reflections on first overnight ride

[Courtney]

So I got my 05 FJR about 5 weeks ago and just recently went on my first overnight ride. The trip turned out to be 632 miles from beginning to end. I rode with two big cruizers (VTX 1800 and Road King Classic) so we took it easy. I thought I would share some ovservations on the trip.

We left Alabama on Sunday and made it to Deal's Gap, NC that evening. The ride was mostly interstate up and back. The FJR was awesome and I felt like I was meant to be on this bike. I'm riding with grip warmers and heli risers. The rest is stock (no back trunk).

Observations/Complaints:

My big complaint is the seat. My rear is still sore two days later. Maybe I'm just not used to riding that far in 2 days but I still think the seat needs some work.

The stock windscreen could be a bit larger and taller (I'm 5 feet, 10.5 inches at 174 pounds).

My ears seemed to ring and ring and ring when I got home. This is probably a combination of the wind and helment (HJC). Next time I'll have ear plugs.

The bike does get hot around the legs. I know this is a main complaint for this model. Overall it really did not bother me. I guess I got used to it pretty quick.

The overall trip was awesome and I can't wait to ride again. I want to look at seat options and maybe a windscreen before doing to many more long all day rides.

Has anyone tried this alternative for a seat? beadrider

I know the Corbin is a good seat but I'm picky about how my bike looks. I think the Corbin is ugly.

 

[exskibum]

Hehehe -- the OEM seat is probably the worst thing about the bike, IMO. "Monkey Butt" is a well known condition that can occur in less than one tank of gas with the OEM seat. I put a Sargent on mine, and that is far more tolerable -- probably stretches the comfortable riding distance to as much as 3 tanks. I got it for a good price and wasn't ready to pay the price for the all day comfort of a seat made by Russell, Bill Mayer or Rocky Mayer. I think those will be what you find most recommended by the folks here. Seems the price is in the range of $650 to $750 for those, though. In case you don't know yet, you have a Gen I bike ('03-'05), whose seats are different and not interchangeable with the GenII (('06 - '08).

As to the beadrider, a lot of folks swear by them for long trips.

Glad you like the bike, and as fall and winter roll in, the heat it generates becomes a welcome feature.

 

[wingshot]

My two cents...

I picked up a beaded car seat from Walmart and modified it to fit my stock seat. Have to give props to Iggy's IBR trip for introducing me to the idea. The first week of August I went on a 3,000 mile trip and was able to ride approximately 5 hours without having to stop and get off the bike. Prior to beads, I could barely ride two hours without having to stop and get off the bike.

 

[paisano]

Has anyone tried this alternative for a seat? [SIZE=10pt]beadrider[/SIZE]

I luvs mine......

 

[ngarider]

Gunny on the beadrider. Can't do long distance slab without it.

 

[worldbound4now]

Beadrider on the stock seat is a pretty nice improvement. Still a rough seat to be on for multi-day drips, but on mine I'm good for a couple of 700+ mile days without incident. I do make a point to get off the bike for fuel stops, stand up on occasion while eating up miles on the highway, and let my legs dangle on occasion to relieve some knee strain.

It is not a substitution for a replacement seat. When the budget will allow, I will spring for a replacement seat

 

[GL4435]

Have been thinking about the beaded seat myself ... mostly complaints from my wife after even a moderate ride. It is not expensive, so I think I will try it but, I can't see why sitting on a bunch of interlaced beads is going to increase comfort ... create a waffle butt maybe. I might pick up a sheepskin type cover and compare the two.

 

[2006FJR]

Look at getting a custom seat made or buy one used if you can find one being sold. I just did 3200 miles in a little over a week last week and not even a little butt or back pain. You can get a Cl-Sci tall windshield for about $200 and some ear plugs for a $1. That would make the ride much better.

 

[taterides]

Beadrider is great ......Not much in style but all function.

 

[Aasland]

My ears seemed to ring and ring and ring when I got home. This is probably a combination of the wind and helment (HJC). Next time I'll have ear plugs.

Dang, I'm surprised you can hear anything!

Has anyone tried this alternative for a seat? beadriderI know the Corbin is a good seat but I'm picky about how my bike looks. I think the Corbin is ugly.

And the beadrider isn't ugly?

 

[HartClimbs]

My two cents...I picked up a beaded car seat from Walmart and modified it to fit my stock seat. Have to give props to Iggy's IBR trip for introducing me to the idea. The first week of August I went on a 3,000 mile trip and was able to ride approximately 5 hours without having to stop and get off the bike. Prior to beads, I could barely ride two hours without having to stop and get off the bike.

+1.

8 bucks at Walmart and some extra fishing line to reinforce the outer ring of beads....and I've got two nice beaded seat covers.

The cool factor is about a negative 5.... but after an 18 hour day in the saddle - I'm a big fan of the beads.

 

[Courtney]

My ears seemed to ring and ring and ring when I got home. This is probably a combination of the wind and helment (HJC). Next time I'll have ear plugs.

Dang, I'm surprised you can hear anything!

Has anyone tried this alternative for a seat? beadriderI know the Corbin is a good seat but I'm picky about how my bike looks. I think the Corbin is ugly.

And the beadrider isn't ugly?

Good point. The beadrider is ugly! I just don't know what to do now. I can't afford anything custom.

 

[Jimstan]

Hi Courtney

Might want to Take a look at "GreatDayToRide.com" I just sent my seat off to get it reworked for comfort Mod. and to be lowered.

Price was $75.00 for riders seat+ shipping.

Just another option.

Jim

 

[Courtney]

Hi Courtney
Might want to Take a look at "GreatDayToRide.com" I just sent my seat off to get it reworked for comfort Mod. and to be lowered.

Price was $75.00 for riders seat+ shipping.

Just another option.

Jim

Thanks Jim! Let me know how this turns out. I'm interested.

 

[Lowcountry Joe]

Courtney,

It's your call to ride when you want, but if I have a choice, I always avoid night riding if possible. Also, your idea of ear plugs is a really good idea if you don't want to permanently damage those ears of yours. It's the wind noise. You will experience it regardless of the brand of helmet. Keep wearing all that protective gear. BTW, I saw somewhere here or on Ebay where a guy is selling some insulating material that can be placed under the gas tank to help keep the heat from rising up toward the rider. Don't know if it is effective or not, but the seller swears by it. Good luck with your seat and trying to get it comfy. Everyone's arse is different and some will have no issues with th stock seat while some can' t stand it. Just get what you are happy with. Some of the replys you have gotten here mention the main brands of seats. Good luck with your choice.

 

[otrfjr]

Has anyone tried this alternative for a seat? beadrider

I made my own out of a $10 "Cabbie Special" bead seat cover from Walmart. On long trips I rotate beads, surgical doughnut (inflatable air donut), and gel pad with the stock seat. My posterior prefers variety.

 

[daviddowns2000]

My posterior prefers variety.

 

[Greg E.]

[ My posterior prefers variety.

Say what?? :hehe: :hehe: :hehe: :hehe:

 

[happyPuppy]

bead seat covers work well. I like it better than the airhawk. Try wearing cyclist shorts without seams, it really helps.