FNG questions -- (imagine that!)

[rideon67]

Been riding a new 09 for a week now as an upgrade from the last new bike -- 78 XS11. The 78 was an amazing machine in its day but this FJR is jaw dropping to this old engineer who hasn't ridden anything newer than the 78. After studying manuals, forums, websites, etc., I'm still trying to get a handle on the increased complexity. It sorta reminds me of riding one of those land cruisers from the old Star Wars. Incredible silent power with manuverability. A real arm stretcher.

Can someone tell me why the recommended oil changed from 10W40 in 08 to 20W50 in 09? I don't find any mechanical changes that explain it. Not a real big deal, but I'm trying to read between the lines. Also, in the oil filter posts the recommended Purolator Pure one filter is a little tighter giving possible higher pressures. I'm thinking the higher viscosity oil will not help this.

Also, the manual says that a "special constant voltage battery charger" is required and the dealer should charge the batt if needed. WHAT? Is there such a charger and what is wrong with the Battery Tender float charger that I keep hooked up while the bike is sitting.

BTW, still riding the XS11 too. At least until I get the Corbin and bar risers put on ...........

 

[Patriot]

Been riding a new 09 for a week now as an upgrade from the last new bike -- 78 XS11. The 78 was an amazing machine in its day but this FJR is jaw dropping to this old engineer who hasn't ridden anything newer than the 78. After studying manuals, forums, websites, etc., I'm still trying to get a handle on the increased complexity. It sorta reminds me of riding one of those land cruisers from the old Star Wars. Incredible silent power with manuverability. A real arm stretcher.
Can someone tell me why the recommended oil changed from 10W40 in 08 to 20W50 in 09? I don't find any mechanical changes that explain it. Not a real big deal, but I'm trying to read between the lines. Also, in the oil filter posts the recommended Purolator Pure one filter is a little tighter giving possible higher pressures. I'm thinking the higher viscosity oil will not help this.

basically, seriously...nobody knows and nobody cares...I run the big bang for the buck Shell Rotella synthetic 5w40 here in the deep south...change the oil and filter every 5000 miles on the even number...easy to remember that way

nothing to read between the lines...Yamaha doesn't manufacture oil and it just so happens that's what they sell now as opposed to a couple years ago

Also, the manual says that a "special constant voltage battery charger" is required and the dealer should charge the batt if needed. WHAT? Is there such a charger and what is wrong with the Battery Tender float charger that I keep hooked up while the bike is sitting.

again, don't believe everything you read or what comes out the Yamaha propaganda machine...battery tender is fine...mine is hooked to my Feej 24/7 whenever it's parked in my garage

shocking also but you don't have to use the Mama Yamaha oil filter...ya bike won't explode if you use the favorite Purolator Pure One or even the big bang for the buck WalMart Supertech 7317...I happen to purchase a dozen Yammy filters on sale, and some crush washers as well. Again, many don't replace the crush washer with no ill effect. I rarely bother myself.

One more thing...IGNORE Yamaha's suggested torque value of 32 ft-lbs for the oil drain plug at the bottom of the crankcase. Quite a few have stripped out the threads. Tighten it just snug with a bit of wrist action on your 17mm box end or 3/8" drive socket wrench.

Bin O Facts is your friend...just google it

BTW, still riding the XS11 too. At least until I get the Corbin and bar risers put on ...........

 

[madmike2]

Been riding a new 09 for a week now as an upgrade from the last new bike -- 78 XS11. The 78 was an amazing machine in its day but this FJR is jaw dropping to this old engineer who hasn't ridden anything newer than the 78. After studying manuals, forums, websites, etc., I'm still trying to get a handle on the increased complexity. It sorta reminds me of riding one of those land cruisers from the old Star Wars. Incredible silent power with manuverability. A real arm stretcher.

Yup! Went from a '79 XS1100SF to first gen. Concours to the FJR. The XS needed work so I donated it to a forum member who is extremely handy with tools and he brought it back to life: Link to the thread.

Can someone tell me why the recommended oil changed from 10W40 in 08 to 20W50 in 09? I don't find any mechanical changes that explain it. Not a real big deal, but I'm trying to read between the lines. Also, in the oil filter posts the recommended Purolator Pure one filter is a little tighter giving possible higher pressures. I'm thinking the higher viscosity oil will not help this.

Because Yamaha stopped selling 10W50. Many of us are using alternate oils (Rotella, Delo, Delvac) and other motorcycle specific oils.

Also, the manual says that a "special constant voltage battery charger" is required and the dealer should charge the batt if needed. WHAT? Is there such a charger and what is wrong with the Battery Tender float charger that I keep hooked up while the bike is sitting.

Yes...battery tender.

BTW, still riding the XS11 too. At least until I get the Corbin and bar risers put on ...........

Yebbut...once the FJR is "personalized" the XS may spend a lot of time parked....... :dribble:

Edit: Daaaannngggg....Mike is fast on the trigger! Scaryy that we have nearly the same answers. :blink:

 

[DJB]

Only have one question. Why a Corbin seat? Most of us that have changed the seat would recommend a Russell Seat. https://www.day-long.com/. Just something to think about. <_<

 

[Geezer]

Only have one question. Why a Corbin seat? Most of us that have changed the seat would recommend a Russell Seat. https://www.day-long.com/. Just something to think about. <_<

And there's a group buy going on for the Russell. I think it's 20% off.

