Year two FJR overview

[Meltdown]

So, I've had my 2008 FJR for about 2 years now and I thought I'd share some observations and whatnot.

I've got about 10k miles on it so far and it continues to impress. Turbine smooth, fast, efficient, and reliable as an anvil.

Up until now its been bone stock with the exception of an Alaska Leathers sheepskin butpad. I did replace the stock Bridgestones with Michelin Pilot 2's at about 8k and had the service shop replace the sparkplugs with iridiums. Still getting about 42-43mpg on regular 87 octane gas.

BUT....I'm afraid that I've developed farkleitis and had to order just a "few" accessories. As soon as the last of them come in I'll be having an install party with my mechanically proficient brother. About 1/2 of them are here in boxes and the rest should be here any day now.

The list:

Garmin Zumo 660 with Techmount for center triple clamp bolt

Clearview high power LED lights

Touratech auxillary left foglight

Touratech auxillary right HID driving light

Touratech 30L pillion mounted bag

Givi E52 trunk with Admore light kit, SW moto attachment kit and passenger backrest

Additional Admore light bar over license plate

Bagster tank wrap and "rider" 21-30L tank bag

Helibars replacement triple clamp

Yamaha factory heated grips

Escort Redline with Techmount for unused mirror hole and waterproof box

Fuzeblock FZ-1

FJRandy's horn wiring kit

2 Fiamm Freeway blasters (hi/low tone)

Fenda Extenda

CalSci windscreen

XenonDepot bi-xenon HID upgrade

Datel digital voltmeter

GSG Moto Frame Sliders

McCruise Cruise control

I'm thinking it may take a bit to install this stuff.

Once I give my Amex card some CPR, its off to Georgia to see the nice folks at Traxxion for their AK-20 kit for the front and have them install an Ohlins rear while they're at it.

Lastly, a Daylong saddle which I will have built once the used seat from fleabay shows up. I had to order the used seat because my FJR is my sole means of transportation as of a week ago and I can't go without a seat while I'm waiting for the other to be built.

I'll be sure to post detailed pictures when all of this is installed along with an installation write up.

So...anyone think of anthing I've missed? :lol:

 

[SLK50]

So...anyone think of anthing I've missed? :lol:

Other than a larger windshield, the single best addtion IMO was switching to FZ-1 mirrors for an unobstructed view.

 

[NMRoadRunner]

Glad to see somebody doing something about the ****** economy.

 

[palerider]

So, I've had my 2008 FJR for about 2 years now and I thought I'd share some observations and whatnot.
I've got about 10k miles on it so far and it continues to impress. Turbine smooth, fast, efficient, and reliable as an anvil.

Up until now its been bone stock with the exception of an Alaska Leathers sheepskin butpad. I did replace the stock Bridgestones with Michelin Pilot 2's at about 8k and had the service shop replace the sparkplugs with iridiums. Still getting about 42-43mpg on regular 87 octane gas.

BUT....I'm afraid that I've developed farkleitis and had to order just a "few" accessories. As soon as the last of them come in I'll be having an install party with my mechanically proficient brother. About 1/2 of them are here in boxes and the rest should be here any day now.

The list:

Garmin Zumo 660 with Techmount for center triple clamp bolt

Clearview high power LED lights

Touratech auxillary left foglight

Touratech auxillary right HID driving light

Touratech 30L pillion mounted bag

Givi E52 trunk with Admore light kit, SW moto attachment kit and passenger backrest

Additional Admore light bar over license plate

Bagster tank wrap and "rider" 21-30L tank bag

Helibars replacement triple clamp

Yamaha factory heated grips

Escort Redline with Techmount for unused mirror hole and waterproof box

Fuzeblock FZ-1

FJRandy's horn wiring kit

2 Fiamm Freeway blasters (hi/low tone)

Fenda Extenda

CalSci windscreen

XenonDepot bi-xenon HID upgrade

Datel digital voltmeter

GSG Moto Frame Sliders

McCruise Cruise control

I'm thinking it may take a bit to install this stuff.

Once I give my Amex card some CPR, its off to Georgia to see the nice folks at Traxxion for their AK-20 kit for the front and have them install an Ohlins rear while they're at it.

Lastly, a Daylong saddle which I will have built once the used seat from fleabay shows up. I had to order the used seat because my FJR is my sole means of transportation as of a week ago and I can't go without a seat while I'm waiting for the other to be built.

I'll be sure to post detailed pictures when all of this is installed along with an installation write up.

So...anyone think of anthing I've missed? :lol:

+1 on the FZ1 mirrors. Your best farkle bang-for-the-buck.

Also the VStrom hand shields are nice if you occasionally ride in cold weather.

Also an additonal power plug or two because the one in the glove box is very low power.

Also a Moty self-tuner

Also a gremlin bell

And just one comment on an otherwise great list: The McCruise unit gets raves, but the last time I checked they cost $1000. I have a hard time believing they are $900 better than the Audiovox CC that works well but that costs only $100.

