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Finally, I was able to make use of a weekend and good weather and went on my Grand Tour of Georgia 2014 - GTGA 2014 - Ramble. Knocked out 2 locations. Oxford, GA and Elberton, GA.
While the GTGA is a ton of fun, I was super excited to take out the 09AE out and let it roam free! What a ride. What a bike! But then most of you know this and don't need me to remind you!

Some observations:

1. Suspension: ?
On wide sweeping turns; Left or right; while the bike keeps it line smooth - i can turn using just the right hand, the bike does give a little wibble wobble sensation. I think that might be something to do with suspension. I still need to go through the 'suspension' tweaking on setting. Bike was 1 up with just the TopBox. I left the Side bags off on this run. Is this wibble suspension setting related?

2. Engine Heat:
I wear the Aerostich AD1 Pants. Outside temp today was around the 85-95 deg F range. Speeds around 4-5 over speed limit on Interstate. I occassionally felt fair amount of heat on my left leg coming off the engine. Anything I need to be concerned about? I had read that 09's were better at the engine heat flow.

3. Corbin Seat:
Bike came with Corbin seat installed. Perhaps 250 miles (i got the bike with 1620miles) may not be enough yet to 'get used' to the seat. But I did find that the seat didn't really plant my butt into the seat. From a decent speed, when I downshifted and used the engine to slow down, I found myself being slid into the Tank with manhoods' happiness at stake each time. Reverse true when going from stationary through the gears - slid back into the seat. Seat change impending?

4. The Take Off:
This bike should have comms with Air Traffic Control. For sure.
I was riding I20 and I85 this afternoon. Steady speeds at 5mph over Speed Limit and generally in the right lane except to pass and to avoid bad patches. 75mph, vehicle in front to be passed. Look in mirror, signal left, turn head to left to make sure left lane clear, swing out into left lane, twist the right hand to edge past the vehicle..OH MY FLIPPING GOODNESS! Rambler flight 09AE - you are cleared for take off! 75 to 95 in no time! Just awesome. And the bike seems to want more throttle. Needless to say, had to watch the needle. You don't get the sense of the speed the bike is going at.

5. Gadgets:
iphone BT paired with TomTom Rider. Rider BT paired with Scala G9.
Iphone hooked up with a battery pack in the 'glove box'. Need to get a USB adapter to use the socket in the glove box. TomTom Rider mounted on Ram Bar mount on right handle bar, between Reservoir fitting and throttle. This set up worked very nicely. Rider screen clear and visible in bring sunlight. I rode from 11am to 5pm, clear skies, bright sunlight. I need to get the cable to hook up the Rider to the Tender socket that the bike came with on the right fairing. The battery was down to '1 flashing bar'. Each longer stop I made I turned the Rider off. I had the iPhone GPS as backup, but Scala G9 doesnt allow BT pairing with multiple devices. Except for the 'power' issues, this set up certainly worked. Some refinements will be upcoming in mount locations. I will be using Ball mounts in two tapped holes in the Helibar plate and stem mount ball. Work in progress.

6: Helmet:
I have a Shoei Neotec Modular. Big advantage on a warm day. SO many options. Open face. Sunshade down. Sunshade up. Full face, Visor up, Sunshade up, Sunshade down.
At higher speeds though, lid up or down, I had that high pitched 'whistle' which I felt was coming through the helmet somewhere. I tried windscreen up or down. Whistle still there. Didn't feel any 'air turbulence' going through the helmet. Just that continuous whistle. Wonder what could be causing this.

All in all a nice day out on my trusty steed Feej!

1. While the stock suspension on the FJR is OK, there’s definitely room for improvement. I’m not a suspension settings guru, so someone who is can probably help you get the most out of the forks and shock. Many, including myself, have upgraded to aftermarket. I think it’s one of the best mods for the bike.

2. You will occasionally feel a little heat from the engine, but it shouldn’t be excessive. How’s the engine temp as indicated on the gauge?

3. My Corbin is kinda slippery, too. Try adjusting your riding position ala the ‘master yoda’ stance.
As much as I like the Corbin, I’ve since installed a Russell, which seems to plant my butt better, and is definitely more comfortable for the long haul

4. Yes, it is quick.

5. Pics, please

6. Yeah, I like the modular helmets too. Currently using a Shark Evoline

bluesdog wrote:1. While the stock suspension on the FJR is OK, there’s definitely room for improvement. I’m not a suspension settings guru, so someone who is can probably help you get the most out of the forks and shock. Many, including myself, have upgraded to aftermarket. I think it’s one of the best mods for the bike.

2. You will occasionally feel a little heat from the engine, but it shouldn’t be excessive. How’s the engine temp as indicated on the gauge?

3. My Corbin is kinda slippery, too. Try adjusting your riding position ala the ‘master yoda’ stance.
As much as I like the Corbin, I’ve since installed a Russell, which seems to plant my butt better, and is definitely more comfortable for the long haul

4. Yes, it is quick.

5. Pics, please

6. Yeah, I like the modular helmets too. Currently using a Shark Evoline

1. Major upgrades involving parts will have to wait for some time. For now will be enjoying the 'stock' bike.

2. Didn't pay attention to the Engine temp at the time. Will track it on next ride.

3. I'll be looking at the Laam Seats

5. WIll post pics once I have the Ball mounts installed.

To question one: what tires are on the bike and are they
showing any unusual wear patterns?
I have found some tire combinations will not hold a
steady line in less than smooth sweepers.
Some, like Michelin PR2s, were horrendous while others,
i.e. Pirelli Angels, were spectacular in this regard.
Bridgestone BT-023 GTs and T-30 GTs are also very good
without any what I call "bump steer".
Consider a more compliant tire at replacement time.

Where are your suspension settings at? How many lines are showing on your preload? Turn your rebound knobs CW (top of shock) and count the clicks. Turn the compression dampening screws CW (bottom of shock) and count the clicks. If you are running a stock rear try the "Hard" setting if it isn't already there and check where the rear rebound is also. Here is some info from the forum that is pretty usefull:http://www.fjrforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=14779

Intech wrote:Where are your suspension settings at? How many lines are showing on your preload? Turn your rebound knobs CW (top of shock) and count the clicks. Turn the compression dampening screws CW (bottom of shock) and count the clicks. If you are running a stock rear try the "Hard" setting if it isn't already there and check where the rear rebound is also. Here is some info from the forum that is pretty usefull:http://www.fjrforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=14779

Thanks!
I still need to grab some time and 'learn' the suspension settings and keep tweaking - trial and error - till I achieve what works for me.