nhchris

We'll see what he thinks of the reworked ratio in the next installment. Lensch is no lightweight when it comes to high performance riding, so his observations are to be taken seriously. The FJ / Tracer is a of a Rorschach test. When you look at it you see what you want. Some see a canyon carver, some a touring platform, some an everyday commute. Me, I see a touring rig. In that role my FJ's high RPM at highway speeds and close ratio trans gearing are literally a buzzkill for me.

I assume the speedo accuracy is also affected throughout. No big deal for me. I am tempted to try this mod as I find my FJ too revvy at speed. And as far as boggy, unless your main concern is launching at the drag strip that does not seem to be a huge downside. A new R1 I rode had a VERY tall first gear. I did not see FJ Tracer parts on the Driven website. You? cb

Nice collection of bikes in the lot too.

And all the extra farkles really don't add to a bike's overall value. Mileage is nice and low however. I bought my stock 2016 a year ago for $7,500 here in NH. It had about 3500 miles on it. BUT -- Today I'd rather spend of few grand more and get a 2019 Tracer GT. Remind the seller that his FJ is now a discontinued model, replaced by the nicer GT, which further depresses the value of all FJs! cb

Installed a BlasterX tail light ($139) to replace the stock unit on my 2016 09. Also used a pair of CustomLED's Y-cables to activate tail light turn signals in unison with pumpkin signals. Nice option and no relay change required as long as pumpkins are in the circuit. Then programed brake flash pattern to non-default setting. Install was all plug-n-play and very easy. Programming a snap. Would like to see a more robust sheath around wires where they exit Blaster tail light module. Definitely not as rugged as OEM Yami sheath. We'll see how the wire bundle survives the coming miles. cb

Hey @chesterburnet, Which Blaster did you buy? The 2014-2016 FZ 09 version? I did not see a listing for an FJ 09. cb

I came to the FJ from an ST 1300 and was used to a BIG screen that offered lots of protection. When I first rode the FJ at highway speeds (70 mph +) with the stock screen I was surprised how hard I had to hang on! The wind blast was unacceptable for me. I knew then I wanted a tall and protective screen to replace the stock fly screen . The Parabellum was attractive cause no hand guard mods were required. Got 4k miles on it so far I'm a happy camper. Top of screen at eye level, air over top of my helmet, calm air at my chest. Works for me!! cb

I was just at the Barber Motorsports Museum in Birmingham AL USA and they prominently feature a Niken as the (potential) design landmark bike of the future. The first bike you see after taking the elevator to the top level where the display starts is a Niken. The write up on it notes that over the years there have been certain motorcycles designs that revolutionized the motorcycle industry (e.g. Honda 750 four) and they speculate the Niken might be one. They also describe it as a Tracer GT with dual-fork front end. Great to finally see a Niken close up and personal! Can't wait to ride one. cb

I've read that abrasives thin the chrome plating a bit each time they are used on a header. Eventually removing it all together. True or not? I dunno! cb

Hey @nigel5 That rear fender extender looks great. Let me know when you are going to take orders for some !! Best, cb

For touring I (6'1") run a Parabellm tall (26") screen. Love it. No way I could do 8 hour days with no screen. And it fits without any mods to stock hand guards. cb

Ant idea of why they failed due to over current? cb

Hey Captain, good work. I think you have the hands of a brain surgeon! Do you think that new (red) shock is as robust than the old. It seems to have lighter mounting flanges and the spring seems to be wound of thinner stock. Is the center arm seems smaller in diameter? What do you think having hefted them both? CB

You're in the normal zone with those readings. Stop and go driving at 80 deg ambient will have you close to 200 before you know it. And summertime stoplights will fire the fans at 221 on a regular basis. FJ has big radiator and cools well when moving. Heats up quickly at a standstill. cb

Today I rode to the Atlantic to see if I could spy England in the distance. I could not. But I successfully tested out my two new farkels: Splash guard and mirror extenders. Both a huge success. And the Temp was a mild 35 F!

I too am curious about how it will perform in the real world. I hope it will not make the mess worse, but I guess that's possible. This style guard seems to be standard equipment on most dual-sport biles, so I thought I'd give it a try. It costs $69 USD with free shipping on Amazon. If it does not work I'll toss it on the shelf and not feel too bad. The replacement adjuster seems more robust than stock, probably because it is part of the arm that the guard supports mount to. We'll see. I'll post a review after the first wet ride. cb

What a great look! Where did you source the skinny colored tape? (I am north of the equator :!) cb

Installed an adventure-bike-type splash guard to try and contain the shower coming off the rear tire. Now... I already know some of you naked bike guys abhor this look, so you don't need to comment and tell me so! The unit looks pretty rugged and well made, and fits perfectly into the swing arm, replacing the aluminum chain adjuster block. And at $66 it's a lot cheaper than the R&G extended rear fender I originally wanted. I 'm a pensioner after all! cb

I think there's still a place in the American motorcycle scene for baggers, "bikers" and HD motorcycles. I thought their 750 flat tracker was even cool. We riders are a rapidly aging demographic going the way of the Dodo. To sell bikes to our younger offspring, many of whom have $100k in student loans, you gotta be realistic. A thirty grand scoot isn't realistic. I wish this surviving American motorcycle manufacturer well, but... cb

Maybe Harley is factoring in a U.S. government energy credit (such as E cars get) to soften the sticker shock. I think Tesla and Toyota rely on that to some extent. I want to see E bikes succeed and I think they will... eventually. From a brute performance point of view they are already there. Now they need to solve the distance limitations and long charge times. cb

It would be interesting to know what data the marketing folks used in pricing the E bike. In general the 20K-plus prices of most gas Harleys are cited as a barrier to entry for new and younger riders. So the logic behind 30K begs credibility. I remember talking with a Motus sales guy at Americade last year as he told me his bikes were "not for everyone." True!! And snob appeal didn't get that company too far. RIP Motus. cb

Looks good. Please let us know how it works in rain. I've looked at this one on eBay and wondered if the screening will contain spray or just let it fly through. cb

Same here with my 2016. Plus my ST-1300 did the same thing. Slightly different sound, but rattling noise when clutch out in neutral. I think it's common to a lot of motorcycle brands as the clutch wears in. cb

Conspicuity good!! I've gotten into the habit of tapping the front break during all stops just to be sure they "see the light." Although is seems plenty bright compared to non-led lights I've had on other bikes. On a recent trip my fellow rider pointed out that my sagging tail bag was obscuring the entire tail light. Not good! cb

Cool! If that's not fast enuff for you flip it into Km mode. cb