 

[RadioHowie]

So...anyone think of anthing I've missed? :lol:

Since you're obviously NOT putting your bike on a much-needed weight-loss program, howabout for you...

:blum:

 

[Happy Rider]

That's a lot of cool stuff.

:shiftyph34r: Soooooooooooooooo, where do you live?

 

[BPFowler]

I bought my 2009 FJR on Halloween of last year and it just turned over 10K miles. What I have added are:

V-Strom hand guards - best farkel so far had a large rock wack the left side a few days ago I figger it saved my hand a reather large bruise

Alaska Leathers sheepskin buttpad - smells really bad when wet butt feels great

Myers saddle - butt feels great :yahoo:

stebel magnum horns - At least people look at me as they run me out of my lane

FZ1 mirrors - I am not real sure yet on this one yet

reflective tape - sides and rear

CT - I like it but read the darkside thread first

as I can I will add more but hay it is a start

 

[Meltdown]

Glad to see somebody doing something about the ****** economy.

I had only planned on adding a few things then I was "downsized" about 2 weeks ago. My wife & I are fortunate enough to be in good financial shape even with the loss of my income. She told me to spend my severance check on accessories for the FJR and stop drooling over the keyboard at some of the amazing things that others have done with their bikes. This was the result.

The other reason I was able to do this is that we made the last lease payment on both of our cars the day before I got laid off. We have an older minivan which is paid for and the FJR is also paid for. We also turned the cable off, got rid of the house phone, a bunch of other non-essential services, and I sold the vast majority of my firearm collection. Not to get too far off topic but we discovered that we were both working all the time for more stuff which we simply didn't need. I was happy to hand the keys to my Toureg and Passat back to VW and be free of the absurd amount of money we were spending on them every month.

In turn, the wife bought a bunch of art supplies for her painting hobby and we are much more relaxed and happy people now. She cut back on her hours at work, I'm collecting unemployment for a bit, and we are both much better off as a result.

 

[Meltdown]

So...anyone think of anthing I've missed? :lol:

Other than a larger windshield, the single best addtion IMO was switching to FZ-1 mirrors for an unobstructed view.

I know someone locally who had done the FZ-1 mirror swap on his 2007 FJR. While I do agree that they provide better rearward vision, I simply didn't care for how they looked. For the time being, I'm content to tuck my arms in a little bit...but I certainly do understand why so many have done this upgrade, the difference is fairly huge.

 

[Meltdown]

+1 on the FZ1 mirrors. Your best farkle bang-for-the-buck.Also the VStrom hand shields are nice if you occasionally ride in cold weather.

Also an additonal power plug or two because the one in the glove box is very low power.

Also a Moty self-tuner

Also a gremlin bell

And just one comment on an otherwise great list: The McCruise unit gets raves, but the last time I checked they cost $1000. I have a hard time believing they are $900 better than the Audiovox CC that works well but that costs only $100.

I've seen several members here speak about the V-Strom handguards. Are they fairly easy to install and remove? I ask because for the most part it is hot here in FL and I wouldn't want to install them if they're a PITA to remove. The farkels I've selected pretty much install and are left on the bike. Since I'm not mechanically inclined AT ALL I don't want to possibly screw something up.

Sorry...what's a Moty self-tuner? I don't recall seeing that one discussed.

My Gremlin bell is a picture of my wife and kids taped up where I can see them.

Of all the stuff I purchased, I figured that the one that would cause the most discussion was the McCruise control. I paid $850 for it. I am well aware that many on this board have enjoyed a great deal of success with the Audiovox CC. For me, I simply felt much better using a CC that was specifically built for a motorcycling application and I had the good fortune to be able to afford it. I wouldn't dream of knocking the other methods people use. There are many who are happy as clams with some form of a $20 throttle lock. Farkles like so many other things are certainly a personal choice. I for one got a big chuckle out of Patriot's Stebel horn mounted on the frame slider. Um...not something I would personally do, but it works for him and that's cool with me.

 

[Meltdown]

So...anyone think of anthing I've missed? :lol:

Since you're obviously NOT putting your bike on a much-needed weight-loss program, howabout for you...

:blum:

Sir...you're a cruel man. I know of no worse torture device than a stair-climber. B)

 

[Meltdown]

I bought my 2009 FJR on Halloween of last year and it just turned over 10K miles. What I have added are:V-Strom hand guards - best farkel so far had a large rock wack the left side a few days ago I figger it saved my hand a reather large bruise

Alaska Leathers sheepskin buttpad - smells really bad when wet butt feels great

Myers saddle - butt feels great :yahoo:

stebel magnum horns - At least people look at me as they run me out of my lane

FZ1 mirrors - I am not real sure yet on this one yet

reflective tape - sides and rear

CT - I like it but read the darkside thread first

as I can I will add more but hay it is a start

You're well on your way. The reflective tape looks great.

