Advice on Mechanical Check of 05 FJR before LONG trip

[danarielle]

Hi, Some background.

I ride a lot (to work daily, day trips on weekends, 2,500-3,000 mile trips each summer. But I know little or nothing about bike mechanics (sorry ) Hopefully what I say below isn't completely wrong

I recently purchased an 05 ABS with 12,000 miles on it from a yamaha dealer whom I trust. He didn't know everything about the service history of the bike, but did know the prior (first) owner and said he was certain the bike was well taken care of. It certainly looks and rides like it was. BUT

I'm planning a trip from Albuqueque to New York this summer and want to have the bike checked and serviced thoroughly before I go -- for safety reasons, as well as not wanting to be stuck in 100 degree heat on some highway in Oklahoma.

So, could I ask what anyone would recommend I get checked...from reading the forums I have made the following list..am I on track? Am I wasting money? Have I missed anything important? Thanks for any help/advice you can give me.

Here's the list

1. New spark plugs
2. New air filter
3. Test and replace coolant
4. Valve check
5. Test electrical system
6. Check ABS fxn, brake system, brake pads

Thanks again for any advice.

 

[danarielle]

Hi, Some background. First, I posted this on the tech forum, but dont' know if it was the best choice. So, here it is (again)

 

I ride a lot (to work daily, day trips on weekends, 2,500-3,000 mile trips each summer. But I know little or nothing about bike mechanics (sorry ) Hopefully what I say below isn't completely wrong

I recently purchased an 05 ABS with 12,000 miles on it from a yamaha dealer whom I trust. He didn't know everything about the service history of the bike, but did know the prior (first) owner and said he was certain the bike was well taken care of. It certainly looks and rides like it was. BUT

I'm planning a trip from Albuqueque to New York this summer and want to have the bike checked and serviced thoroughly before I go -- for safety reasons, as well as not wanting to be stuck in 100 degree heat on some highway in Oklahoma.

So, could I ask what anyone would recommend I get checked...from reading the forums I have made the following list..am I on track? Am I wasting money? Have I missed anything important? Thanks for any help/advice you can give me.

Here's the list

1. New spark plugs
2. New air filter
3. Test and replace coolant
4. Valve check
5. Test electrical system
6. Check ABS fxn, brake system, brake pads

Thanks again for any advice.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Before you do anything else, I would get yourself a service manual. Then I would look at the maintenance items on it for your mileage. Then I would make a list from that.

I would then get over to to fjrinfo.com or fjrtech.com and read up. They have lots of nice photos and writeups.

Then get yourself to a regional/local meet and ask your questions of local owners. FJR owners are the best resource. :clapping:

Definitely hit the bin o facts on this board with the FAQ section...

 

[Bounce]

Merging duplicate threads

and a 3rd one found by Skooter and shut down. duplicate threads is poor form. triplicates is rude.

 

[danarielle]

Thanks...good advice. I just went to fjrtech.com and it seems great. Will get a service manual as well.

Before you do anything else, I would get yourself a service manual. Then I would look at the maintenance items on it for your mileage. Then I would make a list from that.

I would then get over to to fjrinfo.com or fjrtech.com and read up. They have lots of nice photos and writeups.

Then get yourself to a regional/local meet and ask your questions of local owners. FJR owners are the best resource. :clapping:

Definitely hit the bin o facts on this board with the FAQ section...

 

[Fred W]

Here's the list

1. New spark plugs
2. New air filter
3. Test and replace coolant
4. Valve check
5. Test electrical system
6. Check ABS fxn, brake system, brake pads

Thanks again for any advice.

