FJR on the Way - Suggestions

[Scrib]

Age and various "soft spots" from 36 years of soccer finally forced me to sell my R1 and purchase an FJR. I picked up a 2007 FJR1300AE (silver) from Texas yesterday with 5800 miles. I know here in California I have to get it to 7500 to register it (so I must ride REALLY well in the meantime to avoid those pesky Chippers that live like trolls under the overpasses near my house) and I unfortunately do not have the time to go get it and ride it home (oh I wish I could, then it would come into California with the requisite mileage!)

My question is this: Farkles anyone? I have been reading this forum for the past few weeks and my head is spinning at the add ons. For me I am looking for two things mainly - bike protection in a tip/uh oh situation and comfort. I am 5'9" and 190lbs (like long walks on the beach . . .) and need this bad boy to be comfortable to ride. Any sugeestions would be appreciated. I am also interested in performance coming from the crotch rocket set to the FJR family. I understand that many addons are subjective, but I would love to hear any and all opinions on the matter.

Thanks in advance!

Scrib

 

[wnyfjr]

Congrats on the new bike! As for the farkles, everyone has their own priorities. For me, visibility was number one. I almost immediately added a headlight modulator (maybe not legal everywhere though so check locally) and a set of Hyperlites in back. original owner had already added the frame sliders and a set of bar risers, so I didn't have to add them myself. After that, with the wife along most of the time, storage is the next item to add. I'm working on getting a Givi top box from another forum member.

Again, it's very personal as to what "should" be your first farkles. Evaluate what you want this bike to be or do for you, and go from there. Enjoy the experience and get ready to lossen the purse strings a little!

 

[Skruffy]

Congrats on your new scooter and like you have gravitated to a sport tourer. I have a 08AE and you will get used to the new style clutch and enjoy the ride. Best advice I can give is a Rifle Shield and Russell seat. Not sure if yours has risers but that is something to consider along with changing the position of the bars. But before you do anything get the bike and just ride. You will find out what you need to change once miles start adding up on it. There are a number of sliders on the market, I have a set of OES, but so far haven't had to use them. Good luck and welcome to the family.

 

[chivvalry]

frame sliders, frame sliders, frame sliders.... dont do what I and many others on here have done and put those off 'cause "I'm not going to drop it anyway" and then get them and put them on AFTER that ONE time you leaned over a little bit too far or put your foot down on something slippery.

Other than that I have two brothers cans, power commander, yama touring windshield, tankbag w/starcom, gps and ram mount. Nothing near what I put on my VTX... I tend to ride this bike a lot more than spend time putting doo dads on it.

 

[Willie]

Age and various "soft spots" from 36 years of soccer finally forced me to sell my R1 and purchase an FJR. I picked up a 2007 FJR1300AE (silver) from Texas yesterday with 5800 miles. I know here in California I have to get it to 7500 to register it (so I must ride REALLY well in the meantime to avoid those pesky Chippers that live like trolls under the overpasses near my house) and I unfortunately do not have the time to go get it and ride it home (oh I wish I could, then it would come into California with the requisite mileage!)
My question is this: Farkles anyone? I have been reading this forum for the past few weeks and my head is spinning at the add ons. For me I am looking for two things mainly - bike protection in a tip/uh oh situation and comfort. I am 5'9" and 190lbs (like long walks on the beach . . .) and need this bad boy to be comfortable to ride. Any sugeestions would be appreciated. I am also interested in performance coming from the crotch rocket set to the FJR family. I understand that many addons are subjective, but I would love to hear any and all opinions on the matter.

Thanks in advance!

Scrib

I tend to be a minimalist (sp?) when it comes to farks, however cramp buster is very worthwhile investment for $10. I also added a Laminar Lip to the stock windshield that has proven to be worth the dollars spent and much less than a new windshield to boot. Givi top trunk came with the bike, however if it did not, I would have added right away. Great additional storage and a method for MeAsWe not fall of the back of the bike, under those unusual acceleration episodes, that seem to occur from time to time.

Willie

 

[road runner]

Like others said, put some miles on it first, and then decide what is more important to you. I would assume coming from an R1 that you may not need or want bar risers.

A throttle rocker or cramp buster is cheap and nice on a long ride.

A G2 throttle cam is a nice change on the 07. Especially an AE. You wont want a twitchy throttle.

Frame sliders.

Maybe a Russell seat.

Definitely a radar detector. This should be first.

