New Year's resolution - Regain Motorcycle skills

[Marbarian]

It's been 21 years since I totaled my FZ700 Yamaha. Prior to that bike I rode a 720 Virago and accumulated combined 100k mile saddle time commuting to Wash DC and out a about. I wrecked my FZ on ice one morning going to work the year I got married. At that time I was a favorite target for local law enforcement. So, I opted not to replace her and straighten out my lic/insurance issues.

Well here I am at 49 years of age 21 years later missing my two wheel adventures and looking to fill a void in my life. I've been interested in FJRs for the past year, joining this forum in August I believe. Well I am starting the New Year right:

I bought this 05 FJR yesterday with 22k miles on her. She is scuffed up a bit but runs great I'll start polishing and customizing her. She is completely stock. After driving over 200 miles to PA to get her driving back, sitting 2 hours in DMV and then driving to DC to acquire a CRaigslist helmet I managed to clock over 100 miles on her in 38 degree weather last night before I froze out.

Ah, Life is good!

I'll have plenty of issues technical and otherwise to resolve by using the experts on this forum. So be patient with me, I'm a bit rusty.

Greetings from Southern MD!

 

[RPrice]

Congrats on your purchase and assimilation back into the moto world!

 

[ahchiu]

Welcome from Seattle, I'll bet one of the first farkels will be heated grips and gear

 

[FJRMGM]

welcome back...

You will find that riding gear, especially textile jackets and pants have GREATLY improved for the better since you last rode a bike.

Better careful out there, they are still out to get us.

 

[harfooz]

Welcome here! I've got one of the '05's myself and love it.

'fooz

 

[HotRodZilla]

Yup...Sweet bike. You're gonna have a blast.

 

[wheatonFJR]

It's been 21 years since I totaled my FZ700 Yamaha. Prior to that bike I rode a 720 Virago and accumulated combined 100k mile saddle time commuting to Wash DC and out a about. I wrecked my FZ on ice one morning going to work the year I got married. At that time I was a favorite target for local law enforcement. So, I opted not to replace her and straighten out my lic/insurance issues.

Well here I am at 49 years of age 21 years later missing my two wheel adventures and looking to fill a void in my life. I've been interested in FJRs for the past year, joining this forum in August I believe. Well I am starting the New Year right:

I bought this 05 FJR yesterday with 22k miles on her. She is scuffed up a bit but runs great I'll start polishing and customizing her. She is completely stock. After driving over 200 miles to PA to get her driving back, sitting 2 hours in DMV and then driving to DC to acquire a CRaigslist helmet I managed to clock over 100 miles on her in 38 degree weather last night before I froze out.

Ah, Life is good!

I'll have plenty of issues technical and otherwise to resolve by using the experts on this forum. So be patient with me, I'm a bit rusty.

Greetings from Southern MD!

So what class are you going to take to assist you in regaining your skills? Lot's of them out there...

 

[Fly Bye]

I know you will enjoy your FJR.

What farkles do you have in mind?

 

[RadioHowie]

Don't forget to get a flash for your camera, too!

 

[Marbarian]

Well I managed to put 211 miles on her today driving to the inspection station to make an appointment for monday, ha ha. The more I drive it the better it seems to ride. When I started it had a slight vibration on the handle bars (clip-ons as I've seen on this site). But the more I ride it the less vibration so I'm guessing lack of use, or new tire not balanced, new brake shoes, but seems to be self correcting. The previous owner put 1k miles in 10 months so infrequent use might be the cause, he had harley's to ride and just commuted occasionally with the FJR. He a big guy 6'10" close to 300 lbs, retired Police officer in PA.

I'll inform my mechanic who is inspecting it to go over thoroughly as I want any and all issues identified prior to tacking it out, or 2 up riding. So I am in putt putt mode, like the harley riders for now.

But the day will come to unleash her from her touring duty and let-her-eat. For some reason the WOT instinct is still alive and well in me, so it is a good thing I purchased a machine built to handle it.

For now I'm good taking in all the water view sites in my area and enjoying the backroads, exercising extreme restraint.

As for Classes, I am within driving distance to Summit point Raceway in WV where MotorcycleXcitement or Track Days offer road racing school for all levels and use of the track. By spring I'm there, for sure. That track has two two mile straight aways, with no officers. I need leathers, Gloves, boots and balls to get on the track. Another new years resolution is completing multiple track classes.

Thanks for kind words, I'm officially hooked! Fish on.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Welcome to the FJR fold! Looks like you found a nice low mileage example with that '05. Go over it with a fine tooth comb and then get ready to enjoy the bike...you won't be disappointed!