 

[palerider]

+1 on the FZ1 mirrors. Your best farkle bang-for-the-buck.Also the VStrom hand shields are nice if you occasionally ride in cold weather.

Also an additonal power plug or two because the one in the glove box is very low power.

Also a Moty self-tuner

Also a gremlin bell

And just one comment on an otherwise great list: The McCruise unit gets raves, but the last time I checked they cost $1000. I have a hard time believing they are $900 better than the Audiovox CC that works well but that costs only $100.

I've seen several members here speak about the V-Strom handguards. Are they fairly easy to install and remove? I ask because for the most part it is hot here in FL and I wouldn't want to install them if they're a PITA to remove. The farkels I've selected pretty much install and are left on the bike. Since I'm not mechanically inclined AT ALL I don't want to possibly screw something up.

Sorry...what's a Moty self-tuner? I don't recall seeing that one discussed.

My Gremlin bell is a picture of my wife and kids taped up where I can see them.

Of all the stuff I purchased, I figured that the one that would cause the most discussion was the McCruise control. I paid $850 for it. I am well aware that many on this board have enjoyed a great deal of success with the Audiovox CC. For me, I simply felt much better using a CC that was specifically built for a motorcycling application and I had the good fortune to be able to afford it. I wouldn't dream of knocking the other methods people use. There are many who are happy as clams with some form of a $20 throttle lock. Farkles like so many other things are certainly a personal choice. I for one got a big chuckle out of Patriot's Stebel horn mounted on the frame slider. Um...not something I would personally do, but it works for him and that's cool with me.

I didn't realize that you'd already installed the McCruise or I wouldn't have said anything.

You can read about the Motty (I mispelled it) self-tuner here

https://www.afrtuner.com/

and here

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=113507

Basically it's a Power Commander with a couple of extra farkles of its own.

I'm in Southern California, so I don't need the VStrom guards. Sounds like you don't either.

Nice line about your Gremlin Bell.

 

[madjackdog]

Worst case of "Delayed Farkleitis" I've ever seen.

 

[ShowMeMo]

So...anyone think of anthing I've missed? :lol:

Other than a larger windshield, the single best addtion IMO was switching to FZ-1 mirrors for an unobstructed view.

Probably my biggest complaint is the mirrors... I mean, I've got some nice looking elbows... but jeez... Does anyone that's done this have a pic?

I'd like to see some pics of all the farkles... got my 09 last september and just got to 4500 miles and have NO farkles ...cept factory trunk and grip warmers...

Ooops! forgot the Grip Puppies... great bang for the buck!

 

[RadioHowie]

So...anyone think of anthing I've missed? :lol:

Since you're obviously NOT putting your bike on a much-needed weight-loss program, howabout for you...

:blum:

Sir...you're a cruel man. I know of no worse torture device than a stair-climber. B)

You haven't been married to any of my wives! :dribble:

 

[glory racing]

+1 on the FZ1 mirrors. Your best farkle bang-for-the-buck.Also the VStrom hand shields are nice if you occasionally ride in cold weather.

Also an additonal power plug or two because the one in the glove box is very low power.

Also a Moty self-tuner

Also a gremlin bell

And just one comment on an otherwise great list: The McCruise unit gets raves, but the last time I checked they cost $1000. I have a hard time believing they are $900 better than the Audiovox CC that works well but that costs only $100.

I've seen several members here speak about the V-Strom handguards. Are they fairly easy to install and remove? I ask because for the most part it is hot here in FL and I wouldn't want to install them if they're a PITA to remove. The farkels I've selected pretty much install and are left on the bike. Since I'm not mechanically inclined AT ALL I don't want to possibly screw something up.

Just in case you decide they could be useful to you...

Once installed, the strom hand guards can be removed/reinstalled in literally a few seconds. One phillips head bolt located on top within easy reach is all that needs to be attacked. Then they snap on/off. All you have to remember is lefty loosey, righty tighty.

 

[Greb]

I'm with you, been two years for me and I still love the hell out of this thing. I've never out of a dozen or so bikes been so pleased. This bike flat rocks for so many reasons. I look forward to seeing a future revision but I hope Yamaha doesn't stray from the core too much because it doesn't need much to make it perfect IMO.

 

[GPRIDER]

So...anyone think of anthing I've missed? :lol:

Other than a larger windshield, the single best addtion IMO was switching to FZ-1 mirrors for an unobstructed view.

Probably my biggest complaint is the mirrors... I mean, I've got some nice looking elbows... but jeez... Does anyone that's done this have a pic?

I'd like to see some pics of all the farkles... got my 09 last september and just got to 4500 miles and have NO farkles ...cept factory trunk and grip warmers...

Ooops! forgot the Grip Puppies... great bang for the buck!

Get those FZ-1 mirrors. I was tired of looking at my elbows and knuckles too. Those mirrors are my favorite farkle. I think they look fine on my 08, but it would have been nice if they would have made those nice looking stock mirrors about an inch or so longer.

GP