Questions from a "fresh" FJR owner

[Cosmin]

Hello everyone,

As I was writing recently about my intentions (https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=114261), I finally managed to fulfill my dream . The "chosen one" is a pretty BS4 Silver Storm 2006 GENII which has spent her life till now in showrooms. It has a transport "scarface" on the left fairing which, together with the age, involved some very nice discounts...

Today I managed to finalize the registration process but it seems that the weather will not allow me to go for the first ride before the weekend. Till the first ride moment comes I have some questions for you:

- the tyres are Metzeler Roadtec Z6 which I hear are not very apreciated; taking also into account that they were made in second half of 2005 do you think they are not reliable anymore? I'm concerned about safety but, on the other hand, a new investment is not quite welcome...

- I need some advice regarding oil: I know that all the engines are delivered from the factory with special "wear-in" oil which should be changed at the first service (600miles). I also know that normal oils lose their quality in time, so it's recommended to change oil every year even if the mileage does not require it - does this rule also apply to the "wear-in" oils? Should I change it from the begining or should I leave until 600miles and put a normal oil on 600miles service? I'm concerned about this since the oil in the bike is around three years old...

- can anyone send some docs/pics/info regarding the frame reinforcement to prevent cracking? I've already ordered the new Givi 55liters and, since I always drive with passenger and full side-cases and topcase, I'd like to do whatever is needed to prevent the frame issue;

- I could use some advice about cam-lockers: I was thinking about Vista Cruise or MadcoRider? I've ordered heated grips and I was thinking to do it all once: grips change and throttle-lock: is it worth it, are there any risks in using them (like "hanging" or something)? Which brand is better?

- the last question is referring to the famous "altitude sickness". It is already clarified that driving sporty in the mountains (with often change in the throttle position) by-passes the issue; this issue does not concern me much since I like also to drive sporty in the mountains. Still, in case I face the issue and I find it disturbing, can I benefit from the recall? The bike is 2006 JYARP131000001919 but was first registered in 2009 (today actually, so warranty starts today) - could she get the ECU change if needed (I couldn't find this VIN - perhaps it's an european VIN which is not included on the VIN decoding web sites)?

Thanks everyone.

 

[Capt. Bob]

Hello everyone,
- the tyres are Metzeler Roadtec Z6 which I hear are not very apreciated; taking also into account that they were made in second half of 2005 do you think they are not reliable anymore? I'm concerned about safety but, on the other hand, a new investment is not quite welcome...

Ride those till they wear out. They'll work till they won't. You might even find you like them.

- I need some advice regarding oil: I know that all the engines are delivered from the factory with special "wear-in" oil which should be changed at the first service (600miles). I also know that normal oils lose their quality in time, so it's recommended to change oil every year even if the mileage does not require it - does this rule also apply to the "wear-in" oils? Should I change it from the begining or should I leave until 600miles and put a normal oil on 600miles service? I'm concerned about this since the oil in the bike is around three years old...

This is a classic, not because it tells you about oil but it lets you in on the workings of this Forum and just how far a "touchy subject" really goes. The link takes you to the middle of the thread. Be sure to read it all.

Clicky

- can anyone send some docs/pics/info regarding the frame reinforcement to prevent cracking? I've already ordered the new Givi 55liters and, since I always drive with passenger and full side-cases and topcase, I'd like to do whatever is needed to prevent the frame issue;

Read this, it may help. Clicky

Here's another. Follow the thread down to find a good welder Clicky

- I could use some advice about cam-lockers: I was thinking about Vista Cruise or MadcoRider? I've ordered heated grips and I was thinking to do it all once: grips change and throttle-lock: is it worth it, are there any risks in using them (like "hanging" or something)? Which brand is better?

I use a Brake-away (sp). very expensive. Don't know if it works with heated grips.

- the last question is referring to the famous "altitude sickness". It is already clarified that driving sporty in the mountains (with often change in the throttle position) by-passes the issue; this issue does not concern me much since I like also to drive sporty in the mountains. Still, in case I face the issue and I find it disturbing, can I benefit from the recall? The bike is 2006 JYARP131000001919 but was first registered in 2009 (today actually, so warranty starts today) - could she get the ECU change if needed (I couldn't find this VIN - perhaps it's an european VIN which is not included on the VIN decoding web sites)?

No VIN # no ECU needed. Buy the bike in Paris did you?

Thanks everyone.

My Pleasure. :dirol:

 

[Art FJR]

+1 to all Captain Bob said. I think he is a captain.

Ride the tires. Ride the bike on a few voyages and when you are done and feel like changing the oil (prior to the 600 mile mark) change it. Get the oil and filter today so you are ready.

Yamaha owes you a new ECU and the recent Ignition Switch recall.

Get the YES right now for the cheapest price you can (D&H maybe).

It is hard to determine (based on reading this Forum) which throttle locks work with various stuff. I got the AE with Factory heated grips. Personally, I got a cramp buster equivalent, but I think cruise would be the ****.

Wait a while and gather more scars and then get Gerauld on the Forum to make it all go away.

Art

 

[madmike2]

Capt. Bob gave you the straight information.

I use a Vista Cruise throttle lock https://www.fjrtech.com/getdbitem.cfm?item=23 (just be careful of the heated grip wires), others use whatever their particular favorite is.

 

[Cosmin]

Hello,

Thanks everyone for the replies.

@Capt. Bob: "Buy the bike in Paris did you?"

No, it was bought from local dealer from Romania (after it spent some time in showrooms in Greece).

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Hello,
Thanks everyone for the replies.

@Capt. Bob: "Buy the bike in Paris did you?"

No, it was bought from local dealer from Romania (after it spent some time in showrooms in Greece).

I'll actually take a stab at answering your oil/breakin question. There are many different opinions on what to do with break-in and oil as there are opinions, if you get what I mean. There is a camp that says change oil after very few miles (if I remember correctly 25). Others follow the manufacturer recommendations and do fine. I'm somewhere in the middle as I changed oil at 500 miles with light use of the throttle, and now change the filter every oil change as cheap insurance despite the manual saying you don't have to change the filter as often. Jestal is a generally (by me -- yes, but not universally) accepted knowlegable expert in the area. You may want to read some of his detailed answers in oil threads. I actually didn't know much about breakin's as this was only my second new bike in 25 years, and I spent a couple evenings just going through them a bit to get background info. I would recommend an oil change after a winter storage just to start the new riding season right, but I'm sure some would say it is overkill because of additives in modern oils. There really is a diversity of opinion and sometimes entrenched ideas.

Welcome to the forum and good luck with the new 2006 -- ya lucky bastage. :clapping:

 

[Capt. Bob]

@Capt. Bob: "Buy the bike in Paris did you?"
No, it was bought from local dealer from Romania (after it spent some time in showrooms in Greece).

Ah Ha, I see you updated your personal profile.

I thought you were from Nacogdoches TX. Hence the Paris remark. :beach: