A couple of newbie questions

[Haze]

I have reviewed most of the posted forum material in preparation for an upcoming FJR purchase. I do have a few specific questions, if y'all don't mind:

1) I ride about 25% of the time with my wife, 2 up. How comfortable can the bike be made for a passenger with an aftermarket seat and a backrest? I was planning on getting either a top box with an integrated backrest, or a removable passenger seat backrest ala Sargeant, or both. Any other suggestions for passenger creature comfort?

2) After riding my friends FJR last week, I was surprised at how civilized the riding position was for a performance bike. However, my wrists were killing me after only 15 minutes. Is this problem best solved with bar risers, or will playing with the 3 handlebar positions suffice?

3) Properly setup (seat, bars, windscreen, etc), can this bike be made comfortable for long days in the saddle? 300 - 400 miles days for me are not out of the question. I am used to riding a big, comfy cruiser (Roadstar) which can easily go for 500+ miles without becoming the equivalent of a medieval torture device.

4) How does the new OEM 'coated' windshield compare with aftermarket units from National Cycle, etc?

5) Are aftermarket throttle tube cams still required for the '08 models? I read a lot about low-end throttle control problems due to the factory cam profile.

6) Anyone familiar with seated heats and grips? Should I get both, or is one more effective that the other for late fall/early spring riding here in the Northeast?

Thanks in advance. This looks like a great forum. If I do get the bike, I expect to be here often.

 

[GunMD]

Answers:

1. Passengers have been very comfy on my bike. I have a Givi top case and stock seat and I've never had complaints. One of my errr, uhhh, ex-passengers did a multi day Colorado to Cali ride and never complained at all. My son (11 years old) does 500 per day for several days in a row without issue.

2. Bar risers might fix it, but personally I got used to it in a matter of a few hundred miles and never even required the risers. YMMV.

3. Long days? Many here would suggest that 300 to 400 isn't a long day on the FJR. But to answer your question, YES, it can be comfy for days with that type of mileage.

4. My windshield coating has peeled a couple of times when washing the bike with the bucket / sponge method. I still have the stock one at 64K but when I replace it (this fall) it'll be with a Cee Bailey for some additional height.

5. G2 throttle tubes are popular items. So are Power Commanders. I use neither one on my 05. No issues for me.

6) Anyone familiar with seated heats and grips? Should I get both, or is one more effective that the other for late fall/early spring riding here in the Northeast?

6. I'm not sure what a seated heat is, but I know I don't have one. I use heated gloves and don't have heated grips. I'm thrilled with my FirstGear heated liner and gloves.

 

[squeezer]

Can't answer all of them, but...

3. I find thousand mile days pretty easy. The biggest change I had to make for distance was the saddle. I could only do 400-500 on the stocker before it became miserable. For saddles, look at Russell, Bill Mayer, or Rick Mayer. I have the latter. The second most important comfort change for me was the windscreen. I went with V-Stream and spacers. A highway peg setup helped too. Your mileage may vary.

4. Don't know about the "coated" windshield. Really like my V-Stream from National Cycle. Other aftermarket shields have their fans here too. People who have swapped out the Yammie touring shield for an aftermarket one seem happy. I've never heard of anyone going back.

6. My '03 doesn't have a lot of extra power so I've skipped the electrics. Although I assume it would be nicer, I haven't really missed them. With overpants and a decent jacket, I haven't had any problems doing several hours in the lower 40s. With the big V-Stream, V-Strom handguards, and Air Wings turned out, I'm pretty protected from the weather, though.

 

[KnuckleHead]

6) Anyone familiar with seated heats and grips? Should I get both, or is one more effective that the other for late fall/early spring riding here in the Northeast?

6. I'm not sure what a seated heat is, but I know I don't have one. I use heated gloves and don't have heated grips. I'm thrilled with my FirstGear heated liner and gloves.

I have heated grips on mine and love them. With the V Stream and the grips, I ride most of the winter without a problem. It is not uncommon to see 30 degrees on the MFD...

 

[Haze]

<<1. Passengers have been very comfy on my bike. I have a Givi top case and stock seat and I've never had complaints. One of my errr, uhhh, ex-passengers did a multi day Colorado to Cali ride and never complained at all. My son (11 years old) does 500 per day for several days in a row without issue.>>

That's good to hear. Spending money on a new bike might be offset by keeping the Mrs. happy! Does your Givi top case have a backrest pad on it? How difficult is it to take the case off/on the bike, as needed?

