Yamaha including the saddlebag liners with the bike. I know it is a small thing, but they really are handy for packing/unpacking in and out of a hotel and just make life easier in general. Most bikes make you pay extra for them. Sooner or later I am probably going to need a trunk of some sort, but I am still undecided on what one to buy. The RKA tank bag sure helps alot, though I can't keep my Ipod in it due to the magnets. I also need to come up with some sort of helmet lock for the bike before I go on any more long trips.

The windsheild still feels lacking. I need about 2 more inches in height and another inch on each side in width. The constant wind noise tires me out more, even with earplugs. I feel more fatigued at the end of a long day on the bike than I do on the GL1800, but I guess that is to be expected.

Gas smileage is staying around 42mpg or so, but that is probably about 3% high due to the odometer error. I am forcing myself to try to remain within a few MPH of the speed limits as much as I can, and so far, I seem to be able to ride it in a relaxed manner close to the same speeds I ride the Wing at, that is until the road turns twisty anyway. The handling on the bike is sweet, and I enjoy the lightweight spirited handling.

I have about 2K miles on the bike now and can detect some rear tire wear already. I guess I will need to start shopping for new tires fairly soon.

I really apreciate the smoothness of the engine at all RPMS. After owning 3 Concours (Concouri?) I know all about the buzz at 4K rpm. I think that is one of the reasons it is so easy to get going too fast on the FJR, as without all the engine buzz, you really don't feel like the bike is working hard or going fast till you look down at the speedo. It is taking me some time to get used to how smooth it pulls with so little fanfare.

I am taking advantage of the headlight adjusters. I can aim them up durring the day to increase visibility and lower them at night. My only complaint is that it would be nice if one knob could adjust both, but I guess then you couldn't aim them seperatly.

Bent my key about 5 times now. Waiting for it to break off any day. I need to find a source for a harder/stronger/better key. This could ruin a trip if it breaks off in a lock cylinder.

My butt hurts more on this bike, even with seat beads. I would like to take the bike out west, but I am not sure I could sit on this seat for 18 days in a row. Plus the low tire mileage, I would have to change tires somewhere along the way on a 8-10K mile trip. I will probably just use this bike for trips of 3K miles or less, and take the Wing for anything longer.

I think I will need to add a true cruise control. The NEP throttle lock works, but I need something that will hold a constant speed better.

 

[temp357]

I have about 2K miles on the bike now and can detect some rear tire wear already. I guess I will need to start shopping for new tires fairly soon.
My butt hurts more on this bike, even with seat beads. I would like to take the bike out west, but I am not sure I could sit on this seat for 18 days in a row. Plus the low tire mileage, I would have to change tires somewhere along the way on a 8-10K mile trip. I will probably just use this bike for trips of 3K miles or less, and take the Wing for anything longer.

Just get harder compound tires and you should be ok!

 

[madmike2]

I have about 2K miles on the bike now and can detect some rear tire wear already. I guess I will need to start shopping for new tires fairly soon.

My butt hurts more on this bike, even with seat beads. I would like to take the bike out west, but I am not sure I could sit on this seat for 18 days in a row. Plus the low tire mileage, I would have to change tires somewhere along the way on a 8-10K mile trip. I will probably just use this bike for trips of 3K miles or less, and take the Wing for anything longer.

Just get harder compound tires and you should be ok!

Avons or Pilot Roads should cure your tire wear problem. Welll, that plus a litle "right wrist control". Since your heading West, how about making an appointment and stopping at Russell (Shasta Lake)? Seriously, try sheepskin, it works for many. Uhm, that, and it takes your "hinder, gentler parts" time to adapt to a new seat.

 

[Claymore]

The windsheild still feels lacking. I need about 2 more inches in height and another inch on each side in width. The constant wind noise tires me out more, even with earplugs. I feel more fatigued at the end of a long day on the bike than I do on the GL1800, but I guess that is to be expected.

My sentiments exactly - that was my first purchase - a CB +4+4....have done some LD rides without wind fatigue. Regarding the seat - all was good for me after bolting on the CB - my hypothesis - less wind blast pushing me into the seat...(?)

