New, to forum - what farkles do you guys put on. and questions on the FJR

[ARIZONA]

Ok, I have been browsing and posting questions on the st1300 site for a while and kinda of know what they replace as the first things. So here our my questions.

The one thing I hate about the pure super sport bikes is the riding position, legs back body leaned forward. Why too uncomfrontable for long riding.

Do you guys replace the seat so you are comfy on the long rides, meaning 500+ miles a day.

I hear there is wind issues and you guys replace the windscreen, is this common ?

I read that some st1300 guys have heat issues, how about you FJR guys ?

They also put Heli-bars and extenders on, what about FJR ?

My typical riding is commuting to and from work, (45 mile round trip). Kids are getting older and would like to do so extended weekend trips, what would I need to put on the FJR to

make that enjoyable ? Just about any MC will do for that type of riding. But my concern is being all day in the saddle.

Any other info woulld help.

 

[ARIZONA]

bump...

I am hoping this gets answered, its really hard to dig in the history of forums

 

[slapnpop]

:spiteful:

Dude, seriously...

There's probably enough information for a 1000 page book on the questions you asked. No one can give you short simple and concise answer other than:

"Yes. Read. Google is your friend."

 

[evilmedic13]

New seat and vibe rider upgrade package is highly recommended, ask ODOT.

Other than that tidbit, w/ what little info you have given about yourself there's not much we can really add. Are you short, mildly or waaaay overweight, etc?

Have you sat on or ridden one yet?

Most farkles are purely personal preferences, what you are looking for might be diametrically(sp?) opposed to whoever's advice you take.

Good luck.

 

[James]

Ok, I have been browsing and posting questions on the st1300 site for a while and kinda of know what they replace as the first things. So here our my questions.
The one thing I hate about the pure super sport bikes is the riding position, legs back body leaned forward. Why too uncomfrontable for long riding.

Do you guys replace the seat so you are comfy on the long rides, meaning 500+ miles a day.

I hear there is wind issues and you guys replace the windscreen, is this common ?

I read that some st1300 guys have heat issues, how about you FJR guys ?

They also put Heli-bars and extenders on, what about FJR ?

My typical riding is commuting to and from work, (45 mile round trip). Kids are getting older and would like to do so extended weekend trips, what would I need to put on the FJR to

make that enjoyable ? Just about any MC will do for that type of riding. But my concern is being all day in the saddle.

Any other info woulld help.

For me, I added risers, seat (R. Meyer), PHID's, which gave me the comfort I wanted & safety for night riding out in the middle of nowhere. I also got a Wilburs shock & springs, installing when the stock shock failed ~16,000 (& was replaced under Y.E.S.). Bunch of other little things as I continue to make it the perfect bike for me & how I ride. Heat has never been an issue for me, but some whine about it . I rode it over 700 miles to get it home (bought in Chicago, live in Manhattan, KS), and like the long distance stuff, so the answer to all the questions is- it depends. Your body, needs, ect. Some like the stock seat, bar position, ect. Some have put the bars lower. It's a good base for the type of riding I do, best I could find, and at a good price. Good luck,

 

[BobMercer]

Much of what you are concerned about can be found by using the search feature which could keep you entertained for days. There are numerous questions that need to be answered first to properly respond to your inquiry, like what generation of the FJR are you interested in, Gen I ('03 to '05) or Gen II ('06 to '08), you height, inseam, weight, etc.

In my situation, I'm riding an '05 and have done the following for comfort or safety. CalSci windshield to reduce noise and buffeting, Rick Mayer seat, FZ-1 extended mirrors, Vista Cruise throttle lock, Heli bar risers, SS bar end weights, BMW K1200 grips, Smitty's heat blanket and Chromeits heat mods, LED license plate (stop and signal lights) and Back-Off brake light modulator, frame sliders, FJRandy's wiring harness and Magnum Blaster horns, Power Commander and throttle spring unwind, ExtendaFenda,etc.

All of this depends on the depth of your pockets and your comfort level with the stock FJR.

