The Severance Project...a Farkle Odyssey

[Tom Edison]

Well, it was a bunch.

I'd have to dig out all the receipts to give you an exact total. However, I did include links to everything I purchased if you'd like to get a specific breakdown.

Very nice! Would you divulge the cost of the material goods?

Just curious. I guess you didn't have to keep a running total. Don't bother.

 

[Scrib]

Love all the pics here - thanks for an informative journey! Helped me in deciding whether to do X or Y.

 

[Meltdown]

Some updates:

I had indicated in the initial post that I was going to sell the TrailTech lights. I had them removed and replaced with a set of Krista lights from Clearwater.

Here's how it looked before with the TrailTech Eclipse lights:

And after with the Clearwater Kristas:

These are a couple of pictures of the Volume Pot which controls the Krista's:

Again...there was nothing wrong with the TrailTech lights. They are very good quality. They just weren't good for my particular use. I sold them to someone on ADVrider who is happily using them now on his Honda dirtbike.

Moving right along, I managed to get in on the Russell group buy. My *** is thanking me on every ride.

Next, the Krista lights come with their own on/off switch. Since I had a switch in place which I used for the TrailTech Eclipse lights, I had the installer use the existing switch.

The switch that came with the Krista lights was too nice to waste. So...I used it as a power switch for the Datel.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

I also installed a Bagster tank bra that took about 5 months to come in after I ordered it. I do love how it looks.

Lastly, I had my installer change / fix a couple of things. First, he screwed up the wiring on the Clearwater Glenda lights on the forks. They now go to 100% power as they should when I hit the high beams. There were also a number of other issues concerning his installation I had him correct. Overall, my installer is a competent technician, but not very driven by keeping promises when it comes to how long it is supposed to take and he took shortcuts which effected the quality of the install. I've decided not to publicly name them. They did fix what they screwed up. I know this because I planted my *** in a chair for 10 hours next to my FJR while I watched the owner and the tech go over every square inch of my motorcycle after...convincing them that it was in their financial interest to do so. With that in mind, I'm not going to humiliate them on a public forum but suffice it to say that I won't be returning there again. If you're curious, send me a PM.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Good looking bike. I like your placement of the Datel and switch, nice job!

--G

 

[Meltdown]

Thanks. Although if I had it to do again, I would have moved the switch an inch or two forward. As it is placed now, it is perfectly blocked by the handlebars while I'm riding and I have to change positions to see it. It's not THAT big a deal, but just food for thought if anyone else is contemplating where to place their Datel if they choose to get one.

Good looking bike. I like your placement of the Datel and switch, nice job!

--G

 

[FLFJRS]

Very nice write up and great additions to your bike. Since you and I are relatively close, did you use the Yamaha dealer there in Titusville for the work? I'm thinking of having them do some of my service work. They are close and acording to the Yamaha website, they have gold level technicians. Just curious. Thanks for an inspiration.

Jim

 

[Meltdown]

Thanks, Jim. No, I didn't use the Yamaha dealer in Titusville. It was an independent shop that did the work. The shop you're referring to has their stuff together and does good work. I'm taking my FJR there in a week or so for some routine stuff.

If you make it down this way, shoot me a PM and we'll meet up.

Cheers!

Very nice write up and great additions to your bike. Since you and I are relatively close, did you use the Yamaha dealer there in Titusville for the work? I'm thinking of having them do some of my service work. They are close and acording to the Yamaha website, they have gold level technicians. Just curious. Thanks for an inspiration.

Jim

 

[midnight rider]

Next up is a SPOT Satellite GPS messenger. I have it there because Mrs. NovaPhoenix feels a lot better when she can see where I'm riding. No, it isn't a dog leash, my kids have used SPOT tracks in their class and even had it running one time while I was out for a ride. It's mounted on a Techmount with an adapter that I ordered from GPSCity. I also know there there has been much heated debate at ADVRider on where its best to keep the SPOT. I've chosen to keep it on the bike since it always gets a signal out. Your mileage may vary.