 

[ScottyUSN]

Only have one question. Why a Corbin seat? Most of us that have changed the seat would recommend a Russell Seat. https://www.day-long.com/. Just something to think about. <_<

And there's a group buy going on for the Russell. I think it's 20% off.

looks like the Russell group buy sold out (100) in 2 weeks. They are already working on the standby list. That is a true testiment to the seat.

Mama Yama like all others put all this legal BS in the manual. Thanks to this forum, you can begin to ingore now instead of later.

I began to ask a bunch of questions to my sales guys. He laughed, then commented "Just ride it like you stole it". I took his advice (after proper break in).

Here's some data to take in if you have not already found on your own

GEN II BIN O FACTS

Welcome!

 

[rideon67]

Only have one question. Why a Corbin seat? Most of us that have changed the seat would recommend a Russell Seat. https://www.day-long.com/. Just something to think about. <_<

Quick answer: cause I didn't find this forum soon enough.

 

[rideon67]

Been riding a new 09 for a week now as an upgrade from the last new bike -- 78 XS11. The 78 was an amazing machine in its day but this FJR is jaw dropping to this old engineer who hasn't ridden anything newer than the 78. After studying manuals, forums, websites, etc., I'm still trying to get a handle on the increased complexity. It sorta reminds me of riding one of those land cruisers from the old Star Wars. Incredible silent power with manuverability. A real arm stretcher.
Can someone tell me why the recommended oil changed from 10W40 in 08 to 20W50 in 09? I don't find any mechanical changes that explain it. Not a real big deal, but I'm trying to read between the lines. Also, in the oil filter posts the recommended Purolator Pure one filter is a little tighter giving possible higher pressures. I'm thinking the higher viscosity oil will not help this.

basically, seriously...nobody knows and nobody cares...I run the big bang for the buck Shell Rotella synthetic 5w40 here in the deep south...change the oil and filter every 5000 miles on the even number...easy to remember that way

nothing to read between the lines...Yamaha doesn't manufacture oil and it just so happens that's what they sell now as opposed to a couple years ago

Also, the manual says that a "special constant voltage battery charger" is required and the dealer should charge the batt if needed. WHAT? Is there such a charger and what is wrong with the Battery Tender float charger that I keep hooked up while the bike is sitting.

again, don't believe everything you read or what comes out the Yamaha propaganda machine...battery tender is fine...mine is hooked to my Feej 24/7 whenever it's parked in my garage

shocking also but you don't have to use the Mama Yamaha oil filter...ya bike won't explode if you use the favorite Purolator Pure One or even the big bang for the buck WalMart Supertech 7317...I happen to purchase a dozen Yammy filters on sale, and some crush washers as well. Again, many don't replace the crush washer with no ill effect. I rarely bother myself.

One more thing...IGNORE Yamaha's suggested torque value of 32 ft-lbs for the oil drain plug at the bottom of the crankcase. Quite a few have stripped out the threads. Tighten it just snug with a bit of wrist action on your 17mm box end or 3/8" drive socket wrench.

Bin O Facts is your friend...just google it

BTW, still riding the XS11 too. At least until I get the Corbin and bar risers put on ...........

What kind of hook-up do you use for plugging in the Battery tender? My XS has a very crude way that I'll refine for the FJR

 

[majicmaker]

Only have one question. Why a Corbin seat? Most of us that have changed the seat would recommend a Russell Seat. https://www.day-long.com/. Just something to think about. <_<

Quick answer: cause I didn't find this forum soon enough.

That one made me smile in agreement!

Welcome to the FJR Forum, You are going tho like this place! :clapping:

 

[ScottyUSN]

What kind of hook-up do you use for plugging in the Battery tender? My XS has a very crude way that I'll refine for the FJR

I installed one of these flush mount powerlets in the fairing next to the battery. Works great for GPS, tire compressor, etc.. Anything power to or from the battery.

SEE #1

Oh ya... Never try to run an air compressor from the (2.5 amp mini fuse) lighter socket on the FJR.

 

[Patriot]

What kind of hook-up do you use for plugging in the Battery tender? My XS has a very crude way that I'll refine for the FJR

yes, powerlet as Scotty mentioned...some go an easier route and just wire the battery tender SAE pigtail to the battery and hang it out the inside lower part of the black panel. Just have to reach down there and plug in the tender and can also use that for a compressor as needed. Yes, change out that fuse also to a 10 or 15 amp. I keep a spare 20 or 30 amp around if I want to try to jump the bike off another without taking off the plastic. I'm not recommending that, however.

below pics: I'm Gen I with the battery just below black panel on the right...there are two powerlet females installed in the panel

the front one is switched and the connection to my switched electrical farkles...I can disconnect them from power at any time by pulling the plug

the rear one is unswitched and always powered up directly to the battery...that's what I use to charge the battery with the tender and also to run a compressor

