NTXFJR
Well-known member
Sometimes it's not what is asked, but the way in which it is asked. The folks in this forum have seen a lot and can be some of the most helpful there are, all they ask is that forum etiquette be respected.
Looking at getting an FJR - one concern
- Thread starter Kingofgix
- Start date
Help Support Yamaha FJR Motorcycle Forum:
That's a myth, don't believe it.
At least not without changing a "few" sets of tires and a couple batteries.
On Topic: I can't recall ever experiencing head shake.
Gary B
Well-known member
I had a mild hands-off head shake on my Gen III, I only noticed it when I read that it can happen.
This was with new tyres back and front but before the 12,000 mile service. During the service I stripped and re-greased the head bearings and torqued them down according to the manual, this is a two stage process. First torque loading (52 Nm I think) seats the bearings and cups then the ring nut is backed off and reset to 18 Nm.
No head shake at all now. Some early Japanese bikes had a screw down steering damper through the column which probably achieved the same thing.
The head bearings are supposed to be checked at the 600 mile service though the wording is 'Check bearing play and steering for roughness', I guess not many dealers would go to the trouble of torque loading, assuming they actually have the correct tools!
This was with new tyres back and front but before the 12,000 mile service. During the service I stripped and re-greased the head bearings and torqued them down according to the manual, this is a two stage process. First torque loading (52 Nm I think) seats the bearings and cups then the ring nut is backed off and reset to 18 Nm.
No head shake at all now. Some early Japanese bikes had a screw down steering damper through the column which probably achieved the same thing.
The head bearings are supposed to be checked at the 600 mile service though the wording is 'Check bearing play and steering for roughness', I guess not many dealers would go to the trouble of torque loading, assuming they actually have the correct tools!
Burl
Member
I have a 2014 and had to replace the front tire with only 2,649 miles on it. The factory tires are junk and with just a little wear quite dangerous. I almost had a high speed get off when the front end slid out on me on a dry road at around 55 MPH.
Yeah, it does seem like a bunch of grumpy old farts around here.
The only time I felt head shake is when I had the below tire wear as it did. Make sure the psi is at least 39psi in the front and the tire wear is not scalloped. Most likely psi or the tire is the problem.
Pterodactyl
Well-known member
I think we have lost a potential forum member / FJR owner / moaner. (sigh)
When you have a long standing member and the "owner" tell a newbie "bye bye", do a search, I would say its more likely that he was ran off. Why would someone who expects to feel welcome and looking for help stick around when being ostracized?
Kinda wonder why I hang around.
I couldn't help myselfWhen you have a long standing member and the "owner" tell a newbie "bye bye", do a search, I would say its more likely that he was ran off. Why would someone who expects to feel welcome and looking for help stick around when being ostracized?
Kinda wonder why I hang around.
Happytrails63
Well-known member
Caused quite the commotion
Pterodactyl
Well-known member
WWBJS
(What Would Bustanut Joker Say)
(What Would Bustanut Joker Say)
HelzBelz
HipHopLitePopMetalist
I've been shaking my head uncontrollably ever since I started reading this thread.
Does that count?
Does that count?
HotRodZilla
GOD BLESS AMERICA
IF you're still around, running just about any tire at the manufacturer recommended PSI will cause cupping in the front and then head shake. As soon as I saw the miles on the 14 you rode, I knew it was in the prime area for the tires to be toast if they were under inflated.
Every now and then someone who needs to torque his head bearings will complain about head shake too, but usually only on deceleration while letting go of the bars. Not really a bike issue, but a maintenance issue.
In 65k, my '07 only ever did it once, and that was on a crappy set of BT023s that were badly worn. New tires and better tire pressures have kept it from returning.
Every now and then someone who needs to torque his head bearings will complain about head shake too, but usually only on deceleration while letting go of the bars. Not really a bike issue, but a maintenance issue.
In 65k, my '07 only ever did it once, and that was on a crappy set of BT023s that were badly worn. New tires and better tire pressures have kept it from returning.
Last edited by a moderator:
bruinFJRguy
Well-known member
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="HotRodZilla" data-cid="1311001" data-time="1463459673"><p>
IF you're still around, running just about any tire at the manufacturer recommended PSI will cause cupping in the front and then head shake. As soon as I saw the miles on the 14 you rode, I knew it was in the prime area for the tires to be toast if they were under inflated. <br />
<br />
Every now and then someone who needs to torque his head bearings will complain about head shake too, but usually only on deceleration while letting go of the bars. Not really a bike issue, but a maintenance issue.<br />
<br />
In 65k, my '07 only ever did it once, and that was on a crappy set of BT023s that were badly worn. New tires and better tire pressures have kept it from returning.</p></blockquote>
At the risk of being ostrich-sized for not searching, what is a better psi for the stock tires? (I'll still search...I don't want to get in trouble.)
IF you're still around, running just about any tire at the manufacturer recommended PSI will cause cupping in the front and then head shake. As soon as I saw the miles on the 14 you rode, I knew it was in the prime area for the tires to be toast if they were under inflated. <br />
<br />
Every now and then someone who needs to torque his head bearings will complain about head shake too, but usually only on deceleration while letting go of the bars. Not really a bike issue, but a maintenance issue.<br />
<br />
In 65k, my '07 only ever did it once, and that was on a crappy set of BT023s that were badly worn. New tires and better tire pressures have kept it from returning.</p></blockquote>
At the risk of being ostrich-sized for not searching, what is a better psi for the stock tires? (I'll still search...I don't want to get in trouble.)
