Sell the FJR, or will a PCIII fix the throttle?

[relliot499]

I've been reading this thread about the issues that some of you are having with the FJR's throttle response and as a new owner I've got a couple of questions.

I just got my new '08 FJR about 4 weeks ago and have put a little over 1K miles on it so far. I haven't noticed any issues with the throttle and the bike certainly has enough power. My wife and I expect to put a lot of happy miles on this bike.

What would the Power Commander do for me if I put one on? As I said, at my age, 61, I'm not looking for more power and the bike seems to be very comfortable. I might opt for an after market seat next Spring, but besides that and the top box, I think my wife and I can be very comfortable on this bike for a long time.

Thanks,

Bob

 

[Torn 14]

I understand how you feel...but Manufacturers have to build to strict & stricter(EuroII) Emissions standards. They are hamstrung by this...so while we can, we can do mods to correct the situation.

That is a cop out, I have ridden several new bikes that have Euro3 compliance and they are smooth.

Ride a Kawasaki 1400GTR, so smooth out of the box as it a BMW 1200.

I own an 06 FJR, nice bike but having to fit a PC3 to fix the fuel mapping is not good.

Not sure which BMW 1200 you are referencing, but I test rode both the ('08 models) K1200GT and the R1200RT. The RT did not have the lurching problem but the GT absolutely did - something I would not expect from a bike with a $20k + price tag. My ZX-14 doesn't have the jerky throttle issue (and I cannot remember if it did before the PCIII), but I had an '06 FZ-1 and it certainly did - reminds me of the FJR actually. Then there's my V-Rod - which I can attest has, without a question, the smoothest fuel delivery of any fuel injected bike I've ridden - as smooth as a new Cadillac without a trace of abruptness (and it has no performance mods whatsoever). So I agree it isn't emission standards - in my opinion, the engineers (in certain camps) responsible for this segment of a motorcycle's performance need to start earning their paychecks.

 

[Shadow]

Not sure which BMW 1200 you are referencing, but I test rode both the ('08 models) K1200GT and the R1200RT. The RT did not have the lurching problem but the GT absolutely did - something I would not expect from a bike with a $20k + price tag. My ZX-14 doesn't have the jerky throttle issue (and I cannot remember if it did before the PCIII), but I had an '06 FZ-1 and it certainly did - reminds me of the FJR actually. Then there's my V-Rod - which I can attest has, without a question, the smoothest fuel delivery of any fuel injected bike I've ridden - as smooth as a new Cadillac without a trace of abruptness (and it has no performance mods whatsoever). So I agree it isn't emission standards - in my opinion, the engineers (in certain camps) responsible for this segment of a motorcycle's performance need to start earning their paychecks.

I rode a K1200LT & a K1200S, the RT is the twin motor.

Both models were smooth.

Also rode a Hyabusa, no problems there either.

The 06 FZ1 in Australia was a poor seller and performer, it had several engine changes which really killed it's performance from previous models.

I wouldn't have expected the FJR to have lurching/hesitation problems either, Yamaha's flagship model costing $23,000+

 

[Brew]

Maybe its just a matter of riding style, but for what it's worth, here's my cheap (free) fix.
Go into the turn one gear lower than you currently enter them. This will cause you to be on the throttle as you enter and you avoid the lurch coming out. The other advantage of this is that you are generally in a higher RPM range when rolling back on the power, and therefore, you come shooting out of the corner much faster and more in control.

I agree with this. I'm not exactly uber-skilled in the ways of navigating the twisties, but I have noticed the lurchiness of the FJR in the corners, and I do find it unsettling. I changed my riding style accordingly to exactly what Boker remarked on, and it has absolutely resulted in a more confidence-inspiring experience.

For those comparing to the VFR (I loved my '94), let's not forget that there's a noticeable difference between shaft and chain drive, mainly that shaft-driven bikes are generally regarded as lurchy by nature, especially when going from off- to on-throttle. I can agree with that from personal experience.

After all is said and done though, I'm still loving my FJR. Just started making my weekly commute to NY with it last week, and man, I got 290 miles of smiles! Can't wait to do it again this week!

