Premium Member estell Posted August 12, 2016 Premium Member Share Posted August 12, 2016 I consider the mirror extenders to be a necessity. Without them you can't see anything behind you, but only sideways. All other upgrades are optional, IMO. 2015 red FJ-09: Cal Sci screen, Sargent seat, ECU flash, slider combo, cruise, Rizoma bars, Matts forks, JRi shock, slipper clutch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericm Posted August 12, 2016 Share Posted August 12, 2016 The first things to do when you get a new bike: 1. read the owners manual, all of it. 2. adjust the controls to suit you. 3. adjust the suspension to your weight and riding style. #1 will help with #2 and #3. You'll also want to program the information screens. I also go over the bike to make sure it was prepped right, checking fluid levels, bolts and nuts, chain tension etc. The manual helps there too. As for accessories I switched to a Madstad screen and KTM hand guards pretty soon after buying, for better wind protection. I agree that mirror extenders are mandatory. An exhaust is the last thing this bike needs. It sounds good stock, it makes plenty of power (especially for a beginner!) and loud bikes annoy non-riders. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougsfazer Posted August 12, 2016 Share Posted August 12, 2016 Hey piotrek, just curious which windscreen you used first that was a flop? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omarf Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 Sorry, I just don't get why people keep saying this here. I am able to see both my own lane behind me, and the lane to the side of me, in both mirrors, while keeping a little bit of my shoulder/upper arm, in the inside edge of both mirrors. Omar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericm Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 Even though I'm skinny I found the mirrors were useless without extenders. I think that your height and how you sit affects how well the mirrors work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BentAero Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 Even though I'm skinny I found the mirrors were useless without extenders. I think that your height and how you sit affects how well the mirrors work.Agreed. I'm 5'10", 150 lbs, but I've never felt the need to use mirror extenders on any bike I've ever had. Just lucky, maybe? Keep Asheville weird! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deadstiff Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 Even though I'm skinny I found the mirrors were useless without extenders. I think that your height and how you sit affects how well the mirrors work.Agreed. I'm 5'10", 150 lbs, but I've never felt the need to use mirror extenders on any bike I've ever had. Just lucky, maybe? 6' and 180lbs here and on every bike I've owned the mirrors have always given me a clear view of the road behind me, until the FJ, this bikes mirrors are just hit or miss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJM Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 Sorry, I just don't get why people keep saying this here. I am able to see both my own lane behind me, and the lane to the side of me, in both mirrors, while keeping a little bit of my shoulder/upper arm, in the inside edge of both mirrors. Omar Almost posted the same thing. 6', 200 American pounds, and I can see what I need to see just fine. Only time I really use them is when stopping/while stopped at a light. Other than that I'm looking/moving forward. That's not to say I don't occasionally check my rear, I'm just saying I'm more focused on what's in front. At least I can see with these mirrors. My 2015 sportster mirrors were purely cosmetic. Only saw my armpits at slow speeds and don't even think about using them at highway speed. They vibrated way too much to be useful. So when people complain about the mirrors and "buzziness" I just remember the Harley and smile at the comfort I now feel riding the FJ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member DavidS Posted August 13, 2016 Premium Member Share Posted August 13, 2016 I always seemed to have problems seeing much behind me, but with the extenders, that problem disappears. I guess everyone is a bit different, and how you sit in your seat probably plays a role as well. I rate the extenders as one of the big improvements, especially given how cheap the are, but others may not need them, so it's up to everyone to decide for themselves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baytower Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 1. Frame guards to protect the expensive stuff on a tip over. 2. At least a left mirror extender. 3. National Mid Touring windshield. 4.Ear plugs to enhance your golden years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericm Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 I like to know what's behind me. Sometimes I'm not the fastest thing on the road and if I was I'd want to check behind for cops. Since the mirrors mostly showed my elbows I knew I needed to change something. But I also sometimes do bicycle race referee or escort work and for that you really need mirrors. Maybe the people who don't have a problem with the stock mirrors move their heads to the side when looking in the mirror? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member rustyshackles Posted August 18, 2016 Premium Member Share Posted August 18, 2016 Cool! Thanks for the posts. I hadn't even really thought of getting mirror extenders. I've got a few ideas for windscreens and seats, now it's time to convince the wife to let me do it.Place the orders...they will probably ship UPS or FedEx. Redirect deliveries from your house to a local UPS Store of FedEx Office...pick up and discreetly install. She'll never notice! IBA Member #59800 3 Nations Brewing Mug Club #100 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsmith Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 Cruise control if you will be doing freeway. No need to do the ecu just yet or ever. Get a few thousand miles on it to see if 'drive ability ' is an issue for. The same goes for the seat and windscreen.. Ride it before you make changes...oh, I agree with the mirror extenders Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omarf Posted August 20, 2016 Share Posted August 20, 2016 I like to know what's behind me. Sometimes I'm not the fastest thing on the road and if I was I'd want to check behind for cops. Since the mirrors mostly showed my elbows I knew I needed to change something. But I also sometimes do bicycle race referee or escort work and for that you really need mirrors. Maybe the people who don't have a problem with the stock mirrors move their heads to the side when looking in the mirror? I have my mirrors set so I can see my lane behind me and the lane to the side of me without moving my head, just flicking my eyes. I often do tilt my head if I want to be sure I'm not missing someone behind me on the side. Depending on where I am in a lane and how the road is curving, I can have a blind spot at my 5 or 7. Never hurts to actually turn your head and look, too :-) The trick of the mirrors is you have two points of articulation. One that moves the mirror itself on a pivot/ball joint, and another that moves the whole mirror stalk for and aft. I can't imagine needing more adjustability Omar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member DavidS Posted August 20, 2016 Premium Member Share Posted August 20, 2016 I like to know what's behind me. Sometimes I'm not the fastest thing on the road and if I was I'd want to check behind for cops. Since the mirrors mostly showed my elbows I knew I needed to change something. But I also sometimes do bicycle race referee or escort work and for that you really need mirrors. Maybe the people who don't have a problem with the stock mirrors move their heads to the side when looking in the mirror? If your body style is such that you can see behind you with the stock mirrors, congratulations. Some of us can't, and the mirror extensions are a great modification. If you can see fine, consider yourself lucky, and move on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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