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Auto Talk => Motorcycles => Topic started by: Cookie Monster on December 23, 2015, 04:49:18 PM

Title: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on December 23, 2015, 04:49:18 PM
I guess Speed Racer was the closest with his guess of the FZ-09.

Here it is, my 2015 Yamaha FJ-09. :wub:

(http://i.imgur.com/6121Lf4.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/jugz3md.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/ZKDQV6b.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/59MU5tH.jpg?1)

It's got 23 miles on it so far (all put on by me! :praise: ), so here are some very quick impressions:

The electronics package on this bike is great. Coming from something that just gives you a basic speedo, tach, and a handful of other warning lights and functions (one of them not being a gas gauge unfortunately), the menus and functions on this bike are mindblowing. It has a REAL gas gauge along with a dummy warning light, ambient air temp sensor, total and instantaneous MPG readouts, etc. The only thing it's lacking is ABS and TC modes. I would have liked to have different modes for traction control at least, but it's not a huge deal, especially at this price point.

One of my favorite features is the gear counter. I love being able to look down and see exactly what gear I'm in. The tach is also cool because it's a funky digital tach, though I'm not sure I like it more than a simple analog tach. Best of all, the menus and functions are extremely easy to navigate. I haven't read the manual yet but I was able to instantly scroll through menus and set the time and do other things. On the F4i it took me a couple minutes to figure out how to even adjust the clock since you have to use a combination of button presses to get to what you want, since it only has two buttons. Oh, one of the best parts about the electronics HAS to be the power mode, but more on that later.

Climbing on this thing, it can seem a little intimidating. The tank is GIANT, the bars are wide and the hand guards add on even more width. The CBR is definitely smaller and I'm glad I started riding (again) on that. Swapping to the LSL handlebars was also helpful because it helped me get used to the wide bars, so the wider bars weren't a huge issue for me. I was still able to lane split on the way home. Other than that, ergonomics are fantastic. You sit far more upright, without your nuts being squished into the tank, and the pegs are far lower, even lower than my lowered Buell pegs on the F4i. My knees definitely weren't as scrunched up and my feet were far more comfortable. I could tell this was a much better fit for me just because my knee armor doesn't bunch up and poke into my knees due to the less extreme riding position on the bike. I can't believe I rode to Nevada on the F4i with clipons and stock pegs. :mask:

So how does it ride? In a word, awesome (so far). Ok, so I guess that was 3 words. :lol: All the feeling of being too big when I first got on completely vanished as I started moving. The bike is a bit heavier than the F4i, but not as much as I initially thought. Wet weight for the FJ is ~462 lb, compared to ~438 for the F4i. The more relaxed, upright seating position and the wide bars make the bike feel very nimble and flickable, and not ponderous at all as I was first worried about. I didn't lean it over very much at all, because 0 mile tires are slippery and unpredictable, but just from playing around on the ride home it felt very controllable and manageable.

But then there's the power. Oh my god. On paper it doesn't seem that much faster than the F4i, as it's got about 20 more hp but is also carrying around 25 more lb. The big difference comes from the torque. Not only does it have close to 50% more torque than the Honda, but it's far more evenly spread out. Since I'm still breaking the engine in, I didn't go over 7000 rpm, but even from 3000 rpm the bike just pulls hard and revs fast. That 3 cylinder engine does work. On the CBR, anything under 6000 rpm and it'll fall on its face. Even whacking the throttle wide open from a stand still, the bike will bog down easily before waking up and moving. On the FJ, it doesn't matter where you are in the rev range (at least up till 7000 rpm... :lol: ), it just gets up and goes. The B-mode is decently quick. It's not as fast as the CBR but really tames the throttle response and is nice for putting around town. Standard mode is already punchier than the F4i, and just for shits and giggles I put the bike into A-mode and got on it, and holy shit. It pulls so hard that by the time I knew it I was bumping up to 7k rpm and had to grab the next gear, and that was at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle. I'm pretty sure that full throttle in the lower gears in A-mode would leave me on my ass with a wrecked bike. I know I've said that I prefer peaky inline 4's where you have to work to get your power up top, but 22 miles later on a motor that still isn't broken in and I'm a changed man. I was laughing and giggling uncontrollably all the way home. I absolutely can't wait to pass the 600 mile mark to open it up to redline and see what it'll do.

As for downsides? The only downsides I can think of right now is that the throttle is weird and the windshield deflects the air off my chest but into my helmet, making it extremely noisy. The throttle not only too loose (bike dealership's fault, and I'll have to adjust it anyways when I install the OEM heated grips, which, BTW, also are plug and play into the bike's harness and are controlled through the menu system and screen), but it's not linear like the Honda's throttle. In B and Standard modes it's fine, but in A-mode it's pretty choppy, like an on-off switch. I kind of expected that, what with all the complaints about the FZ-09's throttle mapping, and from experience with Yamaha's in the past. I've heard that an ECU remap/reflash will take care of that so that's on my to-do list.

Other mods I'm going to do include swingarm spools, axle sliders and an engine cage, and of course a new windshield. Other than that the bike is just amazing.

The CBR didn't last very long as my only bike. Hopefully this will last longer!

Sorry for all the spam. :lol:

Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Eye of the Tiger on December 23, 2015, 04:50:05 PM
YAMAHA

you know, my 1977 Suzuki had a gear counter...
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: shp4man on December 23, 2015, 04:57:02 PM
What's the purpose of the wide part attached to the front of the gas tank, some kind of an air intake?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on December 23, 2015, 04:58:15 PM
A wickerbill on the windshield might help.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on December 23, 2015, 05:29:38 PM
I am pretty surprised, but not. Nice pick up! Makes a lot of sense the more I think about it. I feel like this has the suspension way more sorted than the FZ-09.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on December 23, 2015, 06:24:23 PM
Welp, I don't feel like taking this nice bike apart so I'm going to fork over the $100 to get my heated grips installed. :mask:

Also I'm gonna order the crash bars and spools and sliders tonight.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on December 23, 2015, 06:29:59 PM
I am not entirely surprised.  I can approve of this purchase.  Not sure how much they changed with regards to gearing or throttle mapping on the FJ vs the FZ to make it a little more touring friendly, but the FZ I rode was a BEAST.  Really snappy, really grunty, really explosive motor.  Almost a bit too much, really, as it was difficult to not ride it like a hoonigan.

Also, if you're considering panniers for any longer trips, I've read that the larger FJ1300 bags will fit on the FJ-09.  The -09 bags are a bit small (IIRC, they won't fit a helmet).  And the bigger bags don't look that out of place, either.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on December 23, 2015, 11:01:31 PM
Quote from: MX793 on December 23, 2015, 06:29:59 PM
I am not entirely surprised.  I can approve of this purchase.  Not sure how much they changed with regards to gearing or throttle mapping on the FJ vs the FZ to make it a little more touring friendly, but the FZ I rode was a BEAST.  Really snappy, really grunty, really explosive motor.  Almost a bit too much, really, as it was difficult to not ride it like a hoonigan.

Also, if you're considering panniers for any longer trips, I've read that the larger FJ1300 bags will fit on the FJ-09.  The -09 bags are a bit small (IIRC, they won't fit a helmet).  And the bigger bags don't look that out of place, either.

Yeah, I think I'm going to get in a lot of trouble on this bike. It just rips gear after gear and is so exhilarating.

I also almost got t-boned by a left turning BMW on the way home from the Mazda dealership, 6 hours and 30 miles into its ownership. :facepalm:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on December 24, 2015, 06:28:57 AM
It's a pretty dark bike. What color is your gear? Mite be time for hi viz.

The more I think about it the more perfect I think this bike is for you. I remember you pining for something "adventure" or "dual sport" like.... this def has that look
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Speed_Racer on December 24, 2015, 08:02:18 AM
Nice ride! If you get panniers, be careful when lane splitting.. or around docks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMIseBf8mJ0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMIseBf8mJ0)



Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on December 24, 2015, 08:50:06 AM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on December 24, 2015, 06:28:57 AM
It's a pretty dark bike. What color is your gear? Mite be time for hi viz.

The more I think about it the more perfect I think this bike is for you. I remember you pining for something "adventure" or "dual sport" like.... this def has that look

My jacket is black and my pants are white. I've got a bright neon rain suit but obviously don't wear that everywhere. I went with yellow fairings on the CBR just to stick out like a sore thumb. This stealth grey may be a bit too stealthy. :lol:

It may seem like an impulse buy, and I guess in a way it is since I wasn't planning on buying a bike over the weekend, but I've thought about it for months and this is the only bike that really ticked off all the boxes for me. I wanted something with over 100 HP, more torque than the F4i, with ABS/TC, a comfortable riding position and not a pig of a bike for a reasonable cost. Other than something like an S1000XR, this is the only bike that offers all that, and the XR is 2x the cost. I just can't wait to pass the 600 mile break in mark to really open it up, but it's raining here and I don't want to ride it in the rain yet. I've actually parked it in the living room for now while the poor CBR gets drenched. :(

Quote from: Speed_Racer on December 24, 2015, 08:02:18 AM
Nice ride! If you get panniers, be careful when lane splitting.. or around docks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMIseBf8mJ0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMIseBf8mJ0)





Hah, I didn't want panniers just because of the lane splitting issue. I did buy an Ogio Mach 5 backpack, though.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Eye of the Tiger on December 24, 2015, 08:52:18 AM
I imagine spontaneous uncontrollable wheelies at the 600 mile mark.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on December 24, 2015, 09:25:11 AM
I dont think it was an impulse buy. CBR wasnt hitting the spot. Bikes are 100% emotional purchases so some impulsiveness is expected.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on December 24, 2015, 09:25:53 AM
Quote from: thecarnut on December 24, 2015, 08:50:06 AM

It may seem like an impulse buy, and I guess in a way it is since I wasn't planning on buying a bike over the weekend, but I've thought about it for months and this is the only bike that really ticked off all the boxes for me. I wanted something with over 100 HP, more torque than the F4i, with ABS/TC, a comfortable riding position and not a pig of a bike for a reasonable cost. Other than something like an S1000XR, this is the only bike that offers all that, and the XR is 2x the cost.

Um, N1K and GSX-S1000F?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on December 24, 2015, 09:36:59 AM
Quote from: MX793 on December 24, 2015, 09:25:53 AM
Um, N1K and GSX-S1000F?

N1k is $1500 more than the FJ-09 ($12k vs $10.5k), and I got my leftover 2015 for $9k, so there's a substantial price difference, unless Kawasaki dealers were having a substantial fire sale on 2015 N1k's. According to Wikipedia, the N1k is also 502 lb wet, which is 40 lb more than the FJ.