That list sounds fine except you aren't due for a valve check until 26k miles. Doing it early is just wasting money (unless you plan to be gone at that mileage). The easiest thing is to just complete all of the maintenances at the intervals recommended by Yamaha. I have a schedule that I use that simplifies keeping track of the services based on 5k mile intervals, that way I can just glance at the odometer and know how long it is to the next one. Here's my schedule:

Every 5k miles:

Check Air Filter (replace every 3rd service @15k miles)

Check Cooling system (drain and refill coolant every other year)

Check Exhaust system

raise tank

Check Tank vent hoses and fuel lines (when tank is up)

Check valve clearance every 5th service @ 25k miles

Replace spark plugs on 3rd service @15k miles or during valve checks

Warm engine throughly

Adjust TBS

lower tank

Oil and filter change

Check Brake pads and fluid level

Check clutch fluid level

Flush brake and clutch fluid every 2 years

Grease clutch and brake lever pivots

Grease rear brake and shift pedal pivots

Check front fork seals for leaks

Check rear shock for leaks

Drain and refill Final drive every other service (@10k miles)

Repack rear suspension pivots every 4th service (@20k miles)

Check tire pressure and wear

Inspect wheels for damage

Spin wheels and check bearings (easier to do when doing tire changes)

Lift front end and check steering bearing for looseness

Grease sidestand and center stand pivots

I use a one page checklist at each service to keep track of, and record, my service completions. Before beginning I look at the last completed service sheet to see what is due this time (for the things that don't get done every time), and make notes about when it was last completed on the current sheet.

Here is a link to a copy of my blank checklist (in MS Word format) that you are free to use or to modify to your own personal settings

 

[CAJW]

+1 to what Fred and Wheatie said. Personally regarding tires, I make sure I have a new set before embarking on a long trip. Nothing worse than to take off on a long trip with "ok" tires only to find that they wear faster than you anticipated and you end up trying to find your preferred tire replacement out on the road. It just adds frustration and delay to what is supposed to be a fun time on vacation and as is often noted your mileage may vary so don't count on getting the 10K worth of mileage you read some get here on the forum. Good for you in getting to know your steed better and it'll only make you appreciate how dependable this mount really is.

 

[ionbeam]

...Here's the list

0. Read the maintenance section of your owners manual. If you don't have a manual you can view one online on the Yamaha USA web site.

1. New spark plugs Not really necessary, by the book the plugs should be changed but it really won't matter.
   
2. New air filter -- At least check that there are no rodent nests in the filter, hold it up to the light and see how bad it is. Typically just one end will be dirty so just rotate it 180°
3. Test and replace coolant
4. Valve check
5. Test electrical system
6. Check ABS fxn, brake system, brake pads, brake fluid
   
7. Either start with new tires or if you start out with really worn tires arrange a tire change along the way.
8. Fresh oil and filter, depending on your route you may need to arrange a change along the way.
9. Consider changing the final drive oil since you don't know the history.

Edit: Hmmm, lotsa posts while I was typing. What they said

 

[BwanaDik]

Hi, Some background.

I ride a lot (to work daily, day trips on weekends, 2,500-3,000 mile trips each summer. But I know little or nothing about bike mechanics (sorry ) Hopefully what I say below isn't completely wrong

I don't think I'd run out and spend the money on a service manual if you're not going to do the wrenching yourself. Most of the answers here are from folks who do their own work.

Are you going to have a (trusted) shop do the work or are you going to do it? If a shop, then they have the maintenance schedule for your bike. However, because of the age of your bike with such low miles, yes I would have additional checks of soft goods like seals looked at by them (rear drive seals, trans output seal for example). These dry out over time with little use.

I rarely do my own work anymore because of time limitations. My local shop is excellent and they do a great job of figuring out what's needed at specific mileage. If that's your plan, that's OK too, just be sure they have a tech that has experience with FJR's.

I'd probably have the brake fluid changed too as well as cycling the ABS.

How old are the tires? OEM or recently changed? With only 12,000 miles they might actually be stock

 

[beemerdons]

Great checklist Fred, Thank You!

 

[Pepperell]

I would also make darn sure the cam chain tensioner has been replaced. Gen 1 bikes are known to have problems with these. Your dealer should be able to check if this has been done. New cct's have a blue dot on them. A broken one will ruin your day...

 

[ionbeam]

I would also make darn sure the cam chain tensioner has been replaced. Gen 1 bikes are known to have problems with these. Your dealer should be able to check if this has been done. New cct's have a blue dot on them. A broken one will ruin your day... your bank account and the next several months.

