2005 FJR

[Oldjeep]

FWIW, I think that the traxxion spring kits are superior to all others since they come with the buffers that help keep the springs from deflecting into the sides of the tubes.

 

[Atrious]

Can you use stock bushings and seals?

 

[RossKean]

Can you use stock bushings and seals?

On my 2011 Gen II with a full Traxxion setup, I used stock bushings and seals. The Gen II has three bushings whereas Gen I has two. As per Traxxion's recommendation, I omitted the middle bushings. I don't think there are aftermarket bushings and I wouldn't choose seals other than OEM.

 

[Oldjeep]

I used the all balls bushings and seals ( on all my bikes). Also, I did use the middle bushing with my traxxion setup. People omit the middle bushing because it makes assembly easier, not because there is a benefit

 

[RossKean]

I used the all balls bushings and seals ( on all my bikes). Also, I did use the middle bushing with my traxxion setup. People omit the middle bushing because it makes assembly easier, not because there is a benefit

I wasn't aware that there were alternatives available for bushings. This is the first time I have omitted the middle bushing. No issues so far...

 

[Rocnsanman]

Oldjeep and RossKean, since you both have the Traxxion cartridges please give us your opinions. Do you think the Traxxion cartridge is worth the money? Is it THAT MUCH better than the stock set up with appropriately matched springs? Thanks

 

[RossKean]

Yes, I have the Traxxion full setup including springs and AK20 cartridges. It is very nice but it came with the bike and I am not sure if I would have made the investment. Aftermarket springs in the front are (IMHO) worth it.

As much or more to be gained with a decent rear shock as compared with the front cartridges - Penske, Ohlins etc.

 

[Rocnsanman]

Yes, I have the Traxxion full setup including springs and AK20 cartridges. It is very nice but it came with the bike and I am not sure if I would have made the investment. Aftermarket springs in the front are (IMHO) worth it.

As much or more to be gained with a decent rear shock as compared with the front cartridges - Penske, Ohlins etc.

Yes, I agree on the rear shock. I initially put on a Ohlins then switched to a HyperPro, non emulsion shock with hydraulic preload. Just curious about the Traxxion cartridges as I'm always looking for a way to improve the front-end handling. Been using Racetek Gold Valves and springs. While it did improve the handling, it's still lacking IMHO.

 

[Oldjeep]

I don't have the cartridges, just the spring kits in both my current bikes. Getting rid of the too soft stock springs really makes a difference in handling.

 

[Geezer]

I have a Wilbers rear shock and Wilbers springs in the fork of my '05. The shock with heavier than stock spring made a big difference and the fork springs also helped. Rather than spending the money on cartridges I experimented with a few different viscosities of fork oil to find the setup that worked best for me. The Yamaha fork oil is pretty thin. If you do decide to try a different fork oil then you'll need to look at a chart of the different viscosities since they vary a lot by brand, Here is an example.

 

[thefix]

I really dont understand people complaining about the stock fork springs. There is adjustable preload. I am well under 200#. I have aligned my forks to minimize stiction, have never had them bottomed out. Now for those out there well over 200# i understand. Remember the FJR has over 5 inches of travel. The best ride and handling is with static sag of approx. 2 inches. Thats how my bike sits, i have no major complaints. Big bumps are not the bikes forte as they are felt. But i know improvements are available.

 

[Oldjeep]

It isn't about big bumps, it is what the bike does during cornering and braking. I weigh 195 and the bike is way under sprung in the front from the factory.

 

[fastpappy]

I really dont understand people complaining about the stock fork springs. There is adjustable preload. I am well under 200#. I have aligned my forksvto minimize stiction, have never had them bottomed out. Now for those out there well over 200# i understand. Remember the FJR has over 5 inches of travel. The best ride and handling is with static sag of approx. 2 inches. Thats how my bike sits, i have no major complaints. Big bumps are not the bikes forte as they are felt. But i know improvements are available.

So being well under 200 lbs you are probably closer to the average weight the engineers had in mind when they designed the factory suspension. Me myself I haven't been under 200 lbs most of my adult life as with many others so the factory suspension seems a bit under sprung. As for sag settings I believe if I'm not mistaken they say sag should be 1/3 to 1/4 of total travel which for our bikes (09AE for me also) is again if I'm not mistaken is Front 135mm(5.4") Rear 125mm(4.8"). Rider sag 1/4 of total travel, (I shoot for 30%) Free sag or static sag 1/3 of rider sag.
As for the best ride and handling I believe that is a very subjective thing according to the type of riding you do under what conditions. As always YMMV.

 

[thefix]

I am 187# with all my gear on. I have minimal dive on my bike when hitting the brakes as i don’t really need to brace myself. I have never bottomed the front out when braking in severe must stop conditions. In corners of any type including bumpy, the stability is great at near scraping pegs. I have measured my total stiction at less than 2mm. Something that most don’t check. Maybe the original owner added oil to forks. This is a cheap way to increase anti-dive. But i doubt this, since bike came to me with just 3k on it. Maybe i have better springs , but again doubt it.

 

[Oldjeep]

I am 187# with all my gear on. I have minimal dive on my bike when hitting the brakes as i don’t really need to brace myself. I have never bottomed the front out when braking in severe must stop conditions. In corners of any type including bumpy, the stability is great at near scraping pegs. I have measured my total stiction at less than 2mm. Something that most don’t check. Maybe the original owner added oil to forks. This is a cheap way to increase anti-dive. But i doubt this, since bike came to me with just 3k on it. Maybe i have better springs , but again doubt it.

Sounds like it works for you. 187 with gear on is what? 155 -160 actual weight? I have to be honest that I have never weighed myself with gear on. Stock front springs were bad on the track, and really bad with an extra 130lbs on the back seat.

 

[fastpappy]

I am 187# with all my gear on. I have minimal dive on my bike when hitting the brakes as i don’t really need to brace myself. I have never bottomed the front out when braking in severe must stop conditions. In corners of any type including bumpy, the stability is great at near scraping pegs. I have measured my total stiction at less than 2mm. Something that most don’t check. Maybe the original owner added oil to forks. This is a cheap way to increase anti-dive. But i doubt this, since bike came to me with just 3k on it. Maybe i have better springs , but again doubt it.

Yeah, like I said you are most likely closer to that average rider that the stock Springs are designed for. I used to be 235lbs without gear (currently 205) and (can't remember who said it but I love the quote) when I hit the brakes the bike would dive like a hockey goalie. Now with the upgraded spring and fork oil no more diving. Now I'm just trying to dial in my settings for my new weight,oil and Spring. That's part of the fun. Tweaking the bike to your specific needs rather than one size fits all.