Improved Handling?

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I was serious in my earlier reply, Terry... I've assumed that lean angle is part of the bike's handling characteristics.

Is it or is it not part of the bike's handling characteristics, guys?

Those links are going to reduce your available lean angle & that's a solid fact. That is what I was getting at.

 
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I'm glad I found an expert suspension builder the info I got here was for the most part was really bad!
I got news for you Terry.

If you want ANY bike to handle better at parking lot speeds and spacing it needs to come from YOU and not some guru. :glare:

 
I really surprised at some of these responses, I guess some of you are more interested in being wise guys then sharing good information.
I think it's fair to say that priorities vary, depending on how many times the same question gets repeated. Learning to use the search function so you get results can take some time. Getting your suspension dialed-in takes a lot MORE time. I wouldn't discount the benefit of either.

By the way the Kouba links are only good for shorter people so they can have better footing, they have no impact on handling! Also lowering the bike has no value to improved handling.
Changing suspension geometry affects handling. Whether that is a positive or negative effect depends on a host of variables and personal riding habits. What expert declared this finding?

I'm glad I found an expert suspension builder the info I got here was for the most part was really bad! I guess this is a better place for opions then valid techincal information. Too bad! Thanks to those who made a real effort.
I'm glad you found an expert too. Now don't be surprised if you take the time to ask other "suspension experts" (a.k.a Total Control, Proformance etc.) about Traxxion and find their response to be less than positive. Everyone has opinions and approaches to suspension. Every suspension change is a trade-off of one performance factor for another. Finding the right fit for you is the key.

Suspension professionals are typically not very "complementary" of one another, but don't confuse that with one being an "expert".

Next time you dive into this forum, please try to set a better example of tolerance and humility. Try to share positive aspects of the knowledge you gained by all your vast searching and conversations with experts. The collective masses will benefit and that's what the forum is truly about.

And don't forget to search out how to use the "block" feature so that you never read anything I post, ever again.

:)

 
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Options for you:

1. Get a GSX-R 600.

2. Ride a road king all week. Then ride the FJR and you'll be amazed how much more you can manuever the bike.

(Good natured ribbing for you :rolleyes: )

 
I have 2006 FJR, I love the bike in many ways but I have never felt totally comfortable in tight and/or slow speed turns. The bike has allways seemed very top heavy.

Terry,

1. Learn to use search function.

2. Clicky Buy vid, go to parking lot (when empty) and practice. This **** works if you practice!

You will need to overcome the fear of dropping your bike and these exercises will help. Just remember, we got peeps dumping their rides while filling up. Too bad they don't plant trees next to the pumps. :unsure:
+1 Depending how slow you are going, some more experiened riders that I hang with say to scooth your butt a little opposite the way you are turning changes your center and you can turn tighter at slower speeds.

 
Improved Handling?, Can the FJR handle much better??
Yes, it can! (Of course, I've changed the rear shock and the fork springs.....and I'm always trying different brands of tires to find what combination works best for me.)

I have 2006 FJR, I love the bike in many ways but I have never felt totally comfortable in tight and/or slow speed turns.
Mine handles fairly well at slow speeds and in tight turns. There's always the possibility it's your technique or skill set that needs to be "honed" so you have more confidence in:

a.) Your own increased ability

b.) The FJRs capability

Then again, I've attended a couple of schools and I practice slow speed maneuvers in empty parking lots. BTW, I practice emergency stops, too.

I really surprised at some of these responses, I guess some of you are more interested in being wise guys then sharing good information.
Huh!?!?!? There is plenty of good information. There is an extreme lack of willingness to take you by the hand and walk you through suspension set-up. That should be done by someone "at hand" while you are trying various changes, not someone on the internet thousands of miles away.

By the way the Kouba links are only good for shorter people so they can have better footing, they have no impact on handling! Also lowering the bike has no value to improved handling.
Au contrere, mon ami!

