betoney

I posted a link for the DID VX3 chain right above. My last set of sprockets looked almost unused so I ran 2 chains before swapping sprockets I always use Superlite sprockets and always use a rivet master link. FJ-09 | Sprockets & Chain Kits Sprocket Center is dedicated to being the world's premium provider of...

@nhchris - yes but mine was quite a bit more than that. The biggest irritation though was the tight links, they made the ride very rough. I removed the wheel and went link by link moving them back and forth to try and free them up but that wasn't successful. Setting chain tension was impossible since on one section it was too tight and rotate the wheel a few inches and it was far too loose.

Another suggestion for FANTASTIC riding in your area. - From Baker City there are 2 routes South, OR-7 to Austin is more scenic and relaxing and OR-245 to Unity is more twisty and technical - it is nicknamed 'The Mini-Dragon". Both roads are awesome and if you haven't been to Hell's Canyon up by Copperfield, prepare to have your mind blown - no joke. Google Maps

Agree about the new AT, wonderful bike and very nicely appointed. I wish Honda put the same effort into the VFR1200x, 1237cc V4, shaft drive, DCT, Honda's impeccable fit and finish and upright riding position! Unfortunately Honda abandoned it after only 2 years in the U.S.

Thanks for the detailed info. There is a great suspension shop about an hour away from me who happen to build GP Suspension cartridges. I'll have to chat with the techs and see what they recommend, my suspension is due for servicing during the winter down time. I'm really happy with the Penske from Traxxion Dynamics so may give some thought to their AK-20's as well.

I copied this from a motocross article but the principle is the same. "What is the effect of changing oil height? Adding oil to your forks reduces the air volume. Since air is compressible, a smaller airspace is harder to compress than a larger airspace, which results in a stiffer fork. Since the compression of the airspace is gradual, lessening the airspace will be felt by the rider from the middle of the fork’s stroke to the point of bottoming. In essence, adding oil to your forks makes them stiffer from the midpoint on. The obvious corollary is that when you take oil out of your forks, you make them softer from the midstroke on. Adding or subtracting oil has a negligible effect on the first four inches of travel".

Nice setup you have there, it sounds like it is a beautiful ride now. Prior to the GP cartridges had you done any upgrades to the forks? I currently have a Penske shock from Traxxion Dynamics and modified stock cartridges, - the dead leg fitted with a modified active cartridge. Even though the ride is drastically improved I always wonder if it can be better and if the GP cartridges would perform any better than modified factory forks. Suspension is one thing that I don't mind spending money on, every bike in past 25 years has had custom setup suspension, just wondering how the GP setup might be an improvement on the modified factory forks, I have never had custom built drop-in cartridges.

Its too easy to just want to jump on the bike and GO. 👍

I believe the weight limitations on the rated payload have to do with the sub-frame strength, as well as making the front end lighter and wobbly at speed. I'm sure you could exceed the cargo capacity a small bit but the recommended weight rating is there for a reason, most importantly the safety of your passenger.

Unless it already adjusted to its limit, try adding a few more clicks of rebound damping to the shock, clockwise, that should minimize the bounce. Try 2 clicks at a time and then fine tune it with 1 click, ALWAYS ride with a screwdriver for this very purpose.👍

It seems the VX has been replaced with the VX3. I recently ordered a VX and got the new VX3 from Sprocket Center. - "Superior longer life than previous D.I.D 525 VX chain models".👍 DID Chain 525 VX3 Pro-Street X'ring Chain - GOLD or NATURAL (choose length) - CHAINS <h4>D.I.D. Chain - 525 VX3 Pro-Street series X'ring Chain (Gold or Natural) -...

Yep, that is the same one I bought, it even looks to be the same price that I paid 3 years ago.

@fr8dog - Dude you're killin' me, that is such a fantastic ride! The twisty section from Idaho City to Lowman is ridiculous.👍 The rest of the route is beautiful as well and if you haven't continued past Stanley, the ride down to Sun Valley is well Worth it. It is very hard to think of a better ride than that area on a sunny weekday with almost no traffic. I rate it right up there with Lolo Pass into Montana. Another GREAT ride North of you is the Old Highway 95 (White Bird Grade). The old highway is mostly switchbacks up and over the grade and hard to believe it used to be the main route North, even for logging trucks. When you ride it you say to yourself "there's just no way..." Google Maps

The '15 and '16 FJ did NOT have the slip/assist clutch, it is an upgrade kit you can buy from Part Shark.

Don't dismiss the base level Tracer or even older FJ due to no factory cruise control. The MCCruise can be added relatively easily, its time consuming, about 4-5 hours, but not difficult. Right now, the base Tracer can be found in Cycle Trader for $7500 - BRAND NEW. Buy it for cheap and build it up as you see fit and save thousands$$.

Just the correct spring rate will make a nice difference. 👍 What oil level does Stoltec recommend? I have always read that 150mm was correct for this bike - with the recommended springs there should be no fear of bottoming.

I also maintain my chain regularly and found the same thing at about the same mileage. I tried lubing it a LOT more than normal but that didn't help. When checking tension, I found tight sections, certain sections were too tight and others were way too loose. Riding was not enjoyable, at certain rpms it would lurch and when slowing down it would slap loudly.🤬👎 Straight to the trash with it.

This is the first I have heard of this issue, I have had the XSR slipper installed almost 3 years on my '15 and have never needed to adjust it. Any chance that you use your clutch harder than an average rider? Aggressive riding, racing, high rpm take-offs or clutch-up wheelies?🤷‍♀️

Welcome, feel free to ask away. BTW you are going to LOVE the bike!

Very interesting, within the past month I had posted about being out on a ride and adjusting my fork rebound only to discover I was on the last click. My suspension will be due for its 2 year servicing this winter, I'm sure the damping will feel different when its done.👍

@Tripletrouble - what @2and3cylinders mentioned is correct, the slipper clutch combined 'clutch pack' has a required overall thickness that can be adjusted with an optional plate available in I believe, 3 different thicknesses.

Awesome! they make a long ride or road trip so much more comfortable. 👍

Absolutely, when in doubt, power cycle the device.

Welcome aboard. 😎👍

I agree with you about viscosity affecting the orifice settings but not sure about 5w lasting longer. For every stroke of the fork you are still moving the same amount of fluid through the internals. No?🤷‍♀️