All these modifications on FJRs?

[JimNtexas]

So I've narrowed my choices for the next bike to either an ST1300 or an FJR. ...

It was hard for me to choose between the ST and the FJR, until I rode both. I hated the heat from the ST, and couldn't see the instrument panel. The thing I liked best about the ST was the very low seat height.

The FJR was faster, much lighter(!), narrower, and just more fun to ride.

If I could afford both I would, I'd ride the ST in the winter and FJR the other 9 months.

I see pretty much the same mods on STs that you see on FJRs, judging by their forum and my friends who have STs.

By the 2008 model year the 'throttle snatch' problem was solved by Yamaha. There are fairly cheap mods for earlier years for them that wants it.

There is no need for a PC to modify throttle response issues. I guess some riders have fun fooling with maps, which is fine. But if that doesn't float your boat, don't worry about it.

 

[TomInPA]

The OP's concern that "modifications" may reflect life shortening performance enhancement is fairly widespread in the marketplace, and is fed by the modifications often done to cruiser motorcycles to gain horsepower from an incredibly inefficient power plant. The use of fuel controllers to counter the lean-mix used to comply with environmental / emission regulations actually improves performance while prolonging engine life by allowing the engine to run at its ideal air/fuel ratio, which results in cooler temperatures. It's a shame this isn't better understood, but points out why you should sell me your fuel controller (cheap), before you try to sell your bike.

 

[carlson_mn]

^ haha well said Tom.

 

[Phugedaboudet]

One relevant question that should be asked: Why are there so many "good deals" on ST1300s out there?

 

[Aasland]

My ten year old Prelude is soooo much more refined than our 2005 Subaru.

so get a 2011!

Because there are no 2011 5spd turbo Outbacks (besides, the 2011 OB's are fugly!).

We almost did get a 2011 Legacy instead of the 'lude since we like our Outback so much. But the 2001 Honda still has a smoother engine than the 2011 2.5i (didn't consider an H6) ... and at $15k less it was a no-brainer.

An STi would be a blast but too much money, brutal suspension, and too small.

Granted .. a Cobb Access Port would probably do wonders but I'm not gonna drop $700 to make our OBXT5MT run a little smoother.

 

[Pepperell]

Not too many people post that they didn't buy anything for their bike today/this week/month/year. Pretty boring stuff. What you see in the forum is NOT necessarily representative of the average owner, whatever the heck an "average owner" is.

 

[Bounce]

My ten year old Prelude is soooo much more refined than our 2005 Subaru.

so get a 2011!

Because there are no 2011 5spd turbo Outbacks (besides, the 2011 OB's are fugly!).

We almost did get a 2011 Legacy instead of the 'lude since we like our Outback so much. But the 2001 Honda still has a smoother engine than the 2011 2.5i (didn't consider an H6) ... and at $15k less it was a no-brainer.

An STi would be a blast but too much money, brutal suspension, and too small.

Granted .. a Cobb Access Port would probably do wonders but I'm not gonna drop $700 to make our OBXT5MT run a little smoother.

oh... THOSE... those are the ones that all come with sensible shoes. Right?

i find my 08 STi is tons of fun while my wife's 03 WRX is plenty for her.

STi = Cobb AP, Cobb Downpipe, AEM CAI, Magnaflow Catback, custom tune, f&r strut braces and a few undercarriage unibody braces. It's "getting there".

 

[RadioHowie]

oh... THOSE... those are the ones that all come with sensible shoes. Right?

i find my 08 STi is tons of fun while my wife's 03 WRX is plenty for her.

STi = Cobb AP, Cobb Downpipe, AEM CAI, Magnaflow Catback, custom tune, f&r strut braces and a few undercarriage unibody braces. It's "getting there".

ENOUGH about yer VW engined Japmobile!!! When are we gonna see the finished paint job on the Feej???

 

[SwollenRaccoon]

The OP's concern that "modifications" may reflect life shortening performance enhancement is fairly widespread in the marketplace, and is fed by the modifications often done to cruiser motorcycles to gain horsepower from an incredibly inefficient power plant. The use of fuel controllers to counter the lean-mix used to comply with environmental / emission regulations actually improves performance while prolonging engine life by allowing the engine to run at its ideal air/fuel ratio, which results in cooler temperatures. It's a shame this isn't better understood, but points out why you should sell me your fuel controller (cheap), before you try to sell your bike.

Beautifully stated.

Here ya go, apples to apples.

Tuesday, my co-worker, Jason, and I put 630 miles on riding back from Arkansas. Hot, between 91 and 97 degrees from Kansas City to the Minnesota border. We both have 08 FJRs, the only motor difference being that Jason has a PCIII, and I still have a stock fuel system. Here's the kicker. My temperature gauge was showing 7 bars(out of 10), and his was showing 5. We believe the added fuel (at certain rpm) was keeping his motor cooler than mine. During our 4 day trip, our fuel consumption was virtually identical.

Jason added the PCIII to correct the abruptness at very small throttle movement increments. This is especially noticeable when leaned over, riding fairly aggressively, making small adjustments to the throttle. If you pay close attention, you can notice an "on/off" condition, instead of getting exactly the amount you dialed in. In "average" commuting/touring mode, the bike runs just fine.

