LaFartessa

This is a possibility. Weather/health dependent. Thanks for offering this. bj

(Hi Basket! It's BJ from STN/Slimey Crud) I put a Wilbers shock on my former V-Strom and it transformed the bike. As others have said, the earlier FJs shock and adjuster design are certainly lacking...definitely teeth-gnashing work to change the preload. I thought the longer swingarm and spring rate changes on the GT were said to be an improvement? My FJ 'hops' when I'm well leaned-over on bad pavement. 'Twas an eye-opener the first few times but I've become accustomed to dealing with having to correct my line. Have been unable to dial it out and fix the issue. I just don't know if I want to spend the $$$ for another shock- does there even exist a 'perfect' solution for someone who weighs 155 with gear and topcase, then adds sidecases, camping gear and kitchen sink and goes on 6k-8k rides?

New rear tire installed -another Dunlop Roadsmart III, as I was content with the performance and mileage (10k.) Had a sticky rear brake light switch, so putzed with that and cleaned/lubed it... fingers crossed it is the fix. Wired a new coax heated gear plug to the battery, the old one had gotten pinched somewhere on some bike in the last decade so it was time for new. Just a bunch of generally-needed fettling, as I leave end of the month for a ride to Texas and Big Bend and thence NW. 4 years in and I'm still loving the FJ!

I just installed the KTM guards today. Yes, the front and back 'clamps' of the guards, where they go around the the handlebar, seem at first too small. But with the bolts entering from the front, and a little elbow grease, you can the get the nut on the first couple threads. Then just go back and forth tightening the upper and lower. The plastic of the 'clamp' is soft and you will eventually get them snugged. Boy, they sure clear my V-Stream windshield with room to spare, unlike the stockers! I'll be interested to see if wind management or vibration is different. But I have my bars filled with copper-jacketed BB's, so the vibes haven't been bothersome at all.

Changed the oil, cleaned it well, put it in the back corner of the garage and covered it. The Strom will be the winter ride.

From a 3-day trip this summer.