duhs10

5 hours ago, betoney said:

@Alrighty  From what I have seen, the coolant temp is "usually" 100-110F above ambient air temp when moving.

This is what I have experienced as well

11 hours ago, FJ_Junkie said:

Although the FZ is mushy with us both on there, I've never bottomed out or had any close calls so wouldn't the FJ have a little bit more support verses my bike?

You guys need to find one you can test ride... if you're ok with 2-up on the FZ6 with stock suspension, the FJ-09/Tracer 900 might work for you.

@FJ_Junkie

I owned a 2008 FZ6 a while ago... 2nd favorite bike I've owned. The motor on the FZ6 was SO smooth and once you hit about 7000-8000 RPM is screamed.  The FJ-09 is quicker due to the increase in low/mid range torque compared to the FZ6. About the same peak HP if remember correctly. You definitely wont be disappointed in regards to the power of the FJ.

1) There's a pretty wide range of options. A do it yourself valve kit and springs for the front you could probably get done for $250. If @pattonmeever shows up again you can get a drop in kit for around $400. And it goes up from there.... Norwest does a re-valve on the stock shock for a reasonable price (dont remeber how much) and a new shock is going to run you $500-$1000 depending on what you go with.

2) If you are trying to save money you could probably get away with stiffer springs front and back as a temporary fix.  Highly doubt the stock springs even at full pre-load settings are up to the task if you plan to ride 2 up often. Also depends on how aggressively you ride whether or not you will want to do a full suspension upgrade later on.

3)  @keithu can respond as well but the most complaints I've heard is in regards to leg space. Will probably need a backrest or top case with backrest if you plan to take longer trips.

*feel free to correct me on the prices mentioned above... going off memory and it's been a while since I priced stuff out.

On 8/8/2019 at 6:18 PM, wordsmith said:

 

The extra stability for touring purposes is what Yamaha has claimed to be the reason behind the extra length.

So @wordsmith... do you find the GT handling characteristics to be different from your previous models? More stable?

Maybe wrap then with some clear vinyl or something.... I don't know. Just thinking.

Welcome. Looks like you got a good bike there. The FJ-09/Tracer has always provided a great value.... finding one second hand with several upgrades already installed just adds to that value.

Lots of good info here... dont be afraid to ask questions.

6 hours ago, Clicknow said:

Do you ride the tracer GT? Or are you referring to the fj-09?

regards

This comment keeps popping up. I dont understand. You all know that the FJ-09, MT-09 Tracer, Tracer 900, and Tracer 900 GT are all basically the same bike... I assure you that @betoneyis aware of the differences between the models and his experience and advice is worth considering.

Hello. Welcome to the forum. Lots of good information here.

You must have had a heavy bag on them to scratch it so much. I've had the SH36s for a couple year old now and find the quality quite good.  Those scratches will only be noticeable to you so I wouldn't worry about it.

If you really feel the need to do something about it.... I agree with @jobbyregarding the vinyl wrap.

If you're worried about it just get a manual tensioner..  I had mine replaced under the TSB and the new one only lasted 2500 miles before the chatter was back.... I put theAPE manual tensioner in and have had zero cam chain rattle since. Been probably 8-10k miles since swapping to a manual tensioner.

@I’m GPSThose look really nice... I'm confused as to why OEM accessories aren't plug and play.  My aftermarket signals are.

3 hours ago, norcal616 said:

You can even switch to a 520 chain size if you also switch sprockets... That's my plan... 525 is an odd size and 520 is pretty much universal from R1 to dirt bikes... 

What is the reason for switching to a 520? Is there a benefit? 

1 hour ago, wordsmith said:

I find it hard to accept this other than in the broadest sense.   I'd personally be wary of instigating 'fixes' for my GT based on FJR experiences, and vv.   The nearest point of similarity I can find is that both are made by Yamaha.

FJR and FJ-09 are very different.... I'm comparing the FJ-09/MT-09 Tracer ('15-'17) and Tracer 900/GT ('18-'19). 

Welcome to the forum.. ask as many questions as you want and utilize the search function as there is tons of useful information on the forum. I hope you enjoy your GT as much as I have my FJ.

3 hours ago, thejrod said:

It has different forks and shock too, no? Thought it did - fully adjustable vs only partially...

Regardless, a 2" longer swingarm is a massive change to any chassis. 

You are correct.

My point is that the 2 bikes are still much much more the same than they are different and experiences of FJ owners are relevant to finding fixes for the Tracer and vice versa.

3 hours ago, thejrod said:

 You have an FJ though, not a Tracer, if I'm reading your signature correctly... this is a Tracer thread. The chassis was changed a fair amount.

The only change to the chassis was a slightly longer swingarm.  Therefore feedback and advice from FJ owners is relevant. Especially when Tracer owners are reporting the same observations that have been discussed for years.

6 hours ago, wanderer said:

These LEDs have the hyper flashing problem.

While I understand how a resistor would fix that problem, and it seems the simplest to install, it is also undesirable IMO. I'd rather not have the energy go straight to heat in a resistor if I don't have to. For example it'll just chew through the battery faster if the hazards are on while the engine is off.

How does one install a relay to fix this problem? any good instructions, and any preferred relays?

 

7 minutes ago, wanderer said:

Is a pair required? One for the left, one for the right?

Just one... this is the one I have.. literally plug and play. 2 minute job. You can adjust the flash rate manually as well. I assume it works on a Tracer GT as well... you will have to confirm.

I personally dont think the front turn signals add or decrease much in terms of safety. 

You could always add some to the hand guards or put some strip LEDs somewhere.

1 hour ago, texscottyd said:

Damn @koth442!  Motard = Stupid Fun  

Have fun & irritate the neighbors! 

Plus a Tacoma and a Porsche..... nicely done sir... @koth442

From your description of your previous bikes I definitely think the FJ-09/Tracer is worth a look. Like @betoneysays... it's somewhat a jack of all trades that can be personalized to favor one form of riding or the other (touring, sport, off road, etc).

There arent really many bikes out there that have the power, weight, and function at the price point of the FJ.  I hope you can find one either from here or maybe a dealer that you can ride to see if it's for you.

Just know that you will most likely want to mold the FJ/Tracer to fit your uses. For that reason I would recommend looking for a used one with an upgrades as it will be more cost effective than buying a new one and shelling out money for aftermarket parts yourself.  Although there is nothing wrong with going that route either.

Welcome to the forum.

I have a Sargent seat on my '15 FJ/Tracer. I'm not sure if they are available in Europe but there are others that are.  If you do a search on the forum I'm sure you will find some options.

@koth442I don't see a picture...

Wow.. sorry to see that @captainscarlet... I've pulled my forks no less than 10 times and dont have any scratches. terrible luck I guess. I hope you find a solution.

....well I just noticed you are in Scotland so probably not cost effective.

I have an used anodized red one I would be willing to give you for the cost of shipping.... was given to me by another forum member and have never used it.