For comparison, my 1998 SuperHawk (last US-bound carbureted bike, if I remember right, also largest carbs Honda ever put on a vehicle) has a throttle accuracy like a Swiss watch. Leaned over, revs up high, if you want 1/100th more throttle, you turn it 1/100th of a turn, and that's what you get. Just beautiful, and very confidence-inspiring. Let's not talk about the fact that it gets motorhome-like gas mileage.

The next thing I do to the FJR will be to add a Power Commander. I don't want or need more power. I want accuracy and smoothness, and that's what I'll get. I wouldn't shy away from an FJR with a PC.

Just my very uninformed opinion.

 

[RadioHowie]

Tuesday, my co-worker, Jason, and I put 630 miles on riding back from Arkansas. Hot, between 91 and 97 degrees from Kansas City to the Minnesota border. We both have 08 FJRs, the only motor difference being that Jason has a PCIII, and I still have a stock fuel system. Here's the kicker. My temperature gauge was showing 7 bars(out of 10), and his was showing 5. We believe the added fuel (at certain rpm) was keeping his motor cooler than mine. During our 4 day trip, our fuel consumption was virtually identical.

Jason added the PCIII to correct the abruptness at very small throttle movement increments. This is especially noticeable when leaned over, riding fairly aggressively, making small adjustments to the throttle. If you pay close attention, you can notice an "on/off" condition, instead of getting exactly the amount you dialed in. In "average" commuting/touring mode, the bike runs just fine.

For comparison, my 1998 SuperHawk (last US-bound carbureted bike, if I remember right, also largest carbs Honda ever put on a vehicle) has a throttle accuracy like a Swiss watch. Leaned over, revs up high, if you want 1/100th more throttle, you turn it 1/100th of a turn, and that's what you get. Just beautiful, and very confidence-inspiring. Let's not talk about the fact that it gets motorhome-like gas mileage.

The next thing I do to the FJR will be to add a Power Commander. I don't want or need more power. I want accuracy and smoothness, and that's what I'll get. I wouldn't shy away from an FJR with a PC.

Just my very uninformed opinion.

You guys can screw around with your FI all you want...you'll never get it "poifekt".

That's why I'm planning to put two of these on MY Feej.....

 

[Aasland]

My ten year old Prelude is soooo much more refined than our 2005 Subaru.

so get a 2011!

Because there are no 2011 5spd turbo Outbacks (besides, the 2011 OB's are fugly!).

We almost did get a 2011 Legacy instead of the 'lude since we like our Outback so much. But the 2001 Honda still has a smoother engine than the 2011 2.5i (didn't consider an H6) ... and at $15k less it was a no-brainer.

An STi would be a blast but too much money, brutal suspension, and too small.

Granted .. a Cobb Access Port would probably do wonders but I'm not gonna drop $700 to make our OBXT5MT run a little smoother.

oh... THOSE... those are the ones that all come with sensible shoes. Right?

i find my 08 STi is tons of fun while my wife's 03 WRX is plenty for her.

STi = Cobb AP, Cobb Downpipe, AEM CAI, Magnaflow Catback, custom tune, f&r strut braces and a few undercarriage unibody braces. It's "getting there".

No, it's comfortable shoes. :feminist_en:

I think we might have the only Outback with Air Force and NRA stickers.

 

[carlson_mn]

I think we might have the only Outback with Air Force and NRA stickers.

always funny to poke fun at!

 

[art miller]

So I've narrowed my choices for the next bike to either an ST1300 or an FJR. With the used STs on the market, I see that most people leave them stock, more or less, with regard to the engine's performance. But with the FIRst, almost all the used ones have a Power Commander, etc. Why? Is the bike fairly misbehaved in the stock config? Or is it just that the FJR crowd is a little more "sportbikish" than the ST guys? I ask because, all other things being equal, I would generally shy away from a bike that's been modified from stock config with different fuel injection programming, aftermarket exhausts, etc. ( I don't want a loud bike, I want a quiet FAST bike).

I've had two FJR's, the current is an 07 with PCIII. The bike runs great and I can personally recommend the FJR over the ST1300. Go for a 2009 or 2010 FJR if you are buying a used bike. Two years ago I rented a new ST1300 in Orlando and rode it up to the Smoky Mts to do the the Dragon and the other twisties. That wa a seven day ride 1250 miles and temps ranging from 60's to high 80's. My observations are; bike handled OK but not as well as the FJR. Heat was a big issue in town traffic and at rest. Bike is top heavy. With bags off the bike is butt ugly.

 

[wfooshee]

For comparison, my 1998 SuperHawk (last US-bound carbureted bike, if I remember right, also largest carbs Honda ever put on a vehicle) has a throttle accuracy like a Swiss watch. Leaned over, revs up high, if you want 1/100th more throttle, you turn it 1/100th of a turn, and that's what you get. Just beautiful, and very confidence-inspiring. Let's not talk about the fact that it gets motorhome-like gas mileage.

My brother, Motortoad here, has one of those. The mileage isn't really motorhome-like, but it only carries 3 gallons at a time!

We've had those carbs off, and installing them was not enjoyable!

 

[carlson_mn]

My buddy said he got about 25mpg when he had his superhawk.