Unlocked the sport without saddlebags, really? Top case better?

[Top_Speed1]

I hear ya on the facts Fred and agree; a full tank of gas (high balanced) is more of a factor. BUT... ahh, the ole butt factor could be the wind resistance in it's located tail position.

I'm not saying there's much of a difference (and it really isn't) and maybe I (some of us) can feel this maybe low percentage w the bags tallied up combined with the added air drag back at that rear wheel mounted location.

It's small if any and maybe it is in our head but I'm glad somebody else is just as crazy as me! :rockwoot:

 

[gumba]

What ever happened to the old axiom "leaner is meaner". Seams to have been lost on this crowd. These manufactures go to great effort to centralize weight only to have customers add top-boxes. I have GPS front and Penske rear, and have to make major adjustments to accommodate bags. I ride with a tank bag (only). Can carry all I need for an overnight and still manage to carry 2 cold ones on ice. Carrying a passenger or camping involves a different approach, but for a day ride let the FJ work for you.

 

[Fred W]

What ever happened to the old axiom "leaner is meaner". Seams to have been lost on this crowd. These manufactures go to great effort to centralize weight only to have customers add top-boxes.

I would guess that anyone subscribing to that particular axiom would be headed out the door at t he dealership the second they realize that a stock, unadulterated FJR weighs in at 640 lbs. There ain't nothin' lean about that number. The idea that you chose a bike that big and then subscribe to the concept of running around "lean" with just a tank bag on it is somewhat ironical (to me).

But hey... It takes all kinds to make the world go 'round, right?

 

[GeorgiaRoller]

What ever happened to the old axiom "leaner is meaner". Seams to have been lost on this crowd.

I would guess that anyone subscribing to that particular axiom would be headed out the door at t he dealership the second they realize that a stock, unadulterated FJR weighs in at 640 lbs. There ain't nothin' lean about that number. The idea that you chose a bike that big and then subscribe to the concept of running around "lean" with just a tank bag on it is somewhat ironical (to me).

But hey... It takes all kinds to make the world go 'round, right?

Now now you two! Play nice! :lol:

I don't know how many times I've said this but WE'RE ALL DIFFERENT! Some guys buy a FJR and set it up for more high speed solo twisty riding and keep the hard bags off 90% of the time, others set theirs up for 2up general LD rides/trips and still others are die-hard IBA types and have extra fuel tanks, electronic's shelf, tankbags, saddlebags, topcases and are wearing a fully loaded backpack! One FJR rider may have next to nothing in common with another FJR rider in how they go about riding and what their riding objectives are...other than they have the same nameplate on the bike.

Many small changes can add up to a big or at least noticeable effect. No hardbags, stiffer suspension setup, less weight, lighter aftermarket exhaust cans...even if it's in the 20lb - 40lb range is noticeable. Think about NASCAR or drag racing and how if they can eliminate even 1 lb. of weight they will just to gain some sort of advantage & better their time even if for only a micro-fraction of second.

I still think simply removing the saddlebags off your own personal bike setup is more of a "mental" thing (ie...those big wide *** saddlebags aren't sticking out the side of my bike) but again I totally feel the same way. Whether its all in our heads or there's more to it...it is a perceiveable difference.

 

[HotRodZilla]

I mostly ride my FJR with the bags on, but every now and then, I'll pull them off and hit the mountains. I can definately feel a difference, but my bags are not empty, so maybe if I just cleared out the bags I'd get the same feel.

When I take them off I put a tail bag on the passenger seat. Light, and very connected to the bike.

Without bags, the bike just feels easier to hustle through the turns. Don't think its faster, just easier.

 

[Top_Speed1]

They're playing nice

I agree 1000% on lighter is better (and yes, so does NASCAR or anybody else in racing) but I guess the real factor here is can you feel the small amount that equal the bags (and wind drag associated with). That is the Q.

I can tell you small or lightweight riders can kick *** on the twisties (or esses as raodcourse racers call em) compared to us bigger guys (I'm 6-4, 238 L-bees). And Fred on our last run through the twisties (in the 'Dacks), Iris although she is a great rider had a huge advantage over us with her small frame/weight. Any strong but small peeps have the advantage so that being said... loosing the bags is like loosing some of our fat!

OK, Going to have to start drink Ultra Light Beer now I guess

 

[HotRodZilla]

OK, Going to have to start drink Ultra Light Beer now I guess

**** that!! I'd rather be fat. Have you tasted Miller 64? It's like watered down donkey piss that was filtered through a pair of dirty underwear. Since I'm not a teenager anymore, I'll just drink fewer good beers.