I have another adapter pigtail that goes from a cig lighter female to a powerlet male...I can plug in a cig lighter male like on the compressor to battery power

oh BTW, the lil mini toggle switch on the right powers up the switched powerlet directly to the battery so I can choose to keep my GPS on all the time regardless of the key's position...all this is done with a Fuzeblock FZ1 https://www.fuzeblocks.com/

 

[rideon67]

What kind of hook-up do you use for plugging in the Battery tender? My XS has a very crude way that I'll refine for the FJR

yes, powerlet as Scotty mentioned...some go an easier route and just wire the battery tender SAE pigtail to the battery and hang it out the inside lower part of the black panel. Just have to reach down there and plug in the tender and can also use that for a compressor as needed. Yes, change out that fuse also to a 10 or 15 amp. I keep a spare 20 or 30 amp around if I want to try to jump the bike off another without taking off the plastic. I'm not recommending that, however.

below pics: I'm Gen I with the battery just below black panel on the right...there are two powerlet females installed in the panel

the front one is switched and the connection to my switched electrical farkles...I can disconnect them from power at any time by pulling the plug

the rear one is unswitched and always powered up directly to the battery...that's what I use to charge the battery with the tender and also to run a compressor

I have another adapter pigtail that goes from a cig lighter female to a powerlet male...I can plug in a cig lighter male like on the compressor to battery power

oh BTW, the lil mini toggle switch on the right powers up the switched powerlet directly to the battery so I can choose to keep my GPS on all the time regardless of the key's position...all this is done with a Fuzeblock FZ1 https://www.fuzeblocks.com/

 

[ScottyUSN]

The panel Patriot used (Gen I) will not work for your install (Gen II), no space for it anymore. My Install is on the painted panel just to the right of Patriots.

You can use the opposite panel on the left side of the console for your install if you don't have or plan to install OEM heated grips.

 

[iliveforcurves]

My ride before I got my '03 FJR in 2006 was a '79 XS1100 Special. It was a real eye opener to see how far bikes had come since the late '70's.

At first I was wishing the FJR was a naked bike but eventually appreciated the weather protection it offers.

 

[Bustanut joker]

You are way to informed for a noob... Keep up with the technical questions without coming across as a total noob, an I'm gonna sick Howie, DCarver, beemerdons, and several more old feckers here to kick yer ass.. :blink: Might even include johnny 80's welcome wagon along

The ladys did good answering yer questions though..

An stay far away from Patriot.. You seen his bike?

:jester:

 

[Patriot]

The panel Patriot used (Gen I) will not work for your install (Gen II), no space for it anymore. My Install is on the painted panel just to the right of Patriots.
You can use the opposite panel on the left side of the console for your install if you don't have or plan to install OEM heated grips.

well, for me, that brings up the question of what side on a Gen II is the battery...I thought it was on the left where my Gen I is on the right...

I purposely put the fuzeblock and the powerlets near the battery. (Many install a fuse block under the seat with easy access to the fuses if need be)

You are way to informed for a noob... Keep up with the technical questions without coming across as a total noob, an I'm gonna sick Howie, DCarver, beemerdons, and several more old feckers here to kick yer ass.. :blink: Might even include johnny 80's welcome wagon along
The ladys did good answering yer questions though..

An stay far away from Patriot.. You seen his bike?

:jester:

don't forget Fred...no way, can't forget Fred

 

[Bustanut joker]

don't forget Fred...no way, can't forget Fred

True. He will wet himself if we forget him....

B.. B.... B...... Bwwwaaaahahahahaah!!!! :lol:

:jester:

 

[rideon67]

You are way to informed for a noob... Keep up with the technical questions without coming across as a total noob, an I'm gonna sick Howie, DCarver, beemerdons, and several more old feckers here to kick yer ass.. :blink: Might even include johnny 80's welcome wagon along
The ladys did good answering yer questions though..

An stay far away from Patriot.. You seen his bike?

:jester:

Musta been that Holler Day Inn Express I stayed at last week......... I'm def a total noob - just an old wrikley one with a tender buttt as compared to some of y'all. Last bike I bought was 33 years ago. Never heard the word farkle -- prolly soon wish I never had. The more I read the less I know but it's fun learning. Certainly appreciate the help and fun.

 

[ScottyUSN]

The panel Patriot used (Gen I) will not work for your install (Gen II), no space for it anymore. My Install is on the painted panel just to the right of Patriots.
You can use the opposite panel on the left side of the console for your install if you don't have or plan to install OEM heated grips.

well, for me, that brings up the question of what side on a Gen II is the battery...I thought it was on the left where my Gen I is on the right...

I purposely put the fuzeblock and the powerlets near the battery. (Many install a fuse block under the seat with easy access to the fuses if need be)

Gen II battery is also on the right. I would "assume" exactly where your Gen I is. I have no idea what was added or moved from the Gen I to Gen II in that area aft of the battery that took away the usable clearance below that panel. All I can think of is the added heat removal ducting the Gen II received might have caused some changes.

Stolen image Gen II battery

If I didn't have heated grips, I would have done this. Instead I "cautiously mounted on a painted panel (right side).