Looking at a used 08, got a question about brakes

[KStrom]

Hello, I'm considering trading in my KTM Superduke for an 08 FJR in black.

The bike has 9900 miles on it and is clean as can be, I test rode it today and it runs and handles great!!

The only issue I can find is that the rear brake is like a sponge and has no stopping power at all it seems like.

I know you don't use the rear too much but it doesn't seem right.

The pads appear to be ok but I don't know maybe they just need bled ?

are they linked front and rear on the 08 model ?

Anything else I should be wary of ?

The bike is at the dealer, (somebody traded for a Harley!!!

I am an experienced rider and track day participant.

My other bikes are a 650 V Strom with many farkles and an 02 SV650 track only bike with plenty of mods.

Looking to move the Superduke for a more comfortable bike for me and for two up with my soon to be wife.

Really impressed with the FJR, it's riding position, handling and that motor!!

My uncle has a Concours 14 but it feels unwieldy compared to the FJR.

 

[SSLT1KID]

Souns a lot like the rear brake just needs to be bled. I saw a Super Duke at the dealer. I want one of those BAD! Wish I had the $$$.

 

[not2shabby]

+2 Sounds like it needs bled. Could you feel the front working when you applied the rear? They are linked.

 

[Patriot]

needs a bleed...make sure the dealer does it to your satisfaction before payment

also makes sure any recalls are done

google "bin o facts site:fjrforum.com" and check the Gen II ('06-'09) "before you take delivery" list

Good Luck

Mike in Nawlins'

 

[HotRodZilla]

The rear needs bled, and the brake pedal pivot may need lubed.

The linked brakes are not linked in such a way that you will feel the front work when you activate the rear, or visa-versa. The rear brake pedal activates the rear brake and the lower front right caliper. The front brake activates ONLY the remaining front calipers.

 

[KStrom]

Ok, thanks, I didn't feel the fronts working when applying the rear brake. The front brakes were strong and solid.

Bike ran great and smooth on my 20 mile or so test ride.

I told them I thought the rear brakes needed bleeding and they were going to look at it tomorrow.

I just wanted to make sure there wasn't an ABS issues or something.

I will put the bike on my lift and do a full service myself if I get it. I like to do my own wrenching so I know it's done right. Looks like this board will be a great resource for me.

Bike also has a Brake Away cruise control on it and some kind of aftermarket windshield.

Not a mark on the bike, it is clean.

I'll post up some pictures if I get it.

Tough to let the Superduke go , it's a real beast !

Not real comfy or practical though, real fun at the track !

 

[blrfjr]

Hello, I'm considering trading in my KTM Superduke for an 08 FJR in black.

The bike has 9900 miles on it and is clean as can be, I test rode it today and it runs and handles great!!

The only issue I can find is that the rear brake is like a sponge and has no stopping power at all it seems like.

I know you don't use the rear too much but it doesn't seem right.

The pads appear to be ok but I don't know maybe they just need bled ?

are they linked front and rear on the 08 model ?

Anything else I should be wary of ?

The bike is at the dealer, (somebody traded for a Harley!!!

I am an experienced rider and track day participant.

My other bikes are a 650 V Strom with many farkles and an 02 SV650 track only bike with plenty of mods.

Looking to move the Superduke for a more comfortable bike for me and for two up with my soon to be wife.

Really impressed with the FJR, it's riding position, handling and that motor!!

My uncle has a Concours 14 but it feels unwieldy compared to the FJR.

I would agree that the brakes nee a bleed. If the bike has anti-lock,I would like to know that they work also. Thats an expensive option thats worth checking out!

 

[Road_Runner]

Hello, I'm considering trading in my KTM Superduke for an 08 FJR in black.

The bike has 9900 miles on it and is clean as can be, I test rode it today and it runs and handles great!!

Congrats in advance on purchase of the best year FJR! I bought mine just a couple of months ago. The more I ride it, the more satisified I am with it.

 

[carlson_mn]

Hello, I'm considering trading in my KTM Superduke for an 08 FJR in black.

The bike has 9900 miles on it and is clean as can be, I test rode it today and it runs and handles great!!

The only issue I can find is that the rear brake is like a sponge and has no stopping power at all it seems like.