The GSX-S1000F is very ugly and is $11k. Since it's a 2016 model they're not going to have any on sale, so that's still a $2k difference between the FJ and the GSX-S. Sure, it's got more power due to that K5 GSX-R1000 engine and only weighs 12 lb more, but I'd still have to look at the damn thing every day. Even comparing 2016 models I'd still take the $500 cheaper FJ over the GSX-S.

Lastly, they've both got a more sporty riding position than the FJ, with less wind protection. cycle-ergo.com shows the FJ having a 0 degree forward angle, 75 degree knee angle and 97 degree hip angle. The other two bikes are pretty comparable at a 10 degree lean angle, 66 degree knee angle and 78 degree hip angle. May not seem like much but at my height and the miles I ride I want all the room and comfort I can get. My knees were where I was having the most problems on my F4i, and a stock (without my lowered pegs) F4i has a 64 degree knee angle, compared to 65 degrees on the N1k, so a stock N1k would probably feel more cramped than my F4i, at least on paper, in the knee area.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Eye of the Tiger on December 24, 2015, 09:50:18 AM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on December 24, 2015, 09:25:11 AM
I dont think it was an impulse buy. CBR wasnt hitting the spot. Bikes are 100% emotional purchases so some impulsiveness is expected.

Bullshit. I bought my CM400 for the gas mileage. Then I traded it fur an EX500 that got almost the same mileage but was much faster and more exciting.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on December 24, 2015, 10:03:47 AM
Quote from: thecarnut on December 24, 2015, 09:36:59 AM
N1k is $1500 more than the FJ-09 ($12k vs $10.5k), and I got my leftover 2015 for $9k, so there's a substantial price difference, unless Kawasaki dealers were having a substantial fire sale on 2015 N1k's. According to Wikipedia, the N1k is also 502 lb wet, which is 40 lb more than the FJ.

The GSX-S1000F is very ugly and is $11k. Since it's a 2016 model they're not going to have any on sale, so that's still a $2k difference between the FJ and the GSX-S. Sure, it's got more power due to that K5 GSX-R1000 engine and only weighs 12 lb more, but I'd still have to look at the damn thing every day. Even comparing 2016 models I'd still take the $500 cheaper FJ over the GSX-S.

Lastly, they've both got a more sporty riding position than the FJ, with less wind protection. cycle-ergo.com shows the FJ having a 0 degree forward angle, 75 degree knee angle and 97 degree hip angle. The other two bikes are pretty comparable at a 10 degree lean angle, 66 degree knee angle and 78 degree hip angle. May not seem like much but at my height and the miles I ride I want all the room and comfort I can get. My knees were where I was having the most problems on my F4i, and a stock (without my lowered pegs) F4i has a 64 degree knee angle, compared to 65 degrees on the N1k, so a stock N1k would probably feel more cramped than my F4i, at least on paper, in the knee area.

Fair enough on price.  Didn't realize you got the FJ on a leftover firesale.  Might have gotten a leftover N1K for $10K, not sure about $9K, though. 

N1K weighs exactly the same as the S1000XR, though.  Ergos are better than any sportbike I've sat on (no way I'd have survived an 800+ mile day on a sportbike) but might have been a little cramped for you.  And wind protection, not sure I'd say the FJ is better.  N1K has an on-the-fly adjustable windscreen.  With it all the way up (all of the press photos show it in the lower setting, because it looks sportier), only my head is in the airstream.  And an aftermarket shield can cheaply get you even better protection.  Lower body coverage is likely better on the N1K as well.

I get comfort.  Gotta remember that although I don't ride daily like you (and therefore don't rack up the same annual miles), when I do ride, I'm putting in at least 100 miles in a shot, with plenty of 250+ mile days under my belt.  My average day ride for the past couple of years is at least 200 miles.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Raza on December 24, 2015, 10:49:46 AM
Cool bike.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on December 24, 2015, 11:10:44 AM
Quote from: MX793 on December 24, 2015, 10:03:47 AM
Fair enough on price.  Didn't realize you got the FJ on a leftover firesale.  Might have gotten a leftover N1K for $10K, not sure about $9K, though. 

N1K weighs exactly the same as the S1000XR, though.  Ergos are better than any sportbike I've sat on (no way I'd have survived an 800+ mile day on a sportbike) but might have been a little cramped for you.  And wind protection, not sure I'd say the FJ is better.  N1K has an on-the-fly adjustable windscreen.  With it all the way up (all of the press photos show it in the lower setting, because it looks sportier), only my head is in the airstream.  And an aftermarket shield can cheaply get you even better protection.  Lower body coverage is likely better on the N1K as well.

I get comfort.  Gotta remember that although I don't ride daily like you (and therefore don't rack up the same annual miles), when I do ride, I'm putting in at least 100 miles in a shot, with plenty of 250+ mile days under my belt.  My average day ride for the past couple of years is at least 200 miles.

I didn't realize the XR was so heavy, but then again I never actually considered one given that it's $20k+ and has vibration issues.

I didn't know that the N1k had an adjustable windscreen either. Looks pretty tall in this pic:

(http://www.motorcycledaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/123113middle1.jpg)

I can't say how the wind protection would compare, but wind buffeting around my legs is surprisingly minimal. I think it's the giant tank/air intake on the front helping deflect air away. The only problem, as I said, was that the windshield deflects air to my helmet, making it noisier. I lowered the windscreen a little bit to see if it'll help with the noise, but it's raining really hard right now so I won't be riding it today.

Also, I was reading through the owners manual and just found out that the seat is height adjustable. I swapped it to the higher seat position and can feel a slight difference just sitting on the bike. I can't wait to go try it out now.

I also just ordered the first mods for the bike - Woodcraft axle sliders and Pitbull spools. Revzilla is out of stock on their Givi engine guards so I'll have to wait on those.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on December 24, 2015, 11:11:30 AM
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on December 24, 2015, 08:52:18 AM
I imagine spontaneous uncontrollable wheelies at the 600 mile mark.

I don't think the TC has wheelie control. :mask: :lol:

Quote from: Raza  on December 24, 2015, 10:49:46 AM
Cool bike.

Thanks! :cheers:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on December 24, 2015, 11:16:52 AM
Quote from: thecarnut on December 24, 2015, 11:10:44 AM
I didn't realize the XR was so heavy, but then again I never actually considered one given that it's $20k+ and has vibration issues.

I didn't know that the N1k had an adjustable windscreen either. Looks pretty tall in this pic:

(http://www.motorcycledaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/123113middle1.jpg)



That looks like the highest setting.  The vast majority of press photos have it in either the lowest or middle setting (I usually keep it in the middle, only go full upright if it's cooler out or raining).  You're technically not supposed to try to adjust it while moving (the lever is a little hard to reach down under the gauge pod), but I've done it.  Very easy to quickly adjust at a traffic light, though.

Quote from: thecarnut on December 24, 2015, 11:11:30 AM
I don't think the TC has wheelie control. :mask: :lol:


If it's like the TCS on my Ninja, it doubles as wheelie control.  The system should be able to detect differences in wheel speed between the front and rears once the front goes aloft and cut power to reign things in.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on December 24, 2015, 01:36:31 PM
Yea, if it cuts power to keep front and rear wheel speeds within a certain range u aint gettin no wheelies off.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on December 24, 2015, 02:29:20 PM
Hmm, interesting. I did find out that the TCS is defeatable so it'll still do wheelies all day. :lol:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Gotta-Qik-C7 on December 24, 2015, 09:37:16 PM
Cool bike!
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on December 27, 2015, 12:02:13 AM
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on December 24, 2015, 09:37:16 PM
Cool bike!


Thanks!

Just installed the first of the mods... Woodcraft axle sliders and Pitbull spools. :praise:

Hoping to get the Givi engine guards at some point and a Yoshimura fender eliminator. I also got the OEM heated grips installed today... they're quite nice.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on December 28, 2015, 11:56:11 AM
Damn, Givi engine guards won't be in stock at Revzilla for another 2-4 weeks. I'm going to hold off on riding the bike too much till then. :lol:

I also rode the F4i for the first time after getting the FJ-09. God damn I can't believe I rode that for 13k miles. I don't mind the peaky powerband but the brakes suck, the riding position is still cramped and too far forward, the wind protection is non existent, the grip heaters suck, etc.

I'm so spoiled. :lol:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Speed_Racer on December 28, 2015, 01:56:01 PM
Quote from: thecarnut on December 28, 2015, 11:56:11 AM
Damn, Givi engine guards won't be in stock at Revzilla for another 2-4 weeks. I'm going to hold off on riding the bike too much till then. :lol:

I also rode the F4i for the first time after getting the FJ-09. God damn I can't believe I rode that for 13k miles. I don't mind the peaky powerband but the brakes suck, the riding position is still cramped and too far forward, the wind protection is non existent, the grip heaters suck, etc.

I'm so spoiled. :lol:

This is why I can't test ride bikes until I'm ready to buy - I get bike envy and all the faults on mine are magnified haha.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on December 30, 2015, 12:39:04 PM
Just ordered an engine cage. It was pricey but it'll be worth it.

Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on December 30, 2015, 12:55:47 PM
Wow, cant believe you put 13K on the CBR. I feel like you just got it. I barely cracked 15K over the last 3 and a half years.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on December 30, 2015, 12:58:56 PM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on December 30, 2015, 12:55:47 PM
Wow, cant believe you put 13K on the CBR. I feel like you just got it. I barely cracked 15K over the last 3 and a half years.


I've only had it 6 months. :lol:

I put around 3k on it in November alone. :hammerhead: :lol:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Eye of the Tiger on December 30, 2015, 01:06:32 PM
Quote from: thecarnut on December 30, 2015, 12:39:04 PM
Just ordered an engine cage. It was pricey but it'll be worth it.

Why would you need to lock up your engine?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on December 30, 2015, 01:12:01 PM
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on December 30, 2015, 01:06:32 PM
Why would you need to lock up your engine?

So the hobos don't steal it.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on January 01, 2016, 03:07:35 PM
Well, I got pulled over yesterday (today) morning after riding home from SF for New Years. I was hauling ass because it was cold and I wanted to get home, so I was doing 100+ on the highway and was just scoping the traffic out for cops. It doesn't help that the bike just eggs you on to go faster, either.

Anyways, my exit started to come up so I started slowing down and all of a sudden I got lit up. No idea where the cop even came from. I was just thinking "FML, great start to 2016" the entire time, but the cop was actually just checking to see if I had any drinks and asked why I didn't have any plates. Didn't even ask for insurance, just looked at my license and let me off. I definitely thought he got me for speeding but I think I got lucky in that he didn't see my flying by at triple digits.

