2013 FJR Adjustable Vents

[SoCalFJR1300]

Didn't they fix the heat issue with the second Gen??

Yep

Nope. The amount of heat the Gen 1 and Gen 2 are the same.

To be clear, they changed the way they manage the heat, not the amount of heat generated. Both are the same 1300cc engine producing the same amount of energy and combusting fuel the same way.

The Gen 2 does much better at keeping heat away from the rider through a variety of techniques--one of which is a set of adjustable vents not present on Gen 1. However, I think the far better technique they used to keep heat off the whiny short-wearing nads of Gen 2 owners in flip-flops (I couldn't not insert a dig somewhere in here) has to do with how the don't cycle fuel through a rail from the tank...and far less heat is transferred to the tank.

If you feel less heat on the Gen2 than the Gen 1 then I'd say they adressed the issue. Obviously the engine itself is going to make the same amount of heat no matter what Gen the bike is, but if the rider feels it less than it's an improvement.

As far as that go's ALL full fairing bikes give off a fair amount of heat. My Honda V65 1100 Sabre had the "Hondaline" full fairing and I used to take the lowers off in the Summer cuz it would COOK my shins like no tomorrow!!

 

[Ignacio]

Obviously the engine itself is going to make the same amount of heat no matter what Gen the bike is, but if the rider feels it less than it's an improvement.

I'm glad it's obvious to you....I thought so too. But it wasn't so obvious in 2006 when the Gen 2 first came out. Many people didn't get it then (can you say NEPRT fodder?)...and dare say a few folks still don't get it now. There was also a bunch of division on the whole vent in or out if its hot or cold too!

 

[tyronewildman]

Cold here in Hotlanta and through my exhaustive study, I have found that there is a little more heat on the lower part of my legs with the vents in the out (up) position. It is not much but if I were to wear loafers I would be able to feel the difference. Later,,, De

 

[20valves]

Note to self: Ignacio is a very literal person.

BTW, I may only have 100 posts here, but this isn't my first rodeo on a forum, k? When we're speaking of heat on an FJR, I'm pretty sure we're all talking about the heat reaching the rider and making him uncomfortable, not the heat the engine may produce. So, over and out for me lest this become a NEPRT.

 

[LAF]

I find in the Winter vent open or out give me more heat where I need it. I think it is two fold, allowing engine heat to hit you from the open vent and the fairing being wider from the vent in the out position pushing air a bit further around you.

I tried it in mesh gear and could feel the difference on both of my points.

They are fugly out, at least on a Gen II.

 

[palerider]

.....supposably.
R

Supposably? No wonder they kicked you out of the UK.

 

[AKjitsu]

My curiosity was getting the better of me so I decided today was the day for a little experiment. Opened the right vent (up) and left the left one closed (down). Wore mesh pants to make sure I got the full effect, if any. Departure temp: 51F. Arrival temp: 84F. Stop and go traffic mixed with highway speeds that well, rendered the sissy-ass, no-ball, chickenshit, limp-dick factory cruise control useless.

Conclusion: having the vent closed puts a wee bit more heat on the leg. Nothing like a Gen I bike but enough to notice.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

 

[tyronewildman]

My curiosity was getting the better of me so I decided today was the day for a little experiment. Opened the right vent (up) and left the left one closed (down). Wore mesh pants to make sure I got the full effect, if any. Departure temp: 51F. Arrival temp: 84F. Stop and go traffic mixed with highway speeds that well, rendered the sissy-ass, no-ball, chickenshit, limp-dick factory cruise control useless.
Conclusion: having the vent closed puts a wee bit more heat on the leg. Nothing like a Gen I bike but enough to notice.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

AKjitsu,

did you feel the bike leaning more to one side, than usual? Now they will probably write a warning in the owners manual about doing this. On the other hand, this just might help a rider who has a dominate cold side…Later,,,De

 

[Twinrivers]

I consider myself a fairly intelligent individual but I'll be damned if I physically can see what difference the change in position makes.

Last Saturday I rode for six hours in temps starting at 29 and ending at 46. With lined jeans, thermals, and Tourmaster Response WP 2.0 boots I was warm below the waist all day. The vents were in the lower slots. The upper half with a lined FirstGear Jaunt 2 jacket I froze. I know have a heated jacket liner. My hands stayed nice and warm with Icon PDX gloves and grip heat set on level 2. I am just going to leave the panels in this position as I don't like the looks of them in the upper position.

As for removing the panels: Remove the metal thumb screw located inside the cowling at the bottom of the panel (shortest side) completely. Push the panel up in the direction of the longest side. In other words away from the surface where the thumb screw is located. Locate the male tabs on the panel to the upper tab slots on the cowling. With the panel in the slots pull down toward the surface where the thumb screw came from. Insert the thumb screw into the upper hole. There are two separate holes for the thumb screw to go in. One for the upper position and one for the lower. Standing on your head will aid in locating the proper hole.

 

[AKjitsu]

My curiosity was getting the better of me so I decided today was the day for a little experiment. Opened the right vent (up) and left the left one closed (down). Wore mesh pants to make sure I got the full effect, if any. Departure temp: 51F. Arrival temp: 84F. Stop and go traffic mixed with highway speeds that well, rendered the sissy-ass, no-ball, chickenshit, limp-dick factory cruise control useless.
Conclusion: having the vent closed puts a wee bit more heat on the leg. Nothing like a Gen I bike but enough to notice.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

AKjitsu,

did you feel the bike leaning more to one side, than usual? Now they will probably write a warning in the owners manual about doing this. On the other hand, this just might help a rider who has a dominate cold side…Later,,,De

With the right vent open I did notice a bit of a leaning tendency and a bit more aero drag on the right side. But a couple of beers at lunch took care of those concerns. I’m constantly amazed at the amount of money people spend on windshields, helmets, heated gear, gloves, etc. just to get rid of a few minor irritations when beer will accomplish the same goals for vastly less investment.