 

[hellcreep]

I need help in deciding whether to fix the FJR's shortcommings, or trade it for something else.
Just some quick background info: I've got an '06 ABS - bought used last year, put 15K on it since. Total mileage is now 35k. I came from a VFR, lookiing for better ergo's, luggage, and wind protection, and not giving up much in performance. I got all that except the performance.

Sure, the FJR has more power than the viffer, but more weight too, so that balances out. But the FJR doesn't corner worth a damn, thanks to that fooked up throttle. Every corner I enter on the FJR, I find myself anticipating that chassis-unsettling lurch when trying to smoothly apply power.

I have disconnected a throttle spring and installed the G2. That helped, but the power delivery from off-throttle is still very abrupt - even more so than the much-maligned VFR throttle.

The question, will a PCIII help?

Will the PCIII restore the ability to smoothly feed it power?

If so, I would keep the bike, replacing the worn-out suspension and putting up with the heat. If not .. I may have to go looking for another bike.

Install a G2, too.

 

[SEA-FJR]

I came off an R1150R so maybe I'm more tolerant to surges, but I was able to adjust by doing what others have suggested (shift down before sharp turns to be in a higher RPM band), and stiffening the front suspension made a huge difference for cornering. They were set way too soft, I dialed them in to 3 clicks below max and it's made a huge difference. May still do the center spring unwind, but that's more to reduce wrist fatigue than surging issues. Took me 3,500 miles and a few mods (bigger shield, grip puppies, bar risers), but I'm loving everything about my FJR now.

 

[Scotty]

I have the AE model and I am at a lost to believe this is bike is a poor handler. Get in the right gear before the corner ,shift a little body weight to the inside, pick your apex and smooth;y roll the power on. I also have a Ducati Monster S4RS which is a bit faster and quicker conrer machine but it is not night and day difference.

 

[Aasland]

I am at a lost to believe this is bike is a poor handler.

Well .. yes and no. It is sort of relative. My dad's KZ1100 is a 'poor handler'. My wife's SV650 has a bargain-basement suspension and half the motor or the FJR, but the light weight and smooth power delivery means it will walk away from the FJR in anything moderately twisty. My VFR had GPSuspension bouncy bits and lots more ground clearance than the FJR so it, too, handled much better than the FJR. Between all of these bikes, handling is "night and day" different. I've not ridden your Monster, and thus can't comment on that.

The FJR is much better with the PCIII. Without the lurch unsettling the chassis when entering a corner, it is a much more competent handler.

 

[coastalfjr]

I've had to adjust my riding style on the fjr. yamaha has got to do better own the efi compared to the last two honda's i've owned, this will definetly be an issue on whether i purchase a new yamaha or honda.

 

[artistonFJR]

I am honestly getting tired of lurching out of turns, so much so that I'm losing love for my bike... Several time I have had such a burst that I was sure my next stop was gonna be in someone's passenger window! I know, "buy the PCIII and it will be like you dumped Viagra in the tank", blah, blah... but I don't want to believe that you HAVE TO SPEND $300+ ****** dollars to make this bike perform like it should. that is ********.

That KLR is looking mighty fine right nowwww (attention Yamaha...)

Rant over for now... thanks for listening...

C

 

[Hit the Road Jack]

This is how it should have come from the factory...

Exactly what I said! I bought my PC-III as soon as it became available for the '06.

I consistently get 42 mpg on my commute over a mountain range at 75-80 mph.

Regarding the suspension, it is very adjustable. I followed JeffAshe's post and set mine as follows:

front preload to 4 of 6

front rebound to 7 of 17

front compression to 8 of 21

rear rebound to 8 of 17

Handlebars set to the rear-most position, a V-Stream windshield, a Bill Mayer saddle and my rear rack by Garauld is on order. I think I'm about done (except for maybe a cruise control someday).

 

[Spook]

I am honestly getting tired of lurching out of turns, so much so that I'm losing love for my bike... Several time I have had such a burst that I was sure my next stop was gonna be in someone's passenger window! I know, "buy the PCIII and it will be like you dumped Viagra in the tank", blah, blah... but I don't want to believe that you HAVE TO SPEND $300+ ****** dollars to make this bike perform like it should. that is ********.
That KLR is looking mighty fine right nowwww (attention Yamaha...)

