Look Who Got His Bike Out

[Beamer Reamer]

Well everyone, after a deer strike totaled my gorgeous 07 FJR as was very well documented hereand also here, clearly we needed a new ride. A few weeks after Colleen and I got home from having some repair work at a local trauma facility, we purchased an 08 FJR1300AE from a member of this forum living in North Carolina. We had the biked shipped out to Washington and it sat in the garage for about six weeks while waiting for a few more injuries to mend. With the help of Marcus, we took the bike apart for some farkling and a head bearing fix, and then spend 15 minutes here and there installing a Fuzeblock, Starcom, Zumo, and a fuzz buster. Bike already had highway pegs, windscreen, PCIII, angled valve stems, kick stand pad, modulators (which may come off) and Helibar triple clamp and risers. We have also added a trunk and some foo foo seats.

We decided it was high time that the bike got on the road so after a 4 month hiatus from riding, we put a big effort on getting the bike completed and put together. Took us about four hours today and I couldn't resist the urge to take it around the block, thus this post officially qualifies for a ride report. So I won't get all sappy on you, I will just suffice to say it was easily the most enjoyed five mile ride to-date. I also learned it needs some serious adjusting on the suspension and/or a quick ride down to GPSuspensions. many people have done a lot to help us get this bike up and running (heck - they helped Colleen and I get up and running) and we appreciate all you have done. niehart, panman, escapefjrtist, ahchiu, auburnfjr, hudson - you guys rock. Here are a few pics of our new toy:

Take note of the trunk that I bought on this forum. It used to be blue until garauld worked his magic. He does incredible work and you can't tell any difference in color between the trunk and the rest of the matching parts. The picture doesn't do it justice with the glare, but it's a balls-on accurate paint match. Thanks Gary.

 

[fjrchooser]

Looks great, sweet job on the farkling ! Everything is lined up just so.. Glad to hear you're back on the road !

 

[FJRBluesman]

Looking good!!!

 

[escapefjrtist]

Most excellent ride report BReamer...glad the time has come to throw a leg over the seat. :clapping: You couldn't have picked a nicer day to check out the new ride! Be careful and we'll see you and the Mrs. [again] soon!

--G

 

[Stephen]

BR, are the pegs lowered? Probably a stupid question.......

If they are, doesn't it present a cornering problem? I ask because on my short trip to Oregon, I was grinding the feelers and my toes were hitting.

Just wandering.

Then again, you probably don't ride OR plan to ride like a maniac.....................

Never mind. Highway pegs. Be vewy vewy careful!!!

 

[Auburn]

BR - good to see you on a bike again. :clapping: :yahoo: :clapping:

 

[madmike2]

:clapping: :yahoo: :clapping: :yahoo: :clapping: :yahoo: :clapping:

I looooove a happy ending to a sad story!

I'm going to go and wipe my nose...and my eyes.

 

[dcarver]

OK, I'm getting mushy.

Ooops, to late, already got some tears.

I love both of your spirits.

Very hard hit, long recovery, won't be the same ever again.

Still, gotta ride.

I enjoyed our time at Nakusp -

come South?

Free ride for you my friends...

food, drink, roads...

 

[Panman]

Very cool David, Very cool! Glad you got out for a little test, we can tune suspension a bit I'm sure, but I'm betting you'll want another GP set up, once spoiled always spoiled.

 

[Niehart]

Nice bike, ugly color, not!

 

[ahchiu]

David,

Glad you got to take it for a short ride, my wife Deborah rode on the FJR for the first time since I got it 2 years ago, we took a short ride to Salty's in Redondo, look forward to more ride reports from you.

 

[Fred W]

Just have to chime in and agree that this is a most excellent ride report, and overall fantastic news from all angles. :clapping:

In this challenge of Man vs Woods Rat, Man WINS!! :yahoo:

 

[Checkswrecks]

Very nice. So glad to hear that you two are doing well.

Oh, and the bike, too. Love the color and highway pegs.

 

[wingshot]

Awesome ride report David. Glad to hear you got the FJR out of the garage...

Anytime you and Colleen want to take a short ride... wonder over the this way, meal and beverages are covered.

 

[Old Michael]

Oh, the human spirit.

Thanksgiving is early.

All the very best, Dave and Colleen.

 

[noland]

Looks Great! I'm glad to hear you are back up and riding. I have an 07AE and it looks a lot like yours (with the farkles - I know the bikes will look the same). Wow! Your bike looks great! Can you tell me where you got the trunk and its mounting plate? Jill wants to go 2 up with me (to be specific - 2 up more often) but would like a trunk/backrest before she does. I can understand that. I have been looking for the "right one". Yours fits that description exactly. If you can tell me the source, both she and I will be happier touring. Thanks!

 

[canucklehead-biker]

This is EXCELLENT news, so glad to see that you're another step closer to 100%. :clapping: :yahoo: :clapping:

Was great meeting you and Colleen at WCR, look forward to the next meet.

Griff

 

[Beamer Reamer]

BR, are the pegs lowered? Probably a stupid question.......

If they are, doesn't it present a cornering problem? I ask because on my short trip to Oregon, I was grinding the feelers and my toes were hitting.

Just wandering.

Then again, you probably don't ride OR plan to ride like a maniac.....................

Never mind. Highway pegs. Be vewy vewy careful!!!

Yep, highway pegs. Not sure how I will like them yet so they haven't earned a spot on the permanent list. To put your feet on them causes your leg to rub awkwardly on the side vents. Haven't tested them when my legs need a new position yet, so might love them then. I expect they will be in the up position 96% of the time.

 

[Beamer Reamer]

Looks Great! I'm glad to hear you are back up and riding. I have an 07AE and it looks a lot like yours (with the farkles - I know the bikes will look the same). Wow! Your bike looks great! Can you tell me where you got the trunk and its mounting plate? Jill wants to go 2 up with me (to be specific - 2 up more often) but would like a trunk/backrest before she does. I can understand that. I have been looking for the "right one". Yours fits that description exactly. If you can tell me the source, both she and I will be happier touring. Thanks!

I was turned on to that trunk and plate by riding with my friend Auburnfjr. It is a complete Yamaha setup that comes in three pieces that need to be purchased separately. They consist of the mounting plate, trunk, and the backpad. However, Yamaha asks for outrageous prices and the three of those total to at or very nearly at $1000. Yeah I know. 3 zeros. I found mine used on the forum and gave $350 for the complete set and then had it painted to match. I came out way ahead. I have seen another come available since, just need to keep you eyes open or post a wanted ad.