<<3. Long days? Many here would suggest that 300 to 400 isn't a long day on the FJR. But to answer your question, YES, it can be comfy for days with that type of mileage.>>

It's all relative. 400 miles is an eternity for someone riding a cruiser. I realize that other types of riders would laugh at my statement. I have a friend (BMW freak) who rode 8500 miles to Alaska and back in 2.5 weeks. He wore out a new pair of tires on that trip!

<<4. My windshield coating has peeled a couple of times when washing the bike with the bucket / sponge method. I still have the stock one at 64K but when I replace it (this fall) it'll be with a Cee Bailey for some additional height.>>

Noted and filed.

<<6. I'm not sure what a seated heat is, but I know I don't have one. tongue.gif I use heated gloves and don't have heated grips. I'm thrilled with my FirstGear heated liner and gloves.>>

Sargeant (https://www.sargentcycle.com/prodover.htm) makes electrically heated seats for the FJR (front/rear/both). I was thinking about an electric vest + gloves also. I installed an Electrex high-output stator in my Roadstar anticipating electric gear, but never parted with the money for the purchase of the clothing (long story).

 

[ngarider]

1) Some backrests push the passenger too far forward. Lots of good has been written about the Yammy box with backrest... if Givi, you might skip it and rig something else.

2) I hate to sound like a BMW dealership, but you're riding it wrong. -- Seriously, the upright position requires you to relearn position. Do a search on the Master Yoda Riding Position, it'll change your life. Well, the riding part of it anyhow.

3) 500 mile days? What, only riding a half day? 1000 mile days are doable, and some of us don't use aftermarket seats for it either (we have other methods, of course). I don't even think twice about 300-500 mile rides on this bike. Again, stock seat -- and I use the Bead Rider.

4) My 08's windshield is better than my 05's, and better (IMHO) than the 06 screen. However, you gotta play around with it. Some guys like the +6+4 with a flip, some like 'em smothered covered with a lip -- what works for you may not work for anyone else, and vise-versa. Oh, and the stock screen on the 08 is worthless when the temps drop. You'll want an aftermarket touring screen. Skip the yammy one.

5) Nope. You need to do 2 things on the 08, and a third is optional. 1) Remove nearly all the slack from the throttle cable. 2) Install a PCIII. Trust me. The third is to release the throttle spring one winding if you find the throttle too tight. Be aware that you're affecting the tension on the return side, so it won't SNAP back closed as fast as the factory wants it to. Caveat Emptor. Also, the 08 has a different ("fixed") cam than the 06/07.

 

[odot]

Can't answer all of them, but...
My '03 doesn't have a lot of extra power

Sooooooooooooooooooo, it's settled once and for all.

05's are the best.

 

[GunMD]

Does your Givi top case have a backrest pad on it? How difficult is it to take the case off/on the bike, as needed?

No backrest pad, but passengers always have a back pad in their jackets.

VERY Easy to remove. Turn key, push button, lift. Done.

Sargeant (https://www.sargentcycle.com/prodover.htm) makes electrically heated seats for the FJR (front/rear/both). I was thinking about an electric vest + gloves also. I installed an Electrex high-output stator in my Roadstar anticipating electric gear, but never parted with the money for the purchase of the clothing (long story).

Yeah, I know what a heated seat is, I just was bustin' yer balls 'bout your desire for a seated heat.

 

[Haze]

<<Yeah, I know what a heated seat is, I just was bustin' yer balls 'bout your desire for a seated heat.>>

The one who wants the heated seat doesn't have any balls!!

 

[GypsyGiuseppe]

I have reviewed most of the posted forum material in preparation for an upcoming FJR purchase. I do have a few specific questions, if y'all don't mind:
1) I ride about 25% of the time with my wife, 2 up. How comfortable can the bike be made for a passenger with an aftermarket seat and a backrest? I was planning on getting either a top box with an integrated backrest, or a removable passenger seat backrest ala Sargeant, or both. Any other suggestions for passenger creature comfort?

2) After riding my friends FJR last week, I was surprised at how civilized the riding position was for a performance bike. However, my wrists were killing me after only 15 minutes. Is this problem best solved with bar risers, or will playing with the 3 handlebar positions suffice?

3) Properly setup (seat, bars, windscreen, etc), can this bike be made comfortable for long days in the saddle? 300 - 400 miles days for me are not out of the question. I am used to riding a big, comfy cruiser (Roadstar) which can easily go for 500+ miles without becoming the equivalent of a medieval torture device.

