2up and questions on power delivery

[zed88]

Thanks for all the great responses guys! I'm learning alot, and have been researching the bike for a few years, and seriously over the past few months. Everybody I've talked to really likes them, especially from a 2 up perspective. I've also had my eye on the new triumph sprint 1050's but those dont' seem nearly as comfortable for passengers. They also seem to have random weird issues. Since my vstrom has not given me one bit of trouble in 60k miles, I'm not sure I'm interested in that type of character. The FJR's seem pretty much trouble free.

Some more questions

1). What's a rough cost for front springs, and valves from GP suspension? Also what would a basic ohlins cost setup with a stiffer spring for 2up?

2). I've heard about the throttle tube fix. Is it really hard to setup? Is the power commander necessary after setting this up? I love how smooth the strom's throttle response is and want to keep something similar.

3). Does the abs light turn on when the front wheel comes up? I'd never heard that.

4). Can I mount my givi e46 with a mounting plate straight to the rear rack? Or do you need a new rack?

5). I'm really sold on the 2nd gen due to lack of valve tick, and the redesigned heat fairing layout. However some people say its not a big issue. We always ride with our motoport mesh suits, so I diden't know if that's enough insulation. Reason being that I should be able to find a older one even easier. I'm also seeing lots of 04-05's with 50k miles being listed for $5,500, when I can get a 06ABS with 10k miles for $6500. Seems a bit weird, but maybe 5.5k is the bottom? Thoughts?

6). Where does everyone buy/sell accessories and bikes? I diden't see anything here, and checked on advrider, spourtouring.net, and craigstslist/cycle trader. Am I missing someplace?

Thanks for all the help so far!

Eric

 

[phroenips]

Thanks for all the great responses guys! I'm learning alot, and have been researching the bike for a few years, and seriously over the past few months. Everybody I've talked to really likes them, especially from a 2 up perspective. I've also had my eye on the new triumph sprint 1050's but those dont' seem nearly as comfortable for passengers. They also seem to have random weird issues. Since my vstrom has not given me one bit of trouble in 60k miles, I'm not sure I'm interested in that type of character. The FJR's seem pretty much trouble free.

Some more questions

1). What's a rough cost for front springs, and valves from GP suspension? Also what would a basic ohlins cost setup with a stiffer spring for 2up?

2). I've heard about the throttle tube fix. Is it really hard to setup? Is the power commander necessary after setting this up? I love how smooth the strom's throttle response is and want to keep something similar.

3). Does the abs light turn on when the front wheel comes up? I'd never heard that.

4). Can I mount my givi e46 with a mounting plate straight to the rear rack? Or do you need a new rack?

5). I'm really sold on the 2nd gen due to lack of valve tick, and the redesigned heat fairing layout. However some people say its not a big issue. We always ride with our motoport mesh suits, so I diden't know if that's enough insulation. Reason being that I should be able to find a older one even easier. I'm also seeing lots of 04-05's with 50k miles being listed for $5,500, when I can get a 06ABS with 10k miles for $6500. Seems a bit weird, but maybe 5.5k is the bottom? Thoughts?

6). Where does everyone buy/sell accessories and bikes? I diden't see anything here, and checked on advrider, spourtouring.net, and craigstslist/cycle trader. Am I missing someplace?

Thanks for all the help so far!

Eric

Sheesh, needy needy! (just kidding!)

1) There is an annual GP Suspension group buy, which based on past years, is coming up pretty soon. Here's the link to last year's for more information: https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=122316

2) The G2 Throttle Tube is probably what you're thinking of. I have it on mine, and after first installing it, I noticed a difference, but after going back and forth between my bike and another FJR without it, I'm not sure I can tell much of a difference. Moral of the story: ride it for a couple months and you may just get used to it. Otherwise, the Power Commander will definitely help.

3) Can't answer, at my high altitude, I can't do a power wheelie

4) Either option is available from Givi. I personally prefer the replacement rack (part number varies depending on GenI or GenII...SR357 for GenII) because it's more beefy and allows a higher load maximum.

5) I've only ridden a GenII, so I can't answer this one either

6) There's a For Sale and Wanted section on this board.

 

[kolonial72]

4. I recommend the Gen-specific Givi rack due to potential problems with the weight of the box on the top rack. More than one person has had to repair (weld!) the rear sub frame.

5. My 05 has never had a tick, and the heat isn't a problem 97.23% of the time. The 06 ABS for 6.5 is a really good deal. A nice 04-05 for 5.5 is still pretty good. I wouldn't hold my breath for anything less than 5.5 that hasn't been wrecked.

