Saturday, June 20, 2009

FJR updates

It's not as if my life revolves around my motorcycle. It's just that it's the only thing I can think of that is remotely interesting or eventful at the moment.

Okay, I flew out to pick up this machine on May 1st. (Wow, didn't realize I have not owned it for two months yet - seems longer). I do still kinda miss the Honda Valkyrie - it is such a cool bike.

The Yamaha FJR I picked up had some fall-down damage I already knew about, and expected to deal with. So these are some of the repairs I made, and safety / enhancements I made:
  • Replaced scraped/damaged left side engine cover & gasket
  • Replaced handgrips - twice. 1st try was very uncomfortable, didn't last a week
  • Replaced stock mirrors with wider/longer mirrors made for Yamaha FZ1. Much Better!!
  • Added very simple friction-based cruise control
  • Added handlebar end weights - help to reduce vibration
  • Installed large red reflective tape panels on saddlebags
  • Installed a front fork brace (helps keep forks and steering stabilized)
  • Installed two stainless steel exhaust shields to keep boot heel burns off exhaust
  • Added headlight modulator (very different, had to create wiring for dual-headlights)
  • Added LED license with two red led light panels (see next)
  • Added a 'sweet' brake light wig-wag module to make my braking Stand OUT!
  • Added a mount for my bike gps
  • Replaced the rear tire since it was on it's last legs.
  • Replaced windshield with taller / wider option - wow, it makes HUGE difference!
  • Added a green-light trigger, tied to bike center stand. (Motorcycles rarely trigger the lights to turn green, this high-power magnet is supposed to 'fool' the sensor field buried in pavement)
Compared to what some people do to their bikes, trust me - I am on very cheap end of things. I am not trying to fill my garage with frivolous stuff, I consider these options as either safety related, or highly recommended enhancements I have researched.