Setting Up A 2013 FJR for LD Riding

[Shuey]

Ta Daaaaa . . . I am now a 2013, GEN III, FJR . . . OWNER! Can't ride it for about 4 weeks, but will have fun adding some needed farkles until I can.

Model: FJR13ADG (so what does the "ADG" mean?)

VIN: JYARP24E20A001120 (mean anything)

There are just so many features engineered and provided in this model. It's an incredible machine!

Can I use synthetic oil with my FJR? Advisable? I'll search the Forum as this has probably already been answered, but any replies here are appreciated by this new member to the fold.

FYI: Anyone looking to buy an FJR . . . call around find your best price, then contact Joey Bomprezzi (Sales Manager) at Honda-Yamaha of Memphis for his price. My price was over $1,000 less than the next lowest price I found of the 5 other bikes I located East of the Mississippi before I called Joey. Never been there before and wasn't going to buy until next month some time, but the price was so good, I bought it on Wed on the phone, dropped everything, got a trailer and picked it up yesterday (Thur).

They close at 6pm and I arrived with my trailer, from Florida about 5:30pm. Joey and Jon Wright (the paperwork guy) stayed until 7:30pm getting me squared away, loaded up and out the door. Superior customer service!

Sweet deal and they treated me as if I owned the place. Experience could not have been better! FYI (no, Joey didn't pay me to advertise for him).

Shuey

 

[bgross]

Outstanding!

Congratulations and welcome to the family.

You might not have noticed it yet: NEPRT. (https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php/forum/52-never-ending-pointless-recurring-threads/)

That's where you'll find lots of very accurate (or is that opinionated?) answers to your questions about oil, tires, and how to grill the perfect Calimari Steak.

Enjoy the farkling and the anticipation!

 

[Redfish Hunter]

Have you told the guys on ST-Owners yet?

Congratulations. I think you will find it an interesting adjustment. Another member of ST-Owners that recently converted told me last weekend that he "felt like I lost a whole chunk of bike" switching from the ST to the FJR. It is kind of sad that Honda never updated the ST.

 

[nankoweap]

It is kind of sad that Honda never updated the ST.

True dat. The rumors were always out there, though. They just never materialized. I always liked the way Yamaha responded to its FJR customers and matured the bike over the years. Then they made the Super Tenere available here in the states. These two things alone speak volumes to me as a consumer. One of the reasons I'm getting adding an FJR to the garage.

 

[Auburn]

Ta Daaaaa . . . I am now a 2013, GEN III, FJR . . . OWNER! Can't ride it for about 4 weeks, but will have fun adding some needed farkles until I can.


Model: FJR13ADG (so what does the "ADG" mean?)

VIN: JYARP24E20A001120 (mean anything)

There are just so many features engineered and provided in this model. It's an incredible machine!

Can I use synthetic oil with my FJR? Advisable? I'll search the Forum as this has probably already been answered, but any replies here are appreciated by this new member to the fold.

FYI: Anyone looking to buy an FJR . . . call around find your best price, then contact Joey Bomprezzi (Sales Manager) at Honda-Yamaha of Memphis for his price. My price was over $1,000 less than the next lowest price I found of the 5 other bikes I located East of the Mississippi before I called Joey. Never been there before and wasn't going to buy until next month some time, but the price was so good, I bought it on Wed on the phone, dropped everything, got a trailer and picked it up yesterday (Thur).

They close at 6pm and I arrived with my trailer, from Florida about 5:30pm. Joey and Jon Wright (the paperwork guy) stayed until 7:30pm getting me squared away, loaded up and out the door. Superior customer service!

Sweet deal and they treated me as if I owned the place. Experience could not have been better! FYI (no, Joey didn't pay me to advertise for him).

Shuey

Congrats on the new bike. Let the farkling begin!

I would follow the break in procedure and get a few thousand miles on to make sure the rings are well seated then switch to your favorite flavor of synthetic. I personally run the Rotella T6 with a little bit if STP added which makes the transmission shift like butter.

Many run other things, but at $20 a gallon (which is what an oil change takes) at Wally world, you can't beat the price. I run 5000 mile intervals and if I am on a long trip I'll push past that and not be worried at all.

I also change the final drive at the same 5000 mile intervals with Mobil 1 (so I don't forget) at $17 a quart, you get four changes out of it. It is over kill, but it is cheap insurance in IMHO.

 

[Shuey]

- hadn't found the 'recurring threads' section, yet. Thanks bgross.

- RDL seems to be the seat of choice here on the FJRForum, but, sheech, it's all the way over on the 'left' coast. Longer and more expensive shipping time for adjustments if needed. Same for Mayer. There are two custom seat makers this side of the Mississippi. Corbin - sorry, not for me. Sergeant is in Jacksonville, only about 5 1/2 hours East of me. Initial contact was positive, have several positive recommendations from friends, so will give them a try . . . after riding the stock seat a bit to clarify what I need. (I am so itching to go for a ride!)

- AuburnFJR, thanks for your oil answer. I also use Rotella and have changed at the same interval (5k) for years on my STs. Like you I also change out the final drive oil every other oil change. Cheap and easy . . . why not.

