betoney

When I wash my bikes I simply don't spray water where I want to avoid getting soaked, some over spray is inevitable though. I wrap the dash and handlebar controls with towels but that's just me being overly cautious. Bikes were designed to operate in the elements and many riders live in wet climates and commute in the rain daily. I have heard of riders saturating the bike with spray foam cleaner and soaking it with a garden hose, that makes me cringe but apparently its not uncommon.

I tried lubing them and was never fully happy with the result, like I mentioned mine felt stiff from the date of purchase. My buddy has 60k on his and I am at 74k miles. I had considered the spring modification but replacing the cables was an immediate and 100% effective fix.

Replaced the throttle cables. Since buying the bike new, the throttle pull has always felt fairly stiff, especially riding back to back on my buddys identical '15 FJ, the bike operated fine so I just lived with it as is. I finally overcame my laziness and now the new cable is in place and WHAT A DIFFERENCE!, it feels like a brand new bike. The free turning throttle really emphasizes the CP3's sharp throttle response, I took it out for a 200 mile shake down ride on twisty back roads, SO much fun, A mode now feels like A+ mode. 😎

All of my current and previous bikes have had modified suspension, aftermarket handlebars and custom seats. Sure, that can be quite expensive but I do a lot of multi-day road trips each year and -for me- you can't put a price on all-day comfort and that includes an all-day comfortable helmet.

There have been times while riding in remote areas the only gas available was regular 87, I normally use the recommended premium 91 but when its not available, 87 works just fine.

It will be much easier to first determine what shape head you have and what helmets accommodate that shape and from there you can then narrow down who offers what features. Certain brands give me a severe head ache, I went to the local Cycle Gear and they helped determine what shape my head was and what brands cater to my needs. Since I have a Shoei shaped head I bought the GT Air, it’s comfortable enough to wear all day long with no tight spots.

Right after purchasing the bike (wow, that was a long time ago - 7 years) I purchased a cheap tail tidy from Ebay and the turn signals are the X-Arc LED signals Due to material shortages he stopped producing them, so they are no longer (temporarily???) available. I tried a few different LED signals but they were either flimsy or not super bright, the X-Arc are machined aluminum and VERY BRIGHT. With a sharp eye, you can see I adapted a set to the front as well.

Prior to starting any Spring maintenance, both the big gal and her little sister needed a bath, both were covered with brown road grime from winter riding.

Those "might" be a necessity, I'm not sure of new tires are compatible with old rims... just sayin' 😎👍🏻

Have you looked at any of the bike salvage sellers on Ebay?

On the original FJ09, the Left side bracket (43) as pictured is 2PP-2741L-00-00, the right side is 2PP-2742L-00-00 Partzilla has both in stock ready to ship.

Yes, they are great tires, I have ran them for several years on different bikes. I recently got a set for my VFR on Dennis Kirk for $285 before tax, for the size that fits the Tracer they are $305 a set BEFORE the rebate.

Pirelli Spring Rebate effective through April 30.

You should also be able to submit your receipt for a $60 rebate. Michelin Spring Rebate

I have ridden all of the Sierra Passes in California, almost 10,000 ft, Beartooth Pass in Montana/Wyoming, almost 11,000 ft and several in Colorado just over 11,000 ft without any issues. The bike's throttle response didn't feel quite as snappy as riding at sea level but it had plenty of power and I never had any concerns in any of my travels while riding at elevation. BTW, if it is your first time riding the Colorado Rockies, you are going to LOVE it.

Good idea, cleaning and greasing the swing arm and shock linkage bearings is very simple and relatively quick to do.

I'm not sure I understand this statement, neither a standard or slipper clutch will affect the ABS. 🤷🏻‍♂️

You didn't mention your height or inseam, I ask since you consider the Tracer tall and heavy. The differences between the bikes physically aren't that much, looking at the specs online, the Tracer 900 has a slightly taller seat but the Tracer 9's weight is slightly higher, possibly due to the IMU and electronic suspension and actuators/components and the Tracer 9's fuel capacity is only a few ounces more (averaging only 150 miles per tank sounds abnormally low). You could save thousands of dollars and get the seat reshaped but otherwise the physical size and capacity of the 2 bikes are too close to make a difference unless you want the new technology related to the IMU and the redesigned look.

I own a 2015 red FJ as well, a few minor issues taken care of under warranty but like you said, its still providing me enjoyment year after year (mine has 73,000 miles on the odometer). Its never left me stranded and I wouldn't hesitate to ride it across the country.

Did you add it to your cart and then add your address to check out? Usually when you put in an address in the US it will remove the VAT from the order price.

For future reference, you don't need to remove the tank (or disconnect any of the hoses) to clean or replace the air filter. Place a towel over the sub-frame, after you have removed all of the bolts holding the tank, lift it up and turn it around backward 180 degree and set it down on the towel. After you have replaced the air filter, lift the tank off of the towel and turn it back around the way it was.

Now we just need the bike released in the US... Hornet 750, Transalp, NT1100... nothing so far.

I actually dislike sliding back and forth when I accelerate or brake hard, on my FJ I have a semi-gripper seat cover and it keeps me in place until I choose to move back or forth. On my VFR, I bought a Corbin seat (very slippery) and I slide all over on that thing, accelerate hard and slide back then reposition myself forward, brake hard and slide forward into the tank and then reposition myself back again, repeat over and over. I had to buy tank grip pads to grip with my knees to keep myself in a comfortable position. Jeans might work differently though, I don't know I have never ridden in them, I have only used textile riding pants.

Agree with @dazzler24 You don't HAVE to change out the brake switch but the switch on my '15 FJ was one of the worst I have used, it got full of road grime and start sticking either off or on and needing to be "un-gunked". I got tired of fixing the sticky switch and just finally replaced it with a Spiegler hydraulic switch and have never had another issue. Spiegler Brake Light Switch

I agree, I have heard of this but never had a situation where I need to do it myself, but I also don't regularly ride in the wet or ever on salted or chemically treated roads in winter. `