Considering a 2016 FJR, but concerned about tranny recall.

[Joe Howard]

... currently have it on pause due to concerns over the tranny recall (which was completed) . Am I over reacting? Anyone out there have issues with the update?

Also, I've owned two FJR's 2005 and 2007. Following the test drive on the 2016, the steering felt, at low speeds, in parking lots, etc., very stiff and heavy. Did I forget that this was normal ? I honestly thought the front tire was soft-it was not. The bike had risers and was lowered 1 inch, which is fine because 29" inseam.

Thanks for any insights on my concerns.

 

[GPRIDER]

Check the front tire pressure. It could feel hard and still just have 30 psi or lower. I really couldn't tell much difference in the handling of all 4 of my FJR;s except when the tires were well worn. That could be the case too. How worn were the tires? I had my 2016 tranny recall done last year by a mechanic that had never done more than a valve check on an FJR. I've put about 8,000 miles on it with no problems. You never said whether the recall fix had been done on the one you are looking at.

 

[LauraM]

I have had no concerns or difficulties with or after the transmission recall on my '16, so I don't think that should be a concern. As far as the steering feeling heavy, it could be several things, but is not a characteristic of that generation of FJR. Could be the type of tire, or that it is worn, or perhaps the fact that it has been lowered is affecting it too.

 

[sapest]

Other thoughts -
Buying from a Yamaha dealer? They may be obligated to carry out the recall. No issues with tranny after recall. 15,000+ miles.
Tire pressure/lowering/risers as noted above could all be playing a part.
ES? what are the suspension settings, another variable that could play a role in what you feel.
What are you riding now? A different 600 lb machine or something lighter?

Best of luck with your purchase.
-Steve

 

[Joe Howard]

-Yes, recall was completed.
-Buying from an individual.
-Tire is a new Michelin.

 

[Joe Howard]

Last ride was an Indian Chieftain, Steering felt relatively light.

 

[RossKean]

Check steering stem torque and BOTH tires. The rear can make the steering wonky as well.

 

[escapefjrtist]

If I were in the market, I wouldn't let the recall stop a purchase. Assuming the PO has ridden the bike a few miles and doesn't have any uncommon behavior or leaks, you're likely good to go.

Regarding heavy steering, I'd take a good look at how bike was lowered and insure the front tire is up to pressure.

Good luck!

~G

 

[mcatrophy]

Several have mentioned tyre pressure, didn't see anyone say put it to at least 39 PSI, not the 35 or 36 that Yamaha recommend. Makes a huge difference to the feel and handling.

 

[Dodger]

... currently have it on pause due to concerns over the tranny recall (which was completed) . Am I over reacting? Anyone out there have issues with the update?

Also, I've owned two FJR's 2005 and 2007. Following the test drive on the 2016, the steering felt, at low speeds, in parking lots, etc., very stiff and heavy. Did I forget that this was normal ? I honestly thought the front tire was soft-it was not. The bike had risers and was lowered 1 inch, which is fine because 29" inseam.

Thanks for any insights on my concerns.

Had my recall done on my '17 25,000 kms ago and you would never know it was ever taken apart. Everything is just as before, so I would not be afraid of the recall.

 

[JQL]

The Michelin PR and Road series tyres on the latest Gen FJR does make the steering a bit heavy at low speed in my opinion. But the grip in all weathers is outstanding - I'd even go as far as to say legendary.

The FJ/FJR Owners Club workshop in the UK tend to use Pirelli Angel GT A or Metzeler Roadtec 01 HWM (Heavy Weight Motorcycle). They also have the Bridgestone T32 GT but I didn't get on with those personally (they could suit your style of riding though). Whichever you opt for they should be GT or Heavy Motorcycle rated. For what it's worth, I'll be going for the Pirelli Angel GT A next time round as I don't need the sort of wet weather capabilities of the Michelin Road series any more as I'm retired now.

I have noted that, with the Michelin, if the tyre pressure is above 36 psi it tends to "fall into the corners" a bit more at lower speed. Rock steady and completely planted otherwise. For reference, I weigh about 180 lbs dripping wet and run the Michelin Road 5s at 38 psi front and 44 psi rear which suits my weight and style of riding (most of the time) - "your mileage will vary" as they say .

As to the transmission recall. Not something you need to worry about now as most Yamaha shops have had a lot of experience doing the work.

 

[fastpappy]

Yes, 39 to 40 psi in front, 42 or so rear. If the rear is lowered (dog bones) check that the front forks are slipped (approximately 1/2 inch) to maintain geometry. Just my 2cents.

 

[vzhq16]

^^What they all said^^ My 2016 has been ridden 25,000+ miles since the recall work was done in January 2021 and there has been no issues. The steering on mine feels a bit heavy when moving slowly (too slow to balance it) but I am used to it. It feels lighter than my 2009 did but that one had different tires on it too.

 

[one Wolf]

I wouldn't worry a bit. I've put 6000 miles on my 16 since the trans recall work. Perfectly fine.

 

[John Scottorn]

I've both a Gen1 and Gen2 at present, trying to decide which is the keeper.
Away last week on the Gen1 in Wales with considerable load in the boxes, I reckon the front felt a little too light and I wasn't sure whether my normal running pressure of 41 on the front was too much to get grip.(?)
Normally i used to go with pressures recommended by Yamaha, but normally anything less than 40 on the front makes it 'drop its head' in slow manoevering.
The back benefits from around 38-40 on the Gen1 but given slightly longer wheelbase on the Gen2 it probably deserves 40+ when loaded.
I've also got Pirelli on the G1 and Bridgestone on the G2.
For some reason i'm having to gain confidence in the Bridgestones but they're brand new so they may need a few miles to scrub them in(?)

 

[Sunnyorlando]

"The FJ/FJR Owners Club workshop in the UK tend to use Pirelli Angel GT A or Metzeler Roadtec 01 HWM (Heavy Weight Motorcycle). They also have the Bridgestone T32 GT but I didn't get on with those personally (they could suit your style of riding though). Whichever you opt for they should be GT or Heavy Motorcycle rated. For what it's worth, I'll be going for the Pirelli Angel GT A next time round ..."

FWIW - I have been running Pirelli Angel GT II A Spec for the past 2~3 sets. It's a tire that does not get mentioned/credited much for some reason, but it deserves a strong consideration. Others I ride with also like it even after having had Michelin, Metzler or Dunlops, all of which I've tried as well on previous bikes. I've also run Bridgestone a while back, and Avon...
And as we all know though, the tire that works great in one bike, may not be the same on another ene similar bike.
Our riding style is 'spirited', and we see our share of rain, especially when we travel to other areas. The Angel GT II is an excellent tire with great predictability on dry or wet surfaces.
I may try the new Michelins so I can have a comparison on the FJR, but the Angel GT's are solid.

 

[user 90243]

40 fr, 42 rear.

Several have mentioned tyre pressure, didn't see anyone say put it to at least 39 PSI, not the 35 or 36 that Yamaha recommend. Makes a huge difference to the feel and handling.

 

[Diablo1]

I’d want proof that the transmission recall was actually done by the dealer. I have been burned by a dealer that didn’t do a safety recall, but did get paid for it by Yamaha. Not every dealer is trustworthy and honest with competent mechanics.

 

[Torchsport]

25,000 miles on my 2020 since the recall. ZERO issues.

 

[Lou D]

My mechanic told me not to worry about the recall. He has not heard of any gear failures. I decided not to do mine.