Rant over for now... thanks for listening...

C

I guess since it is such a piece of crap you will be selling it to me for 500. I would not like to see you killing your self on such a badly built bike. Let me know where to pick it up.

 

[Zorlac]

Is the O2 sensor always disconnected when running a PCIII, or can you run it closed loop?

 

[Aasland]

Regarding the suspension, it is very adjustable. I followed JeffAshe's post and set mine as follows:front preload to 4 of 6

front rebound to 7 of 17

front compression to 8 of 21

rear rebound to 8 of 17

I've played with the suspension a bit, but haven't gone through setting the sag, rebound, etc. properly for my weight. So for now, I'm just using Ashe's default which is better than my fiddling (which, unfortunately, isn't compliant enough for our rough MN roads). I still get a bit of pogo'ing which the rebound isn't able to dial out, so I suspect my rear shock is toast @ 35k miles. I've rebuilt the front end but with the right amount of preload and rebound and compression, is still too harsh.

I'm not spend much time with it until I can get the parts upgraded (maybe there'll be a group buy from GPSuspension again this winter!)

 

[Aasland]

Is the O2 sensor always disconnected when running a PCIII, or can you run it closed loop?

I believe the consensus is to run with it disconnected, since the FJR ECU doesn't use it much.

 

[428Cobra]

[SIZE=12pt]I had an M109R Suzuki and it was VERY lurchy off of first gear due to the fuel injection/throttle position sensor setup. If you did a throttle change in the corner, the pig would pogo up and down as power was dialed on or off. [/SIZE]

Now I have an 06 FJR with a power commander III. O2 sensor is hooked up. I also get 42mpg plus during normal riding and 38/39+ riding faster. Power delivery is smooth and predictable.

That being said, I think all shaft drive/fuel injected bikes have varing issues with low speed throttle control and corner geometery changes which means one must be oh so careful when doing low speed manuvers or when the pucker factor is high in a tight turn.

The shaft drive on the FJR does not change the geometery in the corner like the big Zuk, but I did have to adjust the suspension (Thanks fjr forum!) and learn more about my body position/throttle management as the road/ride dictated. It's all good now.

I never have had the bad experience you have had but my bike came with the pwr C. III so I can't compare.

Good Luck!

 

[SEA-FJR]

One more thing to consider is idle RPM. Mine was set to 1,300 or so and the bike was running fine, but it didn't sound right when stopped. So I overcompensated and took it down to 900, and the bike became almost unrideable (bucking bronco like). Took it back up to 1,050 and everything's fine again now. I'm sure it also greatly depends on what you're used to.

 

[UKDave]

I have had an 04 and presently have an 05 and the throttle control was/is exemplary - no lurches at all. I wonder whether the problem is late model specific (I don't know coz I haven't ridden one) or am I just lucky that the UK/Euro model is not as EPA strangled as some US, especially Californian, models seem to be. I've never heard of anyone fitting a Power Commander in the UK.

 

[jordylad]

I installed the PCIII and it made a big difference, but maybe only 75% fixed the problem.

Then I installed the G2 and that again improved the throttle, but it's still only 85-90% fixed.

I can live with it however.

Regarding gas mileage, it didn't make any difference to the real gas mileage, but it does make the readout a little more optomistic. It was pertty accutate before, now it's 2 - 3 mpg higher than what I really get, 40 - 42 (reads 42 - 45).

 

[Greb]

I am honestly getting tired of lurching out of turns, so much so that I'm losing love for my bike... Several time I have had such a burst that I was sure my next stop was gonna be in someone's passenger window! I know, "buy the PCIII and it will be like you dumped Viagra in the tank", blah, blah... but I don't want to believe that you HAVE TO SPEND $300+ ****** dollars to make this bike perform like it should. that is ********.
That KLR is looking mighty fine right nowwww (attention Yamaha...)

Rant over for now... thanks for listening...

C

This must be a problem they sorted out with the 08A, because I am not experiencing anything like you are describing. It has a little more driveline lash than I would like but the fuel injection is spot on. Maybe you can get an 08 throttle tube and ECU.