4) How does the new OEM 'coated' windshield compare with aftermarket units from National Cycle, etc?

5) Are aftermarket throttle tube cams still required for the '08 models? I read a lot about low-end throttle control problems due to the factory cam profile.

6) Anyone familiar with seated heats and grips? Should I get both, or is one more effective that the other for late fall/early spring riding here in the Northeast?

Thanks in advance. This looks like a great forum. If I do get the bike, I expect to be here often.

Well, I am no expert on this bike yet, but I have to say it's no Roadstar. I have put a 100k on my R* and had put 20k on a Roadliner and have only 7k on this FJR. Most of my riding is 2-up with my wife. I can do 1000 mile days easy on the R*. My wife and I have had lots of 500 mile days and a few 750 mile days. I have only attempted 350 on the FJR. I have stock seats on all my bikes. The FJR stocker seat is brutal in the summer 90-100* heat. The boys were bunchin all up in my jeans and didn't like the stock seat arrangement at all. During the winter months, I was riding with some Firstgear type pants. The ride was much more comphy. I know I have to do something about the seat. It's to the point now that I am actually debating taking a huge loss on the FJR due to its comfort on the seat. BTW, the seat is my only complaint, so I will attempt to fix it before ever getting rid of it. The ride is awsome. as others have said, you will get used to the wrist issues (through seating positions mostly). Just know, it is not a R* or a cruiser type bike in any way. That's one of the reasons I kept my R*. But a R* is no FJR either. My lord, I had forgotten what a smooth inline 4 was like. And quiet...the pocket of quiet air behind the shield is awsome. And try as I might, I have yet to hit the frame on the FJR. I think I have taken 1/2" off the frame of my R* because of cornering. (I like the lean)

 

[Bokerfork]

For me, moving the bars to the rearmost position really helped with wrist fatigue. You wouldn't think such a small move could mean so much.

As for throttle issues, not sure about the 08 but I solved my 07 issues by downshifting one gear. I found that by staying in the next lowest gear I rarely, if ever rolled off the throttle enough to feel the abruptness. Plus, you've got more than enough power for whatever you're doing. Sure, it revs higher, but hey, it's a SPORT/tourer.

As for multi multi hundred mile days, my hat's off to those who enjoy that. For me, if I wanted to do 1000+ mile days, I'd have bought a Goldwing. But, to each his own. Enjoy, and welcome.

 

[Haze]

I have reviewed most of the posted forum material in preparation for an upcoming FJR purchase. I do have a few specific questions, if y'all don't mind:
1) I ride about 25% of the time with my wife, 2 up. How comfortable can the bike be made for a passenger with an aftermarket seat and a backrest? I was planning on getting either a top box with an integrated backrest, or a removable passenger seat backrest ala Sargeant, or both. Any other suggestions for passenger creature comfort?

2) After riding my friends FJR last week, I was surprised at how civilized the riding position was for a performance bike. However, my wrists were killing me after only 15 minutes. Is this problem best solved with bar risers, or will playing with the 3 handlebar positions suffice?

3) Properly setup (seat, bars, windscreen, etc), can this bike be made comfortable for long days in the saddle? 300 - 400 miles days for me are not out of the question. I am used to riding a big, comfy cruiser (Roadstar) which can easily go for 500+ miles without becoming the equivalent of a medieval torture device.

4) How does the new OEM 'coated' windshield compare with aftermarket units from National Cycle, etc?

5) Are aftermarket throttle tube cams still required for the '08 models? I read a lot about low-end throttle control problems due to the factory cam profile.

6) Anyone familiar with seated heats and grips? Should I get both, or is one more effective that the other for late fall/early spring riding here in the Northeast?

Thanks in advance. This looks like a great forum. If I do get the bike, I expect to be here often.

Well, I am no expert on this bike yet, but I have to say it's no Roadstar. I have put a 100k on my R* and had put 20k on a Roadliner and have only 7k on this FJR. Most of my riding is 2-up with my wife. I can do 1000 mile days easy on the R*. My wife and I have had lots of 500 mile days and a few 750 mile days. I have only attempted 350 on the FJR. I have stock seats on all my bikes. The FJR stocker seat is brutal in the summer 90-100* heat. The boys were bunchin all up in my jeans and didn't like the stock seat arrangement at all. During the winter months, I was riding with some Firstgear type pants. The ride was much more comphy. I know I have to do something about the seat. It's to the point now that I am actually debating taking a huge loss on the FJR due to its comfort on the seat. BTW, the seat is my only complaint, so I will attempt to fix it before ever getting rid of it. The ride is awsome. as others have said, you will get used to the wrist issues (through seating positions mostly). Just know, it is not a R* or a cruiser type bike in any way. That's one of the reasons I kept my R*. But a R* is no FJR either. My lord, I had forgotten what a smooth inline 4 was like. And quiet...the pocket of quiet air behind the shield is awsome. And try as I might, I have yet to hit the frame on the FJR. I think I have taken 1/2" off the frame of my R* because of cornering. (I like the lean)

