FJR and the aftermarket

[RadioHowie]

...or is the FJR seriously ignored by the aftermarket?

Sure, plenty of Long Distance stuff available, but even that is mostly "niche" items that apply to many bikes on the market.

I'm talking about FJR-specific items...most specifically, 1) an aftermarket full-system exhaust and 2) an FJR specific steering damper.

I really am surprised someone like Muzzy or Akro doesn't make one, or Ohlins/Scott in the damper department.

Or maybe I'm just not able to find them, cleverly hidden as they are, on the Internet.

 

[C&C]

We are still riding a low volume bike. The aftermarket doesn't invest too much in developement unless they can sell enough to make a return on their investment.

 

[ZZR12]

I'd assume it's because there is virtually no demand for stuff like that for the FJR.

A steering damper for an FJR? WTF? I cannot imagine any possible need for a steering damper for this bike, unless you're trying to put a sidecar on it (in which case you'd want a whole different fork anyway). Hell, even my ZZR1200 doesn't need a damper.

As for the exhaust... well, I know Two Bros makes slips-ons for the FJR, but I assume you're talking about a full system for want of more power. From what I've seen, the FJR isn't exactly tuner's favorite bike. How many FJR owners would actually want a full aftermarket exhaust kit (I know my wife couldn't care less about changing the pipes on her bike).

And is it even possible or practical to make it worthwhile? With a freer-breathing exhaust, the Feej would need increased intake capacity. Is it possible? Does this bike even have a ram-air intake (where)?

I can appreciate wanting a bit of snap to the exhaust note, but you only need aftermarket cans for that, which will also save a considerable amount of weight by losing the catalytic converters in the stock cans. I've got Muzzy slip-ons on my ZZR, and they sound great, but I don't try to pretend that they actually add any power.

 

[RadioHowie]

Didn't stop Corbin from building a $600 tail trunk no one wants.

 

[nusman68]

What C&C said...AND, remember, it is a sport-touring bike which seemingly relegates it to 'back burner' status as far as the manufacturers (of the items you were referring to) are concerned. Dale Walker @ Holeshots mufflers was supposedly working on a full exhaust that eliminated the catalytic convertors, and did have a small ad in the back of a couple of the bike mags (Cycle World was one, IIRC) proclaiming that such a system was in the works; now I don't see that particular ad anymore; I haven't checked for an update in a while myself. WC will probably have the latest info.....

 

[ZZR12]

Dale Walker @ Holeshots mufflers was supposedly working on a full exhaust that eliminated the catalytic convertors,

The cats aren't in the cans on the FJR? That sucks; I can now appreciate the desire for a full or header-back system if the cats are upstream of the cans. I just figured the cats were in the cans like they are (were) on the ZZR. They're certainly big enough.

 

[vectervp1]

Why do you think the FJR needs a steering damper? Its not exactly a bike with a light front end, or one with a steep rake/trail on it. Steering dampers are typically only for bikes that may have a tendency to go into a tankslapper.

As for a full exhaust system, your right. No one makes one, and there is a chance no one will (other than Dale Walker). This is still a sport touring bike and as such, not alot of performance parts will probably exist for it like they do for the sports bike market. Alot of these items exists because these are the bikes that the masses are trying to improve their performance envelope. You will see things creep in like suspension and SS brake lines, but I wouldnt expect to see things like full exhaust system, 'big bore' kits, or slipper clutches.

 

[Warchild]

We are still riding a low volume bike. The aftermarket doesn't invest too much in developement unless they can sell enough to make a return on their investment.

One of the reason you see so many LD items for the bike is that the Long Distance community seldom waits around for the aftermarket; we are used to fabricating our own designs to address the fairly unique requirements Iron Butt riders have.

Some of these translate well to the general FJR community (light brackets, voltmeters, dash shelfs, etc), and some of them remain fairly LD-centric (fuel-cells, aux lamps, etc.)

 

[RadioHowie]

I'd assume it's because there is virtually no demand for stuff like that for the FJR. 
A steering damper for an FJR?  WTF?  I cannot imagine any possible need for a steering damper for this bike, unless you're trying to put a sidecar on it (in which case you'd want a whole different fork anyway).    Hell, even my ZZR1200 doesn't need a damper.