I really need to slow down on this thing, but it's so hard with all dat torque. The CBR doesn't egg me on as much as the FJ-09 because it's got no torque. :lol:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Gotta-Qik-C7 on January 01, 2016, 06:14:19 PM
Quote from: thecarnut on January 01, 2016, 03:07:35 PM
I really need to slow down on this thing, but it's so hard with all dat torque. The CBR doesn't egg me on as much as the FJ-09 because it's got no torque. :lol:
:HOOLIGAN:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on January 02, 2016, 07:52:33 AM
Yea the tickets thing is one reason I am hesitant to upgrade. ER6 cruises at 100 no problem.... what the fuck would I do with double the HP

The more I think about it the more I'm getting into building for "feels"..... dont need much power for the street but a good suspension goes a long way.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Laconian on January 02, 2016, 01:02:22 PM
Quote from: thecarnut on December 30, 2015, 01:12:01 PM
So the hobos don't steal it.

#sfworldproblems
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on January 12, 2016, 09:18:44 PM
Haven't even gotten the license plate yet and I'm already replacing the holder/fender:

(http://www.yoshimura-rd.com/images/070BG139900_B_L.jpg)
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on January 16, 2016, 01:01:28 AM
Still no license plate, but at least the fender is gone:

(http://i.imgur.com/zj7UQK2.jpg?1)
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Eye of the Tiger on January 16, 2016, 06:56:45 AM
Yeah, that's smart. Now your license plate is going to get covered in mud.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on January 16, 2016, 02:14:55 PM
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on January 16, 2016, 06:56:45 AM
Yeah, that's smart. Now your license plate is going to get covered in mud.

Oh well. At least it looks good.

Now I'm tempted to get integrated tail light and flushmounted front turn signals. Dammit.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Eye of the Tiger on January 16, 2016, 02:20:21 PM
Quote from: thecarnut on January 16, 2016, 02:14:55 PM
Oh well. At least it looks good.

Now I'm tempted to get integrated tail light and flushmounted front turn signals. Dammit.

Nobody can see those tiny ones, and then your butt will look naked. You should add more lights, flashing ones, and machine guns.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on January 19, 2016, 04:29:29 PM
Installed the Higdonion cage and skidplate last night. There's a hole in the skid plate to access the drain plug bolt. I installed the cage and found out the hole was just a bit too far back to get the socket on the drain plug. I could fit the socket on, but it'd be angled pretty sharp and turning it would probably strip it. I emailed the guy at Higdonion and he said someone messed up cutting the hole in the skid and that he'd send me another one.

Yay for good customer service! :cheers:

I thought I did something wrong so today morning before I left for work I loosened and re-tightened all the bolts but that didn't do anything either...
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Eye of the Tiger on January 19, 2016, 05:08:49 PM
Skid plate?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Speed_Racer on January 19, 2016, 05:44:31 PM
Quote from: thecarnut on January 16, 2016, 02:14:55 PM
Oh well. At least it looks good.

Now I'm tempted to get integrated tail light and flushmounted front turn signals. Dammit.

Take my word for it, don't do either. I had flush front signals and still currently have an integrated LED taillight. They aren't as bright as OEM, they're not DOT approved (turn signals have to be around 1 ft apart), and you can't see flush mounts from any angle except perpendicular which makes them useless to oncoming traffic.

I swapped my flush mounts for LED stalks and I'm replacing my integrated tail with an OEM light and the same LED stalks out back. I want to be seen!
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on January 19, 2016, 05:51:13 PM
Quote from: Speed_Racer on January 19, 2016, 05:44:31 PM
Take my word for it, don't do either. I had flush front signals and still currently have an integrated LED taillight. They aren't as bright as OEM, they're not DOT approved (turn signals have to be around 1 ft apart), and you can't see flush mounts from any angle except perpendicular which makes them useless to oncoming traffic.

I swapped my flush mounts for LED stalks and I'm replacing my integrated tail with an OEM light and the same LED stalks out back. I want to be seen!

I have both on the CBR already. I'm a fucking ricer. :mask:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on January 19, 2016, 05:51:45 PM
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on January 19, 2016, 05:08:49 PM
Skid plate?

Yeah the side bars go down and connect to a skid plate to protect the oil pan and header.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Speed_Racer on January 19, 2016, 06:28:00 PM
Quote from: thecarnut on January 19, 2016, 05:51:13 PM
I have both on the CBR already. I'm a fucking ricer. :mask:

It's a CBR, it probably came stock like that from the factory
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on January 19, 2016, 06:44:58 PM
Quote from: Speed_Racer on January 19, 2016, 06:28:00 PM
It's a CBR, it probably came stock like that from the factory

:lol:

The stock lights it came with were so droopy. The Hotbodies aftermarket flush mounted turn signals are pretty bad actually. They work fine but didn't come with a third wire for running lights so they're not always on like the stock ones.

The ones I want for the Yamaha have three wires so they will always be turned on while the bike is running. The rear turn signals don't stay illuminated so I don't care if I lose them to the integrated light.

I just don't want to spend $140 on it right now. Maybe sometime in the future...
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on February 05, 2016, 09:26:11 PM
Dammit. I want a new windscreen because the stock one buffets so much and is actually noisier in my helmet than when I'm on the CBR. All the taller ones either look like shit (Givi screen looks like a damn barn door) or requires removing the hand guards, which I don't want to do.

Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Eye of the Tiger on February 05, 2016, 09:36:59 PM
Quote from: thecarnut on February 05, 2016, 09:26:11 PM
Dammit. I want a new windscreen because the stock one buffets so much and is actually noisier in my helmet than when I'm on the CBR. All the taller ones either look like shit (Givi screen looks like a damn barn door) or requires removing the hand guards, which I don't want to do.



go naked
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on February 07, 2016, 08:09:39 PM
Did the first oil change on the FJ. Fuckers at the dealership must have just used an impact gun to put the oil filter and drain plug on. I almost tipped the bike trying to loosen the drain plug and couldn't get the oil filter off. Usually it comes off by hand, but it took me two hours to pry that shit off today. :facepalm:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Eye of the Tiger on February 07, 2016, 08:20:50 PM
Did the fuckers at your dealership take the air filter out and not put it back in just for shits?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on February 08, 2016, 10:26:24 AM
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on February 07, 2016, 08:20:50 PM
Did the fuckers at your dealership take the air filter out and not put it back in just for shits?

Probably. :hammerhead:


Just commuted to work on the FJ for the first time. I need to get rid of the hand guards and get a bigger windscreen for sure. I already ordered a Puig Touring windscreen.

Hand guards are waaaay too large for lane splitting comfortably, especially in SF.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Eye of the Tiger on February 08, 2016, 10:28:36 AM
Quote from: thecarnut on February 08, 2016, 10:26:24 AM
Probably. :hammerhead:


Just commuted to work on the FJ for the first time. I need to get rid of the hand guards and get a bigger windscreen for sure. I already ordered a Puig Touring windscreen.

Hand guards are waaaay too large for lane splitting comfortably, especially in SF.

The hand guards are guards.... they will be the first thing to clip  a car's side mirror. The guard will collapse instead of ripping the handlebar sideways... it also might guard your hand...?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on February 08, 2016, 10:39:59 AM
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on February 08, 2016, 10:28:36 AM
The hand guards are guards.... they will be the first thing to clip  a car's side mirror. The guard will collapse instead of ripping the handlebar sideways... it also might guard your hand...?

Or I can just take them off and not hit mirrors in the first place? :huh:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on February 10, 2016, 10:01:10 AM
Got the Puig windscreen last night (so fast!) and installed it. There is still some buffeting around my head which is pretty annoying, and gets worse than the stock screen above 80 or so. Under 80 it's fine so I guess that's another reason for me to not speed. :lol:

Although, tucking slightly behind the screen makes all the noise go away. The main problem I'm having is under 50 or so with the visor closed my glasses fog up so quick due to the lack of airflow so I guess it screens wind quite well. :lol:

Also, I'm questioning my decision of getting the Light Smoke color. Should have gone with clear.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on March 17, 2016, 04:01:01 PM
AKRAPOVICCCCCCCCC

:rastaman:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on March 17, 2016, 04:03:58 PM
Put a new sticker on it? Nice
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on March 17, 2016, 04:06:17 PM
Quote from: CaminoRacer on March 17, 2016, 04:03:58 PM
Put a new sticker on it? Nice

He's gotta start ricin' up the bike, can't let it sit unmolested next to the Gayiata
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on March 22, 2016, 10:28:09 AM
Installed the Akrapovic exhaust. Skid plate doesn't fit so I had to remove it. I'll have to notch the skid plate this weekend and put it back on.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on March 22, 2016, 11:15:28 AM
Quote from: thecarnut on March 22, 2016, 10:28:09 AM
Installed the Akrapovic exhaust sticker. Skid plate sticker doesn't fit so I had to remove it. I'll have to notch the skid plate sticker this weekend and put it back on.

ftfy
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on March 22, 2016, 11:17:04 AM
no tune, no boon, no hoon
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on March 22, 2016, 11:53:46 AM
Quote from: CaminoRacer on March 22, 2016, 11:15:28 AM
ftfy

Wat.


The problem is the Akrapovic headers stick out further than the stock headers.

Stock:

(https://cdn1.cycletrader.com/v1/media/52b1add0ae3a2218380000f8.jpg?width=512&height=384&quality=60)

Akrapovic:

(http://www.fz09.org/forum/attachments/5663d1400997026-akrapovic-delayed-till-mid-march-image.jpg)

Exhaust itself sounds good though. I want to try it without the baffle but I read you have to pull the muffler and smack the baffle out with a dowel and hammer and I don't feel like doing that. Plus I heard that makes it stupid loud. As it is it's the perfect volume on the highway for commuting but still screams when you get on the throttle hard. It's a tight fit with the skid plate but I think it should be fine with some light notching.

Here's the rubbing issue:

(http://i.imgur.com/NfZLKqT.jpg?1)
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on March 22, 2016, 12:19:01 PM
Oh that's not bad at all.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on March 22, 2016, 12:26:53 PM
Quote from: CaminoRacer on March 22, 2016, 12:19:01 PM
Oh that's not bad at all.

Yeah, it fits, but I didn't want it to be rattling around so I've left it off for now.

Honestly, I like the look of the OEM header more. I just don't like the giant whale penis cat it also comes with.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on March 23, 2016, 06:00:03 AM
Do these not allow you to separate the muffler from the header?

