Sick of heat, sick of buffeting behind fairing

[falcon]

No, I really did this because I was unhappy with the bike's thermal and airflow management.

I have some news, however.

I am so sick of the TX heat that I just accepted a job in San Jose, CA. So that takes care of the heat problem! Now I have to decide if I want to put the plastics back on, or keep it and handmake my own fairing. I think I'm leaning towards keeping the bike as is, and selling the plastics. I am concerned that my mods to the bike will make it difficult to register/inspect in CA. I added my own turnsignals and bar-end mirrors...not sure how strict their vehicle inspection policies are, cause the bike looks pretty darn hacked up right now -however the engine/exhaust/emissions stuff is all completely stock.

Anyone have insight into this?

 

[exskibum]

I am concerned that my mods to the bike will make it difficult to register/inspect in CA. I added my own turnsignals and bar-end mirrors...not sure how strict their vehicle inspection policies are, cause the bike looks pretty darn hacked up right now -however the engine/exhaust/emissions stuff is all completely stock.
Anyone have insight into this?

I wouldn't expect you to have a problem, so long as the engine and exhaust stuff is stock. Thy will want to verify that you have 7,500+ miles on the odometer (even though you probably qualify for an exemption from this, 7,500 is the magical number). They will check your frame number and your engine number (the latter is in front of rear shock on the cases and a bit hard to see). They will check to make sure you have the EPA sticker that shows your bike was approved as a 49 states model when you bought it. Don't remove any of the ID stickers, because they check those too (in addition to stamped numbers). And they will want to be shown that you paid sales tax on the bike when you bought it (bring receipt showing same), or they'll be happy to charge you some here. Oh . . . and you need to register it within 20 days of becoming a resident (pretty much = the day you finished your move), or they can tag you for some penalties. I think that about covers everything.

 

[motorgod]

That bike will not be allowed in CALI..we do have standards.....and those guys that keep asking for pictures....its because they want a good laugh.

 

[FJReady]

That headlight support system reminds me of a trebuchet I built once for a school project. It didn't work that well. I hope yours serves you better. Do you think you could launch anything with it?

 

[falcon]

I wouldn't expect you to have a problem, so long as the engine and exhaust stuff is stock. Thy will want to verify that you have 7,500+ miles on the odometer (even though you probably qualify for an exemption from this, 7,500 is the magical number). They will check your frame number and your engine number (the latter is in front of rear shock on the cases and a bit hard to see). They will check to make sure you have the EPA sticker that shows your bike was approved as a 49 states model when you bought it. Don't remove any of the ID stickers, because they check those too (in addition to stamped numbers). And they will want to be shown that you paid sales tax on the bike when you bought it (bring receipt showing same), or they'll be happy to charge you some here. Oh . . . and you need to register it within 20 days of becoming a resident (pretty much = the day you finished your move), or they can tag you for some penalties. I think that about covers everything.

Awesome! Thanks for the info. I think its staying Frankenbike.

I heard today I will have to take a written test at the DMV for regular car driving. What will I have to do to keep my motorcycle endorsement? I guess I can go look on the CA gov websites...

 

[huxtablejones]

I think it's awesome. Needs to be flat black though, go buy some krylon

Seriously - relocate the wires, paint the bottom of the instrument cluster and various other bits so they look like they are sposed to be there - get that headlight bracket powder coated(it's cheap) and you got one hell of a sharp lookin bike IMHO. There's pics of a nekkid ST1300 floating around on the web, it turned out real good as well.

IMHO yer average FJR owner's idea of "customization" is twisting the RAM mount for the GPS 2 degrees past center, don't sweat the naysayers.

It's a cool idea and execution is good. If yer happy, good on ya!

PS how much for a battery relocator kit?

 

[falcon]

I may regret this, but I don't think the fairing plastics / stock front headlight assembly is coming with me to California. I think I'm putting it all up for sale.