From the Kouba Link website:

"5) Depending on which KoubaLinks you have, determines if and how much the rear is being lowered, so keep in mind if you lower the rear one inch etc., to maintain the same geometry (if desired) the front would require approx. the same amount of lowering. Do not slide the front fork tubes up in the triple clamps more than necessary, as the fender/tire could come in contact with the bottom of the triple clamps when fully compressed. Sliding the fork tubes up less than 1/2" is preferred. Lowering the rear more than the front should make the bike more stable when going strait but will not turn as quickly. To make it turn quicker (if desired) the forks can be slid up in the triple clamps and/or by increasing the rear spring preload to raise the rear"

I do not understand how changing the ratio (the links ARE part of the suspension geometry and, as such, will affect the rear shock spring ratio) will not affect the handling. Plus, you are lowering the entire bike which would effectively modify the overall wheelbase/height relationship. If you want quicker turn-in it will require shortening the front tube ratio or lengthening the rear ride height in order to affect the front geometry (rake/trail).

I'm glad I found an expert suspension builder the info I got here was for the most part was really bad! I guess this is a better place for opions then valid techincal information. Too bad! Thanks to those who made a real effort.
I, for one, have repeatedly suggested Traxxion to those who live in the East. But then, since you've done your research, you already know that. (One assumes you actually used Google: suspension modifications site:fjrforum.com, or Traxxion site:fjrforum.com, or whatever else you might want to research.....) Most owners don't have the expertise required to help you in the way that a specialized shop like Traxxion should. Why would you expect us to have their kind of knowledge and experience?

Be glad this isn't Dogpile Friday. The "whiney-baby" attitude you exhibit ("Mommy, nobody answered my question exactly as I wanted!") is like throwing fresh steaks into the Dogpound.......

 
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Be glad this isn't Dogpile Friday. The "whiney-baby" attitude you exhibit ("Mommy, nobody answered my question exactly as I wanted!") is like throwing fresh steaks into the Dogpound.......
It's FRIDAY!!!!

 
Gee Capt. Bob you sound soooooo bitter, I guess we got up on the wrong side of the bed!

I'm so sorry

I'm glad I found an expert suspension builder the info I got here was for the most part was really bad!
I got news for you Terry.

If you want ANY bike to handle better at parking lot speeds and spacing it needs to come from YOU and not some guru. :glare:
 
You've been here for a year and you come back for more on a Friday???

WOW, you are brave. :blink:

 
Hey Cadman,

I must confess I am very impressed with your lengthy discourse on such a serious technical issue. Your wonderful command of the English language is astonishing, bravo sir bravo! I'll be sure to send you a PM the next time I need help and not bother these other nice folks. Obviously your the man, big ones and all!

Buy the way one last note, There are new members joining the forum every week I had hoped that just maybe there was someone new that might have something constructive to add to this topic. Guess I missed that one, oops!

Later! :)

Terry,
you have been a member for well over a year.

i am sure you read this forum on occasion.

that being said, you should know how helpful the members who posted to your questions are. also you should know how some feel about searching and

trying to find the answer to your questions on your own.

there is a vast amount of information about our machines here.

you really should not be surprised at some of the responses! the responses you rec'd were classic, yours seemed to me a tad whiney.

your guessing at some of the members being interested in being wise guys then sharing good information, is just a way for your to see that these guys are a bit sarcastic sometimes, grow a set, sir!

i too am glad you found an expert suspension builder. the info you got here was for the most part was not really bad, you didn't read what was suggested.

your guessing this is a better place for opions then valid techincal information is wrong, you can get both and lots of 'em.

i hope you find the perfect setup for your FJR and then post up your findings, so that the next fella with the same symptoms you are having can search, find your thread and use the knowledge you shared.

cadman
 
Buy the way one last note, There are new members joining the forum every week I had hoped that just maybe there was someone new that might have something constructive to add to this topic. Guess I missed that one, oops!
Last note is right. You're done in this thread with the passive-aggressive crap. :angry:

This is the kind of attitude that makes administrators think about whether you need to be a continued member or not. In amongst the ribbing...you did get some good advice. MadMike2 even tried to help you out in a VERY patient way....which you seemingly glossed over.

You've been here a year...you know the score.

I would suggest seriously rethinking whether you'd like to be more of a forum contributor in the future....or not bother coming back.

Thread closed.

 
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