sterlinggold

Installed the updated model of the FTECU quickshifter. Up-shifting is very smooth (RPM needs to be above 4K), no jarring and barely noticing the engine cut, riding feels almost like a CVT.

 

 

Alpine megawatt for hot summer days, Klim Element Shorts for all other days. On track Spidi STR-4 saved my knuckles. For extra safety I moved to their higher-end CARBO 5

 

Replaced the air filter with a K&N. After 8600 miles the OE filter looked a bit mangy.

Also Used grease on the edges of the K&N to make it slide nicely into the slots. 

Photos of old filter

 

Installed a TPS and working on a quickshifter (will post more on that when done.)

 

@Cruizin clicked the donate link but paypal failed to complete payment several times (yellow exclamation point telling me to contact support) so used direct paypal.

@sterlinggold - is it the camera angle causing an optical illusion or is the screen really that tall? And in the upper most position with a deflector on top, you cant be getting any airflow.

Yes, it is fairly tall (Parabellum Windshield (26 inches) and Puig 6320H (4 inches)) but still get some airflow from the sides. I'm 6.4 and this setup gets wind off my helmet so I can ride without earplugs; and it's great for winter. I switch to the flyscreen during hot weather.

Installed the Puig handguard extensions I got from @rustyshackles (Thanks Rusry). I think I covered all possible plastics options, right?
 
 
 

 

Replaced fork springs to 1.00 kg/mm and used a 10 weight oil. Based on a short ride, suspension feels really good now.
 
 

 

I got the R2 with 550lb spring, I'm ~260 with gear (keep preload at about 20-25 clicks). Didn't do the front springs I just have the preload cranked all the way in. So far very much liking the shock and have not bottomed out the front even on aggressive braking (got a bit over 1 inch left away from bottom).
As mentioned it was a huge improvement switching from the OEM shock.

covers interesting plastic glues. 

Installed Puig footpegs. Found the adapters for $5 on amazon Warehouse and then got the footpegs for about $60 from ebay.
 
Anyone knows why Yamaha rivets the left peg instead of using a cotter-pin?
 
 

 

Ground down the oil pan fin and switched to mazda oil drain plug (+ oil change). Raining in NOVA today so was awesome to work with garage door open, cool temperatures and no bugs.

 

Installed the Nitron rear shock I got from @dfwfj (Thank you!). Wow; this thing really plants the bike to the road. Huge difference. 2.5 hours total, mostly trying to figure out how to remove the bottom bolt of the shock (as mentioned in other threads, it's all about releasing the bottom part of the dog-bone). Inserting the dog-bone bolt back in is also a bit tricky, had to jack up the swing arm, use a bent needlenose to position the bolt and nudge it in with a long thin pry-bar (really tight space).
 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted the APS yesterday. Stock closed throttle - 14/17 15/16. Didn't write down the wide open throttle numbers.Now - 14 - 13/97 15 - 12/97
 
Stock - STD was snatchy coming out of corners. Really had to watch the throttle. "A" mode was unrideable. No fun at all.
 
Now - STD is smooth and A is fun. Should have did this a year ago.

It should be a blinking sticky at the top of each page. If anybody complains about a snatchy throttle or janky fueling, this should be the only reply until they do it. It's not hard at all and completely changes the bike's livability for me—especially because I'm in traffic when I commute. 
I just wish we didn't have to do it to achieve what it should have been stock since it's the adjustment of a sensor already on the bike.

Made the change and very glad I did. The stop-go, 1st to 2nd and also the downblips are so smooth now. 
14 was 17-100 now 13-97
15 was 15-99   now 12-95
 
 

Replaced the rear tire to Dunlop Q3+ and a 90 degree stem; 35 PSI. Used the Harbor Freight motorcycle changer, took about 1.5 hours start to finish including swingarm and sprocket cleanup 
 

You remembered to get the rebate right? 
I just put some Q3+'s on my trackbike, loved 'em!

Oh was not aware of rebate. I got them back in Feb so too late for this pair but will consider rebate before buying the next set.

Replaced the rear tire to Dunlop Q3+ and a 90 degree stem; 35 PSI. Used the Harbor Freight motorcycle changer, took about 1.5 hours start to finish including swingarm and sprocket cleanup
 
 

 

The last week of June, a buddy and I are embarking on an 8-day ride to include a loop through Southern/Central Utah, Western Colorado and Northern New Mexico and Arizona. - Its going to be HOT! 
I already have vented gear, but that only does so much, I was thinking about buying an evaporative cooling vest for the trip.  Has anyone used one?  are there differences between brands?  any hints or tips on using them efficiently/correctly?
 
Thanks guys

I've had a really good experience with the Brosh Optimal Kevlar jacket. It uses Dri-FIT material that actually wicks the sweat out unlike mesh that lets the air pass and dry you out. The Kevlar is not all over the jacket just in the areas prone to sliding so it's not blocking the air/wicking action. I use it everyday for my commute and it holds up real well. 
 

 
 
 
 

Converted to GP Shift last weekend, works real well. Upshifting is much more satisfying.  
Was this done with the stock shift rod? Looks like just flipping the shift arm and notching the rearset makes it happen no? Thanks!

Correct. 

I like the "reminder" 
 
How is that working out? Do you have to think about it every time you shift?

Works great, did not need to think about it while driving except once. Having a "reminder" is useful.   
Otherwise I find myself skipping a few gears in the downshift (cruising with clutch till almost stopped). Also less need to focus on the upshift and missing 2nd into neutral. The upshift stomp is naturally a more defined movement.

Converted to GP Shift last weekend, works real well. Upshifting is much more satisfying.
 

 

I just bought one like that from Harbor Freight. They did strengthen the motorcycle rail to the hitch arm, and there are stabilizers "hugging" the hitch. It feels pretty sturdy, I tried to load the FJ with the supplied ramp but the slope is too steep and the oil drain plug snags on the point where the ramp connects to the rail. If you manually lift the bike beyond that point or use a longer ramp it might be ok to load.
Have not tried to drive with it so cannot comment how it feels but just from initial impression it might be doable. For now I'm sticking with the flatbed and using the hitch trailer just for dirt bike

What make/model damper is this? Easy to install?

Change Brake fluid (Castrol 12509 Dot 4) and sent ECU to be custom flashed.
Wish there was a force-ABS-pump-on option, don't really feel like trying to get it activated while riding.
 
 

 

Changed Coolant to Evans waterless powersports
 
Installed Parabellum 26 inches Touring Windshield (One screw was deformed, never seen this type of fault before)
 
Installed Givi engine guard crashbar (Try grabbing them while climbing on/off the bike, very convenient)
 
Adjusted clutch slack