Bob

 

[FJRBluesman]

AZ - Welcome from SoCal.

I think these are good:

Bar risers

V-Stream Windshield

Throttle lock or cruise control.

CF or Aluminum or any good quality after market Slip on Cans.

A good seat.

Braided Stainless Steel hydraulic lines, front brakes and clutch.

Power strip and elect goodies.

Stebel Magnum horns.

Heated grips if you want / need them.

Radar detector.

GPS Nav system.

Comm, radio (XM?) system.

Other more pricey options not proven by most members (but ask):

Air-conditioning.

Tinted sunroof.

Rear window defogger.

Four wheel disk brakes.

Front and rear bumper cameras.

Solid Rocket Boosters.

Microwave.

Snorkel for underwater riding.

Kitchen sink.

Low flow toilet.

Well.... Stop reading and get farkling!!! :lol:

Good luck, enjoy the forum. B)

 

[Tbird]

AZ-

Here is what I did for added long-distance comfort.

Prior to these changes...30 min was starting to get uncomfortable in the butt, shoulders, wrist.

After these changes...I just completed my first SS1K (1171mi/18hrs) with absolutely NO discomfort anywhere at any time.

1) Heli Triple clamp and riser for the handlebars.

2) Russel daylong seat.

3) Peg lowerers.

4) Vista Cruse throttle lock.

5) Cee Bailey +4/+2 windscreen.

Plus

6) FZ-1 mirrors for better rear vision

7) Heavy bar ends to dampen the vibes.

Probably about $1200 worth of ergo adjustments.

Worked well for me...completely HAPPY with the bike as it is now.

BTW...why is it so hard for folks on this board to simply answer a question??????

 

[swingman3]

No farkles necessary. This bike is absolutely perfect bone stock. Besides, I don't think anybody makes any farkles for this bike from what I can tell. Do they?

 

[Bustanut joker]

I got some pictures of odot in "compromising " positions with livestock. You could paste 'em to yer windshield.

:jester:

 

[madmike2]

My typical riding is commuting to and from work, (45 mile round trip). Kids are getting older and would like to do so extended weekend trips, what would I need to put on the FJR to make that enjoyable ? Just about any MC will do for that type of riding. But my concern is being all day in the saddle.

Any other info woulld help.

Y'all watch out...MM@ is actually going to try and be helpful.

SLIDERS

The FJR doesn't have any built in tip-over guards like the ST1300. Install some sliders as protection.

Foremost: Be careful whose advice you follow. Generation to Generation makes a HUGE difference. There is really no way to tell if you will need to add $1500 worth of changes. The best "suggestion" means nothing until YOU spend some time on YOUR bike, then begin to modify or personalize YOUR bike to your riding style and need.

1) HEAT: Some have Gen I bikes (2003-2005) and those are a different animal than the Gen II bikes (2006-present).

The fairings are different and offer better heat/wind management than the older bikes (though I've never had a serious problem with mine), some of which can be very "hot". It happens with a certain percentage of the Gen I bikes.

2) WIND: That will depend on the individual rider. Some sit "taller" in the saddle and the OEM windshield doesn't work as well. If you are around 5'11", that seems to be the area where the stock 'shield works fine. If you're taller, the aftermarket will probably be your friend. CalSci, CeeBailey, Rifle, etc. all have different solutions. You can research any of them by using Google, thusly: Rifle windshield site:fjrforum.com

3) SEAT: Another of those "individual" choices, and the Gen II bikes have a different seat arrangement. so you won't know until you ride your bike and make the determination. For the most part, those of us who are long-legged or...uhm...if ample "girth" need a better seat. People of "my" weight (240+ lbs) tend to use the aftermarket. Others are fine with the OEM offering with a sheepskin cover or air seat pad. The main players are probably Russell, Rick Mayer and Sargent. From Google: seats site:fjrforum.com

4) Heli top clamps are used by the Gen II owners while Gen I owners can use "spacers" of differing manufacturer. Again, not everyone needs this option and you may not. There is no way to tell until you put 1,000 miles on the bike and see what you need to adapt to you. I'd think that most find the stock configuration works quite well, AND the Gen II bikes have adjustable handle bars (for the angle--they rotate in and out) that might be just the ticket for you. From Google: handlebar risers site:fjrforum.com

I have made a number of changes to my bike over the years (I've had THIS FJR since Sept '04). The list is ponderous and some of the changes were because "I can"....

