keithu

LOL no. The FB groups are a shitshow, of course. I got called a wanker for stating I enjoy 1000+ mile days. But to be fair, the Tracer FB groups aren't much better. I'm still in search of a useful web forum. I joined one, but it is light on value. If you ask about the best exhaust, tires, or carbon fiber bits you'll get dozens of replies. But ask about where to install a Fuzeblock for electrical farkles and it's crickets. I hope everyone appreciates the uniqueness of this Tracer forum.

Yes, the V4S is fantastic. But for the price it better be! And we'll see if it's anywhere near as reliable as the Yamaha through 46k miles. So far, so good at 3k miles.

It finally happened. Since buying the Multistrada in February the FJ-09 has just been collecting dust in the garage. I posted it for sale on FB marketplace Friday, and about 24 hours later the new owner was loading it up in his trailer. He's a nice younger guy from Olympia, WA and I strongly encouraged him to join this forum. It was truly bittersweet to see the FJ go. This was the best all around bike I've had in 30+ years of riding, and definitely the most reliable. I'm sure it will provide many more years of faithful service to the new owner.

Okay, it took more than a week or two. I finally posted the FJ-09 for sale on FB marketplace and 24 hours later the new owner was loading it up in his trailer. I have to admit I was pretty sad to see it go, as it's been a phenomenal bike. But it's just been gathering dust since I bought the Ducati so it was time to send it on. 😢

Probably not. For above five minutes my wife expressed some interest in riding it, but she has since retracted those statements. So I'll probably put it for sale here in the next week or two.

Really nice work! I would be a little concerned about fatigue causing cracks at the bracket bends, but the bends have a gentle radius which should reduce stress in that area. It would be even stronger if you could weld in a brace at each corner, but given the thickness of the material maybe not necessary. I definitely think you should powder coat or paint the assembly, however. Contrary to popular opinion aluminum does corrode, and corrosion is often a contributing factor to stress cracking in aluminum.

I was just being snarky as I also recently bought a large adventure bike with a ~1200cc V-4.

Sounds very similar to the Multistrada. Despite being heavier and more powerful I find it easier to ride at low speeds than the FJ-09 thanks to the balance and power delivery.

Cool ride! But a 1200cc V-4 in an adventure bike? That's just crazy. 😁

The long service intervals are a plus. But I'm already sure I won't try to do the valve service myself, and I shudder to think what it will cost. I had the Ducati dealer do the 600 mile service and it cost more than my first motorcycle. 🤪

I have about 800 miles on it so far. Some observations in no particular order: * The Multistrada is quite a bit more pleasant at low speeds and in traffic than the FJ-09, mainly due to excellent throttle response and tuning. On-off throttle transitions are butter smooth, like a well tuned carbureted bike. I know this isn't the most exciting thing, but it makes the Ducati a much nicer commuter. * More exciting is the horsepower. Rip off the velvet glove that makes it so smooth around town and it hits hard, rocketing forward in any gear. I shift less for passing, and as the speedo crests 100mph the Multistrada feels like it's just hitting it's stride. I purposely avoided owning a bike like this for years, and I'm going to have to be careful. The V4 sounds wonderful; I'm not a fan of loud aftermarket exhausts, but I'll bet this motor is joyous when uncorked. * Air flow is much smoother, but the stock windscreen was too short for me. I installed a taller screen from CalSci and the cockpit is now a great place to sit even in foul weather. * Most of the electronics are great. I hate adaptive cruise in most cars but it works very well on the Ducati. Performance is consistent, and it quickly accelerates back up to speed when I change lanes. * The heated grips are not as hot as the Yamaha OEM heated grips, and the control button is in a horrible position. It's on the right grip and can't easily be reached while holding the throttle. * I should not have complained so much about the FJ-09 bodywork. Ducati only uses three different fastener types compared to Yamaha's six, but the interlocking panel puzzle is a nightmare. * Fuel economy is bad, mid- to low-30s mpg. It's about the same as my wife's Hyundai i30. Aux fuel will be mandatory for LD riding. Big stroke of luck on this topic: the fuel tank is saddle shaped with a 1/4" ID rubber crossover hose connecting the two low points of the tank. I'll be able to T into this line to gravity feed from an aux tank, so I don't have to go through the stress of drilling the $$$$ OEM tank for a bulkhead fitting. So nice. * I haven't owned a bike with something other than a 17" front wheel since the Clinton administration. The 19" front is taking a little bit to get used to, but it's not bad. The skyhook suspension works great and I have no problem pushing the front.

Yeah, insurance rates vary widely by locale. Prevalence of uninsured drivers, theft, and accident rates all factor into it.

$220 per year for the FJ-09 with 100/300/100, $250 deductible on comp/collision, and towing through State Farm in western Oregon. I just added my Multistrada V4S with the same coverage and it was the same cost. Amazing.

Yeah, if she really decides she wants to ride again she'll go through a formal riding course like she's a new rider. When she first got her license in the early '90s I was an MSF instructor and basically taught her the course 1:1. But it's been a long time and I think formal training is really valuable. She has ridden various dirt bikes, an Interceptor 700, a BMW R65, and the main bike that was hers for a while was a Katana 600. The FJ-09 may not be the perfect re-entry bike after such a long gap, but it's about the same weight as her old Katana and probably a lot easier to ride. I think if she keeps it in B-mode for a while she'll be fine. And yeah, she'll need all new riding gear. Luckily, my favorite local bike gear shop is woman owned and has a huge selection of quality women's riding gear.

Last night my wife said, "I was looking at the FJ in the garage... Do you think I could ride it?" She had her own bike 25 years ago, but quit riding when she got pregnant with our youngest. So... It looks like you vultures who want some of my parts may have to keep circling for a while.😎