- Does anyone know if the MCL risers fit the Gen IIIs? If so, they'll be my choice.

- dcarver . . . what can I say? I was so glad to make it to the IBR Banquet. The 'purity' face was only one layer of skin and all the scabs were off in 5 days, but . . . although short lived, they were good for some great hugs! There's always a sliver lining if you look for it.

So, after spending a full day poking, examining and drooling on my new bike (of course I cleaned it all off) my biggest concerns are on how to mount two sets of aux lights as well as 2 GPSs, SPOT, Escort and iPhone. Working on figuring out a mount for an aux tank over the tail and back seat too - 6.6 gallons just isn't enough!

Thanks all. I'll sure share anything innovative from my end, but, I'm hoping to have most of this accomplished in the next few weeks so when the cast comes off, I can . . . . . . take off!

Shuey

 

[Redfish Hunter]

There is another custom seat maker out there that is well worth your time. If a quick turnaround is required check out Laam Custom Seats. The first seat that appears on their website is owned by our very own GeorgiaRoller. The 'Roller is one of our two best photographers on this forum. I have one on my ST1300 and I love it. I would not dare to insinuate that anything is equal to a Russell for true LD work but the Laam is a very very good seat.

 

[Chiefblueman]

+1 on the Laam seat. I was skeptical at first but after a few 8 hour days in the saddle I'm a believer. His price for a custom leather saddle, passenger and rider, was quite a bit less than the off the shelf alternatives. While my buddy on his new R1200RT was squirming on the stock seat with Airhawk, I didn't really notice my seat at all. The mark of a good seat.

 

[jayke]

- Does anyone know if the MCL risers fit the Gen IIIs? If so, they'll be my choice.
Shuey

Yes they do fit the Gen III too. You have to take off the top triple clamp to put them on. You have to take off the top triple clamp to put on any brand risers on a Gen II or Gen III FJR. It's not that hard though.

 

[Shuey]

- Does anyone know if the MCL risers fit the Gen IIIs? If so, they'll be my choice.
Shuey

Yes they do fit the Gen III too. You have to take off the top triple clamp to put them on. You have to take off the top triple clamp to put on any brand risers on a Gen II or Gen III FJR. It's not that hard though.

Thanks jayke . . . ordered the full plate today.

Shuey

 

[worldbound4now]

-... my biggest concerns are on how to mount two sets of aux lights as well as 2 GPSs, SPOT, Escort and iPhone....

Paging Patriot.... Patriot to the nearest phone... Anybody have a picture of his setup. I'm sure he could give you pointers of where and how to mount your accessories.

 

[AVGeek]

So, after spending a full day poking, examining and drooling on my new bike (of course I cleaned it all off) my biggest concerns are on how to mount two sets of aux lights as well as 2 GPSs, SPOT, Escort and iPhone. Working on figuring out a mount for an aux tank over the tail and back seat too - 6.6 gallons just isn't enough!
Thanks all. I'll sure share anything innovative from my end, but, I'm hoping to have most of this accomplished in the next few weeks so when the cast comes off, I can . . . . . . take off!

Shuey

I think the WynPro Ram-Bone mount might be useful: https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php/topic/124395-wynpro-ram-bone-mount-ive-got-balls/page-1?hl=wynpro

Also, the left side clutch housing has a blank for a mirror; on the Gen 1 and Gen 2 bikes, it was threaded and accepts a Ram ball as well. This one is similar to the one I have on my Gen 2: https://www.rammount.com/CatalogResults/PartDetails/tabid/63/partid/082065077045066045051052057085/Default.aspx

 

[Blind Squirrel]

I use the Eagle Creek Cubes. I had them recommended to me and wondered why I'd not learned about them sooner. Cubes for clothes in the panier liners. Remove a cube and the rest of your stuff doesn't fall inward like sand into a hole. Makes I/O into your storage much quicker. I use a quarter cube to put all the wires that support my powered tank back in a single place that doesn't tangle other things in there. I can then use Quarter Cubes for other things in the tank bag. Half and Full Cubes in the saddle bag liners for clothing, etc. When off the clock, a whole day's clothes fit into a cube. Yank it from the pack and you have your change. quick and easy.
https://shop.eaglecreek.com/packithalfcube/d/1080_c_212

Where have these been all of my adult-onset OCD life?!?

 

[bikerjim]

I'm 6ft 4in , and I found the Russell seat to make the biggest difference to me. It gives me more leg room, and your comfort cannot be beat, in my opinion. I found out through expermenting that the Cee Bailey's windshield, +6 inch higher and taller, works well for me. A large tank bag that you can rest on helps fatigue. A large trunk helps carry essentials, if you can add an extra fuel tank to the passenger area. A Spot Tracker is neat to have.

I use Rotella T6, seems to run the best with this oil.

Enjoy your new bike!

 

[art miller]

If you have an issue with handle bar buzz you may want to look into Vibranator bar ends. I had heavy Manic salamander and went to Vibranator and it eliminated the buzz. Given your size, you may need to modify the mirrors if your rear vision is not adequate.