 

[Fred W]

Yeah, I could lose the equivalent of those two saddlebags (24 lbs) and I still wouldn't be considered "light".

I'm workin'; on it, but the older you get, the tougher it is to shed weight. :glare:

PS - I'm with 'zilla on the beer. I'd rather drink water than lite beer.

 

[Top_Speed1]

OK, Going to have to start drinking Ultra Light Beer now I guess

**** that!! I'd rather be fat. Have you tasted Miller 64? It's like watered down donkey piss that was filtered through a pair of dirty underwear. Since I'm not a teenager anymore, I'll just drink fewer good beers.

LMAO... yeah I have tried it, hope it's filtered thru dirty girls underwear as opposed to some guys foomunda

One of my G/F's drinks Mich Ultra and that is pretty watery as well, she's all of 95lbs soaking wet, like she (2nd from right) needs it right?

 

[carlson_mn]

Bike transitions better/quicker without the sidebags, absolutely. Going from being used to one way or the other and then putting them on or taking them off and you will notice it for sure.

 

[900gc]

I'm curious as to how all the different windshields peeps use on the FJR may add to or reduce the "top box wag" or if it matters at all. BTW, I run a CEE Baily +4x2 flip.

As a general rule: Larger windshield = More effect on top box at speed.

If you somehow fill the space between yourself and the top box (like with a passenger) you won't feel the effect anymore.

Since it's Friday, I'll offer up this as a passenger friend for you: Judy

My wife is only 130# but Judy looks as light as air. Should be very little change in handling dynamics with her on back!

 

[leedavis]

Even after replacing the gen I rear shock (hopeless) with a gen II shock (better) my gen I bike was still weight sensitive to the point where riding without luggage cases made for a noticeable improvement on twisty day rides. I finally gave in and went with an Ohlins rear. As others mention, riding style and roads matter. I doubt it would be that big of a deal in flat land.

 

[madmike2]

Most of the time my FJR is without side cases. Of course, I commute on mine and having the bike narrow so I can "share" lanes in CA is a huge bonus. :yahoo:

When on rides in the semi-twisty roads near my home (100 mile radius) I usually mount the side cases because I want to look more like a touring bike than a sport bike when Mr. Highway Patrol gets suspicious or curious as to my intent.

It is possible, at my current heft and size, I don't feel the effect of the side cases as much as others who might be more petite or vertically challenged.

And having upgraded the suspension front and rear could make a difference. :dntknw:

Besides, old guys don't have the skills to ride like that.......... :blink:

 

[Benjammer]

Seeing a photo of the FJR without the side bags was one of the reasons I was attracted to the bike. Without the bags, it looks like a big sport bike...but comfy!

 

[Top_Speed1]

Seeing a photo of the FJR without the side bags was one of the reasons I was attracted to the bike. Without the bags, it looks like a big sport bike...but comfy!

99% agree but u might have to work on that stock seat to get the 'comfy' words out of me :blink:

 

[Fred W]

Seeing a photo of the FJR without the side bags was one of the reasons I was attracted to the bike. Without the bags, it looks like a big sport bike...but comfy!

See... I've always thought the FJR looks kinda goofy with no saddlebags on it. More like a wannabe, than a sport bike. The cans stick out way too far to the sides, and there's that big gap where the bags belong.

Now if you swapped in a set of high mount cans, or did an undertail...

Spoiler

Then you'd really be a wannabe!

 

[Chuck35]

Since it's Friday, I'll offer up this as a passenger friend for you: Judy

Anyone up to a group buy for Judy ??

Lets chip in on one and ship her around among us. She can be the dirty old whore we all get to ride :yahoo:

 

[majicmaker]

Since it's Friday, I'll offer up this as a passenger friend for you: Judy

Anyone up to a group buy for Judy ??

Lets chip in on one and ship her around among us. She can be the dirty old whore we all get to ride :yahoo:

Then we'd all be in the FJR Yaa-Yaa Sisterhood of the Traveling Dirty old Whore! :lol:

 

[TwoWhldTerror]

Seeing a photo of the FJR without the side bags was one of the reasons I was attracted to the bike. Without the bags, it looks like a big sport bike...but comfy!

Same here!

 

[FJR Bill]

My buddy who has the C-14 sez, "The Connie looks terrible without side bags, the FJR looks cool". Go figure. Bill