FJR cornering capabilities

[lacofdfireman]

I have noticed that my FJR's front end feels real shakey and almost loose when I am riding Spirited in the corners. It is almost scary to me. Does anyone know if this is a normal FJR feeling or do I have something wrong with my suspension setting. I am 6'4 and 255lbs riding stock suspension in the stock settings. What can I do to improve the handling. I am a little broke because of a farkling disease that I am trying to overcome.

 

[big ears]

Your owners manual gives the instructions to adjust the front and rear suspension. There are some threads on this forum also. No it shouldn't be shakey IMO.

 

[Fubar]

I have noticed that my FJR's front end feels real shakey and almost loose when I am riding Spirited in the corners. It is almost scary to me. Does anyone know if this is a normal FJR feeling or do I have something wrong with my suspension setting. I am 6'4 and 255lbs riding stock suspension in the stock settings. What can I do to improve the handling. I am a little broke because of a farkling disease that I am trying to overcome.

Sone real great setting suggestions in the tech section. Before I upgraded to the Penske, I made the adjustments suggested on this site and it made one heck of a difference.

 

[Art FJR]

I have noticed that my FJR's front end feels real shakey and almost loose when I am riding Spirited in the corners. It is almost scary to me. Does anyone know if this is a normal FJR feeling or do I have something wrong with my suspension setting. I am 6'4 and 255lbs riding stock suspension in the stock settings. What can I do to improve the handling. I am a little broke because of a farkling disease that I am trying to overcome.

I think the FJR is setup for 180 pounds (if I remember correctly). There are definately folks here that will set you in the right direction. It is all adjustable. Hopefully it is just a setting that can be adjusted.

Art

 

[madmike2]

At 260+ lbs. I added pre-load (I have since upgraded the front springs). I'd bet that when you apply front brake you are getting quite a "nose dive".

And make sure your tires are inflated to 38-40 lbs.

Then there will have to be a discussion about which tire brand (some are more "skittish", some react badly to tar snakes) followed by a discussion on cornering technique.......

 

[Bustanut joker]

Geez, I hate to sound like Mister Obvious here but... 255 and stock settings? I don't think your going to get "sport bike" type handling with the FRJ no matter what ya do but, an upgrade to better stuff would help out large. In the meantime check out our search function, It's fabulous.

:jester:

 

[War Machine]

lacofdfireman,

You & I are big guys & the stock setting as you have already figured out isn't cutting it.

I recommend Jeff Ashe's Suspension Settings.

The only adjustment I made was I thought the pre-load a bit harsh & set it at 2 1/2 lines showing. All of the remaining adjustments I found to apply in my case too! Even though his settings are based for an 05, it greatly improved both my 06 & my 08.

 

[v65]

Have you checked the steering head bearing? If it's loose it will cause the shaking you describe.

 

[PDXFJR]

First, I ride a 2004. However, you and I are the exact same size!! This is what I've done. I putter stiffer springs in, have a superbrace and ride with Michelon Pilot Power 2CT's. No issues!! No chicken strips. My buddy that was riding behind me was afraid I was going to drag my saddle bags. I told him there is no way!!

Ray

 

[Roy Epperson]

lacofdfireman,

You need to adjust the suspension! I can't comment on Jeff Ashe's recommendations as a friend of mine does suspension tuning. I'm 210# and he really tightened up the pre-loads and rebounds - world of difference. Not only made the cornering more stable but improved the comfort on "just straight long rides".

Try Jeff's recommendations. My friend recommended not spending $$$ on new suspension until the OEM suspension was shot since I'm not riding track.

Roy

 

[motochick]

I was quite pleased with the handling on my first week with this bike. I used Ashe's settings as a baseline, then softened up the preload a bit for my weight. I know with a skilled rider this bike can haul. I remember doing a trackday at Laguna last year and a guy on a silver FJR past me on the inside of turn 5. :huh:

 

[HotRodZilla]

What everyone else said regarding your suspension, and up your tires' pressure to about 43/44. You will notice a world of difference. It should not shake; it should be veryconfident through the corners, although it is NOT a full on sport-bike. Let us know.

 

[RsvlFeej]

I have noticed that my FJR's front end feels real shakey and almost loose when I am riding Spirited in the corners. It is almost scary to me. Does anyone know if this is a normal FJR feeling or do I have something wrong with my suspension setting. I am 6'4 and 255lbs riding stock suspension in the stock settings. What can I do to improve the handling. I am a little broke because of a farkling disease that I am trying to overcome.

Another big help (IMO) in getting rid of the 'wallowing' feel in corners while on stock suspension was the SuperBrace.

 

[lacofdfireman]

I realize this was a very stupid question cause as the owner of Dirt bikes also the first thing I have always done to my dirt bikes is have the suspension done for my size and weight. Mostly because when jumping I bottom out real easy at 250 and stock dirt bike suspension. Guess I just figured the street would be a little more forgiving. I will do some research on the Ashe settings and let you know how it works out. Sorry for the dumb question, I guess I was just wanting to know if this was a common charictaristic of the FJR. Guess not.

 

[zip]

I realize this was a very stupid question .... Sorry for the dumb question...

Fireman, I was very interested to read this thread and the responses were very helpful. We're about the same size (though I've taken off about 20 pounds since last year), so I was glad that War Machine posted the Ashe settings link. I'll definitely try that.

There are folks here who have been on the board for years who will flame you about posting things posted before. It gets a bit tiresome, though I know that seeing the same things over and over again can get tiresome, too. It nice that there are so many folks here kind enough to offer great advice. I really appreciate that. One should be able to run a quick search, but still be unafraid of posting without the constant threat of being chided.

Great question, kind responses.

 

[Roy Epperson]

I realize this was a very stupid question cause as the owner of Dirt bikes also the first thing I have always done to my dirt bikes is have the suspension done for my size and weight. .....

Both the mechanic where I bought my bike and my suspension guy recommended putting on a 1000 or so miles before adjusting the suspension to allow the seals and values to work in. Otherwise, it would have to be done again one they did. Just think of the pass few miles and break in

 

[SPORT]

I have noticed that my FJR's front end feels real shakey and almost loose when I am riding Spirited in the corners.

IMHO, the FJR is a bit nose heavy, and takes a bit more effort to maneuver than modern sport bikes. On the up side, it tends to be more stable.

I'd say it's probably suspension settings.

 

[road runner]

Have you checked the steering head bearing? If it's loose it will cause the shaking you describe.

+1

 

[DJB]

I have a 03 and have the front and rear with custom work. At you size and with what you are feeling I would check the head torque first on the nuts then check to see if everything is seated correctly by following the owners guide. Then go to Jeff's settings. You will want change the front springs someday and the rear when have the money. Whether you use constant rake or progressive in the front is a personal choice. Just make an informed choice on you way of riding.