SPOT GPS messenger: <a href="https://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=102" target="_blank">https://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=102</a>

Techmount: <a href="https://www.techmounts.com/products/?page_f...p;product_id=16" target="_blank">https://www.techmounts.com/products/?page_f...p;product_id=16</a>

SPOT cradle: <a href="https://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-spot-ii-g...-hol-spo2u.html" target="_blank">https://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-spot-ii-g...-hol-spo2u.html</a>

Picture:

<a href="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/13110049_UCQ7n#950609975_rLkgN-A-LB" target="_blank"><img src="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/033/950609975_rLkgN-L.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Next is a Garmin ZUMO 660. I got this over the 665 because it was a lot less expensive and I could care less about XM radio. It is also mounted on a Techmount on the steering stem with a specific adapter plate. The Garmin works flawlessly and does exactly what I want it to. Bluetooth connections to my iPhone are pain free.

Garmin ZUMO 660: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-4-3-Inch-Port...r/dp/B001OMGVMY" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-4-3-Inch-Port...r/dp/B001OMGVMY</a>

Techmount: <a href="https://www.techmounts.com/products/index.p...mp;product_id=7" target="_blank">https://www.techmounts.com/products/index.p...mp;product_id=7</a>

Techmount 660 accessory plate: <a href="https://www.techmounts.com/products/index.p...;product_id=179" target="_blank">https://www.techmounts.com/products/index.p...;product_id=179</a>

The picture:

<a href="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/13110049_UCQ7n#950610192_PpHkb-A-LB" target="_blank"><img src="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/034/950610192_PpHkb-L.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

This is another Techmount which is installed in the unused mirror hole. I'd like to install something on it which has a quick release for a video / digital camera. I've been unable to find anything suitable. If any of you can help with a link, it would greatly appreciated. I'm looking for something that can be installed on the Techmount AND the plates which I could use for a video and / or still camera.

Mirror Techmount: <a href="https://www.techmounts.com/products/index.p...p;product_id=72" target="_blank">https://www.techmounts.com/products/index.p...p;product_id=72</a>

Picture:

<a href="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/13110049_UCQ7n#950610527_vTbrn-A-LB" target="_blank"><img src="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/035/950610527_vTbrn-L.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Since Yamaha didn't see fit to include a TPMS, I went looking for one to install. After much searching, I found this one from Doran. It works well and as an added bonus, can be installed either on the valve stem or inside the tire. I had my installer put them inside the tires since he was already putting on a new set of Michelin Pilot Road 2's. I have two concerns with the unit. 1st, it sometimes takes up to 15 minutes to display a reading on both tires and 2nd, the display panel has no lighting unless you push one of the buttons. The red light above the instrument panel will flash if the tire pressure drops below a user settable reading.

Doran: <a href="https://www.doranmfg.com/motorcycle-tire-pr...ing-systems.htm" target="_blank">https://www.doranmfg.com/motorcycle-tire-pr...ing-systems.htm</a>

Picture:

<a href="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/13110049_UCQ7n#950610880_r8cDC-A-LB" target="_blank"><img src="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/036/950610880_r8cDC-L.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Why I decided I needed this when I live in Hell...um...Florida is beyond me, but I bought it anyway. Yamaha factory heated grips. They work exactly as advertised. I got them from the nice folks at Stadium Yamaha.

Stadium Yamaha: <a href="https://www.stadiumyamaha.com/pages/catalog...warmer-kit.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.stadiumyamaha.com/pages/catalog...warmer-kit.aspx</a>

Pictures:

<a href="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/13110049_UCQ7n#950611522_Qc2nV-A-LB" target="_blank"><img src="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/038/950611522_Qc2nV-L.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

<a href="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/13110049_UCQ7n#950611991_mB8vs-A-LB" target="_blank"><img src="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/040/950611991_mB8vs-L.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

One of the chief complaints about the FJR is the fact that the mirrors usually do a beautiful job of showing the rider his own elbows. One of the common modifications to combat this is to install the mirrors from an FZ1. I looked at the pictures others had kindly submitted of this modification and decided that it simply wasn't for me. I just didn't like how that looked. Doing some more searching around led me to Multivex Mirrors. The company that sells these mirrors has a much better explanation than I could write as to why they work. I can say that after the installation that blindspots are a thing of the past. They're that good. Problem solved.

Multivex mirror description: <a href="https://www.multivexmirror.net/technology.html" target="_blank">https://www.multivexmirror.net/technology.html</a>

Multivex Mirrors for the FJR: <a href="https://www.multivexmirror.net/Details.asp?...&category=2" target="_blank">https://www.multivexmirror.net/Details.asp?...&category=2</a>

Picture:

This really doesn't show just how well these work, but if you want to see better, I highly recommend them.