I'm no "Iron Butt" guy. I just got home from a 250 mile day ride in the Sierras, my longest day was 650+ miles on the way home from Western FJR Owners in July last year.

I hope this helps. One last "opinion" from me: This is the best motorcycle purchase I've ever made. The FJR makes my heart "sing" and my soul "smile". I still get excited stepping from my kitchen door into my garage and seeing this bike there.... :yahoo: Its over 100 degrees and I just rode in from our planned day ride linked here for planning and here for reporting. If it weren't for chores and work ....I'd go again tomorrow...and the Monday....and Tuesday...etc., etc.

YMMV

 

[Knifemaker]

I don't think any stock seat is as comfortable as a good aftermarket one. Every bike I have owned I replaced the seat on..any many needed that on the top of the list of stuff to buy.

I did not have a problem with the stock windscreen. but my passenger did. This too is a fairly common add on.

As far as heat goes, the Gen II bikes (2006 to present) models are cooler. (in more ways than one)

But if you are just looking for a super comfortable commuter, that is fine right off the showroom floor, and does not require you to lean forward much.....get a Gold Wing.

KM

 

[FJRBluesman]

Y'all watch out...MM@ is actually going to try and be helpful.

Gunny MM@ or do you still go by the old MM2? Thank you sir.

When I do long posts like that and take mucho time to do it, my wife beats me about the head and shoulders with a broken bottle. Then she tells me to get a life, and stop talking to my virtual imaginary friends.

I guess my other choice is to go riding... that's not so bad.

 

[ARIZONA]

I am planing on renting a fjr. I really appriciate these comments and suggestions. This way I can focus on them and see if it is a big issue. One of your guys comment was to get drop protection, I might of not even realize they were missing/not included until a drop occured. So drop protection would be one of the first itemes I get,.

Thanks

 

[jmdaniel]

I am planing on renting a fjr. I really appriciate these comments and suggestions. This way I can focus on them and see if it is a big issue. One of your guys comment was to get drop protection, I might of not even realize they were missing/not included until a drop occured. So drop protection would be one of the first itemes I get,.
Thanks

Renting? :blink:

 

[Checkswrecks]

I am planing on renting a fjr. I really appriciate these comments and suggestions. This way I can focus on them and see if it is a big issue. One of your guys comment was to get drop protection, I might of not even realize they were missing/not included until a drop occured. So drop protection would be one of the first itemes I get,.
Thanks

Renting? :blink:

Sure and a good idea before buying. For example where this guy lives, put the following in Google: arizona motorcycle rental

I rent in Europe and other places from dealers. Too bad it's so much more expensive and harder to find in the US.

Bob

 

[dean]

loudest horn(s) you can fit on the fjr;

hyperlites or other similar blinking brake light leds;

tipover guards;

reflective stickers on side cases;

aerostich and wear it all the time;

white or yellow helmet;

givi topcase;

v-strom handguards if you plan on riding in temps below 50 degrees F;

fz1 mirrors (i haven't yet, but will);

obviously most of my fjr modifications are involving visibility.

hth,

dean

cincinnati

 

[Wicked Webby]

AZ,

Check my link below in my signature line for my Farkles.

WW

 

[RonBB]

Second FJR now. Depending on your height & inseam you might like a taller windshield. I have done 700+ mile days on both gen 1 & gen 2 FJR's and have no issues with the seat. Others have had. I prefer a larger diameter set of grips than stock. I have added many farkles for touring (Zumo, grip heaters, CB, intercom, radar detector, etc) but the latter farkles fall more into the personal taste & amount of touring you do with & without a passenger, & the type of communications systems your friends use while riding. I also don't like the sport bike riding stance. Good luck. Ron