No need for performance add ons, unless you just want it to sound cool then just do a set of slip ons.

 

[DWill]

Congrats on your new ride. I think you will find the FJR to be a comfortable mount that has some serious usable power. As far as farkles are concerned, I would recommend the following:

Short term mods:

Delrin sliders (I have Skyway sliders)

Tank protector (I have a Bagster tank cover)

Upgraded horn - the stockers don't cut it (I have dual FIAMM Freeway Blasters)

Hard case reflectors (the tape that goes on the back of your bags)

Longer term mods:

After-market seat (put some miles on the bike before you buy -- Russells are really nice, next on my list )

Throttle lock (I have the Madco model)

These are just a few ideas. The short-term mods will protect your investment and your hide.

DWill

 

[RsvlFeej]

I am also interested in performance coming from the crotch rocket set to the FJR family. I understand that many addons are subjective, but I would love to hear any and all opinions on the matter.
Thanks in advance!

Scrib

First key bit of info - Gen I is 2003-2005 in North America. Gen II is 2006 - present. Pretty much the only things that can be swapped interGen are wheels, exhaust, some engine parts, and saddlebags. Almost all the aftermarket bits: Seats, windshields, plastics, handlebar risers, and spring rates on the suspension - are different.

Performance mods - couple ways to tweak the engine/throttle for smoothness (Barbarian jumper mod, PowerCommander, untwist the throttle spring one turn - all discussed ad infinitum and easily found using the search feature), but I haven't heard of anything that will actually gain you more than 8-10 hp. My absolute best performance mod was aftermarket suspension.

 

[madmike2]

I am also interested in performance coming from the crotch rocket set to the FJR family. I understand that many addons are subjective, but I would love to hear any and all opinions on the matter.
Thanks in advance!

Scrib

Performance mods - couple ways to tweak the engine/throttle for smoothness (Barbarian jumper mod, PowerCommander, untwist the throttle spring one turn - all discussed ad infinitum and easily found using the search feature), but I haven't heard of anything that will actually gain you more than 8-10 hp. My absolute best performance mod was aftermarket suspension.

Patrick pretty much nailed it.

Once you have the bike home: SLIDERS!!!!

Then ride it for a few hundred or thousand miles. From that point you will know what your priorities are. If you need a seat, your "hinder parts" will tell you.

If you need a different windshield, you'll know.

If you want more performance (realizing this isn't an R-1), you can decide how much money you want to spend on exhaust, power commanders, etc.

Remember, this bike is much heavier than your sport bike and will not transition as quickly. Take it easy until you're used to the bike. The FJR is a siren and will keep singing to you, "You can do it! I can handle it!" Until the laws of physics take over and you'll find that it absolutely will not corner like your R-1.

If you have been riding sport bikes you will know about the suspension. IF it wallows.....consider a rear shock and fork springs as your first upgrade.

AFTER SLIDERS!

For instance, I "needed" a replacement seat because I got "butt burn" @ 250 miles. This might not be your case. I "needed" a rear shock and fork springs as my personal weight and the miles on the OEM bits dictated replacement therapy.

The other farkles I have because I wanted them and I could.

 

[Scrib]

Thanks for the quick replies all. I agree with the sliders and appreciate madmike's inpute related to suspension. I already know there will be a part of me that says "just a little faster, a little further over . . ." in the corners. I will do my best to keep the R1 demon at bay! Thanks again I appreciate the input.

 

[Gilf Hunter]

Frame sliders! I don't know how tall or how much you weigh, but I added risers, which really helped with my wrists and arms. I also recommend a bigger windshield. I have a Yamaha touring shield and love it, but there are a lot of goods ones out there. My Throttlemeister cruise control is my favorite on long rides. It gives me a chance to shake out my arms if I need to or give someone "the bird", with authority, on my right side. I also have seat beads from Beadrider.com, which I use on long rides which helps get air to the ***** area. Helps with monkey butt. Also have Garmin GPS, heated grips and Givi 52 top box. Congrats on your new purchase! Have fun.