<a href="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/13110049_UCQ7n#950612220_osry6-A-LB" target="_blank"><img src="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/041/950612220_osry6-L.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

In this picture just above the SPOT messenger you can see where the image looks to bend as it goes to the right. This is what's supposed to happen. It takes a few minutes to get used to, but once I did, I wondered how I ever lived without them.

<a href="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/13110049_UCQ7n#950609698_4fFxj-A-LB" target="_blank"><img src="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/032/950609698_4fFxj-L.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

The ONLY real gripe I have with my beloved FJR is its absurd and anemic charging system. 590 watts is just not anywhere near enough for a serious mile muncher like this. BMW manages to cram over 1000 watts into the K1300GT, so this is one area that Yamaha earns a big FAIL. To make sure I'm not killing the battery or am going to fry the stator, I installed a Datel voltmeter. It's simple, and it works.

Datel voltmeter: <a href="https://www.digitalmeter.com/cgi-bin/websho...onfig=ent-datel" target="_blank">https://www.digitalmeter.com/cgi-bin/websho...onfig=ent-datel</a>

Picture:

<a href="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/13110049_UCQ7n#950612443_K7A2D-A-LB" target="_blank"><img src="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/042/950612443_K7A2D-L.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

This one is the single biggest expense in the Severance Project. When in the cage, I use cruise control almost constantly and really wanted it on the bike. Many other FJR owners have successfully adapted Audiovox units and made them work flawlessly. Others have taken a simple approach and are very happy with a Throttlemeister or a cramp buster. I wanted something that was as close to a factory appearance and function that I could get. I ended up with a system from Motorcycle Cruise (McCruise). Yes, it was expensive but its function is flawless. It holds speed very well, the control panel buttons are backlit for easy of use at night, the kit contains quality components, and the instructions are excellent. Plus, I spoke to the guys in Austrailia (where the company is located) and they were always helpful. My single favorite accessory so far.

Motorcycle Cruise: <a href="https://www.mccruise.com/Yamaha-FJR1300-Cru...lutch-incl.html" target="_blank">https://www.mccruise.com/Yamaha-FJR1300-Cru...lutch-incl.html</a>

Pictures:

<a href="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/13110049_UCQ7n#950612644_q7YY7-A-LB" target="_blank"><img src="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/043/950612644_q7YY7-L.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Speed sensor:

<a href="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/13110049_UCQ7n#950613293_qKRfH-A-LB" target="_blank"><img src="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/046/950613293_qKRfH-L.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Another speed sensor:

<a href="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/13110049_UCQ7n#950613970_tgzd2-A-LB" target="_blank"><img src="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/049/950613970_tgzd2-L.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

While the bike was apart, I had them replace the stock battery. It was 2 years old and I've never used a tender on it, so it was getting tired. I decided on a gel battery and ordered a BikeMaster TruGel battery. From what I gather, it will survive conditions that would make other batteries kick the bucket. There's a YouTube video somewhere that shows a hole being drilled into one with no loss of gel and it still worked. I also ordered a Battery Tender Jr. It will charge a dead battery as long as it reads at least 3 volts and has a "brain" which will keep a battery topped off for long periods of time. Both work just as advertised. I ordered both of these parts from Motorcycle Superstore. Very fast and efficient.

Motorcycle Superstore TruGel battery: <a href="https://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/5/8...;WT.MC_ID=10010" target="_blank">https://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/5/8...;WT.MC_ID=10010</a>

Motorcycle Superstore Battery Tender Jr: <a href="https://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/6...;WT.MC_ID=10010" target="_blank">https://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/6...;WT.MC_ID=10010</a>

Picture:

This is of the lead which is hooked to the battery. The white stuff is a piece of Velcro. The other piece is tucked up behind the horns so that when its not in use, its out of the way.

<a href="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/13110049_UCQ7n#950613531_kbcNX-A-LB" target="_blank"><img src="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/047/950613531_kbcNX-L.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Next up is a replacement triple clamp from Heli. They have made a huge difference in the level of comfort on the bike. Shorter people may not need it. However, I'm 6 feet, 1 inch and this addition helped a lot. I ordered directly from Heli. After 1500 miles on this set up, I also ordered the risers that go on top of the triple clamp. This should make it just about perfect.

