Phantom Blue Matte Paint encounter

[BigOgre]

I want to paint my silver OEM 39L top box to match the new '18. Trying to decide if I want it the matte blue to match the bags or maybe black to match the tail end of the bike. Thoughts?

Why either/or?

I've always liked the Givi V47 Tech on these bikes with the matte black/faux carbon-fiber look. On mine I went with the red inserts as I thought they were a little more visible than the clear/smoked ones and they also brought out the red taillight and reflectors. The smoked does look cool though.

[Pic stolen from Redfish Hunter's post in this thread.]

With that in mind I'd suggest painting your box the same matte black to match your frame, bars, etc. and then adding some opaque reflective tape across the back and maybe sides. (Red would work too but with the LEDs I believe your taillight is smoked?) Then get creative and add some very subtle (3M?) blue reflective tape to accent the lines of the box somehow, tying the whole thing together. Style and safety all in one.

Hey, you asked.

 

[BigOgre]

Come to think of it, the bottom half of the OEM box is already a matte black, yes? So you'd only be painting to lid to match the blue. Hmmm . . . .

 

[@rjen]

The phantom Blue case is nice, I am still using my midnight black topcase on the Matt Blue. That is absolutely possible.

I personally like the blue better, but not so much that I am going through the trouble of painting the black case blue...

See an example with the blue case...

 

[Canadian FJR]

Thanks for the feedback, this last pic was very helpful.

Canadian FJR

 

[escapefjrtist]

Thanks for the '18 FJR pic @rjen. Is that at your local Yamaha dealer?

--G

 

[@rjen]

It is at a dealer in NL. Not sure where: the picture is from another member at our Dutch FJR forum.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Thanks, looks like the dealer added a few OE accessories on that one!

--G

 

[@rjen]

It is what is sold as an explorer edition.

 

[Uncle Hud]

Apparently, Momma Yama doesn't believe US riders explore enough to deserve an "Explorer Edition". Or maybe Momma Yama figures Americans will pay for all that stuff as individual farkles.

 

[Canadian FJR]

Explorer Edition: (as pictured above)

- Tip over guards

- Foot Protectors

- Mirror Hand Guards

- Seat

- Rear Rack

- 50L Top Box

Those little additions would run around $3,200.00 cdn

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From some European ads

Furthermore, the Explorer models are equipped with additional accessories such as:

• Luxury inner bags in the side cases

• Custom made saddle with Explorer logo and saddle heating for both the rider and the duo passenger

• Garmin Zümo 595 navigation system

• A large electronically adjustable windshield

• Cockpit and mirror extensions

• Fall blocks

• Roller protectors

• Yamaha Battery Charger YEC-09

• 12V outlet

Canadian FJR

 

[Viper_Dad]

The more I see this matte blue/gloss black combo the more I like it.

 

[08FJR4ME]

The yellow fork reflectors are round also. Is that Canadian or new?

Dave

 

[Fred W]

Apparently, Momma Yama doesn't believe US riders explore enough to deserve an "Explorer Edition". Or maybe Momma Yama figures Americans will pay for all that stuff as individual farkles.

Based on the list of add-ons in the Explorer package listed above, I can live without it.

 

[Canadian FJR]

The Canadian reflectors are rectangular like the US model.

Canadian FJR

 

[Warchild]

The Canadian reflectors are rectangular like the US model.

Fortunately, they have to be installed when uncrating the bike, so my Matte Blue bike never had these pointless fork reflectors.

The rear hard bag reflectors also did not last long; they were the original topic of this thread. I just don't want pointless, DOT-mandated reflectors breaking up the smooth body lines - you don't see these goofy hard bad reflectors on European FJRs. As I've mentioned before, these are how FJR hard bags are *supposed* to look:

 

[art miller]

The Canadian reflectors are rectangular like the US model.

Fortunately, they have to be installed when uncrating the bike, so my Matte Blue bike never had these pointless fork reflectors.

The rear hard bag reflectors also did not last long; they were the original topic of this thread. I just don't want pointless, DOT-mandated reflectors breaking up the smooth body lines - you don't see these goofy hard bad reflectors on European FJRs. As I've mentioned before, these are how FJR hard bags are *supposed* to look:

^^^^^ + those silly 1300 things on the side fairings are a distraction. The Yamaha decal on the front fender must go. I think everyone gets rid of that decal on the gas tank. Thereafter, the bike is ready to roll!!

 

[Warchild]

THANKS, ALEX!

 

[08FJR4ME]

Nice

 

[puppychow]

Looks good. Very clean bike, perhaps a little too clean.

 

[rogdeb]

Finally got to read this thread in it's entirety -- color me matte blue envious. Good info Dale