FB4004

Thanks for letting me know of options. 

Can either of you share the size of the lowering links used and what the end result is for lowering?

Will definately check into a lowered seat as well.

Thanks

I need to hear from those who have actually lowered the FJ09.

It's a great bike and I have put 2500 miles on it. But it feels way too top heavy for my 5' 10" frame. Right now I can't ride with the confidence I know is there having over 40k mile experience with seat time. 

-Can I swap out the shock/spring and what is the cost?

-What other ways are there to get this bike about 1 to 2 inches lower?

Thanks all

On 2/18/2020 at 7:09 AM, kilo3 said:

Do you have the AIS system disabled or blocked off? 

I only ask because this is an issue with triumphs and blued pipes, when dumping fresh air into the exhaust to help complete the burn of access fuel for emissions, it causes additional heat build up in the header. Thus blue pipes.
Maybe these engines just burn that hot but something to think about.

I installed the Leo Vince system right out of the box and hooked up the O2 sensor.  

I think for $700 (which was a good deal, btw) they could make a better engineered product. The blue dicoloration is happening where the 2 connecting pipes (that tie the 3 downpipes together) are joining.

There's a product called Barkeepers friend which I tried using. it did clean the non colored areas pretty nicely but did nothing to remove the blue spots.

I've been down this road another time with my prior bike and I ended up painting the chrome pipes VHT black header paint. looks muted and blends well and is easy to maintain. It would be a shame to have to resort to this after spending the $ on an aftermarket system.  I love the sound of the pipe but am pretty disapointed with the situation right now. 

Some users may say ride more worry less but I see it as pride in ownership. The pipes look like crap right now. 

Using Leo Vince SS pipes.   After awhile (less than 1000 miles) the connector point turned bluish.

What are you all using to polish SS pipes? Looking for suggestions.

Thanks

FB

Hey all - thanks for checking in with all the good information.. this is a lot to process. still undecided but you all gave me some good ideas.

Hey all - 

I want to get setup with a rack and topcase but I find the amount of choices pretty intimidating.

From what I can tell there are 3 components - a) rack, b) plate c) topcase

I am looking for recommendations on a, b and c.  Probably looking for 40 liter or approximate on the case.

Thanks

FB

Std mode hits the sweet spot balance between hooligan mode in A and go to sleep mode in B.

For long highway runs I use 6th gear more often. I could never think of an instance of needing Mode B.

And mode A for the record I find fookin' scary. too sensitive for normal use. 

Upgraded the stock screen. Went with a Powerbroze touring screen.  From the looks of it, it should give much better wind protection.  No chance to road test it yet so the jury will be out a little longer.  I like the mild tint... not really in love with the plain Jane looks.. but as long as it works well all will be good. 

I went with a Leo Vince system. liking it so far.. but yeah.. plenty expensive

11 hours ago, runnerhiker said:

In the last 15 years I've owned eight bikes with chain drive.  And I have never had to replace a chain or a sprocket.  The most miles were a VFR800 with 11,000 miles and a ZX-14 with 19,000 miles.

On the other hand, I've gone through tires like crazy.  Sport tires last me 3K miles and Sport/Touring tires last me 6K miles.

I think my lube on the o-ring chains work, and my throttle hand still wears out the tires.

I am with you here runnerhiker - my last bike I had over 43k miles on it when sold. the chain and sprockets were still plenty good. I was a little obsessive about keeping the chain lubed well at all times.. and I did a fair amount of touring in the rain where the bike got completely soaked.  

The chain had no kinked links and any specs of rust were always removed quickly.

Will it eventually need replacing? I think so but that's a ton of miles without an issue

Thanks! this is a great find. costs only $3.73 for 11 oz can and free ship as an add on item at Amazon prime. 

3 hours ago, nicksta43 said:

So far I'm extremely impressed with the liquid wrench product. Almost no fling and I can still feel it on the chain after a week or so, even through some wet weather. No rust after two days like the chain lube And absolutely no buildup. 

Is this a product meant for chains or simple old liquid wrench? are you able to post a link for it?  Thanks

On 5/8/2019 at 9:26 PM, FB4004 said:

I applied gear lube to the chain today. It does seem to cling pretty well, I will say.  I haven't road tested it yet, hopefully it doesn't fling off all over the place. 

Gear lube really does fling off all over the place. it got on the swingarm, left sidewall of the tire, center stand and even the engine case. I didn't think I applied a heavy coat of it. if any consolation there is no buildup left on the chain that waxes do and after the first ride and wipedown no more fling off. it's now weighing the inconvenience of cleaning waxes off the chain once per season or alternatively with gear oil having to deal with cleanup once per application time. 

I applied gear lube to the chain today. It does seem to cling pretty well, I will say.  I haven't road tested it yet, hopefully it doesn't fling off all over the place. 

18 hours ago, 2linby said:

Made a comfortable center stand pull out of 3/4" ID heater hose on the left passenger foot peg boss.  I removed the bracket (boss) used a 4" die grinder to smooth out the inside only of the upper radius of the bend, cleaned the edges with a file, then  cut the hose to  length, cut it down the middle and used electrical tape to secure it in place. Just a prototype for now.  But sooo much more comfortable on your hand when you lift the bike onto the center stand.

 

 

You're actually solving a problem I didn't know I had. I have always used the passenger grab bar to get the bike up onto the center stand. 

I've run 2 sets of Pilot Road 2's on my prior bike. The performance and mileage from them was outstanding for what they are a sport touring tire.   I guess Michelin is trying to wring more profit out of the PR2 brand getting a little more expensive with each new release.  I also think the Angel GT are also a really great tire, I would get them again. 

I've been a long time user of Maxima. This is certainly a compelling reason to try gear lube

Helmet Lock  and Nautilus mini air horn (Ebay for only $20)

The bolts fastening the left side passenger peg have to get removed and you put the helmet lock behind it to get bolted down. The trouble is that

Yamaha put those bolts on super tight and used loctite. One head stripped so I had to drill and use a bolt extractor. Thankfully it worked out. and to top it off no parts houses have replacement bolts so I ended up using stainless cap bolts.

The air horn was more fun to do. After separating the horn compressor from the horn I found it fit nicely under the seat bracket bridge  (you have to remove the 4 bolts holding it down).  I ran 5/16 clear tubing under the left side facscia alongside the tank . After some plastic trimming was able to easily mount the horn to the left side frame with some zip ties.  I put a cut piece of bike inner tube behind it to make it tight and not leave marks on the frame.   The front bracket is a hassle to mess with. I started out with intentions of mounting it up front but gave up after about an hour of trying.   The sound from this thing is so loud I would be discretionary on when I use it. I have heard the stebel full size which I think sounds a little more musical albeit loud as well. this one however resembles a truck horn! 

I am in NY.  There are a few dealers in the US. I actually got mine from Amazon.  Revzilla sells them as well.  

12 minutes ago, micah2074 said:

That's a nice lookin can.

Thanks.. I had LV for 9 years on my prior bike so I had a good idea exactly what it would sound like. I haven't road tested it just yet.

Installed Leo Vince stainless exhaust. Sound with the DB killer in is quite good. Maybe will take the db killer out just for fun.

you have a PM.  thanks

I'll take it! so long as it will fit a 2017 FJ-09. presuming all 3 years are the same? 

Looking for a Front seat for my FJ-09.  Anyone have one to sell?