Heli: <a href="https://www.helibars.com/product/tour-perfo...aha-fjr1300a-ae" target="_blank">https://www.helibars.com/product/tour-perfo...aha-fjr1300a-ae</a>

Pictures:

<a href="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/13110049_UCQ7n#950614401_AUAWJ-A-LB" target="_blank"><img src="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/051/950614401_AUAWJ-L.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

<a href="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/13110049_UCQ7n#950614611_roQpF-A-LB" target="_blank"><img src="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/052/950614611_roQpF-L.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Last up for what I have pictures for is a replacement set of horns. I really wanted to use a Stebel Nautilis but the FJR would make it a very tight fit. So, I looked around a little more and decided on a pair of Fiaam Freeway Blasters. While not in the same league as a Stebel, they are plenty loud and I'm happy to say that I've already had some dingbat who drifted into my lane spill her coffee all over herself when I hit the horns. I'm happy. To wire them, I ordered a custom wiring harness from a FJRandy who makes them one at a time. It is literally plug and play. Couldn't ask for more AND he's a nice guy to boot.

Fiamm Freeway Blasters: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/FIAMM-72112-Freeway-...6256&sr=1-1" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/FIAMM-72112-Freeway-...6256&sr=1-1</a>

Fiamm Freeway Blasters (high note) : <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Signaltone-Freeway-B...6256&sr=1-2" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Signaltone-Freeway-B...6256&sr=1-2</a>

FJRandy's wiring harness: <a href="https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=107893" target="_blank">https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=107893</a>

Pictures:

<a href="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/13110049_UCQ7n#950615931_z7isP-A-LB" target="_blank"><img src="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/058/950615931_z7isP-L.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

<a href="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/13110049_UCQ7n#950616108_bCe9F-A-LB" target="_blank"><img src="https://meltdown.smugmug.com/Other/Yamaha/059/950616108_bCe9F-L.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

There are a few things which I don't have pictures for. I did an HID upgrade for my headlights. Huge difference. Bought them from an active vendor on ADVRider. The high low is a little wonky...but in all fairness the gentleman at FutureVision stated his recommendation to do a low beam only. If I had it to do again, I would have done the low beam only.

Future Vision HID: <a href="https://www.futurevisionhid.com/products/mo...le-hid-kit.html" target="_blank">https://www.futurevisionhid.com/products/mo...le-hid-kit.html</a>

Next up on the pictureless list is a FuzeBlock FZ-1. With all the stuff I placed on the bike, this was a lifesaver. It works just as advertised. I wired it up with a harness from Eastern Beaver.

Fuzeblocks: <a href="https://www.fuzeblocks.com/" target="_blank">https://www.fuzeblocks.com/</a>

Eastern Beaver: <a href="https://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Products...iring_kits.html" target="_blank">https://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Products...iring_kits.html</a>

I had everything installed by a local independent shop. They screwed some things up and before I publicly name them, I'm going to give them a chance to fix it. No matter how it turns out, I'll post the results of what happens with them here.

So...what's left? Well, as it turns out I have a few bucks left from the severance so a Russel Day Long saddle will be coming along shortly. After that is to visit Traxxion in nearby GA to have them do a suspension upgrade. That's going to have to wait a bit because it will probably cost close to $2k. <a href="https://www.traxxion.com" target="_blank">https://www.traxxion.com</a> Also, an aux tank from Sampson SportTouring is also in the mix when I find a different installer. <a href="https://www.sampson-sporttouring.com/fjr-fuel-cells.html" target="_blank">https://www.sampson-sporttouring.com/fjr-fuel-cells.html</a>

Also, the one accessory that is getting replaced ASAP are the TrailTech Eclipse lights. They are so damn bright as to be almost unusable unless you want to fry the retinas of others. The replacements will come from Clearwater. They just came out with a new set of lights called 'Kristas'. They are high power LED's just like the Glendas, but bigger and even more powerful. Glen (the owner) sent me some pictures and there's a youtube video from someone on this very forum demonstrating them on his FJR. AMAZING. When they arrive and I get them installed, I'll be sure to post it here. The TrailTechs will be sold and I'm sure they'll make someone very happy.