6. Classified - For Sale It's about 3/4 of the way down the forum front page.

My 05 will pull the front wheel off the ground (on accident, I swear) if I get too agressive in 1st gear. With a good passenger, cornering the big girl is no problem two-up. Cornering is a breeze solo. Suspension upgrades are not absolutely necessary, but they help and it seems to be a popular thing to do. Sorry, I'm not sure about price of new suspensions, but you can find that stuff out on the interwebs easily enough. And yes, the bike is sneaky-fast.

 

[bikerkash]

The FJR is a very well balanced & predictable bike to ride either solo or two up. It has all the power you would ever want combined with long distance comfort for rider and passenger. Acceptable mileage range for a sport touring bike, overall it is unbeatable for the price. I have over 75K on FJR's and they have never let me down.

 

[spike747]

I frequently lift the front wheel (slightly) while exiting tight switchback corners (confirmed by the ABS warning light).

Why would the ABS light come on when accelerating out of a corner? That sounds more like a traction control light which I know these bikes don't have.

 

[RadioHowie]

I frequently lift the front wheel (slightly) while exiting tight switchback corners (confirmed by the ABS warning light).

Why would the ABS light come on when accelerating out of a corner?

It's not because the bike's accelerating out of a corner, it's because the front wheel's off the ground.

Because the ABS detects the difference in wheel-spin speed when the front's not in contact with the ground.

Same thing happens when you put the FJR on the centerstand, crank it up, and put it in gear. Rear wheel turning...front wheel NOT turning...ABS light comes on, because the ABS ECU detected the speed differential between front and rear wheel-spin. Same thing when the front end comes up. The front wheel stops spinning at the same speed as the rear....ABS light goes off.

 

[dan]

Thanks for all the great responses guys! I'm learning alot, and have been researching the bike for a few years, and seriously over the past few months. Everybody I've talked to really likes them, especially from a 2 up perspective. I've also had my eye on the new triumph sprint 1050's but those dont' seem nearly as comfortable for passengers. They also seem to have random weird issues. Since my vstrom has not given me one bit of trouble in 60k miles, I'm not sure I'm interested in that type of character. The FJR's seem pretty much trouble free.

Some more questions

1). What's a rough cost for front springs, and valves from GP suspension? Also what would a basic ohlins cost setup with a stiffer spring for 2up?

2). I've heard about the throttle tube fix. Is it really hard to setup? Is the power commander necessary after setting this up? I love how smooth the strom's throttle response is and want to keep something similar.

3). Does the abs light turn on when the front wheel comes up? I'd never heard that.

4). Can I mount my givi e46 with a mounting plate straight to the rear rack? Or do you need a new rack?

5). I'm really sold on the 2nd gen due to lack of valve tick, and the redesigned heat fairing layout. However some people say its not a big issue. We always ride with our motoport mesh suits, so I diden't know if that's enough insulation. Reason being that I should be able to find a older one even easier. I'm also seeing lots of 04-05's with 50k miles being listed for $5,500, when I can get a 06ABS with 10k miles for $6500. Seems a bit weird, but maybe 5.5k is the bottom? Thoughts?

6). Where does everyone buy/sell accessories and bikes? I diden't see anything here, and checked on advrider, spourtouring.net, and craigstslist/cycle trader. Am I missing someplace?

Thanks for all the help so far!

Eric

Eric: I've had my 06 since July of last year. Previously I rode a vmax for over 7yrs and had it set up as a sport-tourer with bags and a windshield. The first thing I did was get the FJR Throttle Tamer from G2. I live and ride in a mountainous area. The Max was great when riding across a mountain using 3rd gear. Good engine breaking and instant acceleration. But it took a very deft touch on the throttle so that the rear tire wouldn't break loose while healed over in a turn. When I attempted this same technique with the FJR it was even more touchy than the max. Very abrupt response and not safe. This is a trait of the 06's but may have been evident in other years. The FJR Throttle Tamer fixed that problem without me needing to do anything else and was easy to install. The stock windshield protects me(no buffeting) but the wind noise is a problem. I just added a laminar lip and have yet to take a long trip but it helped a little with the noise. I'm going to readjust the lip in hopes of a better result. The tire mileage was disappointing but I was hitting the mountains pretty hard on my first set of Bridgestones(about 5000mi). I changed to Metzler Roadtec's per the recommendation of the local bike shop who claim I will get better mileage. I have the fork and shock settings maxed out and its working pretty well for just me and no passenger. The FJR is a smooth and able ride and I'm looking forward to a multi-day trip coming up next month. Love the luggage. I hope this was of some help...Dan

 

[iboldguy]

Hi Guys,

A little backround on myself before jumping to questions. I'm 25, started street riding at 21 and ..................................