 

[BikerGeek99]

Personally regarding tires, I make sure I have a new set before embarking on a long trip.

Excellent advice right there. As everyone knows, the farther away from home you are, the quicker 'OK' tires will degrade into bald tires.

 

[danarielle]

Thanks very much...that is just what I needed.

Much appreciated,

That list sounds fine except you aren't due for a valve check until 26k miles. Doing it early is just wasting money (unless you plan to be gone at that mileage). The easiest thing is to just complete all of the maintenances at the intervals recommended by Yamaha. I have a schedule that I use that simplifies keeping track of the services based on 5k mile intervals, that way I can just glance at the odometer and know how long it is to the next one. Here's my schedule:

Every 5k miles:

Check Air Filter (replace every 3rd service @15k miles)

Check Cooling system (drain and refill coolant every other year)

Check Exhaust system

raise tank

Check Tank vent hoses and fuel lines (when tank is up)

Check valve clearance every 5th service @ 25k miles

Replace spark plugs on 3rd service @15k miles or during valve checks

Warm engine throughly

Adjust TBS

lower tank

Oil and filter change

Check Brake pads and fluid level

Check clutch fluid level

Flush brake and clutch fluid every 2 years

Grease clutch and brake lever pivots

Grease rear brake and shift pedal pivots

Check front fork seals for leaks

Check rear shock for leaks

Drain and refill Final drive every other service (@10k miles)

Repack rear suspension pivots every 4th service (@20k miles)

Check tire pressure and wear

Inspect wheels for damage

Spin wheels and check bearings (easier to do when doing tire changes)

Lift front end and check steering bearing for looseness

Grease sidestand and center stand pivots

I use a one page checklist at each service to keep track of, and record, my service completions. Before beginning I look at the last completed service sheet to see what is due this time (for the things that don't get done every time), and make notes about when it was last completed on the current sheet.

Here is a link to a copy of my blank checklist (in MS Word format) that you are free to use or to modify to your own personal settings

 

[beemerdons]

Hello danarielle, are you aware that you have an Expert on FJR Mechanic's living right in your town? HotRodZilla lives in Albuquerque and I am sure he would share his FJR Mechanical Check Long Trip Advice. Trust me, AJ is a whole lot smarter than he looks.

Well honestly, he is just somewhat smarter than he looks. Plus HotRodZilla drools a little when he speaks, but do your very best not to stare at him when he does that: He is really self conscious about this! So send AJ a Private Message and he will respond!

 

[wheatonFJR]

That photo never gets old.

That photo's on his employee badge isn't it? :lol:

 

[FJRPierre]

two stupid things that have delayed me on the road unnecessairly

1. the dreaded ignition switch failure. yeah I know its mainly for gen 2 bikes etc but its happened to gen 1 too. read up on it and carry the necessary stuff to do a field repair. See Scott's/canadian riders thread

2. you get a stupid flat, buts it's not a flat! It's a faulty/loose Shraeder valve stem core . The little spring doesn't close properly and lets air out. Carry a spare valve stem core and carry the little slotted valve cap to tighten/remove the stem core. (the cap type you find on bicycles.)

DAMHIK

 

[beemerdons]

Hello danarielle, are you aware that you have an Expert on FJR Mechanic's living right in your town? HotRodZilla lives in Albuquerque and I am sure he would share his FJR Mechanical Check Long Trip Advice. Trust me, AJ is a whole lot smarter than he looks.

Well honestly, he is just somewhat smarter than he looks. Plus HotRodZilla drools a little when he speaks, but do your very best not to stare at him when he does that: He is really self conscious about this! So send AJ a Private Message and he will respond!

wheatonFJR and FJRPierre, It really is a toss up for Papa Chuy Viejo to decide which photo I prefer the best, it is either that one above or this one below! Both pictures perfectly sum up the "true essence" of our Fine FJR Forum!

 

[Fred W]

I dunno...

If he'd just shave... :chickawow:

But isn't that odot? Or is that Greg with his ears lopped off?