Yea I would advise against running it without the baffle. It is ridiculously, comically, unnecessarily loud. Mine comes out with something that looks like the picks they use to clean your teeth at the dentist. No idea where it is now.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on March 23, 2016, 10:11:26 AM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on March 23, 2016, 06:00:03 AM
Do these not allow you to separate the muffler from the header?

Yea I would advise against running it without the baffle. It is ridiculously, comically, unnecessarily loud. Mine comes out with something that looks like the picks they use to clean your teeth at the dentist. No idea where it is now.

Stock is one piece, Akrapovic is two piece.

I like the way it sounds now. I just don't want to deal with cutting the skid plate.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on March 26, 2016, 11:31:14 AM
47.1 mpg last tank. Holy fuck.

Either this thing is breaking in more and getting even more efficient or the new exhaust is making this thing run stupid lean. :mask:

I would think since there's a freer flowing exhaust, it'd be running richer, especially since it pops and burbles a lot on decel, but I'm probably wrong....
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on March 26, 2016, 12:08:09 PM
Popping = lean.

Akra probably has a tune for it.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on March 26, 2016, 03:22:42 PM
Quote from: CaminoRacer on March 26, 2016, 12:08:09 PM
Popping = lean.

Akra probably has a tune for it.

I was told it doesn't need a tune but is recomended. I'll tune it in a couple months when i have more time at work to ship my ecu and not ride for a couple days.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on March 26, 2016, 03:27:49 PM
The fuel injection should be able to compensate for the higher flowing exhaust.  If it was a carb'ed motor, sure, you'd need to richen it up a bit, but you'd need to significantly increase engine airflow to move it beyond what the FI can compensate for.  I suspect the throttle bodies limit it's ability to breath more than the exhaust.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on March 26, 2016, 03:58:41 PM
Quote from: MX793 on March 26, 2016, 03:27:49 PM
The fuel injection should be able to compensate for the higher flowing exhaust.  If it was a carb'ed motor, sure, you'd need to richen it up a bit, but you'd need to significantly increase engine airflow to move it beyond what the FI can compensate for.  I suspect the throttle bodies limit it's ability to breath more than the exhaust.

A lot of new bikes seem to run super lean from the factory in order to meet emissions. I know on the 390 Duke, some people do the Akra tune even if they keep the exhaust stock just to richen up the mixture and keep the engine cooler.

Might as well get a nice airbox to match, then tune it.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on March 26, 2016, 04:45:22 PM
Alright, here's the giant pain in the ass I had to deal with yesterday night/today:

(http://i.imgur.com/nkkbZ6q.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/CVMa4Ol.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/urAbg2U.jpg?1)

Ended up notching the skid plate to clear the header. The bolts/nuts for the skid plate were also too long and hitting the header so I ground down the bolt heads and then flipped them to just barely clear the pipe.

Fucking pain in the asshole I paid $1200 for. :facepalm:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on March 26, 2016, 06:04:56 PM
That exhaust must have been designed for the FZ-09.  That bike doesn't have a skidplate.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 280Z Turbo on March 26, 2016, 06:39:33 PM
My bike ran like crap with a Muzzy. Stock exhaust made it run a lot better.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on March 26, 2016, 07:47:14 PM
Quote from: MX793 on March 26, 2016, 06:04:56 PM
That exhaust must have been designed for the FZ-09.  That bike doesn't have a skidplate.

The skid plate is aftermarket.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on March 26, 2016, 10:02:36 PM
Why did you put a skidplate on it?  Were you planning on off-roading it?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on March 27, 2016, 12:30:46 AM
Quote from: MX793 on March 26, 2016, 10:02:36 PM
Why did you put a skidplate on it?  Were you planning on off-roading it?

FZ/FJ-09 oil pans are super vulnerable, to the point that people are hitting normal sized bumps and ripping oilpans.

http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=494179 (http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=494179)

Stuff like that scares me. Another member on that forum hit a bump and blew a chunk in his oil pan and that led me to get the skid plate. Plus it ties in to the engine case/sliders/highway pegs I have and looks really nice and is super comfortable.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on March 27, 2016, 07:48:35 AM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on March 27, 2016, 12:30:46 AM
FZ/FJ-09 oil pans are super vulnerable, to the point that people are hitting normal sized bumps and ripping oilpans.

http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=494179 (http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=494179)

Stuff like that scares me. Another member on that forum hit a bump and blew a chunk in his oil pan and that led me to get the skid plate. Plus it ties in to the engine case/sliders/highway pegs I have and looks really nice and is super comfortable.

The belly pan is the most vulnerable part of any bike.  I find it really hard to believe you'd routinely find road obstacles on which you could hit the belly pan on most bikes since bikes have about the same ground clearance as a car but a much shorter wheelbase.  Unless you're going fast enough (or have your suspension set soft enough) to get significant suspension compression when you hit the bump, anything that will high center a bike will high center a passenger car.  OP in that thread drove off a curb-sized step (Oh, by the way, was making a right turn from the wrong lane because he couldn't be bothered to wait for traffic ahead to move) which, yeah, will high-center a bike.  My dad crunched his headers doing that (driving between adjacent parking lots and didn't realize there was a step/curb between them until it was too late).  Other videos in that thread show riders jumping their bikes (one of them did so blowing through a stop sign at what I'd estimate at 50 mph to launch off the crown of the intersecting roadway) and bashing the belly on landing.  While I'm a little surprised the bike is designed to be able to hit the belly before the suspension hits the stops (I guess that can happen on a lot of bikes, I'm used to off-roaders), that's not exactly a "normal" use case.  I'd also probably chalk some of it up to the FZ coming with really soft suspension and I wouldn't be surprised if many owners aren't adjusting what they have properly.  The owner of the one I rode (who I'd guess weighed less than 160 lbs) had cranked his preload all the way up and the bike still wasn't harsh for me at ~145 lbs.  The guy on that 4theriders blog was riding 2-up when he bashed his on a "bump".  What was the total weight on the bike?  Did he increase his preload to account for the weight?

At the end of the day, a little extra protection doesn't hurt anything, and it sounds like it offers some other features that you'd want even if you didn't need the skidplate.  Just seems silly to fit a skid plate on a bike that never leaves paved roads.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on March 27, 2016, 11:23:13 AM
Quote from: MX793 on March 27, 2016, 07:48:35 AM
The belly pan is the most vulnerable part of any bike.  I find it really hard to believe you'd routinely find road obstacles on which you could hit the belly pan on most bikes since bikes have about the same ground clearance as a car but a much shorter wheelbase.  Unless you're going fast enough (or have your suspension set soft enough) to get significant suspension compression when you hit the bump, anything that will high center a bike will high center a passenger car.  OP in that thread drove off a curb-sized step (Oh, by the way, was making a right turn from the wrong lane because he couldn't be bothered to wait for traffic ahead to move) which, yeah, will high-center a bike.  My dad crunched his headers doing that (driving between adjacent parking lots and didn't realize there was a step/curb between them until it was too late).  Other videos in that thread show riders jumping their bikes (one of them did so blowing through a stop sign at what I'd estimate at 50 mph to launch off the crown of the intersecting roadway) and bashing the belly on landing.  While I'm a little surprised the bike is designed to be able to hit the belly before the suspension hits the stops (I guess that can happen on a lot of bikes, I'm used to off-roaders), that's not exactly a "normal" use case.  I'd also probably chalk some of it up to the FZ coming with really soft suspension and I wouldn't be surprised if many owners aren't adjusting what they have properly.  The owner of the one I rode (who I'd guess weighed less than 160 lbs) had cranked his preload all the way up and the bike still wasn't harsh for me at ~145 lbs.  The guy on that 4theriders blog was riding 2-up when he bashed his on a "bump".  What was the total weight on the bike?  Did he increase his preload to account for the weight?

At the end of the day, a little extra protection doesn't hurt anything, and it sounds like it offers some other features that you'd want even if you didn't need the skidplate.  Just seems silly to fit a skid plate on a bike that never leaves paved roads.

It's a well-known fact that the 2014-2015 FZ and 2015 FJ have very vulnerable pans. Just looking it up on google comes back with a ton of results:

http://www.fz-09forums.com/forum/fz-09-general-discussion-forum/9442-anyone-else-cracked-their-oil-pan-yet.html (http://www.fz-09forums.com/forum/fz-09-general-discussion-forum/9442-anyone-else-cracked-their-oil-pan-yet.html)

http://fj-09.org/thread/366/fixing-achilles-heel-drain-plug (http://fj-09.org/thread/366/fixing-achilles-heel-drain-plug)

Just a couple. I've ridden off curbs and other shit on my F4i (and took that down some gravelly roads) and never had a problem. I bet my FJ would have ripped its pan over some of the same stuff, because there are some "protective" fins that extend past the drain plug bolt that catch on whatever you're crossing and rip the pan. If it wasn't such a big problem, why did Yamaha redesign the pan with a drain plug bolt on the side?

Again, it's just for peace of mind. Plus, it's gotten a ton of compliments and comments on different group rides, and a bunch of people have asked where they can buy one (although I don't know if the guy I bought it from makes it for non FZ/FJ's).

Also, considering I took my CBR off paved roads, I don't see why I wouldn't do that with the FJ. I just need to wait till summer when I have more time and hopefully feel less bad about dirtying/potentially dropping the bike. :lol:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Raza on March 27, 2016, 02:23:15 PM
Danger to the manifold, I think. 

(http://www.tinygif.com/data/media/17/warning-danger-to-manifold.gif)
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on March 27, 2016, 08:24:57 PM
What the hell are you guys cracking oil pans on

IMO the FJ is not an off road bike
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on March 27, 2016, 10:33:02 PM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on March 27, 2016, 08:24:57 PM
What the hell are you guys cracking oil pans on

IMO the FJ is not an off road bike

Every story I could find involved someone jumping off a curb or smacking a large bump at speed and launching the bike and then bottoming out and bashing the pan on landing.  Nearest I can figure, the bike will drag belly before the suspension completely bottoms and the suspension the FZ/FJ is known to be quite soft.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on March 27, 2016, 10:43:45 PM
More alarmingly, it looks like the right side of my engine cage is bent. The right slider/peg is pretty crooked, but it's all one piece so something is bent/off.

The bottom of the slider has a scrape on it. I'm pretty sure I dragged it around a turn, but I can't imagine that'd cause enough force to bend the whole thing... I'm confused.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on March 28, 2016, 07:43:23 AM
Unless it's extremely flimsy, I find it hard to believe you bent it by dragging through a corner without crashing.  Maybe you bottomed out at some point and the right side is the side that gave out and bent?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on March 28, 2016, 08:46:40 AM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on March 27, 2016, 10:43:45 PM
More alarmingly, it looks like the right side of my engine cage is bent. The right slider/peg is pretty crooked, but it's all one piece so something is bent/off.