Being Friday today, I need to warn you - be afraid, be very afraid. Some forum members were brought up thinking high top rubber boots are for inserting the hind legs of sheep during intimate moments. Well, when they discovered motorcylce boots had the same style ............... :blink:

 

[zed88]

Thanks for all the help gentleman. Pullin the trigger this week on an 06 abs. Can't wait to get started! Logical explanation in the abs light. Probably the first thing I'll do is get the throttle response sorted or a power commander if things feel way off. If not I'll just ride for awhile and see what needs to be changed if anything.

Is there a comprehensive list anywhere of fjr specific items to review when purchasing used? (sorry posting from a phone). Thanks!

 

[phroenips]

Thanks for all the help gentleman. Pullin the trigger this week on an 06 abs. Can't wait to get started! Logical explanation in the abs light. Probably the first thing I'll do is get the throttle response sorted or a power commander if things feel way off. If not I'll just ride for awhile and see what needs to be changed if anything.

Is there a comprehensive list anywhere of fjr specific items to review when purchasing used? (sorry posting from a phone). Thanks!

Congrats. All you want can be found in the Bin-O-Facts

 

[user 17459]

Thanks for all the help gentleman. Pullin the trigger this week on an 06 abs. Can't wait to get started! Logical explanation in the abs light. Probably the first thing I'll do is get the throttle response sorted or a power commander if things feel way off. If not I'll just ride for awhile and see what needs to be changed if anything.

Is there a comprehensive list anywhere of fjr specific items to review when purchasing used? (sorry posting from a phone). Thanks!

Congrats on the upcoming purchase. If you're going to address the throttle response issue, I recommend going staight to the power commander. The G2 helps you deal with the abruptness, but doesn't really do anything to alleviate it - the power commander takes care of that. I bought the G2 first for my '07 and was dissapointed. I then bought a power commander V from motofuelusa.com with the "smoothness" map and the problem was completely solved. Not as smooth as a chain, but far better than before. Mileage dropped about 3 or 4 MPG, so I also got a "economy" map and a handlebar switch. Runs far better than stock on economy and gets about the same mileage. I switch to "smoothness" when I get in to tight twisties.

Good luck wiith you bike. You're going to love the Feej. I came off an ST1300 and enjoy the FJR much more. My wife also prefers to ride the FJR more than the ST.

Rick

 

[zed88]

Picked up an 06 Thursday! So far its been great and is meeting all expectations. Installed a powerlet, and mounts for gps/radar, and electric for the tankbag. Rode it 200 miles home no sweat, and then commuting around a bit. The wife and I managed to get about 100 miles on it over the past 2 days and its very smooth, though I had to install footpeg lowering pieces/heat shields for her, and we are still not 100% on where her feet should go. Seems like a very nice bike! The only thing thats bugging me right now is the clutch engagement point (too close to lever and very hard pull), and the occasionally jerky throttle tube (almost feels like too much slack?) below 1-3k rpms.

 

[Harald]

Picked up an 06 Thursday! So far its been great and is meeting all expectations. Installed a powerlet, and mounts for gps/radar, and electric for the tankbag. Rode it 200 miles home no sweat, and then commuting around a bit. The wife and I managed to get about 100 miles on it over the past 2 days and its very smooth, though I had to install footpeg lowering pieces/heat shields for her, and we are still not 100% on where her feet should go. Seems like a very nice bike! The only thing thats bugging me right now is the clutch engagement point (too close to lever and very hard pull), and the occasionally jerky throttle tube (almost feels like too much slack?) below 1-3k rpms.

Glad you're enjoying the bike! My wife really like the lowered passenger pegs I put on for her, especially on long trips.

I stalled my bike in the dealers parking lot due to the engagement point so close to the bar. The lever is adjustable so try playing with that dial. Mine is set at #2 and #1 would move the engagement point the furthest away from the bar. I suspect yours is on #5 like mine was from the dealer.

The other thing I had to adjust was the throttle cable free play. It seems like they are always too loose from the factory. There's an adjustment just below the throttle tube under a rubber sleeve. Just push the sleeve along the cable to expose the threaded portion and tweak for minimal free play (make sure idle doesn't change when the bars are moved lock to lock). Like a lot of others, I also added the G2 throttle tube to make throttle application more linear and loosened the throttle spring. Those mods helped a lot, but adding a PC-III was icing on the cake for smooth driveability.