 

[Haze]

I have reviewed most of the posted forum material in preparation for an upcoming FJR purchase. I do have a few specific questions, if y'all don't mind:
1) I ride about 25% of the time with my wife, 2 up. How comfortable can the bike be made for a passenger with an aftermarket seat and a backrest? I was planning on getting either a top box with an integrated backrest, or a removable passenger seat backrest ala Sargeant, or both. Any other suggestions for passenger creature comfort?

2) After riding my friends FJR last week, I was surprised at how civilized the riding position was for a performance bike. However, my wrists were killing me after only 15 minutes. Is this problem best solved with bar risers, or will playing with the 3 handlebar positions suffice?

3) Properly setup (seat, bars, windscreen, etc), can this bike be made comfortable for long days in the saddle? 300 - 400 miles days for me are not out of the question. I am used to riding a big, comfy cruiser (Roadstar) which can easily go for 500+ miles without becoming the equivalent of a medieval torture device.

4) How does the new OEM 'coated' windshield compare with aftermarket units from National Cycle, etc?

5) Are aftermarket throttle tube cams still required for the '08 models? I read a lot about low-end throttle control problems due to the factory cam profile.

6) Anyone familiar with seated heats and grips? Should I get both, or is one more effective that the other for late fall/early spring riding here in the Northeast?

Thanks in advance. This looks like a great forum. If I do get the bike, I expect to be here often.

Well, I am no expert on this bike yet, but I have to say it's no Roadstar. I have put a 100k on my R* and had put 20k on a Roadliner and have only 7k on this FJR. Most of my riding is 2-up with my wife. I can do 1000 mile days easy on the R*. My wife and I have had lots of 500 mile days and a few 750 mile days. I have only attempted 350 on the FJR. I have stock seats on all my bikes. The FJR stocker seat is brutal in the summer 90-100* heat. The boys were bunchin all up in my jeans and didn't like the stock seat arrangement at all. During the winter months, I was riding with some Firstgear type pants. The ride was much more comphy. I know I have to do something about the seat. It's to the point now that I am actually debating taking a huge loss on the FJR due to its comfort on the seat. BTW, the seat is my only complaint, so I will attempt to fix it before ever getting rid of it. The ride is awsome. as others have said, you will get used to the wrist issues (through seating positions mostly). Just know, it is not a R* or a cruiser type bike in any way. That's one of the reasons I kept my R*. But a R* is no FJR either. My lord, I had forgotten what a smooth inline 4 was like. And quiet...the pocket of quiet air behind the shield is awsome. And try as I might, I have yet to hit the frame on the FJR. I think I have taken 1/2" off the frame of my R* because of cornering. (I like the lean)

GypsyGiuseppe:

Thanks for the post. I had a long talk with my wife tonight, and we agreed that I'll be a good boy and wait until next summer until I get the FJR. This way I won't have to sell the Roadstar (love it), and it would be cool to have 2 bikes that are so different. I went to a local dealer today that has 1 '08 FJR left on the floor, and I got a woody just sitting on it. But, parting with the Roadstar would be difficult -- so many good times. I think I'll wait so I can have my cake and eat it too (stupid saying, but you get the idea). Also, it wouldn't make financial sense to sell the Roadstar because I have so much money invested in it, which I would never get back if I let it go.

I am no stranger to performance machines, but it's been a long while since I've ridden anything like this. The contrast to a cruiser is staggering. It took me 15 minutes just to get the feel for the engine, gearbox, and braking power. It'll take me weeks before I am comfortable exploring the limits of cornering.

I can see that the seat and bar position will be things that I will need to experiment with. My wrists were killing me after only 15 minutes in the saddle. I really felt the difference when I got back on my Roadstar -- it felt like a couch compared with the FJR.

