FJR owner here

[MrSheltone]

Hey everyone, I've been riding for about 40 years and have owned many bikes through the years
Unfortunately the tech that more modern bikes have is appreciated...until things stop working.
Turns out working on some of this stuff winds up being above my skill and knowledge.
I hope to get some guidance for an issue that I have with my FJR.
Thanks

 

[RossKean]

What model year?
What's the problem?
Where are you located (Buffalo, NY?)?
Chances are that someone can help you via the forum or even in person if you are close to a knowledgeable inmate.
Lots of guidance here. Search function usually works well as a first place to start.

Welcome!

 

[Sworch]

Hello and welcome Mr. Sheltone. What seems to be the issue?

 

[MrSheltone]

What model year?
What's the problem?
Where are you located (Buffalo, NY?)?
Chances are that someone can help you via the forum or even in person if you are close to a knowledgeable inmate.
Lots of guidance here. Search function usually works well as a first place to start.

Welcome!

Thanks for the welcome
I'm located in Green Bay WI
I have an 07 with almost 40,000 on it.
I traded it straight up for a VMax last fall.
My girl and I took a trip to South Dakota on it last September and it did very well. Especially considering how loaded down it was.
She learned her first lesson on what to pack and what not to pack on a bike road trip.

 

[MrSheltone]

I see allot of ABS threads for an FJR. That's what I'm looking into. Mine doesn't work. But it's also acting differently than the thread's I'm seeing.
I'll get into a maintenance thread and see what people have to say

 

[#Rocket]

I see allot of ABS threads for an FJR. That's what I'm looking into. Mine doesn't work. But it's also acting differently than the thread's I'm seeing.
I'll get into a maintenance thread and see what people have to say

What do you mean it does not work? What are the symptoms? I have an 06 with ABS and have no ABS error codes; however, if I apply rear brake it will lock up. The check engines/system light works, so I wonder what the issues is. That's not what I expect from an ABS.

 

[SkooterG]

What do you mean it does not work? What are the symptoms? I have an 06 with ABS and have no ABS error codes; however, if I apply rear brake it will lock up. The check engines/system light works, so I wonder what the issues is. That's not what I expect from an ABS.

Your issue is that the ABS pump has some frozen spool valves. It was a fairly common occurrence on the Gen I ABS system. Much less common on Gen 2 and on. There's nothing you can do about it. It is not repairable. The prevailing theory on preventative measures is to flush the brake system regularly and exercise the ABS pump when doing that.

 

[tschutter]

Welcome to the forum.
For what it's worth, my 07 is about to turn 40k miles. Located near Grand Rapids MI. Minus the lake, we're only 150 miles apart. Hope to meet in person some day.

 

[MrSheltone]

Your issue is that the ABS pump has some frozen spool valves. It was a fairly common occurrence on the Gen I ABS system. Much less common on Gen 2 and on. There's nothing you can do about it. It is not repairable. The prevailing theory on preventative measures is to flush the brake system regularly and exercise the ABS pump when doing that.

That's exactly what I was thinking. When I got it the fluid was maple syrup. I ordered a used ABS block. It's here and I'm putting it in tomorrow. I'll let everyone know how it goes.

 

[MrSheltone]

What do you mean it does not work? What are the symptoms? I have an 06 with ABS and have no ABS error codes; however, if I apply rear brake it will lock up. The check engines/system light works, so I wonder what the issues is. That's not what I expect from an ABS.

I have no rear brake or no ABS. And no ABS light. That's what's weird.

 

[RossKean]

I have no rear brake or no ABS. And no ABS light. That's what's weird.

With no rear brakes at all and no ABS warning, I would be looking for a big air bubble in the system. The FJR rear brake is linked to one of the front piston pairs (lower right front). When bleeding brakes, you have to bleed the lower right front piston pair using the lower bleeder on the right caliper (and using the rear pedal - fluid comes from the rear reservoir). You then bleed the rear caliper. While you're at it, remove, clean and lubricate the rear brake pedal pivot - should be done annually.

For the front, I usually bleed the left before the right, but it doesn't really matter much. It is a good idea to activate the ABS pump before and after bleeding. It may be done using the following procedure.

https://www.fjrforum.com/threads/test-and-maintain-your-abs-system.136000/#post-834610

Do your clutch fluid at the same time. Service both hand levers (clean and lube). Make sure you remove, clean and lube the brass bushing in the clutch lever (the one that engaged the clutch push rod). If not maintained, it will wear out and become ineffective - properly maintained, it will last the life of the bike.

