First trip

[irishcurtis]

Well, I flew in to Minneapolis to pick up my '08 AE on Tues Apr 14. Kudos to Heinen's Yamaha; the bike was exactly what I was promised, prepped and ready to ride when I arrived. $11000 out the door (Gov Granholm gets her fair share next week). Here are some of my impressions on the 877 mile trip back to A2 Thurs and Fri (US 8 across Wisconsin, US 2 across the UP, I-75 down the LP with a mandatory stop for fudge and pasties in Mackinaw)

What I don't need:

• aftermarket pipes-don't mind the noise level from stock, I don't think the bike sounds as much like a sewing machine as I had feared.
• bar risers-I was very comfortable the whole trip, reach was just right
• bar end weights-I expected really heavy vibrations somewhere in the rev range, but I never found it. More on this later, though

What I do need:

• throttle lock/cruise control-absolutely vital!!. I may be spoiled by the cruise on the RSV, but you gotta have something. I am considering the Manic salamanders from Twisted Throttle, which
• are also heavy bar end weights, but the lock is the real purpose here.
• new windshield- I am 6'2" and the stock shield is about 5-6" below my line of sight. Need something taller; I have been thinking V-Stream or C-Bailey with flip
• tank bag-going with Bags Connection/SW Motech with power (from Twisted Throttle when I order the throttle lock)
• Kisan Pathblazer and Tailblazer-had them before, will get them again. Will probably be the first thing I buy

What I thought:

this bike chews up the miles and spits them out. The only real complaint I had about the trip was the speedometer error. I mean ERROR!!! At an indicated 80mph, little old ladies in Buicks were passing me. I didn't mount GPS for this trip, but I wouldn't be surprised if the error was 8 mph or more at 80. That aside, this is a comfortable and fast machine for chasing the horizon. I am very pleased with the electric shift. I am still on the fence about the seat. I have replaced the seat on every bike I have owned (Corbin for the BMW, Diamond for the Goldwing, Corbin for the RSV) as most are way too soft for my taste. This seat, however, is firm and flat, easy to move around on, I don't notice any tendency to slide forward. I was not at all uncomfortable after 8 hours on the road.

 

[dsmack]

Curtis ~

Congrats on your new ride! You're going to love it, as we all do. Happy that the ergonomics are just right for you, and if the seat fits that well on the first ride home, you may be doubly lucky!

Enjoy the miles as they fly by... have you done your first oil change yet?

Oh ~ and welcome to the forum... lots of good folks here with a wealth of great information.

Don

 

[Patriot]

big congrats and the courage to go that far getting her home

yep, do an oil change ASAP and change the final drive hypoid oil, as well

sounds like the farklin' has begun and you have been assimilated

Thank you for your service to all of us in the Air Force and your current occupation for us

Pics please

let's ride safe and be careful out there,

Mike in Nawlins'

 

[madmike2]

First...welcome to the FJR experience! :yahoo:

Congratulations on your ride home. :clapping:

What I thought:
this bike chews up the miles and spits them out. The only real complaint I had about the trip was the speedometer error. I mean ERROR!!! At an indicated 80mph, little old ladies in Buicks were passing me. I didn't mount GPS for this trip, but I wouldn't be surprised if the error was 8 mph or more at 80.

Wait until you hook your GPS and compare the speedo. My '05 is 3-4 mph off @ indicated 80 mph, 2 mph difference @ indicated 70 mph. That's better than my Kawi that is 5 mph off @ indicated 65.

 

[BTSinAustin]

What I do need:

• new windshield- I am 6'2" and the stock shield is about 5-6" below my line of sight. Need something taller; I have been thinking V-Stream or C-Bailey with flip

I would not recommend the V Stream. I am 6'2" as well and thought that it would be perfect from reading the reviews. I think the main problem is they are too thin for that much surface area and tend to buffet at speed. It does provide coverage though. i can have my face shield all the way up at 80+. I would like one that has that coverage but is strong enough to be stable.

I know this is a matter of taste as many here like and dislike damn near every option.

 

[hjarmitage]

"new windshield- I am 6'2" and the stock shield is about 5-6" below my line of sight. Need something taller; I have been thinking V-Stream or C-Bailey with flip"

I am 6'2" and just changed to a Corbin saddle. Wiyh my CalSci screen (+3.5") it puts me in a dead air zone screen up. Lowered about 2" smooth flow over the helmet, no buffeting. Perfect set up.

 

[atxrider]

Welcome to the forum.

I have a cee bailey +6 +4 and love it. Very good fit and finish...I think they do aircraft plastics. I have heard good things about the flip...

 

[chicken strip]

If you are in the market for cruise control, don't forget to look at the audiovox. The PO added it to my 06 and it is awesome. I had cruise control on a 2003 Goldwing and really got used to it. it is a lot smoother that the throttle lock and the last time I looked, it was cheaper. Good luck and enjoy the ride.

 

[FJReady]

Congrats on the new bike. I predict that the longer you own it the more you'll like it. Thats been my experience anyway.

If I may toss in my $.02 on a couple items:

Windshields: I had a CeeBaileys +4+4, standard contour for several years. It was way better that stock but I still had a moments of buffeting around the helmet. I spent a rainy after noon pawing through dozens of windscreen threads on this forum and others. Based on that research I decided on the CalSci XL. I was reluctant to buy the largest one (I'm six foot 0) but I figured its easier to cut it than add onto it. All I can say is there must be something to the design of it that significantly improves airflow. It is quieter and less buffeting on the highway. I've only tested up to about 110 so far but very stable up to that point.

It is a pricey unit at $200 but is long term comfort is your goal then I think its money well spent.

Seats: Good on you if you can ride 8 hours on the stocker. I know I'd be squirming at that point. My first multi day trip on my 'new' FJR in 2005 left my butt screaming for mercy. I bought a Rick Mayers leather saddle after that trip. Been very happy ever since. Even during an 8 day trip a couple years ago I had no sore butt issues.

I hav'nt used a m/c cruise control but I can tell you that I love the Vista Cruise throttle lock solution. 'nuff said.

Hope you have a good summer of riding.

 

[ctfjr]

Welcome Curtis! I have had mine for almost 11 months now. I flew from CT to Alabama to get mine then rode to St Louis (tnx again KM for helping me do the 600 mi service in your garage) for business & then home. I did one day's riding of 650 miles & I was convinced the seat had to go. In over 40 years of riding this is the 1st bike I've every had a custom seat made for (Russell and its great).

A lot of the ergo issues you mention are going to be very rider specific. ie I really needed the Heli triple clamp risers and a taller windscreen also.

Here I am about 13K on her now & luvin every minute. Be sure & ask the board's advise on what kind of oil to use & what tires to change to. . .

 

[Spud]

Speedometer Error: I just put a GPS on my new '08 and a quick ride indicates there is quite an error as you state. 60 on the speedo is 54-55 on the GPS.

 

[Rick_W]

Curtis,

Congrats on the new ride.

Let me add the recommendation for quality frame sliders. I've dropped mine on both sides and the sliders have saved me mucho money. Drop one was on the left side - as my daughter was dismounting she slid forward from the pillion seat and the bike rolled off the kickstand. The second drop was on the right side - stalled it heavy traffic during an uphill right hand turn in the rain.

Glad the machine fits you so well. Hope you enjoy many happy s-miles!