 

[FJReady]

Falcon, don't sell it just yet; Yamaha might be interested: https://www.yamaha-motor.com/email/07sportV...alShow-web.aspx

 

[falcon]

Falcon, don't sell it just yet; Yamaha might be interested: https://www.yamaha-motor.com/email/07sportV...alShow-web.aspx

No, the bike is coming with me to CA. I need to figure out what to do with the plastic fairing pieces. I probably should keep everything. Space is limited since I'll be moving out of a house and into something much smaller when I find a place in the bay area.

 

[falcon]

No fairing. No worries.

 

[madmike2]

#1: Bring the plastic parts with you. San Jose (and the Bay area, NorCal in general) have real Winters. You will find FOG in the Winter and Spring that doesn't burn off until late morning or early afternoon. If you decide to join us on rides in the Sierras, weather can be changeable and there is still snow in the mountains (See "CA Ride Planninng", 2 of the passes near Yosemite are still snowed in).

#2: Your forward facing front turn signals must be amber. I think I read that you've replaced what is in the pictures but CA vehicle code prohibits any forward facing lights to be red in color. Yuh jist kaint be a-lookin' lahk wunna them copsickles!

#3: While the bay area can get warm in the summer, it isn't likely to get to 100+ (or that often). We in the Central Valley get that priviledge. James Burleigh, Highlander or other Bay Area owners could give you a better idea of the average weather nearer the coast.

 

[AZrider]

Falcon,

I was born in Southern California and lived for 31 years in the SF bay area where you are headed. Just for laughs, you are moving to the "Peoples Republic of Kalifornia" and you will soon learn as you stand for hours in line at the DMV just how the system works (or doesn't). h34r: I would keep all the parts, plastic, metal or lighting. California is an open air assylum with no orderlies and they may make you put on every damn stock part before they issue you a license. Or........they just might not give a ****, depends on the weather, whether or not the clerk got a promotion or time off the past month or whether they can speak English. California taxes everything and has a licsense for everything and it usually costs something and needs to be renewed annually.

I think Madmike is right about bringing all those bits and pieces with you. In spite of all of the mindless politics and socialist institutions in Northern California you are moving to one of the most beautiful geographical area in the world. You can head over Hwy-17 to Santa Cruz and then up Hwy 1 to Davenport for lunch at a couple of cool food joints, one serves Mexican and the other deli sandwiches. After lunch you can either keep going up the coast to Half Moon bay and Pillar Point or head up into the coastal redwoods to Boulder Creek and some of the twistiest roads I have ever ridden.

If you get bored on a Saturday or Sunday morning ride up to Skyline blvd on the Peninsula and watch the young squids ride at 100mph on Ducs and such near Alice's Restaurant. You can also join Madmike and take a trip up through the Delta (beautiful this time of year) and ride up in the Sierras.

Great to read about your exploits with modifying the FJR. I about fell out of my chair several times while reading the posts on this site. While it's not my style I applaud your endeavor. :blink:

Good luck in your new State.

AZ

 

[falcon]

Falcon,
I was born in Southern California and lived for 31 years in the SF bay area where you are headed. Just for laughs, you are moving to the "Peoples Republic of Kalifornia" and you will soon learn as you stand for hours in line at the DMV just how the system works (or doesn't). h34r: I would keep all the parts, plastic, metal or lighting. California is an open air assylum with no orderlies and they may make you put on every damn stock part before they issue you a license. Or........they just might not give a ****, depends on the weather, whether or not the clerk got a promotion or time off the past month or whether they can speak English. California taxes everything and has a licsense for everything and it usually costs something and needs to be renewed annually.

I think Madmike is right about bringing all those bits and pieces with you. In spite of all of the mindless politics and socialist institutions in Northern California you are moving to one of the most beautiful geographical area in the world. You can head over Hwy-17 to Santa Cruz and then up Hwy 1 to Davenport for lunch at a couple of cool food joints, one serves Mexican and the other deli sandwiches. After lunch you can either keep going up the coast to Half Moon bay and Pillar Point or head up into the coastal redwoods to Boulder Creek and some of the twistiest roads I have ever ridden.

