superfist

I've been thinking about suspension setup recently and wanted to make a couple minor adjustments to my shock. I found this article about tire wear patterns and how they read. My stock tire was an exact match for "Rebound too Fast" after 5500 miles on the edge tread grooves. The center tread was gone, so it's not like I didn't get the full life of the tire. On the FJ-09 rear shock we have preload and rebound adjustment only. I could be wrong, but I want to think that increasing preload stiffens the spring and helps push the tire back out harder after suspension compression, so less rebound is needed. I had my stock screw at the standard 1.5 turns out (right in the middle). My preload was set to two clicks below maximum hardness. Last night, I changed rebound to 2 turns from max to ease it up. I also changed preload to 3 clicks from maximum hardness. I didn't notice any appreciable difference in a commute ride, but I haven't pushed it in any way. I suppose my questions is: How does rebound and preload interact and do they affect each other?

All interstate. Left a few hours before sunrise on Sunday morning and unbelievably no slowdowns for traffic or construction. SE TN to Sioux Falls SD. I got the saddlesore and the bun burner today. Went from Sioux Falls and now I'm in Billings. Im going to ride Lolo tomorrow and hopefully make it into Washington. Holy crap that's awesome. Congratulations on the achievements =)

Was this an IBA ride and did you get the certificate?

Mounted a new rear tire, then torture tested it. Also, removed the center stand. Took a "wrong turn" on a gravel road that I thought was about 1 to 2 miles and looked well maintained. 1 hour and 15 minutes later I came out the other end and I was impressed with the FJ-09. It turned to gravel, mud and rocks. At times, the growth from either side of the 'road' was brushing my handlebars. 20-30mph on hard pack dirt and light gravel was easily controlled and predictable. I found a sign that showed it was a seasonal pass that closes for the winter, so it should really have been work for dual sport. What really impressed me was the level of grip the Metzler Roadtech 01 that I mounted to the rear. It was more grip than that Michelin Anakee 80/20 dual sport tires I had mounted on my old KLR650. It could be because it's brand new and was mounted Saturday, so the tread grooves are still quite deep. It was more confidence inspiring on the road than the stock rear tire in all conditions. Turn in felt especially nice, but it might be due to the old tire being squared off. I still have the stock Dunlop on the front.

I installed the Givi Radiator guard and the Denali Soundbomb mini horn. I also ordered the Metzler Roadtech 01 rear tire but I haven't installed it yet. The stock tire still has a small amount of life left on it with 5,200 miles so far and Revzilla had a great discount on tires so I ordered in advance.

I had the same thing when I rode mine home for that first 70 miles. My right hand was going numb from it. It smoothed out over time and the dealer actually sync'd the throttle bodies on the 600 mile service which really smoothed things out. I'm not at about 1300 miles and it's quite a bit smoother. There are still some vibes, but it's what I would consider 'normal' and doesn't bother me. Also, the shop I take my bike to will be changing the CCT since it wasn't done by the dealer who sold me the motorcycle. The dealer told me to bring it in if it starts making noise, while the new shop (which is also a Yamaha dealer) told me they'd like to change it before I hear a noise or have an issue with it. Great folks!

I worked as an auto mechanic for about 6 years and always noticed the metal 'fuzz' on the magnetic drain plugs. One of the above posters is correct in stating that it's all stuff that should drain out with the old oil anyhow. In replacing transmission case covers and such, you'd be surprised how many vehicles have a big magnetic doughnut on the inside of the transmission pan. I've cleaned a good number of these and it's to keep the magnetic particulates from re-circulating in the transmission and reducing the lifespan of the friction parts. Since our motorcycles share oil with the transmission and the oil circulates between many friction surfaces, I'll continue to use a good magnetic drain plug to remove the magnetic particulates from circulation between services.

Picked up the 2015 Red. It was the only color available, but luckily it was the color I wanted =)

Atlanta, Georgia.