The bottom of the slider has a scrape on it. I'm pretty sure I dragged it around a turn, but I can't imagine that'd cause enough force to bend the whole thing... I'm confused.

rekt
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on March 28, 2016, 10:10:14 AM
Quote from: MX793 on March 28, 2016, 07:43:23 AM
Unless it's extremely flimsy, I find it hard to believe you bent it by dragging through a corner without crashing.  Maybe you bottomed out at some point and the right side is the side that gave out and bent?

Here are some pics:

(http://i.imgur.com/ztH3zPj.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/IMRWLXY.jpg?1)

And the slider on the right side:

(http://i.imgur.com/7hoJd9S.jpg?1)

I removed the skid plate (again) and loosened the bolts before retightening but the right side still sits weird. It's not hitting the exhaust or anything. The bolts look to be straight (mostly). Either I bent the cage itself or I bent the frame area (mask). Bike has never been dropped (yet), only scraped around a hard turn...

I'm so fucking confused.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on March 28, 2016, 11:40:42 AM
Is it possible it was always like that and you never noticed?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on March 28, 2016, 11:54:06 AM
Quote from: MX793 on March 28, 2016, 11:40:42 AM
Is it possible it was always like that and you never noticed?

It could be. I'm trying to look for other pictures I might have taken to see if it was always like that.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on April 11, 2016, 11:11:36 AM
So... I emailed the guy I bought the cage from. He said they're all like that so at this point there's nothing I can do. It still looks cool, so whatever. :huh:


I did about 110 miles of twisties yesterday in the rain. The Yoshimura fender eliminator let the rear wheel spray mud all over the license plate, tail light, passenger seat, my jacket and helmet. :rage: :lol:

Probably only good for fair weather use only. :devil:


Also, thinking of getting an integrated tail light and flush mounted turn signals again. Might do that before I get levers.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on April 11, 2016, 07:05:20 PM
Yea the OEM fender is there for a reason bro. Another reason I dont ride even when its kind of cloudy. Shit will ruin your whole day
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on April 11, 2016, 08:24:53 PM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 11, 2016, 07:05:20 PM
Yea the OEM fender is there for a reason bro. Another reason I dont ride even when its kind of cloudy. Shit will ruin your whole day

I had a ton of fun, and it only cost me some dirty gear and a dirty bike. :huh:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on April 12, 2016, 06:30:33 AM
Fuck. The want meter is pegged with this one. Going to give it a look this weekend

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/5532791669.html (http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/5532791669.html)
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on April 12, 2016, 06:47:44 AM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 12, 2016, 06:30:33 AM
Fuck. The want meter is pegged with this one. Going to give it a look this weekend

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/5532791669.html (http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/5532791669.html)

Why move from one 650 to another?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Raza on April 12, 2016, 08:33:00 AM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 12, 2016, 06:30:33 AM
Fuck. The want meter is pegged with this one. Going to give it a look this weekend

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/5532791669.html (http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/5532791669.html)

Sad. Another "I'm having a kid so I have to give up everything I like" sale.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on April 12, 2016, 08:34:19 AM
SV650s sound amazing. Probably might favorite street bike sound. The quarter fairings look kinda goofy though
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on April 12, 2016, 08:35:06 AM
Quote from: Raza  on April 12, 2016, 08:33:00 AM
Sad. Another "I'm having a kid so I have to give up everything I like" sale.

I feel like 90% of bike ads mention either getting married or having a kid
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Raza on April 12, 2016, 08:59:54 AM
Quote from: CaminoRacer on April 12, 2016, 08:35:06 AM
I feel like 90% of bike ads mention either getting married or having a kid

I know, right? Luckily Rags will never have to worry about that.  :devil:
(Just kidding, Rags!)
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on April 12, 2016, 09:49:48 AM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 12, 2016, 06:30:33 AM
Fuck. The want meter is pegged with this one. Going to give it a look this weekend

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/5532791669.html (http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/5532791669.html)

Dude, that looks awesome. Full GSXR stuff is nice, too. Miles are low, too.

But, why is this in the FJ-09 thread? :rage: :nono:

Quote from: Raza  on April 12, 2016, 08:59:54 AM
I know, right? Luckily Rags will never have to worry about that.  :devil:
(Just kidding, Rags!)

Man... at this point you're probably right. :cry:

Also, I think I have a better chance of not being forced to sell my bike (or car) since I already have it now and whoever comes into my life will have to deal with that.

I will 100% always choose my bike/car over a significant other.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Raza on April 12, 2016, 09:55:28 AM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on April 12, 2016, 09:49:48 AM
Man... at this point you're probably right. :cry:

Also, I think I have a better chance of not being forced to sell my bike (or car) since I already have it now and whoever comes into my life will have to deal with that.

I will 100% always choose my bike/car over a significant other.

Fight the good fight, brother.  1) I'm sure you'll find someone.  2) Keep the bike no matter what. 

I will always have a sports car in my life.  The women have come and gone with varying results (mostly poor, really), but a sports car always makes me feel good.  I don't want kids, so no worries about not being able to fit a child seat in my Z4. 
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on April 12, 2016, 10:00:30 AM
While I fully support keeping the toys, in the long term I think a GF/wife is more important. But the perfect wife will want a toy of her own. :lol:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Raza on April 12, 2016, 10:03:50 AM
Quote from: CaminoRacer on April 12, 2016, 10:00:30 AM
While I fully support keeping the toys, in the long term I think a GF/wife is more important. But the perfect wife will want a toy of her own. :lol:

Coming from me, this is going to sound like it's supposed to condescending or insulting in some way.  But it's not, trust me. 

Why is a girlfriend or wife more important than your lifelong passions?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on April 12, 2016, 10:06:17 AM
Quote from: Raza  on April 12, 2016, 09:55:28 AM
Fight the good fight, brother.  1) I'm sure you'll find someone.  2) Keep the bike no matter what. 

I will always have a sports car in my life.  The women have come and gone with varying results (mostly poor, really), but a sports car always makes me feel good.  I don't want kids, so no worries about not being able to fit a child seat in my Z4. 

Thanks.

And yeah, my point of view is if someone forces me to get rid of what is essentially a big part of my life, I don't want to be with them anyways. Not only will I not have a bike/sports car, but I'd probably just end up resenting them and at that point it's all down hill from there.

Quote from: CaminoRacer on April 12, 2016, 10:00:30 AM
While I fully support keeping the toys, in the long term I think a GF/wife is more important. But the perfect wife will want a toy of her own. :lol:

A bike isn't even a toy to me, though...
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on April 12, 2016, 10:07:16 AM
Quote from: Raza  on April 12, 2016, 10:03:50 AM
Coming from me, this is going to sound like it's supposed to condescending or insulting in some way.  But it's not, trust me. 

Why is a girlfriend or wife more important than your lifelong passions?

:hesaid:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on April 12, 2016, 10:09:24 AM
Quote from: Raza  on April 12, 2016, 10:03:50 AM
Coming from me, this is going to sound like it's supposed to condescending or insulting in some way.  But it's not, trust me. 

Why is a girlfriend or wife more important than your lifelong passions?

From my experience (and observing others), valuing people/relationships brings more happiness than having lots of nice stuff.

But like I said, ideal wife would want her own toys anyway so I wouldn't have to get rid of mine.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on April 12, 2016, 10:16:39 AM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on April 12, 2016, 10:06:17 AM
Thanks.

And yeah, my point of view is if someone forces me to get rid of what is essentially a big part of my life, I don't want to be with them anyways. Not only will I not have a bike/sports car, but I'd probably just end up resenting them and at that point it's all down hill from there.

A bike isn't even a toy to me, though...

True.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on April 12, 2016, 10:45:22 AM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on April 12, 2016, 09:49:48 AM
Dude, that looks awesome. Full GSXR stuff is nice, too. Miles are low, too.

But, why is this in the FJ-09 thread? :rage: :nono:


My bad... I meant to post this in the general bike thread.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on April 12, 2016, 10:51:04 AM
Re: getting rid of shit for kids

I think it's a mixed bag. On one hand, believe it or not guys, some things in life are more important than vehicles. On the other hand, if a wife or bad financial decisions forced the sale, shame on the dude for making bad decisions or being too weak to stand up for what he wants. This SV was clearly a labor of love. As for me wifey is cool with me keeping the bike... I think the issue with buying another bike for her isn't my safety so much as it is needlessly spending money when we have daycare bills and shit. But it's pretty much worthless now anyways so it will be around.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Raza on April 12, 2016, 11:51:30 AM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 12, 2016, 10:51:04 AM
Re: getting rid of shit for kids

I think it's a mixed bag. On one hand, believe it or not guys, some things in life are more important than vehicles. On the other hand, if a wife or bad financial decisions forced the sale, shame on the dude for making bad decisions or being too weak to stand up for what he wants. This SV was clearly a labor of love. As for me wifey is cool with me keeping the bike... I think the issue with buying another bike for her isn't my safety so much as it is needlessly spending money when we have daycare bills and shit. But it's pretty much worthless now anyways so it will be around.

I used to joke with you that your wife would make you dump the bike when it's time for kids, but it's my sincere hope that doesn't happen. We need to band together and fight the minivanification of men as we grow older. Rage against the dying of the light of powered dual sliding doors.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on April 12, 2016, 02:17:35 PM
Quote from: Raza  on April 12, 2016, 11:51:30 AM
I used to joke with you that your wife would make you dump the bike when it's time for kids, but it's my sincere hope that doesn't happen. We need to band together and fight the minivanification of men as we grow older. Rage against the dying of the light of powered dual sliding doors.