If you get bored on a Saturday or Sunday morning ride up to Skyline blvd on the Peninsula and watch the young squids ride at 100mph on Ducs and such near Alice's Restaurant. You can also join Madmike and take a trip up through the Delta (beautiful this time of year) and ride up in the Sierras.

Great to read about your exploits with modifying the FJR. I about fell out of my chair several times while reading the posts on this site. While it's not my style I applaud your endeavor. :blink:

Good luck in your new State.

AZ

AZ, thanks for all the great info and a warm welcome to your home state!

I boxed up and brought along every nut/bolt/part to bring her back to stock if needed.

I got a license plate for the bike yesterday! It was tricky, but some tips and hints from friends and the forums helped out a lot! I used the CA DMV site to make an appointment at the local office, and it really expedited the process. Got my car and drivers license / motorcycle license taken care of in the morning, then I did the bike in the afternoon at another office that showed no waiting time on their website. The verification guy was grateful that the bike had no fairing and we could read the engine number and VIN so easily, once we found it. Then I went inside and they said all bikes have to go to a CHP office as of May 1st, 2007...but she talked to her manager and they let me slide (PHEW!!! CHP might have laughed me back to TX!) $117 to register the bike and 10 minutes later I had plates.

I slapped the plates on and then promptly hit Page Mill Rd to Skyline, had lunch at Alice's, took 84 La Honda to the coast, went up and down Hwy 1, got on Pescadero Rd back to Skyline and to Hwy 9 for the finale.

It was the best day of riding ever. And I was only gone for 6 hours.

Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.

 

[Fencer]

Falcon,

Are you through with the Franken Feejer or is it still a work in progress?

Did you accomplish what you set out to do?

 

[James Burleigh]

I slapped the plates on and then promptly hit Page Mill Rd to Skyline, had lunch at Alice's, took 84 La Honda to the coast, went up and down Hwy 1, got on Pescadero Rd back to Skyline and to Hwy 9 for the finale. It was the best day of riding ever. And I was only gone for 6 hours.

Dude, you are only JUST getting started in the best motorcycle-riding location in the freakin' world! Let's see, we still need to show you the Wine Country, and then there's Hwy 1 north of the Golden Gate Bridge, and then you've got your Gold Country. And let's not forget Skaggs Spring Road.

Calling all Greater Bay Area FJR Owners: Let's show Falcon some local hospitality and get a ride organized!

Jb

 

[Waaane]

Calling all Greater Bay Area FJR Owners: Let's show Falcon some local hospitality and get a ride organized!
Jb

I aint letting this guy anywhere near my bike :assassin: Just kidding Falcon :lol: Welcome, those roads you were on yesterday are what I grew up on. In fact I totalled one of my mothers cars on Page Mill Road when I was 15. BTW...I am 53 now and am not quite so effin stoopid as I was then.

I'm in for a ride any weekend after this next one. Lets get it together

 

[Scuba]

For some reason, that bike reminds me of the robot "Johnny five" from the movie short circuit.

 

[James Burleigh]

For some reason, that bike reminds me of the robot "Johnny five" from the movie short circuit.

Dude, I KNEW that face reminded me of one I'd seen before:

 

[falcon]

For some reason, that bike reminds me of the robot "Johnny five" from the movie short circuit.

I yelled out "NO DISASSEMBLE!" a few times during this project... B)

 

[fossilrider]

For some reason, that bike reminds me of the robot "Johnny five" from the movie short circuit.

I yelled out "NO DISASSEMBLE!" a few times during this project... B)

Falcon, have you finished your customizing? There are a few sites where you can purchase streetfighter headlights & mounting as well as streetfighter fairings.

Streetfighter