Top Heavy - Relocate Battery?
- Thread starter Jack D
- Start date
Help Support Yamaha FJR Motorcycle Forum:
Since a properly maintained FJR will easily make 300k miles, you're 92k isn't hardly a dent yet. If you "can't" sell it, perhaps you're expecting too much out of it in the used market. Other than those 2 issues, the handling answers have already been addressed. The stock suspension has always been marginal; even when new. As with all other bikes using typical suspensions, they are sacked out at around 25k to 30k miles and need replacing. Since the suspension is a wear item, give the bike some love and get something nice for it. Works, Traxxon, Ohlins, Wilburs (are they still around?) can all set you up with something; each based on what you want to spend and how high you set your sights.
Is it a 300# race replica in the corners? Hell no. It wasn't meant to be. Does it handle well for it's intended design? Much better than some of the competition.
Is it a 300# race replica in the corners? Hell no. It wasn't meant to be. Does it handle well for it's intended design? Much better than some of the competition.
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phroenips
Pronounced "Free-nips"...it's just a
I wonder if it wouldn't be worth meeting up with HotRodZilla and let him ride your bike to see if there isn't something out of whack with it. I know he's ridden several different FJRs (including mine), so he should have a good sampling to compare against.
Bugnatr
Well-known member
FJRPittsburgh
Rally Addict
Ha ha ha. Yeah, 68,000 miles is plenty. I reread your post. Somehow I thought you were new to the bike even though you explained everything thoroughly. My mistake. I'll blame it on being tired.
Jack D
Well-known member
Actually we all know there is something wrong with it, the debate is what it is and whether I want to pump money into a bike that might be worth $4000 at the most because of it's high mileage.
Probably worth less and that is if you find a buyer.
If you don't like the bike, sell for whatever.
If you want to keep it, upgrade the suspension, add double risers, 2" longer clutch/brake lines and ride the crap out of it.
Your suspension is shot, that's all I've read that's wrong with it.
If you don't like the bike, sell for whatever.
If you want to keep it, upgrade the suspension, add double risers, 2" longer clutch/brake lines and ride the crap out of it.
Your suspension is shot, that's all I've read that's wrong with it.
HotRodZilla
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Jack, I have Racetech Springs and Gold Valves up front. I have a Wilbers shock in back, but it's currently out for a rebuild. I have a LOW mileage OEM shock in there now. Bike has just over 60k, and new Bridgestone T30GTs.
You can call High Velocity Cycles down by Zuni and San Pedro: 505-237-2006. Those guys are good, and they do great work on dirt bikes. The dirt crowd swears by them. I'm probably going to have them rebuild my Wilbers and have him set up my FJR. Can't remember the owner's name, but try them.
You can call High Velocity Cycles down by Zuni and San Pedro: 505-237-2006. Those guys are good, and they do great work on dirt bikes. The dirt crowd swears by them. I'm probably going to have them rebuild my Wilbers and have him set up my FJR. Can't remember the owner's name, but try them.
wheatonFJR
...
You don't have the original suspenders on it for 92k miles on it do you?
Holy crap if so. Suspension is a wear item.
Holy crap if so. Suspension is a wear item.
Jack D
Well-known member
Did you put in the Gold Valves yourself? I have been curious about what Racetech says to do with the compression adjustment screw. When I rebuilt my forks I was shocked at what the FJR's "cartridge fork" valves really do. It would seem to me that the FJR's fork compression adjuster would be incompatible with Racetech's Gold Valves.
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Redfish Hunter
Gone Fishing
Jack, another option if you have not already considered is a brand new OEM Gen3 rear shock. It can be purchased for a fairly decent price, actually cheaper than the Gen2 shock. It has a stronger spring and better damping. We put one on Dad's '07 and the results were remarkable. It had gradually sagged and the steering had gotten heavier over time without him noticing it. He had no trouble noticing the new shock.
I get the fact that the bike is old and if you want a new one I get that too. But it sounds to me like all you really need is some refreshed suspension.
Of course, with all the refinements of the Gen3...
I get the fact that the bike is old and if you want a new one I get that too. But it sounds to me like all you really need is some refreshed suspension.
Of course, with all the refinements of the Gen3...
BigOgre
Well-known member
Would a larger rear tire possibly help?
HotRodZilla
GOD BLESS AMERICA
Chad at Bobby J's installed my springs and gold valves.
Jack D
Well-known member
"Jack, another option if you have not already considered is a brand new OEM Gen3 rear shock."
I have been procrastinating about that for a little over a year trying to choose between that option or a much more expensive one. My concern was that the GenIII shock would make the bike about as good as a new GenII was and in my original test ride I was not overly excited about how good that was. In the meantime I discovered that the bike had little monetary value. Fortunately I do not have to make a quick decision as I have other bikes. Unfortunately we have another issue that could dictate that we get a bike with a sidecar.
I have been procrastinating about that for a little over a year trying to choose between that option or a much more expensive one. My concern was that the GenIII shock would make the bike about as good as a new GenII was and in my original test ride I was not overly excited about how good that was. In the meantime I discovered that the bike had little monetary value. Fortunately I do not have to make a quick decision as I have other bikes. Unfortunately we have another issue that could dictate that we get a bike with a sidecar.
Redfish Hunter
Gone Fishing
You have to do what is right for you but I can promise you the Gen3 shock is a wonderful upgrade over the original Gen2 shock. It made a HUGE difference, and Dad's bike did not have as many miles as yours does. Leaps and bounds better than the original.
I only mention it because it is a cheaper option.
I only mention it because it is a cheaper option.
Top_Speed1
Panama Canal Crosser
I think I'm voting for the Gen3 shock then. Those who mentioned this are not fly-by-nighters.
As for the battery re-location? I'd forget that idea. I once had the sameidea notion for it going under the seat, for low center of gravity and for convenience/access. It's best just to forget about this one entirely, like does this bike even have a battery? yup, forgotten!.
Good luck mate.
As for the battery re-location? I'd forget that idea. I once had the same
Good luck mate.
carlson_mn
Well-known member
I relocated my stock battery underneath the seat. It fits perfect horizontally in the front compartment. I moved it back to the stock location later because I wanted the storage space back and I think the bike felt better balanced with the battery back up front... I know, weird right?
Either way, it's easily doable if you're good with running some wires around.
Either way, it's easily doable if you're good with running some wires around.
carlson_mn
Well-known member
AdamK
Well-known member
The ES has a control box in the bottom of that storage location. Not sure a stock battery would fit.
Why did you move it in the first place? A handling experiment as suggest by the OP?
carlson_mn
Well-known member
I actually was installing some 55w HIDs with big ballasts so I used that spot for those as well as try the battery lower. I went back to halogens and put the battery back up there.