As for the exhaust... well, I know Two Bros makes slips-ons for the FJR, but  I assume you're talking about a full system for want of more power.  From what I've seen, the FJR isn't exactly tuner's favorite bike.  How many FJR owners would actually want a full aftermarket exhaust kit (I know my wife couldn't care less about changing the pipes on her bike). 

And is it even possible or practical to make it worthwhile?  With a freer-breathing exhaust, the Feej would need increased intake capacity.  Is it possible?  Does this bike even have a ram-air intake (where)? 

I can appreciate wanting a bit of snap to the exhaust note, but you only need aftermarket cans for that, which will also save a considerable amount of weight by losing the catalytic converters in the stock cans.  I've got Muzzy slip-ons on my ZZR, and they sound great, but I don't try to pretend that they actually add any power.

From one perspective, I guess NO motorcycle "needs" a steering damper. My ZRX didn't need one, 'til I started riding it hard enough to wear out the sidewall transitions before the centers of the tires, then having that extra stability sure came in handy, and there are certainly enough posts concerning front-end wobbles and instabilities on the FJR to warrant considering the addition of a steering damper.

For a full system exhaust, the weight savings and heat reduction alone would be worth the cost and effort, IMHO. The additional 10-15% power increase would be gravy. Then, that damper would come in handy with the front end in a constantly lightened condition.

Besides, adding aftermarket goodies to anything...from a 57 Chevy, to an 04 FJR, never had anything to do with what the vehicle needs. It's what the owner wants.

If modding/farkling a bike is based on the needs of the bike, rather than the wants of the rider, then we have all chosen a piss-poor foundation with which to work, at least based on the amount of modifying done around here.

 

[RadioHowie]

Why do you think the FJR needs a steering damper?  Its not exactly a bike with a light front end, or one with a steep rake/trail on it.  Steering dampers are typically only for bikes that may have a tendency to go into a tankslapper.

Honest, I'm not trying to be a smartass here, but I ride my FJR as hard as I ride my ZRX, and the front end needs some "firming up" in my book. Moves around quite a bit hitting road imperfections like bott-dots, roadkill and small children. Not enough to make it scary or dangerous, but a $125-150 damper sure would decrease the pucker factor. Just doing what a damper does...increasing the confidence factor.

I guess what I'm saying is, the way I drive my FJR, the front end is light all the time.

 

[ZZR12]

From one perspective, I guess NO motorcycle "needs" a steering damper.

Actually, some apparently do. The new ZX-10R comes with a damper standard, and by many accounts, prior iterations sorely needed one to keep the front end under control. This is largely true of many/most liter superbikes. Every TL1000 I've seen has had a damper fitted.

and there are certainly enough posts concerning front-end wobbles and instabilities on the FJR to warrant considering the addition of a steering damper. 

I'd bet these reports of front-end wobbles on the FJR are tire-related, in which case adding a damper would only mask the true problem. You read the same sort of stories on the ZZR forums. Hyperpro makes a damper for the ZZR, but I'm convinced that headshake on these bikes is being caused by the tires. Why? Because I had headshake on my ZZR; for a while I was considering getting a damper. But then I changed to Metzeler Z6s - the headshake absolutely disappeared.

Besides, adding aftermarket goodies to anything...from a 57 Chevy, to an 04 FJR, never had anything to do with what the vehicle needs.  It's what the owner wants.

I absolutely agree. My point was simply that the aftermarket has apparently decided that the FJR community is largely unconcerned with racey bits like full exhaust systems and steering dampers. Tuners buy gixxers, R1s, and ZXs.

I don't think it has much to do with the production volume of the FJR - they're a common, popular bike. Certainly more common and popular than the ZZR1200, of which I have never seen another one, but there are aftermarket full-exhaust systems and steering dampers and such available for it.