You joke, but I think that shift really does scare you :lol:

Getting old can be fun. Cars, image, etc., all that shit is trivial. I still like cars but I mean I went from a Z to a SOHC Civic. It just doesn't matter to me anymore. Right now the thought of a minivan is a bit much, but if we have kids and it turns out a minivan is ideal then it will be what it's gonna be. It's just a car... I'd still be me. Don't fight it... getting old is the shit
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Raza on April 13, 2016, 06:21:49 AM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 12, 2016, 02:17:35 PM
You joke, but I think that shift really does scare you :lol:

Getting old can be fun. Cars, image, etc., all that shit is trivial. I still like cars but I mean I went from a Z to a SOHC Civic. It just doesn't matter to me anymore. Right now the thought of a minivan is a bit much, but if we have kids and it turns out a minivan is ideal then it will be what it's gonna be. It's just a car... I'd still be me. Don't fight it... getting old is the shit

Who's joking? But no, it's not just a car. If I thought that, it wouldn't be a big deal. You want me to trade my Z4 in, the thing that makes me smile everyday, on a $50,000 announcement that I've given up on life? For who, for what? Because I found the chick that I have a 40-50% chance of her being the one I want to squirt DNA into for the rest of my life? Nah, homey, I come with my passions, quirks, and the lot of it; take me as I am or we should both move on.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on April 13, 2016, 06:56:55 AM
Quote from: Raza  on April 13, 2016, 06:21:49 AM
Who's joking? But no, it's not just a car. If I thought that, it wouldn't be a big deal. You want me to trade my Z4 in, the thing that makes me smile everyday, on a $50,000 announcement that I've given up on life? For who, for what? Because I found the chick that I have a 40-50% chance of her being the one I want to squirt DNA into for the rest of my life? Nah, homey, I come with my passions, quirks, and the lot of it; take me as I am or we should both move on.
I don't want you to do anything, except maybe not have your self worth and happiness so wrapped up in the car you drive. It's not a healthy attitude. If you want to drive a sports car, cool... but this idea that selling it = an announcement that you've given up on life is silly. Is there nothing more to life than driving a sports car? How did you live when you had the GLI?

As for the marriage stuff, not sure where $50K came from... my wife's ring was cheap and we made money on the wedding. Contrary to popular belief it doesn't have to be the soul sucking monotonous march to death a lot of people make it out to be. It's not always easy but when done right it can be very rewarding. It's not necessarily for everybody either but this idea that marriage is not for you because you think a woman won't accept your quirks or w/e is silly. If my wife can accept my quirks then there's hope for everybody.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Raza on April 13, 2016, 07:43:22 AM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 13, 2016, 06:56:55 AM
I don't want you to do anything, except maybe not have your self worth and happiness so wrapped up in the car you drive. It's not a healthy attitude. If you want to drive a sports car, cool... but this idea that selling it = an announcement that you've given up on life is silly. Is there nothing more to life than driving a sports car? How did you live when you had the GLI?

As for the marriage stuff, not sure where $50K came from... my wife's ring was cheap and we made money on the wedding. Contrary to popular belief it doesn't have to be the soul sucking monotonous march to death a lot of people make it out to be. It's not always easy but when done right it can be very rewarding. It's not necessarily for everybody either but this idea that marriage is not for you because you think a woman won't accept your quirks or w/e is silly. If my wife can accept my quirks then there's hope for everybody.

Nah, you got it wrong.  The $50,000 figure is because minivans are super expensive now.  I'm not against marriage either.  I just don't want to give up who I am for marriage. 
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on April 13, 2016, 07:54:27 AM
Quote from: Raza  on April 13, 2016, 07:43:22 AM
Nah, you got it wrong.  The $50,000 figure is because minivans are super expensive now.  I'm not against marriage either.  I just don't want to give up who I am for marriage.
You don't have to buy new (or even buy a minivan period). I hope to never have a minivan in my household. And you don't have to give up who you are to get married. If you do it right your wife will marry you because of who you are. I am more "me" now than I've ever been, I think. I just think this idea that life ends with marriage is just not true. I think I got my motorcycle after I got married.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MrH on April 13, 2016, 08:02:16 AM
Quote from: Raza  on April 13, 2016, 07:43:22 AM
Nah, you got it wrong.  The $50,000 figure is because minivans are super expensive now.  I'm not against marriage either.  I just don't want to give up who I am for marriage. 

I don't think you have to.  In fact, I don't think most do.

My woman encouraged me to get the S2000.  We both agreed I need to get something fun I can wrench on and keep around when life gets hectic.  Sunk cost before marriage and kids and everything.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on April 13, 2016, 08:24:00 AM
If anything, marriage reveals a dude's true form. The sad truth is a lot of guys are born pushovers, wimps and generally boring people, and their marriage is just an extension of that. It is true that long term romance and marriage definitely blunt and mellow men out, down to a physiological + hormonal level.... but age does that too. It's nothing to be afraid of.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on April 13, 2016, 08:28:55 AM
Rag started a lame thread, it's definitely headed in the same direction!
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on April 13, 2016, 09:19:59 AM
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 13, 2016, 08:28:55 AM
Rag started a lame thread, it's definitely headed in the same direction!

:lol:

This page is one of the more interesting, "real" conversations this board has seen in a while.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Raza on April 13, 2016, 09:33:27 AM
Quote from: MrH on April 13, 2016, 08:02:16 AM
I don't think you have to.  In fact, I don't think most do.

My woman encouraged me to get the S2000.  We both agreed I need to get something fun I can wrench on and keep around when life gets hectic.  Sunk cost before marriage and kids and everything.

I know so many people who have had to give up the stuff they love to do because their wives wanted little clones of themselves.

Different strokes for different folks, I guess, but I could never give up owning a sports car for the privilege of changing diapers.

On that topic, did you propose yet?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on April 13, 2016, 09:53:24 AM
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 13, 2016, 08:28:55 AM
Rag started a lame thread, it's definitely headed in the same direction!

I mean, would you rather it be in your lame thread where you don't even have the fucking thing yet but keep posting about how today is going to be the day?

Quote from: CaminoRacer on April 13, 2016, 09:19:59 AM
:lol:

This page is one of the more interesting, "real" conversations this board has seen in a while.

I've always thought this is a very interesting topic because like you (and everyone else here) I've always seen the "woman/marriage/kids forces sale" thing. It's pretty depressing, really.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: shp4man on April 13, 2016, 10:02:24 AM
You fucking kids, damn. Once you make it past the "raise the kids" stage, you can have a sports car, or motorcycle whatever impractical or dangerous shit you want. If you have the cash. Raising kids is hella expensive, though. I'm talkin' take out a 2nd mortgage expensive.  :fogey:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on April 13, 2016, 10:04:34 AM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on April 13, 2016, 09:53:24 AM
I mean, would you rather it be in your lame thread where you don't even have the fucking thing yet but keep posting about how today is going to be the day?

(http://38.media.tumblr.com/eeea45410abbb3a4a4ef698638c538ab/tumblr_inline_njbs25V8SV1t8zr8r.png)
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on April 13, 2016, 10:06:03 AM
In actual FJ-09 news, I'm closing in on 5,000 miles (like if I don't get killed today I'll hit 5k lol). Still absolutely in love with this bike. Other than minor things like lights, levers, etc, there isn't a thing I want to change on it. I think the windshield and handguard removal were the only two must do items and everything else is just personalizing the bike to my taste.

Only thing I wish is that I had bought this bike earlier, but to be honest I don't regret owning the CBR one bit, since it was a great bike to get me back into motorcycling. I think starting off on the FJ would have been a bad idea.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on April 13, 2016, 11:59:58 AM
I do really envy that torque

But I want my bike to be a balance machine. A 2 wheeled Cayman GT4.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on April 13, 2016, 12:02:31 PM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 13, 2016, 11:59:58 AM
I do really envy that torque

But I want my bike to be a balance machine. A 2 wheeled Cayman GT4.

sounds like you need a GS550
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on April 13, 2016, 12:05:14 PM
That is more like an FB RX-7
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on April 13, 2016, 12:05:37 PM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 13, 2016, 11:59:58 AM
I do really envy that torque

But I want my bike to be a balance machine. A 2 wheeled Cayman GT4.

S1kRR
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Gotta-Qik-C7 on April 13, 2016, 08:05:48 PM
Quote from: SVT_Power on April 13, 2016, 12:05:37 PM
S1kRR
Now ya talking. Thats gonna be my next bike....
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Raza on April 14, 2016, 07:32:10 AM
Quote from: shp4man on April 13, 2016, 10:02:24 AM
You fucking kids, damn. Once you make it past the "raise the kids" stage, you can have a sports car, or motorcycle whatever impractical or dangerous shit you want. If you have the cash. Raising kids is hella expensive, though. I'm talkin' take out a 2nd mortgage expensive.  :fogey:

Why should I have to wait until I'm old to enjoy myself or spend some time for me?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on April 14, 2016, 08:51:27 AM
Quote from: Raza  on April 14, 2016, 07:32:10 AM
Why should I have to wait until I'm old to enjoy myself or spend some time for me?
You don't, even with kids.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on April 14, 2016, 10:20:35 AM
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on April 13, 2016, 11:59:58 AM
I do really envy that torque

But I want my bike to be a balance machine. A 2 wheeled Cayman GT4.

Alright Sporty, I went on a 120 mile ride to go pick up a standalone ECU for a friend's Miata yesterday and had a lot of time to think about this comment, so I'm going to give you some (probably unwanted) advice. :lol:

You've already said that your Ninja is worthless to sell and would be kept as a second bike, right? Why not just keep that as a track bike. I'm not sure if you can swap ZX6R parts onto it, but you could at least upgrade the suspension and brakes and have a good starting point for a track bike. Then, get something more comfortable, like a sport tourer, for the street.

I'm not saying get an FJ-09 (though those are pretty damn sweet :lol: ), but IMO the sport tourers are the best balanced street bikes out there. Sport bikes are stupid for the street. It's like me dailying my Miata at this point. You have to deal with a crazy amount of discomfort for no real benefit on the street. Plus, sport tourers handle pretty well. There's a couple guys on the local forums who've bought FJ-09s and track them. The FJ weighs like 30 lb more than my F4i did, and I'm not a good enough rider to tell the difference in the twisties. The bigger change for me was the ergos, but within a couple hundred miles of riding I got used to that and feel like I'm just as quick (or slow) through the twisties as I was on my F4i.

Not to mention, it's better for two up riding, better for touring, commuting, etc. They're less of theft magnets as well. I think you should at least look into something like the Ninja 1000, VFR, etc, or at least try and take one for a spin to see what it feels like. I don't think you'd be giving much up over an SV but getting a lot more instead.

With my CBR, it beat me up so much during my daily commute, even with lowered pegs and handlebars, that I didn't even feel like riding on the weekends. I'm doing the same mileage now on the FJ and still get out for a 100+ mile ride on the weekends, rain or shine. Hell, I love riding it so much that I agreed to ride 80 miles out of my way to pick up that ECU for my friend. It's great for commuting and lane splitting, but it's also a ton of fun in the twisties and still makes me crap my pants in a straight line like the F4i never could.

Anywho, just my $.02.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on April 14, 2016, 10:44:55 AM
Oh I would never do a sport bike on the street, ever ever ever ever ever. I had clipons on my bike for about a week... rode up to, around and back down from the mountains and my lower back was on fire for a day. I think part of it was the footpegs still being stock but w/e. The GSX-R I rode cemented the deal, I just was not comfortable.

So whatever I get would have a standard seating position, 100%.