 

[Patriot]

no minimalist here

Hi, my name is Mike and I'm a Farkleholic...I've come to Farkle Anonymous at the gentle prodding of my family and friends

I will attend all monthly meetings here at Farkles Anonymous

I will daily ask my higher power for help with my addiction

I will no longer visit dealerships, ebay, or internet stores

I will cancel my motorcycle magazines, journals, and my AMA membership

If tempted, I will call my sponsor RadioHowie for help and advice

(Howie is on the "other" forum and his '04 is bone stock)

My name is Mike, and I'm a Farkleholic

======================================================

Important to me for comfort is a Sargent Seat, Airhawk Air Pad, Wild Bill Highway Pegs, Cal Sci Windshield, and for safety/paint protection, a tank protector & R&G Sliders. There are grip puppies and throttlemeister and a Superbrace. To help power the electricals, the bike has a Eastern Beaver fuse block.

There are stacked two sets of risers to bring the bars up, back, and spread out 10 degrees from stock

Ok, from left to right:

FZ1 mirrors with MaxView Blind spot mirrors

Audiovox Cruise Control Pad

J&M CB radio with MP3 plugged in and weather radio and passenger intercom...J&M headset with two speakers

Zumo 550 GPS with bluetooth...talks directions and also can receive and make cell phone calls...speaker in left ear

Datel Voltmeter

clip on drink insulator

black switches are three way for front and rear hyperwhites...run front ones solid all the time...leave the rear off

during PGR (Patriot Guard Riders) funeral escorts, click the switches to flashing and white leds act as strobes front and back

RAM cupholder

there's a two way switch switching between separate horn buttons or hit either horn button and both horns blow

this is Stebel Air Horn on TOG (tip over guard) and Fiamm disc horns replacing stock horns

there's a two way switch either hooking up the front hyperwhite to the headlight relay so it's only on

with the engine running like the headlight, or it's on unswitched power. I can use it for emergency flashers without

the key in

12 volt cig light plug cluster - MP3 charger, 2 minature led flashlights charge

mode

Powerlet plugs in black panel - one switched with key powering up GPS, CB,

and Radar Detector

other plug always on to plug in battery tender

Switch with led indicator velcroed to side of front brake master cylinder - turns on off front Lazer Light bullet fork lights

Thermometer

Adaptiv Radar Detector with triple led visual warning on dash and wireless

audio-speaker in right ear

this unit velcros with industrial strength product to top of the front brake

master cylinder...found the cord would

unplug itself intermittently, so rubber band is a keeper on the cord pulling

it toward the unit at the plug

Explanation:

I used to fly these many moons ago chasing Rusky subs:

I trying to recapture that by making my Feej as airplane as possible

Heads Up display is on order !!!

Here's the goal:

additional pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mholiver/sets/

 

[RadioHowie]

MUST HAVE FARKLE!!

 

[Scrib]

That might be a bit ambitous for me . . . although I love the work!

 

[Blind Squirrel]

I am looking for two things mainly - bike protection in a tip/uh oh situation and comfort. I am 5'9" and 190lbs (like long walks on the beach . . .) and need this bad boy to be comfortable to ride.

- Sliders

- Russell day-long seat

- Bar risers

- Maybe a Power commander to smooth it out

Welcome to the forums and congrats on the purchase!

 

[Meltdown]

I always get a kick out of Patriot's bike. There's a guy who has a farkle addiction.

+1 on the frame sliders being the first thing to add. After that, let the bike speak to you and it'll tell you what you need.

If you'd like to see a more...um...moderate set of farkles, I just posted a write up. Just look for "The Severance Project" and have a look. You'll love you bike. Enjoy the ride.

 

[SacramentoMike]

I see you're a local guy. Welcome! We do local group rides pretty regularly, so watch the Ride Planning section for California. In fact, we've often met up at the Starbucks at Latrobe and 50.

I'd advise you to look at what you'll see on lots of the local bikes. That should help you decide what you want. I think the FJR performs just fine, so I'd at least start by spending my money on safety and comfort. Lights, horn, great gear. Sit on a few after market seats, look at wind screens; you can live with the stock stuff for a while, at least.

I saved a lot by watching the forum for a lot of my farkles, too (used, that is). This stuff can add up.

 

[airboss]

Very first farkle, a call to your credit card company to have them increase your line of credit.

We of the forum will dedicate ourselves to keeping you broke and happy.

 

[ynotride]

Very first farkle, a call to your credit card company to have them increase your line of credit.
We of the forum will dedicate ourselves to keeping you broke and happy.

I learned this lesson real fast (the free forum can get expensive) B)

My Advice is to put on the sliders and ride it. You will figure out fairly quick what you want to change. Then when you think your done the forum does a good job of getting you to buy the things you didnt think you needed.