Uncle Hud
Just another blob of protoplasm using up your oxyg
40-42 psi, or to taste.
Redfish Hunter
Gone Fishing
Yeah well, I have some things I want too.
I want a bike that does not get dirty when ridden in the rain.
I want a bike that allows a lot of air flow to reach me so I don't get too hot.
I want a bike that does not allow any air flow so it is always quiet and warm.
I want a bike that has awesome acceleration and cornering abilities but does not wear tires.
I want a lot of horsepower and torque but I don't want any engine heat.
I want a seat that is as comfortable as a LaZboy Recliner but it cannot keep my feet from touching the ground and it has to look really good.
What I really, really want is NO WHINING and NO STUPIDITY.
If the OP did move on then we are probably better off without him. If he stayed, he will probably be an asset.
I want a bike that does not get dirty when ridden in the rain.
I want a bike that allows a lot of air flow to reach me so I don't get too hot.
I want a bike that does not allow any air flow so it is always quiet and warm.
I want a bike that has awesome acceleration and cornering abilities but does not wear tires.
I want a lot of horsepower and torque but I don't want any engine heat.
I want a seat that is as comfortable as a LaZboy Recliner but it cannot keep my feet from touching the ground and it has to look really good.
What I really, really want is NO WHINING and NO STUPIDITY.
If the OP did move on then we are probably better off without him. If he stayed, he will probably be an asset.
What's always worked well for me regardless of tire or bike mfr:At the risk of being ostrich-sized for not searching, what is a better psi for the stock tires? (I'll still search...I don't want to get in trouble.)
Ignore the bike mfr sticker about tire pressure. Look on the tire sidewall and find the max pressure for max load. Good starting point is to subtract 2 or 3 psi and pump 'er up! Always check tire pressure with the same gauge and when the tire is (relatively) cold. Some folks feel a little tweaking is needed but honestly, I can't tell any difference in ride or handling at 39 psi and 41 psi.
HotRodZilla
GOD BLESS AMERICA
I run 41 front, 43 rear. Others slightly lower or higher, but most are very close.
Steel_Gin
Well-known member
One thing I learned about mine. Riding home from work I have two 270 degree sweepers, from time to time I notice it doesn't want to stay settled in the lean, wants to change a little all the way threw. I check the tire pressure and both are three or four pounds low. I pull out my special can of YamaAir and go 40 in the front and 42 in the back, the next day it holds the lean great.
In case some of you are wondering where you get some of that YamaAir I can help you out. I have a special FJRForum sale going on for the next five minutes, $100 per PSI plus shipping and handling. Now you want to receive a warning you have a leak in your tire, I can put in a very special additive so the air smells like rotten eggs for an extra $10 per PSI.
In case some of you are wondering where you get some of that YamaAir I can help you out. I have a special FJRForum sale going on for the next five minutes, $100 per PSI plus shipping and handling. Now you want to receive a warning you have a leak in your tire, I can put in a very special additive so the air smells like rotten eggs for an extra $10 per PSI.
Happytrails63
Well-known member
42.5lbs in the front or slightly less maybe
I can feel when its belove 40lbs and I dont like it.
thewrenchbender
Well-known member
Missed this thread until today. Different experiences from different people. FJR newb-been riding a long time.
Only tank-slapper experience I ever had was on a Honda 750K that I bought used with a built motor (bored, high-comp pistons, RC Engineering 327 cam-loved 100LL) and a Plexifaring. Noticed before I did some mechanical checks, that it was truly a tank-slapper at times starting at 65 indicated through about 75 mph.
Tires-check. Wheel bearings-check. Head bearings-check. Fork tubes-check. Swing arm bushings-check-replaced them anyway. Test rides indicated possibly wind/cross-wind a factor. Threw the Plexifaring in the dumpster-problem solved.
The rest of the story, in the midst of this swapped bikes (KZ650 as I recall) with a buddy while out and about. See the slap-in-progress. Watch him get it whoa-ed. Tell him am working on figuring it out, but that it always goes away by 80 per.
He gives me the thumbs-up and we are back on the road on the far side of the slap running around a ton...
Different experiences from different people.
Did have 45mph decel hands-off head shake on '08 AE with 2500ish miles on a properly inflated (not according to Yamama) Storm 3D Ultra. Wear pattern was garbage. Fixed problem (after checking mechanically-see above) with a new PR4 front.
And no, head shake is NOT the same thing as a tank-slapper.
Only tank-slapper experience I ever had was on a Honda 750K that I bought used with a built motor (bored, high-comp pistons, RC Engineering 327 cam-loved 100LL) and a Plexifaring. Noticed before I did some mechanical checks, that it was truly a tank-slapper at times starting at 65 indicated through about 75 mph.
Tires-check. Wheel bearings-check. Head bearings-check. Fork tubes-check. Swing arm bushings-check-replaced them anyway. Test rides indicated possibly wind/cross-wind a factor. Threw the Plexifaring in the dumpster-problem solved.
The rest of the story, in the midst of this swapped bikes (KZ650 as I recall) with a buddy while out and about. See the slap-in-progress. Watch him get it whoa-ed. Tell him am working on figuring it out, but that it always goes away by 80 per.
He gives me the thumbs-up and we are back on the road on the far side of the slap running around a ton...
Different experiences from different people.
Did have 45mph decel hands-off head shake on '08 AE with 2500ish miles on a properly inflated (not according to Yamama) Storm 3D Ultra. Wear pattern was garbage. Fixed problem (after checking mechanically-see above) with a new PR4 front.
And no, head shake is NOT the same thing as a tank-slapper.
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