BTW, you may want to look into aftermarket seats for the Roadstar/Roadliner. The stock seat is horrible. I have a Mustang 3-piece that I love. A buddy of mine just put an Ultimate saddle on his Honda Valkrye, and I have to say that I was impressed. Of course a nice seat is going to set you back a few bucks.

For me, moving the bars to the rearmost position really helped with wrist fatigue. You wouldn't think such a small move could mean so much.
As for throttle issues, not sure about the 08 but I solved my 07 issues by downshifting one gear. I found that by staying in the next lowest gear I rarely, if ever rolled off the throttle enough to feel the abruptness. Plus, you've got more than enough power for whatever you're doing. Sure, it revs higher, but hey, it's a SPORT/tourer.

As for multi multi hundred mile days, my hat's off to those who enjoy that. For me, if I wanted to do 1000+ mile days, I'd have bought a Goldwing. But, to each his own. Enjoy, and welcome.

I guess I can hold off on doing anything with the bars until I get the bike and see how I like it. Playing with the bar settings may do the trick.

Do you use the stock grips? Gel gloves?

 

[Haze]

Can't answer all of them, but...
3. I find thousand mile days pretty easy. The biggest change I had to make for distance was the saddle. I could only do 400-500 on the stocker before it became miserable. For saddles, look at Russell, Bill Mayer, or Rick Mayer. I have the latter. The second most important comfort change for me was the windscreen. I went with V-Stream and spacers. A highway peg setup helped too. Your mileage may vary.

4. Don't know about the "coated" windshield. Really like my V-Stream from National Cycle. Other aftermarket shields have their fans here too. People who have swapped out the Yammie touring shield for an aftermarket one seem happy. I've never heard of anyone going back.

6. My '03 doesn't have a lot of extra power so I've skipped the electrics. Although I assume it would be nicer, I haven't really missed them. With overpants and a decent jacket, I haven't had any problems doing several hours in the lower 40s. With the big V-Stream, V-Strom handguards, and Air Wings turned out, I'm pretty protected from the weather, though.

How is the V-Stream different from the stock windshield? Taller? Different shape?

 

[Mackeroni]

I have reviewed most of the posted forum material in preparation for an upcoming FJR purchase. I do have a few specific questions, if y'all don't mind:
1) I ride about 25% of the time with my wife, 2 up. How comfortable can the bike be made for a passenger with an aftermarket seat and a backrest? I was planning on getting either a top box with an integrated backrest, or a removable passenger seat backrest ala Sargeant, or both. Any other suggestions for passenger creature comfort?

2) After riding my friends FJR last week, I was surprised at how civilized the riding position was for a performance bike. However, my wrists were killing me after only 15 minutes. Is this problem best solved with bar risers, or will playing with the 3 handlebar positions suffice?

3) Properly setup (seat, bars, windscreen, etc), can this bike be made comfortable for long days in the saddle? 300 - 400 miles days for me are not out of the question. I am used to riding a big, comfy cruiser (Roadstar) which can easily go for 500+ miles without becoming the equivalent of a medieval torture device.

4) How does the new OEM 'coated' windshield compare with aftermarket units from National Cycle, etc?

5) Are aftermarket throttle tube cams still required for the '08 models? I read a lot about low-end throttle control problems due to the factory cam profile.

6) Anyone familiar with seated heats and grips? Should I get both, or is one more effective that the other for late fall/early spring riding here in the Northeast?

Thanks in advance. This looks like a great forum. If I do get the bike, I expect to be here often.

Lots of opinions. After just a couple thousand miles on my FJR, here are mine...

1. My wife doesn't ride with me, so can't help ya.

2. You might try this... straighten your back, gently grip the sides of the tank with your thighs and loosen your grip on the bars. You will find that this takes nearly all the weight off your wrists. I swear it works. I don't ride this way all the time, but when I feel my wrists getting sore this helps to relax them.

3. Properly set up for YOU, 600+ mile days should not be too difficult. For me this means a wider, more forgiving seat.

4. I have always experimented with different windshields on my bikes. However, to my surprise, I find that I really like the standard FJR shield. It provides lots of cooling airflow directed just right when full down... pretty good rain protection when full up... and the in-between adjustments come in handy when riding various speeds. I can always find a position that gives me the right combination of windflow and protection.

5. I have no trouble with the standard throttle... after I removed nearly all of the slack. Throttle response seemed a bit herky-jerky at first, but it was not difficult to condition myself for smooth takeoffs and shifts.

6. I have a heated seat because it came with my Bill Mayer Saddle, but I have not used it yet. I have always been happy with just heated grips in the past.