 

[ronjrieth]

Fred,

I have almost your mileage and have similar impressions. The worst thing on this great bike is the windshield. I appreciate the increase in "upsy-downsy" but the buffeting and noise are really annoying. I would like it a little wider but like you need an additional 2 or 3 inches in heightI have been peppering Mark Lawrence at CalSci and National Cycle and Cee Bailey with requests...I can tell you I will buy the first one out!

Rode in 90 degree heat and the FJR heat output was much improved...nice job Yamaha.

Sargent is working on a seat for the '06. These are usually items you usually replace on most cycles, though. Other than that I find some "extra" throttle lash on mine but think that can possibly be adjusted out.

I have also been looking for electronic cruise...MC Cruise said they havent adapted theirs to the 06 yet and I don't believe the Audiovox has been adapted yet. I have sent you an email regarding your writeup on the Autocomm with an eye to putting one this baby...and as soon as we make this one perfect...the '07's wil be out.

Ride Safe,

Ron

 

[JimLor]

Gotta agree with the windscreen. I've ridden with a CB +4+3 for the last 6 months. Changed back to the stock screen and while it will be better in hotter air, it mostly sucks! Will probably go back to the CB when I get around to it.

 

[ionbeam]

Couple of minor things for Fred:

Real Metal Key: ilco X248____YM63 reverse side has a big H stamped on it (quite crooked too). Perhaps the most telling letters on the key are -- USA -- While the key is long, it is strong, and, it is a brass based key = good. My wife pretzeled the Yamaha keys almost immediately but hasn't hurt the ol' YM63's in 2 years. The Yamaha trunk was the nemesis of the soft Yamaha keys in my household.

One possible helmet lock setup is from Helmet Guardian The double helmet locks look like this:

I ordered the Guardian with the Yamaha style key lock, then had my locksmith re-key the locks to take my factory ignition key. (This is the same locksmith that took the time to find me the more rugged ilco key.)

 

[ronjrieth]

Couple of minor things for Fred:
Real Metal Key: ilco X248____YM63 reverse side has a big H stamped on it (quite crooked too). Perhaps the most telling letters on the key are -- USA -- While the key is long, it is strong, and, it is a brass based key = good. My wife pretzeled the Yamaha keys almost immediately but hasn't hurt the ol' YM63's in 2 years. The Yamaha trunk was the nemesis of the soft Yamaha keys in my household.

One possible helmet lock setup is from Helmet Guardian The double helmet locks look like this:

I ordered the Guardian with the Yamaha style key lock, then had my locksmith re-key the locks to take my factory ignition key. (This is the same locksmith that took the time to find me the more rugged ilco key.)

Good Tip, Thanks

 

[pawtracks]

I assume your ipod is a hard drive based model?

Maybe you could get a flash based model (Nano) should work fine, even in a magnetic bag.

No problems yet (knock on wood)

I picked my 4GB Nano up for $150 used, they now come in 1,2,4 GB (rumor has it 8GB this summer)

Whenever Apple jumps up the capacity, upgraders are always selling on ebay & craigslist soon after.

 

[Fred H.]

I have my Ipod (4G) in the pocket with some foam around it, but it locked up a couple times already. I may have to get a Nano so the hard drive doesn't get ruined, though I have 90K miles on the one in the Wing (2G) with no issues, mounted in similar fashion, except laying flat instead of vertical.

Thanks for the tip on the keys. I stopped by a locksmith and picked up 5 blank Ilco keys for $2 each and will get them cut later this week.

Still investigating options on helmet lock methods. Aren't there some bar end locks as well as something that locks using the seat latch?

I also have to pull the GPS off everytime I stop and store it in a saddlebag. Have to do that on the Wing too. I know too many folks who have had them stolen, even with Tourtech mounts, the thieves just rip up the mount till they get it out. I wish there was a better/easier way to secure stuff at lunch and gas stops. Maybe I need to keep a pit bull in one of the saddlebags.

 

[ionbeam]

FJReady's helmet hook that uses the seat latch can be found here.