Clean and lube shifter linkage too.

Note: I hope you got an '06. '07 ABS pump. They changed for '08+.

 

[#Rocket]

I find it hard to believe there is no way fix/repair the ABS spool valves. I’m truly disappointed in Yamaha if that is the case for such a critical safety system. Sure appreciate feedback in this forum.

 

[RossKean]

This was a significant issue for Gen I (2004-05) ABS bikes and early Gen II (2006-07). The ABS pump was improved in 2008 and problems are relatively quite rare since then. Even for the early ABS bikes, failure is FAR more prevalent if the owner neglected the necessary maintenance - thorough system flush every two years (or one year if you live in a humid area or ride a lot in the rain). Helps to "exercise" the ABS from time-to-time either via the jumper I referenced above or on a sandy asphalt parking lot or deserted road. It can be done without drama and it is good to understand how the ABS feels so you are not surprised during an emergency stop. Not only that but a regular test ensures that problems are discovered under controlled conditions. Operating the ABS semi-regularly prevents stagnant (possibly wet) fluid from sitting in the block causing corrosion and freezing the spools. Getting fresh fluid through the system is key to preventing problems.
I had zero ABS issues on my 2007 that I sold with 186,000 miles on the clock. Nothing with my 100,000 mile 2011 either.

Note: The usual mode of failure is that you find yourself with a normally functioning non-ABS bike. For most, the brakes will work normally but will lock up. Rear is far more often a problem than the front. (More easily managed to have a rear brake lock up than a front...)

 

[RossKean]

I have no rear brake or no ABS. And no ABS light. That's what's weird.

Does the pedal go all the way down with very little resistance or is there resistance but no brakes? If no resistance, it is far more likely an air bubble that didn't get bled out. (See post #11)

 

[MrSheltone]

With no rear brakes at all and no ABS warning, I would be looking for a big air bubble in the system. The FJR rear brake is linked to one of the front piston pairs (lower right front). When bleeding brakes, you have to bleed the lower right front piston pair using the lower bleeder on the right caliper (and using the rear pedal - fluid comes from the rear reservoir). You then bleed the rear caliper. While you're at it, remove, clean and lubricate the rear brake pedal pivot - should be done annually.

For the front, I usually bleed the left before the right, but it doesn't really matter much. It is a good idea to activate the ABS pump before and after bleeding. It may be done using the following procedure.

https://www.fjrforum.com/threads/test-and-maintain-your-abs-system.136000/#post-834610

Do your clutch fluid at the same time. Service both hand levers (clean and lube). Make sure you remove, clean and lube the brass bushing in the clutch lever (the one that engaged the clutch push rod). If not maintained, it will wear out and become ineffective - properly maintained, it will last the life of the bike.

Clean and lube shifter linkage too.

Note: I hope you got an '06. '07 ABS pump. They changed for '08+.

Nope they sent the wrong one. They said it would fit. My fault I didn't have time to pull mine out to compair it.

 

[MrSheltone]

Does the pedal go all the way down with very little resistance or is there resistance but no brakes? If no resistance, it is far more likely an air bubble that didn't get bled out. (See post #11)

 

[MrSheltone]

Does the pedal go all the way down with very little resistance or is there resistance but no brakes? If no resistance, it is far more likely an air bubble that didn't get bled out. (See post #11)

Welcome to the forum.
For what it's worth, my 07 is about to turn 40k miles. Located near Grand Rapids MI. Minus the lake, we're only 150 miles apart. Hope to meet in person some day.

We ride every Sunday.

 

[GOFFjr1300]

Hey everyone, I've been riding for about 40 years and have owned many bikes through the years
Unfortunately the tech that more modern bikes have is appreciated...until things stop working.
Turns out working on some of this stuff winds up being above my skill and knowledge.
I hope to get some guidance for an issue that I have with my FJR.
Thanks

Welcome from Arendal, Norway .

 

[MrSheltone]

Welcome from Arendal, Norway .

I have Arendal speakers for my hifi system. Are you familiar with them?

 

[MrSheltone]

What do you mean it does not work? What are the symptoms? I have an 06 with ABS and have no ABS error codes; however, if I apply rear brake it will lock up. The check engines/system light works, so I wonder what the issues is. That's not what I expect from an ABS.

I'm putting a used ABS module in mine. I'm sure mine is malfunctioning. It's a ***** to change but it can be done. Mine didn't lock up but I have no pressure to the caliper.. There is pressure to the ABS block.