Sport tourers are pretty much ideal on the street, but to me, aesthetically, they are kind of the minivans of bikes. I know they are good in an objective way, but that goodness comes at the expense of the bike's looks. So a regular old standard would be enough for me.

2 bikes for me would be beyond overkill. I've been averaging ~3000-5000 miles a year, and I've been down here for 3 years and have only been to the track once in some exotic car deal. 1 bike that could be 99.99% street/0.01% track would be good.

Truthfully I could probably make do with the ER6 and I most likely will. The front fork is actually pretty good. I bought it from a racer who weighs as much as me and it has emulators and properly chosen springs. My only gripes with my bike are

- rear shock is done for. I will have to replace it whether I sell it or not
- tail section looks like ass. Never liked it
- the sound... off throttle it sounds good but on throttle it's flatulent

2nd gen SV is just about perfect. GSX-R suspension is dirt cheap and abundant and the motor is just better in power and sound than the 650. So a lateral move would be ideal but realistically I will probably end up with ZX10R forks, an adjustable shock and a PC on the ER6 for the next few years. Wifey will be able to stomach mods more than a whole new bike, even if the bike is dirt cheap
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on April 14, 2016, 11:06:53 AM
ER6 is an inline twin, right?

Water cooled V-twins are my favorite right now. Of course then I went and bought an I4. :lol:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on April 14, 2016, 11:12:00 AM
Yea, I2, 180 degree crank.

FZ-07 is a twin too, but it has a 270 degree crank which makes it sound like a v twin.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on April 14, 2016, 11:18:55 AM
mmmm yes 270 cranks are very acceptable. Bonnevilles are the same setup IIRC.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on April 18, 2016, 05:27:57 PM
Went riding with two friends yesterday. We were riding through the twisties at a pretty good pace, but at one point, they told me to lead so I went on it pretty hard. My friends were saying it was pretty crazy seeing a sports touring bike move that fast through the turns. :lol:

I'm not even that fast of a rider but this bike is seriously quick.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on April 28, 2016, 10:38:26 AM
Balled too hard and bought a pair of shorty CRG RC2 levers in ballin' gold. :lol:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Gotta-Qik-C7 on April 28, 2016, 06:26:47 PM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on April 28, 2016, 10:38:26 AM
Balled too hard and bought a pair of shorty CRG RC2 levers in ballin' gold. :lol:
:cheers: I have Gold levers too!
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on April 28, 2016, 11:45:24 PM
Quote from: Gotta-Qik-G8 on April 28, 2016, 06:26:47 PM
:cheers: I have Gold levers too!

Sweet! :cheers:

I should hopefully be getting them tomorrow! :partyon:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on May 01, 2016, 04:10:27 PM
Installed new levers on Friday and tried them out today:

(http://i.imgur.com/BwkPq7m.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/hXqQkSO.jpg?1)

I really like the shorter levers. The shape is different as well which I like better than the stock levers.

I also got the suspension tuned by Dave Moss, who is a big time racer around here. He tinkered with the bike for a couple minutes and it feels much, much better. Not as saggy as before (he said my rear shock was very soft) and it feels like it responds to inputs faster as well too.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on May 02, 2016, 01:08:14 PM
Center of rear tire is on wear bars. Front tire still looks great though, so I ordered another Dunlop Roadsmart 2 rear tire. Next time I'll get a full set.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on May 02, 2016, 01:14:47 PM
Did you actually get the suspension revalved or did he just play with the adjustors?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on May 02, 2016, 01:16:07 PM
Quote from: MX793 on May 02, 2016, 01:14:47 PM
Did you actually get the suspension revalved or did he just play with the adjustors?

He just twiddled with the adjusters. Next year I'll look into revalving the forks and getting a new rear shock.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on May 02, 2016, 01:18:21 PM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on May 02, 2016, 01:16:07 PM
He just twiddled with the adjusters. Next year I'll look into revalving the forks and getting a new rear shock.

Given the softness of the suspension, you may need springs as well.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on May 02, 2016, 01:59:12 PM
Quote from: MX793 on May 02, 2016, 01:18:21 PM
Given the softness of the suspension, you may need springs as well.

Yeah, I have to do more research but I'll probably look into Racetech springs when doing the revalve.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on May 04, 2016, 10:56:16 AM
I'm pretty impressed with the stock Dunlop D222 tires. The front is still looking good and the rear probably has another 1k left in it and I'm at 6,500 miles. I am going to replace the rear with a Dunlop Roadsmart II since it looks like it's the same as the D222 (I think the D222 is an OEM only tire since I can't find out where to buy it).

In typical commuter fashion it's got no tread left on the center and looks new on the edges. :lol:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on May 04, 2016, 01:07:06 PM
Michelin Pilot Road 3s have awesome life plus good grip wet and dry.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on May 04, 2016, 04:59:17 PM
Quote from: MX793 on May 04, 2016, 01:07:06 PM
Michelin Pilot Road 3s have awesome life plus good grip wet and dry.

I had PR4's on the F4i and those were amazing in the wet and good in the dry and I got over 10k miles out of them, but I didn't feel like spending $400 on a set right now, especially when the front tire still looks almost new. Plus this tire was $145 from Revzilla so I cheaped out for the time being. I'll probably get another full set of PR4s or Pirelli Angel GTs in August. I like these Dunlops for now anyways.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on May 04, 2016, 07:08:12 PM
I'm pretty sure you've ridden more on that bike than I've driven total in the same timespan.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on May 04, 2016, 09:25:33 PM
Quote from: CaminoRacer on May 04, 2016, 07:08:12 PM
I'm pretty sure you've ridden more on that bike than I've driven total in the same timespan.

I don't know... you did drive across the country a few times, right? :lol:

I bought the bike in December (with 0 miles obviously) and only put 500 miles on it by the first week of February since I was still breaking it in and was using the CBR for commuting. Once I sold the CBR I started riding the FJ everywhere, so I've put the other 6k+ in the last 3 months. Should be close to 6,900 miles before I replace the tire on Friday. That's not bad mileage for a tire so I'm happy. Just hope the front tire will last 14-15k miles.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on May 14, 2016, 03:41:34 PM
Well damn. Went to the dyno but the bike wouldn't rev past 9k. Made 94 whp on standard mode. I really need to get a tune to disable ABS and see how much HP it'll make.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on May 14, 2016, 04:21:05 PM
Or you could just pull the ABS fuse...
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on May 14, 2016, 04:55:05 PM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on May 14, 2016, 03:41:34 PM
Well damn. Went to the dyno but the bike wouldn't rev past 9k. Made 94 whp on standard mode. I really need to get a tune to disable ABS and see how much HP it'll make.

Why does ABS affect how high the engine will rev?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on May 14, 2016, 06:06:13 PM
So I pulled the ABS fuse and tried again. Same problem. Turns out it was the 114 mph speed limiter. The guy said it would cut at 9k in 5th and 10k in 4th so he tried it in 3rd, where it was able to rev fully. The tune will definitely get rid of that limiter so next time I can do a real 5th gear pull.

It still dyno'ed at 104.7 hp so I'm happy. Hoping to get a few extra HPs out of it with a tune.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on May 14, 2016, 06:46:11 PM
Quote from: SVT_Power on May 14, 2016, 04:55:05 PM
Why does ABS affect how high the engine will rev?

Yeah, I couldn't quite figure that out either.  TCS, maybe, but ABS shouldn't care.  Speed limiter makes more sense.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on May 16, 2016, 10:33:29 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/Sf0LWvZ.jpg?2)

Seems a bit rich, even with the exhaust. Hoping for a bit more HP from a tune.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on May 16, 2016, 10:45:33 AM
El Camino? :thumbsup:

A/F should probably be around the 12.5-13 range, so you might want to lean it out a little bit but it's not too bad. That's with the stock tune?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on May 16, 2016, 10:50:10 AM
Quote from: CaminoRacer on May 16, 2016, 10:45:33 AM
El Camino? :thumbsup:

A/F should probably be around the 12.5-13 range, so you might want to lean it out a little bit but it's not too bad. That's with the stock tune?

Yeah, stock tune. One guy got the tune I want (stock exhaust though), but he said it's running so rich he noticed a drop in MPGs. Not sure if I should go that route now.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on May 16, 2016, 11:15:50 AM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on May 16, 2016, 10:50:10 AM
Yeah, stock tune. One guy got the tune I want (stock exhaust though), but he said it's running so rich he noticed a drop in MPGs. Not sure if I should go that route now.

Hey hey remember what I said weeks ago?

Something something you should get a dyno tune instead of a pre-built map?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on May 16, 2016, 11:18:55 AM
Quote from: SVT_Power on May 16, 2016, 11:15:50 AM
Hey hey remember what I said weeks ago?

Something something you should get a dyno tune instead of a pre-built map?

Yeah but something something money as well.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on May 16, 2016, 11:21:59 AM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on May 16, 2016, 11:18:55 AM
Yeah but something something money as well.

Another question would be can/will a dyno shop flash over your stock map or do they require you to have a AFC? Time to buy a powah commandah?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on May 16, 2016, 11:37:08 AM
Quote from: SVT_Power on May 16, 2016, 11:21:59 AM
Another question would be can/will a dyno shop flash over your stock map or do they require you to have a AFC? Time to buy a powah commandah?

I talked to the dyno shop where I dynoed the bike and they said they'll only work with AFCs. They can't crack the stock ECU (only one tuner has done so from what I've read).
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on May 16, 2016, 11:38:23 AM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on May 16, 2016, 11:37:08 AM
I talked to the dyno shop where I dynoed the bike and they said they'll only work with AFCs. They can't crack the stock ECU (only one tuner has done so from what I've read).

lulululul
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on May 19, 2016, 05:23:48 PM
In the normal tradition of swapping lights, I've bought both flush mount LED turn signals and an integrated tail light for the FJ. The flush mount LED signals are better than the ones on the F4i because these actually have a running light so I don't lose two lights.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on May 24, 2016, 10:56:14 AM
Check out my sweet LEDs!