Tons of great information here with a lot of collective knowledge.

--G

 

[Roadstar]

Nice ride !! Keep an eye on this site ( https://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/board,31.0.html ) for rides in the MD,PA,VA,WV area. A couple of buddy`s & i hook up with Russell Flemming & the Concours owners group for routed rides (about 4 to 5 to pick from) & ride with a big grin all day while trying to stop Pete (our adventures leader) from finding gravel roads. (he blames the GPS , but we are much wiser now)

 

[racer]

Better watch that WFO mode. This isn't your old FZ700!

 

[bluesdog]

...

Better careful out there, they are still out to get us.

Hell yes they are. At least around here the cagers seem to have become worse in the 20+ years I wasn't riding.. :blink:

...The more I drive it the better it seems to ride. When I started it had a slight vibration on the handle bars (clip-ons as I've seen on this site). But the more I ride it the less vibration so I'm guessing lack of use, or new tire not balanced, new brake shoes, but seems to be self correcting.

A bit of a buzz is typical at certain RPMs. Some bikes seem to have a bit more than others. Running her up regularly into the higher revs seems to keep the engine happy. A full TBS often helps, as well

For now I'm good taking in all the water view sites in my area and enjoying the backroads, exercising extreme restraint.

Restraint is good. The feej is effortlessly fast.

I need leathers, Gloves, boots and balls to get on the track.

Kinda hard to tell from that pic, but it looks like your ride doesn't have frame sliders. May I suggest them as one of your first farkles?

Thanks for kind words, I'm officially hooked! Fish on.

I know the feeling, bro! Welcome to the world of feej! :yahoo:

 

[FJR-Pilot]

Ya picked a great bike to get back into riding with!

Frame sliders will save 10x to 20x their cost in plastic if she ever goes down. Dale Walker makes one of the best sounding pipes I have ever hear on the FJR. They add about 5 HP according to his dyno tests. I like my stock windscreen but many others here opted for taller and wider ones.

Happy New Year and I hope you enjoy 2012!!!

Oh! And no wheelies!

 

[3dogs]

As for Classes, I am within driving distance to Summit point Raceway in WV where MotorcycleXcitement or Track Days offer road racing school for all levels and use of the track. By spring I'm there, for sure. That track has two two mile straight aways, with no officers. I need leathers, Gloves, boots and balls to get on the track. Another new years resolution is completing multiple track classes.

You may want to consider taking a Total Control class. I teach these in MD at Frederick and Howard Community Colleges. Stop by the Lee Parks Design/Total Control booth at the D.C. International Motorcycle show as we can discuss what the class offers in the way of riding skills.

 

[allrider]

Congrats and welcome aboard!

Your not far from the Staying Safe riding course in PA. That's one i still want to get to but it's not exactly around the corner for me. https://www.stayinsafe.com/

In the meantime there's lots of good books to get you in the right perspective over the Winter. I suggest reading Dave Hough's "Proficient Motorcycling" series and get your mind in the right gear while your waiting for warmer weather.

 

[MCML]

Congratulations, Marbarian. I did not even start to ride until I was almost 50. Bought one of the first Suzuki SV 650's but soon found myself putting saddle bags and a windscreen on the bike. So, I sold the SV and bought an 04 FJR. Had some fun since then. Enjoy!

 

[Marbarian]

So I had her on the jack stand to inspect A-Z discovered the vibration issue and fixed it. Front tire visually seemed ok but the at the crown of the tire there were lumps you could feel as you spin it. Replaced and no vibration. Oil, brakes, Leaks, Steering head play, axle bearing play, Reset rebound and compression damping front and back, and tire pressure. Anything I've missed? Took some reading of my 2001 downloaded Shop manual, is there a 2005 issue?

Thanks all for the welcoming comments!

Roadstar

Great link, I'm very interested. Need a couple thousand miles with 2-up riding prior to organized ride but I'll get there quickly. Purchased Good helmet and Jacket for my Wife/daughter so after inspection tomorrow one of them is getting on the back.

Racer

You are correct, I could flick the FZ into any curve and the FJR needs more muscle to maneuver from the difference in weight. Additionally I am older!!!

3dogs/allrider

Definitely the road courses are on my radar. I cut my teeth on commuting to Wash DC for years, wish I had it then. Thanks!

Silver Spirit

Farkles? Where did that term come from.... oh nevermind. Yea Sliders, CRuise control (Throttle Lock), Pipes, Iridium plugs, GPS, Radar Detector (not sure why I don't see more info on this?), Maybe backrest for my 2nd rider, Mods that deal with performance gains (just my habit of turning a wrench,, she is already beautifully strong and fast).

Having a blast