 

[ZZR12]

Honest, I'm not trying to be a smartass here, but I ride my FJR as hard as I ride my ZRX, and the front end needs some "firming up" in my book.  Moves around quite a bit hitting road imperfections like bott-dots, roadkill and small children.  Not enough to make it scary or dangerous, but a $125-150 damper sure would decrease the pucker factor.  Just doing what a damper does...increasing the confidence factor.

Is there any motorcycle that won't twitch its handlebars when you hit stuff? Even my Volusia would twitch when I go over railroad tracks or a hard pavement edge at an angle. Does that mean it needs a damper?

But Bots-dots make your feej handle funny? Seriously? Are you sure there isn't a bigger problem with the bike? It sounds mighty suspicious that bots-dots would make you think you need a steering damper.

 

[Geezer]

... the front end needs some "firming up" in my book. Moves around quite a bit hitting road imperfections like bott-dots, roadkill and small children.

Well, there are a couple of choices out there for fork braces. A brace makes a significant difference when hitting imperfections and other things in the road. And they improve feedback to the rider.

I do agree that I would like to see more after market parts for the FJR, and more people competing for our money. That won't happen until there are a lot more FJRs on the road.

 

[RadioHowie]

Is there any motorcycle that won't twitch its handlebars when you hit stuff? Even my Volusia would twitch when I go over railroad tracks or a hard pavement edge at an angle. Does that mean it needs a damper?
But Bots-dots make your feej handle funny? Seriously? Are you sure there isn't a bigger problem with the bike? It sounds mighty suspicious that bots-dots would make you think you need a steering damper.

Well, I guess I should have added "when I'm cranked over on a 45mph sweeper doing 90 and damn near dragging a knee." Yes, I guess I'm a squid at heart.

I've already ground off my peg feelers. It's the head-twitch during such maneuvers that I'm referring to. It's a pucker-maker on a 500 pound ZRX. On a 650 pound, top-heavy FJR, it's heart-stopping.

You're right about the tire-related wobbles. But there's really nothing wrong with damper-masking tire wobbles as long as they aren't tank-slapper inducers. How many of us haven't swapped out cupped tires because of their wobbling when they were actually still good for a few more thousand miles. I know I have.

 

[ZZR12]

Well, I guess I should have added "when I'm cranked over on a 45mph sweeper doing 90 and damn near dragging a knee."  Yes, I guess I'm a squid at heart.

Ah! Thanks for clarifying!

Well, given your propensity for, ahem, "spirited" riding, how about adding an R1 or ZX10 to the stable to inflict your squidliness upon?

I've already ground off my peg feelers.  It's the head-twitch during such maneuvers that I'm referring to.  It's a pucker-maker on a 500 pound ZRX.  On a 650 pound, top-heavy FJR, it's heart-stopping. 

Quick, somebody get this guy a steering damper for his feejer!

 

[nusman68]

Well, I guess I should have added "when I'm cranked over on a 45mph sweeper doing 90 and damn near dragging a knee." Yes, I guess I'm a squid at heart.

I've already ground off my peg feelers. It's the head-twitch during such maneuvers that I'm referring to. It's a pucker-maker on a 500 pound ZRX. On a 650 pound, top-heavy FJR, it's heart-stopping. 

This might be your clue to impending squid-induced mortality....best pickup an R1 ASAP....

 

[RadioHowie]

Actually, a ZX10R would probably be my first choice. The FJR is the first non-Kaw I've ever owned. Like many, I'm very brand-loyal.

And hey, if I "go" as a smear under the wreckage of an 04 FJR, beats dying while I'm doing something I don't enjoy.

 

[Carnifex]

Didn't stop Corbin from building a $600 tail trunk no one wants. 

Hey, I want one, I'm just not gonna pay that much....

 

[drjfjr]

I bought my Concours in 96 and there were very few choices of aftermarket stuff for it. I sold it after I got my FJR and except for Murph there are were still just a few choices for aftermarktet items for the Connie. I actually wanted an updated bike because finding a selection of tires and battery were becoming a problem with only the FS1 exhaust cans and one shock choice it was dismal. I think the FJR aftermarket is a big plus to what the Connie was even up till 2001.