(http://i.imgur.com/puJc3Vn.jpg?1)
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on May 24, 2016, 11:00:12 AM
Sell FJ, acquire Panigale.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on May 24, 2016, 12:02:40 PM
Panigale is the worst.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on May 30, 2016, 11:19:10 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/7IgT1gN.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/Wi3gLHm.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/OzDp1eJ.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/nJ3gFyr.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/eTgLioV.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/btvQBO7.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/E1ULs31.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/JmZ7fWF.jpg?2)

(http://i.imgur.com/7gH7LF8.jpg?3)

(http://i.imgur.com/4WtqqcC.jpg?3)

(http://i.imgur.com/rYLxdR0.jpg?3)

(http://i.imgur.com/nmtuXlI.jpg?1)

Note the very crooked highway pegs. :cry :

(http://i.imgur.com/plkzIi1.jpg?2)

(http://i.imgur.com/Y3VPGJ7.jpg?2)

(http://i.imgur.com/7IWO4rD.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/OYMMcp8.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/zQb4xB4.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/DsDE4mg.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/4o5f8rS.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/TS9Mly8.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/RBqXtOb.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/pewO94y.jpg?1)

:praise:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on June 01, 2016, 01:35:51 AM
Bike is fucked up. :(
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on June 01, 2016, 04:48:46 AM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on June 01, 2016, 01:35:51 AM
Bike is fucked up. :(

???!
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on June 01, 2016, 07:20:04 AM
No passive tone

What did you do bro
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on June 01, 2016, 08:17:08 AM
Told you to get rid of the FJ and get the Panigale mang
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on June 01, 2016, 08:49:58 AM
I might have to lawyer up but I got hit by a left turner. Luckily I was able to slow down enough that the speed wasn't too high. No injuries other than feeling sore as fuck right now and the bike is scraped up but rideable.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on June 01, 2016, 09:01:55 AM
Oncoming car turned left in front of you?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on June 01, 2016, 09:09:39 AM
Quote from: MX793 on June 01, 2016, 09:01:55 AM
Oncoming car turned left in front of you?

Wouldn't that be him hitting a left turner, not getting hit by one
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on June 01, 2016, 09:22:56 AM
Car on my right in a straight only lane (I was also in a straight only lane) turned left at an intersection across me across 3 other lanes of traffic. :facepalm:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on June 01, 2016, 09:24:12 AM
Da fuq?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on June 01, 2016, 09:28:09 AM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on June 01, 2016, 09:22:56 AM
Car on my right in a straight only lane (I was also in a straight only lane) turned left at an intersection across me across 3 other lanes of traffic. :facepalm:

Target fixation, you need high viz gear, scan the road mang
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MrH on June 01, 2016, 09:33:20 AM
Yeah, what're you doing?  Lawyer up.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on June 01, 2016, 09:35:25 AM
Reason for lawyer time: fucker has no insurance. FML. Don't want to go into details of what happened just in case.

The skidplate/engine cage took the damage like a boss, but the tank is dented, bar end and mirror are messed up, side fairing scratched and the week old flush mount LED turn signal is toast, along with other scratches.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MrH on June 01, 2016, 09:37:24 AM
Did you call the cops?  He should be getting a serious citation for driving without insurance then I would imagine.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on June 01, 2016, 09:41:54 AM
I don't know if it's just that y'all have way more people than we do, but it seems like the no insurance thing is such a more common thing in the US than Canada. Don't you guys have the same thing with requiring annual or bi-annual registration/plate renewals which requires insurance?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on June 01, 2016, 09:42:32 AM
Hope you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on June 01, 2016, 09:44:45 AM
Quote from: SVT_Power on June 01, 2016, 09:41:54 AM
I don't know if it's just that y'all have way more people than we do, but it seems like the no insurance thing is such a more common thing in the US than Canada. Don't you guys have the same thing with requiring annual or bi-annual registration/plate renewals which requires insurance?

Not every state requires insurance. 

Also, lots of people will drive around on expired/suspended tags if their insurance lapses and their registration is suspended.  Just as lots of people drive with suspended licenses.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on June 01, 2016, 09:46:04 AM
Quote from: MX793 on June 01, 2016, 09:44:45 AM
Not every state requires insurance. 

TIL. I actually did not know this.

I mean I knew every state has different levels of required minimum coverage but dang didn't know there were states where it's optional.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on June 01, 2016, 10:05:28 AM
Quote from: SVT_Power on June 01, 2016, 09:46:04 AM
TIL. I actually did not know this.

I mean I knew every state has different levels of required minimum coverage but dang didn't know there were states where it's optional.

There are only 2 or 3 states that don't require it, and those have an alternative insurance option, like meeting certain personal finance criteria to demonstrate you could pay for damages out of pocket.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on June 01, 2016, 10:31:26 AM
I have uninsured coverage. Cops were called and he was found at fault for the accident and cited for no insurance.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MrH on June 01, 2016, 11:25:54 AM
Yeah, lawyer up then and get everything paid for.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on June 01, 2016, 11:29:37 AM
Quote from: MrH on June 01, 2016, 11:25:54 AM
Yeah, lawyer up then and get everything paid for.

Why lawyer up? Isn't the point of uninsured driver coverage to be able to get everything paid for by your policy while the insurance company goes through the trouble of litigating the other driver?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on June 01, 2016, 12:35:31 PM
Quote from: SVT_Power on June 01, 2016, 11:29:37 AM
Why lawyer up? Isn't the point of uninsured driver coverage to be able to get everything paid for by your policy while the insurance company goes through the trouble of litigating the other driver?

Depending on the amount of coverage, may need to sue the other party for the difference if it exceeds coverage limits.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on June 01, 2016, 12:49:46 PM
Quote from: MX793 on June 01, 2016, 12:35:31 PM
Depending on the amount of coverage, may need to sue the other party for the difference if it exceeds coverage limits.

Since he wasn't injured I don't think he should have to worry about that. Fixing the bike shouldn't cost more than a few grand.

But, best to be on top of things and keep a lawyer's number in your back pocket.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on June 01, 2016, 12:57:59 PM
My aftermarket bits took most of the hit so I'm wondering if that stuff will even be covered...
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on June 01, 2016, 01:02:49 PM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on June 01, 2016, 12:57:59 PM
My aftermarket bits took most of the hit so I'm wondering if that stuff will even be covered...

I think usually you gotta let your insurance company know about mods and value in case something like this happens, but who knows
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on June 01, 2016, 01:15:33 PM
Quote from: SVT_Power on June 01, 2016, 01:02:49 PM
I think usually you gotta let your insurance company know about mods and value in case something like this happens, but who knows

Yeah, the shitty thing is, if I didn't have the engine cage I bet the damage to the bike (and me) would have been considerably worse so that thing is really saving the insurance company some $$$ too. It'd be shitty if it wasn't covered but eh.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: shp4man on June 01, 2016, 01:26:09 PM
Sucks, man. Another clown that doesn't deserve a driver's license.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on June 01, 2016, 01:32:22 PM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on June 01, 2016, 01:15:33 PM
Yeah, the shitty thing is, if I didn't have the engine cage I bet the damage to the bike (and me) would have been considerably worse so that thing is really saving the insurance company some $$$ too. It'd be shitty if it wasn't covered but eh.

Yeah but now they have an excuse not to pay out at all   :rage:
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Gotta-Qik-C7 on June 01, 2016, 04:02:19 PM
I feel your pain! I've been hit twice! Glad you're ok! You'll be sore for a few days but thats better than what happened to my buddy last September.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 68_427 on June 01, 2016, 05:06:53 PM
Motorcyclist was killed by my work today.  A car hit him head on and the rider was thrown from an overpass onto the highway below.  :(

Stay safe guys
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on June 08, 2016, 08:26:32 PM
$3500 in damages.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on June 08, 2016, 11:18:52 PM
Dang you should have tipped it over a few more times so they just totaled it.

Then acquire Tuono.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on June 09, 2016, 04:59:14 AM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on June 08, 2016, 08:26:32 PM
$3500 in damages.

From experience, not at all surprising.  I assume that's just for parts?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Raza on June 09, 2016, 06:42:47 AM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on June 08, 2016, 08:26:32 PM
$3500 in damages.

Ouch.  It's all covered though, right?
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on June 09, 2016, 05:30:15 PM
Quote from: MX793 on June 09, 2016, 04:59:14 AM
From experience, not at all surprising.  I assume that's just for parts?

That's with labor.

Do you know what the value percentage is to total a bike? He forgot to include the o2 sensor. He also said my Akrapovic exhaust is scraped when my skidplate pushed it in and if I include that in the claim they'll total the bike most likely since they start looking to total it at over 50% of its market value?

There's a 2015 with hard cases with 2.3k miles for $8100. Mine has 8600 miles so I'm guess it's worth $7-7.5k at most.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on June 09, 2016, 05:30:33 PM
Quote from: Raza  on June 09, 2016, 06:42:47 AM
Ouch.  It's all covered though, right?

I hope so. I'm kind of scared to see what's going to happen with all this.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: CaminoRacer on June 09, 2016, 05:34:23 PM
Totaling at 50% sounds right.

I was actually surprised when I fenderbendered the BMW and it wasn't totalled even with $3000 worth of damage. We sold it 8 months later for $5000
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on June 09, 2016, 05:40:03 PM
Holy shit, adding the o2 sensor brought the total to $3850. :mask: :lol:

To be honest, I wouldn't mind too much if they totaled it and I could buy it back. I'd just get the bare minimum fixed (straighten the forks out and replace handlebars because bent) and ride it as is, using the rest to just pay off the loan.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: MX793 on June 09, 2016, 05:58:06 PM
Holy shit, you bent the forks?  That number seems low if it includes forks.  I did that much in damage just in parts, but other than bending the windshield support structure, it was all cosmetic.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on June 09, 2016, 06:06:11 PM
Quote from: MX793 on June 09, 2016, 05:58:06 PM
Holy shit, you bent the forks?  That number seems low if it includes forks.  I did that much in damage just in parts, but other than bending the windshield support structure, it was all cosmetic.

Sorry, I meant aligning the front end back up. Everything felt off when I rode it, mostly because the handlebars are bent as well. I don't know if the forks are bent, but they have to come apart anyways to fix the damage to the lower fork area that got scratched up when the bike fell.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: 12,000 RPM on June 10, 2016, 08:59:17 AM
If the frame is straight I would definitely buy it back. Sounds like a minor fender bender
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: Cookie Monster on June 10, 2016, 09:26:40 AM
I should just buy an Aerostitch with some of the money. :devil: :lol:

I tried an Aerostitch on yesterday for the first time. It was sized PERFECTLY for me. I just don't know how bulking and getting bigger will affect it. I'm already struggling to fit into my one piece leathers because my shoulders have gotten a lot bigger.
Title: Re: Well, here it is!
Post by: SVT_Power on June 10, 2016, 09:28:31 AM
Quote from: Cookie Monster on June 10, 2016, 09:26:40 AM
I should just buy an Aerostitch with some of the money. :devil: :lol:

I tried an Aerostitch on yesterday for the first time. It was sized PERFECTLY for me. I just don't know how bulking and getting bigger will affect it. I'm already struggling to fit into my one piece leathers because my shoulders have gotten a lot bigger.

okay there Arnold