In any case, I hope that you all find this useful. I know I certainly combed ADVRider and fjrforum to see what gadgets and accessories people were placing on their bikes and what their opinions were. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

 

[midnight rider]

wow I have to start on more farkling. What miltivex mirrors did you use their web site didn't list any for the FJR specifically. Are they mirrors or just a mylar type stick on to the factory ones

 

[Meltdown]

wow I have to start on more farkling. What miltivex mirrors did you use their web site didn't list any for the FJR specifically. Are they mirrors or just a mylar type stick on to the factory ones

Howdy-

https://www.multivexmirror.net/Results.asp?category=2&secondary=7

Towards the bottom of the page you'll see FJR specific mirrors. They stick on directly over your stock mirrors and are made of glass.

Cheers!

 

[Knifemaker]

Looks good. Love the lights. Of course now you have no money left to go anywhere on the bike.....lol.

Does anyone know if the luggage rack can be used on the Yamaha top case?

KM

 

[Phugedaboudet]

how did you find anyone willing to do the installation of this stuff? I couldn't find anyone willing to touch the McCruise. Now that the bike's older I might have the courage to do it myself...

I sent a message, because it looks like you're using the factory ABS speed sensors. How did you do that? my instructions have a second sensor dragged out to the rear wheel, hanging off the rear swingarm on a bracket, reading magnets stuck into the brake disc holes...ugly and not very well integrated IMHO. McCruise said it should be possible to use the existing sensors (the bike needs to know wheel speed anyways) but they hadn't done it yet and couldn't tell me how to.

 

[midnight rider]

wow I have to start on more farkling. What miltivex mirrors did you use their web site didn't list any for the FJR specifically. Are they mirrors or just a mylar type stick on to the factory ones

Thanks again I don't know why it didn't show on my site Used your link to order little pricey at $88 but was assured Santa will have it in my stocking

Howdy-

https://www.multivexmirror.net/Results.asp?category=2&secondary=7

Towards the bottom of the page you'll see FJR specific mirrors. They stick on directly over your stock mirrors and are made of glass.

Cheers!

 

[Meltdown]

Looks good. Love the lights. Of course now you have no money left to go anywhere on the bike.....lol.

Does anyone know if the luggage rack can be used on the Yamaha top case?

KM

Sorry...can't be 100% sure about that. The rack seems to follow the curves of the Givi topcase fairly close so I'm of the opinion that while you may get it to work, you'd have to bend metal to make it happen. I think a direct bolt-on wouldn't work.

 

[Meltdown]

I'm surprised that you couldn't find anyone wiling to do the install for you. The indy shop I used was one of 4 that offered to do the whole truckload of stuff. The only thing I had an issue finding was someone willing to do the HID headlight conversion. The two local Yamaha dealers were willing to do everything BUT that since it is not DOT approved.

I suspect it probably has to do with liability concerns. I'd try independent shops first. I suspect they'd be more willing to do it than a Yamaha factory authorized dealer.

As far as the install is concerned, if you are comfortable enough to remove body panels (I'm not) then there's no reason you couldn't do it yourself if you're so inclined. The install is complex but straightforward.

how did you find anyone willing to do the installation of this stuff? I couldn't find anyone willing to touch the McCruise. Now that the bike's older I might have the courage to do it myself...

I sent a message, because it looks like you're using the factory ABS speed sensors. How did you do that? my instructions have a second sensor dragged out to the rear wheel, hanging off the rear swingarm on a bracket, reading magnets stuck into the brake disc holes...ugly and not very well integrated IMHO. McCruise said it should be possible to use the existing sensors (the bike needs to know wheel speed anyways) but they hadn't done it yet and couldn't tell me how to.

 

[midnight rider]

Noticed the neat gas tank cover stitched with the fjr logo on the run thru the 85 pic's of the yamaha meltdown. Where did you get it. Would like to get one for my bike.

 

[Dr. Jekyll]

Awesome write up including details and links. Thank you for taking the time to post this. Very nice set up you have there!

 

[TriggerT]

I am trying to figure out where you ran the wires for the Clearwater lights into the fairing? Did you drill a hole just under where the bracket for the lights contacts the fairing?

 

[Eric W]

Nicely setup machine! How about your thought's on your new Krista's Vs The Trailtechs?

 

[vabrzn]

I am trying to figure out where you ran the wires for the Clearwater lights into the fairing? Did you drill a hole just under where the bracket for the lights contacts the fairing?

I ran mine through the front vents, at the top.