 

[Shuey]

Enjoying the suggestions. Thanks all. Planning continues to progress and my FJR (that I have as yet not put one mile on) is in the capable hands of Kreis at the STShop in Knoxville. Hopefully the bike will be farkled and ready by the end of Sept . . . when I hope to be!

Shuey

 

[David Foley]

Things I have done to my 2013 FJR to turn it into a 4C (able to travel to the four corners of the north-American continent) bike,

MV Riser (Ok)

Corbin Seat (Marginally Effective - Don't like the looks of the Russell).

Manic Salamander Pounder Bar Ends (Ok - Still get vibration).

Clearwater Erica's and Darla's (Great lights)

Pazzo Levers

Cee-Bailey Sport Shield

Canyon Cages

Have also added the usual assortment of GPS devices and other common farkles.

End result - absolutely love that I am driving a bullet proof motorcycle but want more for long distance touring.

 

[Hudson]

Have also added the usual assortment of GPS devices and other common farkles.
End result - absolutely love that I am driving a bullet proof motorcycle but want more for long distance touring.

Curious, what's the "more" you think is missing?

Comfort? Russell or Mayer or Rich's will make a world of difference. Corbin is barely better than stock. Also, the risers of choice would be MCL or Heli; I wasn't thrilled with the MV's when I set on a bike that had them.

Power? Think the FJR is pretty well covered.

Handling? You didn't mention the most important farkle: a suspension upgrade, which I agree the stock FJR sorely needs. Easily solved by GP Suspensions and Penske/Ohlins. This should be your first farkle, not your last.

I've logged 30K so far in rides, as I don't use the FJR to commute. Longest ride is about 3k miles, usually average 500 miles a day. The only thing I've missed from the other bikes is cruise control, which your 13 has.

The real problem with the FJR that I see is that it isn't a Tenere (or a GS), which limits my ability to ride into, say, Moab. Again, easily solved by taking the $8-10k price difference b/t a BMW 1600 (the bike I think you want) and adding an S10 to the garage.

 

[David Foley]

Love the FJR - It's not leaving the garage. If I do get a second bike I will strip the FJR of all LD farkles and use it for local/regional rides.

After adding just about every farkle available to my 2013 I've decided I'm not a big fan of adding after market farkles to vehicles - two wheeled or four wheeled. They usually work - to a point - but don't quite work as well as factory options.

My perfect LD bike will have from the factory:

• GPS
• XM Radio
• Comm System
• Aux Fog Lights
• Battery under the seat.
• Aux power outlets
• Better wind protection - not just a bigger screen but a bigger fairing.
• Heated Grips
• Heated Seat
• Cruise Control

The usual suspects are the K1600 and GW. I am not sold on either - the K1600 for reliability issues and the GW because it's outdated technology and a whale. The Triumph made a stab at it with the Trophy but it looks funky to me.

I think Yamaha has the best brand going. I would like to see them step up and build a serious LD bike with these factory options.

Think the Russell for the FJR is probably the best option for LD but don't like the looks. BTW - Corbin is MUCH better than stock. Just not the best for 1K days.

 

[TripperMike]

Love the FJR - It's not leaving the garage. If I do get a second bike I will strip the FJR of all LD farkles and use it for local/regional rides.
After adding just about every farkle available to my 2013 I've decided I'm not a big fan of adding after market farkles to vehicles - two wheeled or four wheeled. They usually work - to a point - but don't quite work as well as factory options.

My perfect LD bike will have from the factory:

• GPS
• XM Radio
• Comm System
• Aux Fog Lights
• Battery under the seat.
• Aux power outlets
• Better wind protection - not just a bigger screen but a bigger fairing.
• Heated Grips
• Heated Seat
• Cruise Control

The usual suspects are the K1600 and GW. I am not sold on either - the K1600 for reliability issues and the GW because it's outdated technology and a whale. The Triumph made a stab at it with the Trophy but it looks funky to me.

I think Yamaha has the best brand going. I would like to see them step up and build a serious LD bike with these factory options.

Think the Russell for the FJR is probably the best option for LD but don't like the looks. BTW - Corbin is MUCH better than stock. Just not the best for 1K days.

Not to be mean or anything, but I truly hope that Yamaha never takes your suggestions to heart. All your "stock" farkles you listed kinda describes what you called a "whale"...the venerable GW. Truly a fine machine. But I like my sportier and lighter FJR almost just like it is. And why the heck would you ever feel the need to take off your farkles for shorter trips or for commuting?? Jeez didn't you just invest a lot of time just putting that stuff on?

I try to commute every day on my scoot from late March till early December, and I ride with most of the farkles intact and it doesn't seem to detract from my enjoyment at all. And this talk about the RDL being ugly, I just don't get it. I just finished a lil' 10 day ride and there were two things I never thought about. 1. While standing next to it pumping in gas, not once did I think to myself "Now I have to sit back on that ugly seat. yuck!" and 2. Not once did I ever think about how my arse hurt, cuz it never did.

What I like so much about the FJR is that it's an excellent package right out of the crate and yet leaves plenty for personal touches. Not everyone is into LD riding. And the FJR is not strictly a LD bike.