I know you don't use the rear too much but it doesn't seem right.

The pads appear to be ok but I don't know maybe they just need bled ?

are they linked front and rear on the 08 model ?

Anything else I should be wary of ?

The bike is at the dealer, (somebody traded for a Harley!!!

I am an experienced rider and track day participant.

My other bikes are a 650 V Strom with many farkles and an 02 SV650 track only bike with plenty of mods.

Looking to move the Superduke for a more comfortable bike for me and for two up with my soon to be wife.

Really impressed with the FJR, it's riding position, handling and that motor!!

My uncle has a Concours 14 but it feels unwieldy compared to the FJR.

I would agree that the brakes nee a bleed. If the bike has anti-lock,I would like to know that they work also. Thats an expensive option thats worth checking out!

All 06 onwards have abs. The rear brake is pretty soft on the FJR in general, but it shouldn't feel useless. Jab it hard and it will soft click under toe to let you know the rear abs is working. Much tougher to get to engage rear ABS now that it is linked to the front, 04 rear ABS would easily engage obviously.

 

[TheZsdad]

Rear brake reservoir is behind the right rear side panel. Bleed at both the front and rear caliber because they are linked.

 

[wheatonFJR]

The bike is at the dealer, (somebody traded for a Harley!!!

Carver? Is that you? h34r:

 

[RichardS]

I changed my rear pads after 500 miles on my '08 to organics. Several other forum posters had suggeted that, and it worked. Not the greatest braking, but better than stock!!

 

[raitchison]

I had the same problem with my 08 and bleeding fixed it. Didn't even bother to bleed at the front caliper.

 

[HotRodZilla]

I changed my rear pads after 500 miles on my '08 to organics. Several other forum posters had suggeted that, and it worked. Not the greatest braking, but better than stock!!

What are those?? I didn't know the FJRs had a rear braking problem. I can lock mine up at will, so there is no sqishyness or lack of braking at the rear wheel. :huh:

 

[wmadoty]

I changed my rear pads after 500 miles on my '08 to organics. Several other forum posters had suggeted that, and it worked. Not the greatest braking, but better than stock!!

What are those?? I didn't know the FJRs had a rear braking problem. I can lock mine up at will, so there is no sqishyness or lack of braking at the rear wheel. :huh:

I have to agree with the above. The rear pedal feels pretty stiff and it will engage the ABS without a problem. Feeling when the ABS kicks in is another story. It takes a while to get a feel for the ABS kicking in. Until you get that feel, it would be really easy to think that the rear pedal was a little spongy and the rear breaks were not doing anything. Not saying that is what is happening here, just trying to give the op something to think about. The pedal does not pulse like it did in 06.

 

[KStrom]

Ok, they bled the brakes and they work great now like they should .

I picked the bike up today and got the title and paperwork.

I stopped at my local Yamaha dealer who are a very good long time dealer.

The service manager ran the VIN through to check if the recalls had been done.

The ignition switch had been replaced but the ground wire had not been done.

He ordered the part and will call me when it gets in so I can bring it in.

Changed the oil and filter today when I got it home, that's as simple as a oil change gets !

Going to be warm tomorrow so I hope to get in some miles.

I'll start on the full service when it gets cold next week.

I'll get some pictures tomorrow.

 

[PhilJet09]

Congratulations on your new purchase, you're going to love it! If I were you, I'd change the brake and clutch fluid with the other service you're doing. If it's never been done on your '08, it's definitely time. You can find lots of info on here on how to do that without getting lots of air in the system.

 

[KStrom]

Ok, sorry I haven't been back to put up a picture yet but the weather has been pretty nice in KC so I've been riding it !

Here she is at home in my shop.

When I get the time and $ I want to add some Two Brothers carbon cans with the P1X tips and some sort of topcase.

She runs like a top and handles pretty well for a big girl !

It's got an almost new set of Pirelli Angels on that don't seem like too bad of a tire so far.

Going to do a full servcie and do something about that throttle stiffness too, don't know why they made it so stiff on a fuel injected bike.

 

[TheZsdad]

Nice shop KStrom. Congrats on the 08.

"Two Brothers carbon cans with the P1X tips"

Good choice.