panooch

I've owned my FJ since May 16th and now have 1,750 some odd miles on it. Purchase second hand with 470 miles on the clock, so I can't take credit for all. Didn't do much until I was sure she was a keeper. Well she is, so slowly I've started my farkling. Unwilling to spend a zillion dollars on doing so as I kinda feel if I have to do that, maybe I purchased the wrong bike. I went crazy on my last two bikes and it's great fun to do, but having to take it easy on this one. Little things can make a big difference IMO. Once I figure out how to convert my Penske shock and Traxxion internals off my Honda, I'll be real happy LOL. At least I dream about doing it though I know its not possible. Putting my kid through college and a high dollar suspension is a no go for the time being. I'm spoiled though after riding the Honda suspension wise. FJ only needs slight upgrades, Honda needed allot. I installed the Koubalink mirror extenders. That was a must do. They blend in perfectly, easy to install and work. I also purchased a pair of Givi SV201 saddlebags, that also expand. They come with inside zippered pockets for rain covers, which I'm sure I'll use. Ended up removing the passenger grab handles and OEM luggage brackets for a tighter fit. Black taped the bodywork so the bags slight rubbing won't leave marks. No brackets to install, not much extra weight, and no waiting for brackets which I feel for you guys. Just slap em on and off I go. They do stay on well and I can pack all I need for a weekend of riding. Then I added some reflective 3m wheel tape and ordered the red FJ-09 decals thanks to fellow member spunrdneck for the idea. I added a double 1/8" tape line under the tank which seems to break up the Matte Gray and extends well from the two line OE FJ-09 decal. Tank bag I've had for several years. Cortech magnetic, works great. Added Battery Tender cable, which I can see I left dangling and Ermax Sport screen in Gray Satin finish. Not pleased with the Ermax as I've previously posted but it is a nice match and looks way better then the OE screen. Then replaced the plastic screen screws with Allen head stainless steel screws. I managed to add a throttle lock, Vista Cruz brand which could have been easier to do but I used the wrong size screw and the installation took 3-4 hours, oops. Also added a set of OES frame sliders which can kind of be used to stretch your legs out on. The sliders don't quite extend out far enough and one has to be careful about just flopping the old legs back down to the pegs, but they work. I've had the recall done and now I'm trying to find a preference for location as to where my GPS will go. Plus I'm still pondering on the seat. Needs an improvement for sure. I won't truly look at her with gleaming eyes until my seat is happy. Future mods will include lowering links. I can ride her but I know once I get the bags full and get an off angle stop or pothole, something bad could happen. Still on my tip toes. The ECU I'd like to get flashed. The throttle doesn't bother me much, gotten used to it and the little jerking. But if the bike can be better performance wise, for the price, it's worth it to me. Not till winter though when I'm not riding much. Bike needs some type of decent helmet lock and maybe a tail bag. I don't like packing heavy, so the tail bag is a maybe but I'm sure it will be necessary for extra riding gear if going cross county. Last thing I'm sure I'll need is a rear fender extender for the wetter rides and a suitable taller windshield for protection from the elements during rainy season. The Ermax Sport screen in Satin Gray is a little darker then the body work at one angle and lighter at another. But I think its a good color choice. Screen is shimmed out 1 full inch @ the bottom and still shoots wind at my visor shield. Needs more down angle at the top or top cut down for my 5' 6". It's a good screen choice for riders about 5' 10" or taller I think. Just a guess though without going back through the threads.

I used Yamalube 10 40w dino for my 600 mile service and will switch to Rotella T6 5 40w full synthetic next oil change @ 12-1500 mile mark. Below is a link to a good read on oil but there are many. http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Oils1.html

Congratulations on the new ride.

Can you still drain the oil and get to the oil filter with the belly pan option on your ride?

Hmm, I just had my cables off and I didn't even notice that.

Thank you deersSlayer

Thank you Skip, I appreciate your immediate response. I think my next expense should be a service manual on this bike.

I'm getting ready to install a Battery Tender connection cable off my battery. Being the first fuel injected (ECU), ABS (control module), traction control gadgeted bike I've ever had I was wondering if there is a fuse which should be pulled prior to disconnecting the battery in order to protect the ECU and perhaps ABS module from a voltage serge? I understand in cars the ECU only draws so much battery current and a serge can create a problem. Being 12v also on the FJ, I figured I should ask prior to making a HUGE mistake. I've always done negative side disconnect and reconnect first. I would hate to do a simple task and fry my ECU or other electronics. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

I preferred the Lava Red originally but ended up with Matte Grey. The more I look, the more I like it.

Nice write up. Thank you. Now I'd love to hear a ride review and the effect it has on A mode.

ULEWZ, Any updates on how this Mazda FS50-21-249 low profile oil plug worked out?

Sidi Gore Tex Canyons for me also. Love em. Very comfortable, good protection and of course dry in wet riding. I've ridden in 28-105 degree temps and they're warm in the cold and not uncomfortable in the heat, though some air would be nice I guess. Not something I focus on that much. It took me a bit to know if I liked the ratchet style tightening device but it is not an issue and stayed reliable. I also like the vibram sole that has kept me confident even when I forget and put my foot down on a oil patch. No oops yet anyway. I've had mine four or five years now. No excessive wear on the left toe area even with no shift patch and thousands of shifts. They're still waterproof via my first step in the pool test, performed every so often. I do have some wear and quite a few miles on them but they've held up very well. So IMO, they're worth every penny. I've considered the Sidi Adventure boot, possible replacement when and if I wear the Canyons out. They look to offer more protection but lower the waterproof rating to water resistant. For me the trade off may be worth it as I'm in CA and we've had very little to almost no rain for awhile. My adventure creek crossings have been zero. I haven't tried on the Adventure boot yet. They may be too stiff to enable comfortable walking. I've grown accustomed to that with the Canyons. Especially once they soften up a bit. I have not had to use Sidi customer service so I can't comment on that. I've had zero issues with the Canyon's or the Sidi Vertigo Airs I have. The Vertigo Airs have fantastic protection, don't ask me how I know that, but they should as their a street oriented more racing style boot. Those Forma Adventure boots sure look nice. I just listened to a review. Hmmm

Your time and contribution gentlemen is epic. Thank you papac2000 for your pioneering efforts and especially showing the dyno run to substantiate those efforts. Not only did you get the sound closer to your liking but proved your modification is in fact an asset to performance. Thank you also b12ty for the follow up and detail thus far in your modification. I'd venture to bet you both get PM about modifying others.