betoney

+1 - VERY nice looking bike.

The rim tape really changes the looks of the bike, I like it. I wish it was a bit more gold colored to match the shroud stripe graphic.

From your description, I cant tell if you really like it or not. You say its not a huge change from before then list several areas where it is greatly improved. Does Ivan's flash get a thumbs up or just a "Meh?"

Today, I moved my FJ out of the way so I could load up my YZ and go dirt riding. (That counts right?)

Exactly, same thoughts here. They hype the front end stability and deep lean angles with deep carving ability... whats not to like? I'd love to test ride one.

If you haven’t already done so, raise the forks in the clamps a few millimeters, this puts a slight forward weight bias on the bike. The FJ and FZ (I haven’t ridden an XSR or Tracer yet) have a flighty feel to the front end when accelerating, add in a soft rear shock and you could definitely feel some flutter or shake. I don’t have oem suspension or use the oem handguards.

The risers rotate from the bottom, only. From what I have seen on my bike, buddy’s FJ and showroom models is they come set up with the risers in the closest (rearward) setting, your adjustment would be further away only with the 180 degree rotation. If you wanted the bars closer still, you would need a set of bar-backs.

You cant go wrong with either flash, both vendors are highly respected and have a near cult-like legion of appreciative fans. I live near 2WDW and had Nels tune my previous FZ1 with great results so I used them, though in the FZ1 community, Ivan is known as “The Man”.

That sounds perfectly normal in my experience. Mine reads full until it drops to half tank reading, usually around 100-115 miles, then it starts dropping quicker.

Just curious, what is the mileage on your plugs? Mine looked like yours @ 23k miles.

That should be quite a harsh un-enjoyable ride, the settings are fully closed, maximum damping. Maybe open it 1/3 for starters. Count the number of clicks from full open to full closed and for example, if you have 15 clicks, back it off 5 clicks from fully closed. You can always add or subtract more damping but fully closed will feel terrible.

That's insanely cheap for good rubber. I know you've run these before... even a ball park on mileage you'll get from a pair? The last set got changed at about 5k, - I was getting ready for a road trip and they wouldn't have lasted the entire trip. The had squared off a bit in the middle but still had some life left on them.

I installed a new set of Bridgestone Battlax S21's. Great Tires! $224 a set + $60 rebate.

What he said. I want a reputable place to send, but on the east coast if possible. don't just want to google and send it off to someone who isn't recommended. If you want to keep it on the East Coast, you can send it to Ivans Performance in New York. He has been doing this for many years and has a great reputation.

Removing the foam under the gas tank allows for more airflow to the intake. 2WDW measured a 6hp gain in the midrange after removing the foam. :thumbsup: That is what I was told while I was waiting for my ECU to be flashed. If that is indeed true, I will cut the foam out of mine tomorrow. 6hp gain in the midrange is HUGE, realistically I would expect maybe 2-3hp though.

PN: 2SC-8591A-21-00 (2015 model) About $550 - $700

When you get it installed and have a good test ride, please post up your impressions. A pipe is about the only thing I haven't done to my bike and I am weighing my options.

Without a physical throttle cable, I would look into sensors and smooth operation - especially closing - of the throttle plates. The FJ/FZ/XSR/MT/Tracer etc. do indeed have throttle cables, they attach to a sensor which opens the throttle bodies. If if you are sure there are no air leaks, I would look for something sticking or binding, turn the bars side to side, check that the throttle tube opens and closes fully without sticking. Make sure isn’t dragging on the bar end. My throttle wasnt sticking but felt sluggish, I removed the throttle tube off the bar and found grey gunk all over the bar. I cleaned the bar and throttle tube and the throttle twists much easier now.

I always use Rocky Mountain ATV/MC (in the link I provided above). They price match if you find it cheaper elsewhere, offer account credit cash back and when you qualify for a rebate, they fill it out and submit it for you.

I noticed the same thing on the FZ09 during a test ride, I would get on the gas hard through a corner and the front would get so light the front end would start to shake, I attributed it to the budget shock. I dont use the hand guards or oem suspension and hit triple digit speeds almost every time I ride and I dont have head shake. The only time I get thrown around is when I am on the interstate behind large trucks kicking up turbulent air, but then the whole bike is shaking, not just the front end.

In no particular order of preference; Pirelli Angel GT Bridgestone Battlax T31 Michelin Road 5 Dunlop Roadsmart III Current Tire Rebates - I wait until they have a rebate and then pick up 2 sets so I always have a fresh set waiting in the garage.

You can drop the numbers even further if you wish, I originally dropped mine to 14, a few days later I dropped further to 12.

I am noticing the exact same thing. A lot of little details have been improved or refined. I believe when the FZ was a hit upon release, Yamaha rushed to get a sport-touring version to market and quickly realized the little details that needed to be ironed out. I looked over the new Tracer GT for quite awhile at the dealer and was very impressed with all of the small details that were addressed.

@kcjones - Great write-up with pictures!!

Did you notice anything loose? possible air leak? Glad its running good now for you.