Pre-trip upgrades - thoughts and suggestions

[Neoday2]

So I will be heading on a 12 day trip in late May, covering a few thousand miles along the way.  I have a newish to me 1989 FJ1200 with about 50K on the clock (got it in the fall of 2015).  Her name is Gipsy Danger.


I have a budget of about $300-$350 for work on the bike before I go.  Here are some things I am considering and I wanted to get your input as to what will have the greatest benefit.  What have you don that you liked the most?

Since I don't know the full history of the bike, I am taking things from a "what I can see" perspective.

The bike current state:

Tires - brand new (just installed) Avon Storm 3D XM Radials
Brakes - not sure of brand but plenty of pad left, no issues with the rotors.
Brake lines - Stainless brake line from the MC to the splitter but rubber (unknown age) to the calipers
Seat - Corbin - on the bike when purchased
Bars- LSL riser adapters.  on the bike when purchased
Chain/sprockets- look good
Carbs- PO said he replaced a float bowl and did a sync about 2 years ago. 
Fork Seals - PO said replaced in the last  year or two

Here is what I am considering.  Feel free to let me know what you think was the best bang for your buck.

Engine bars- to protect the engine/bike if I tip and provide a mounting point for camera and highway pegs- $200
Valve check - $50 rental (I think this is pretty much mandatory)
Aux driving lights  - $100
LED headlight from Cyclops - $65
Front Forks - RPM Fork Valves - $215, Springs and oil - $150
Stainless brake lines - front- $80
Stainless brake lines - rear - $50
Fork Brace - $35
Air filter pods - $70

The bike runs well, I did a couple 200+ mile days last fall with no issues.  What did I miss from my list?  Thanks for the ideas!

[TexasDave]

I have most of Randy's mods. I would recommend doing the forks as they were weak from Yamaha. Engine bars for any laydowns and mounting lights and cameras. Good choice on Avons for tires as they have good traction. Minnesnowta in May you might need snow tires though.     Dave

[FJmonkey]

Engine bars- to protect the engine/bike if I tip and provide a mounting point for camera and highway pegs- $200
Valve check - $50 rental (I think this is pretty much mandatory)
Aux driving lights  - $100
LED headlight from Cyclops - $65
Front Forks - RPM Fork Valves - $215, Springs and oil - $150
Stainless brake lines - front- $80
Stainless brake lines - rear - $50
Fork Brace - $35
Air filter pods - $70

1. The engine bars pay for them selves if you tip over hard enough. They can make the difference between riding away and a tow truck.
2. Regular valve check/adjustments will help prevent burnt valves, very inexpensive considering the alternative.
3. Aux driving lights, the more you can see and be seen the better.
4. Cyclops LED, when the fan fails, so will the light. Consider an LED that does not need a fan to cool it.
5. RPM fork valves and springs, highly recommended, I felt a huge improvement when installed them.
6. New brake lines. How important is stopping? The original lines are 26 years old, way past the expiration date.
7. Where do you find fork braces for $35?
8. Air filter pods, UNI foam filters have the best reports of filtering. Other brands and paper filters seem to let more dirt into the engine.
9. Extra fuel line to bypass the fuel pump if and when the pump fails.

The farther away from help/assistance you will be will determine what you need bring along.

10. Tire plug kit
11. Portable 12V air pump
12. Etc...

[red]

So I will be heading on a 12 day trip in late May, covering a few thousand miles along the way.
Here is what I am considering.  Feel free to let me know what you think was the best bang for your buck.
Engine bars- to protect the engine/bike if I tip and provide a mounting point for camera and highway pegs- $200
Air filter pods - $70
Valve check - $50 rental (I think this is pretty much mandatory)

Neoday,

Unless you think the suspension stuff is hammered already, just those three things would do it, for me.  I would not tinker with the brakes, suspension, or electricals, just before a long trip.  You may not be able to repair any failures there, if you have non-standard parts installed.   Not sure what you want for on-the-road gear, but a tire-plug kit and 12Vdc air compressor are good to have on board.  Most compressors are small, once you remove the plastic case junk.  The compressor will need a dedicated heavy-duty connection to the battery, such as battery clips, or a Battery Tender plug.  NO existing bike wiring will be sufficient for a compressor.  If you do not have GPS navigation, it can be added without any additional hardware to most smart phones.  As long as you can tell 911 where you are exactly, that's fine; you do not need a turn-by-turn Navigator talking to you.  Borrow a GPS if needed, for the trip.  Rain gear can do double duty as extra insulation and wind-proofing, in the cold.  That will be some long hours in the saddle; unless that Corbin seat is a really great fit for you, maybe a seat pad would be good to add.  Foam handlebar grips and bar-end weights will reduce any bad vibes through the handlebars.
We love trip reports, when you get back.       
Cheers,
Red

[Pat Conlon]

It sounds like your FJ is almost ready to go. I would definitely do the brake lines and valve adjustment. While doing the valves, consider replacing the bolt grommets in the valve cover.
Re check the carb sync, it's a low cost item.
Get a new battery.
Put in a fresh fuel filter. Carry a fuel pump bypass hose and fittings. Carry extra fuses.

I would pass on the UniPod filters for now. The stock air box will be fine for your trip. You can put the UniPods on later when you have time to rejet the carbs. Rentec bars and aux lights if you think you need them.
I would leave your headlight alone (for now) If you really want to go the LED route then I use the fanless type from Xenon Depot http://www.xenondepot.com/H4-LED-motorcycle-headlight-kit-p/h4-led-mhl.htm

A tire kit, absolutely. Mini compressors have come a long way and are very fast. You will have a new battery so no worries there. An alternative is 16oz.CO2 cartridges (3 for front 4 for back) The mushroom plugs in the Stop & Go kit are neat but you also need to carry the (red) rope type plugs (for diagonal type punctures)

A heated vest and rain gear, absolutely. GPS if you think you need it. Hydration pack is nice to have. Sips of cool water keeps me refreshed on long rides.
Music is good. Very good ear plugs are needed. Lousy ear plugs will result in damage after cumulative days of riding.

AAA card with motorcycle coverage and extended towing is nice insurance.
Get a pair of soft ties and tuck them in under your seat or back in the tail cowl. If you do have to tow your bike (flat bed), these will save your front fairing : http://www.amazon.com/Soft-Loops-Tie-Down-Straps/dp/B002MYLB1Y

Pack light. Pack your bags as you think you need for your trip, then unpack them and take half the stuff out....should be about right.
Save your old underwear for your trip. Take them with you and you can throw them away as you need too..
Monkey Butt: Man Panties (padded riding shorts) are nice but the real trick is using baby wipes with Aloe. (Thank you Dean)

   

[Neoday2]

Great input- keep it coming!  Anything I am missing that might be a good idea?

I have some saddle bags, waterproof tail bag, tool kit (with tire plug), hand pump (will look into 12V) and lots of other goodies.  I can start a new thread (for the trip report of course) with all the gear I ended up packing.  I am just looking at the bike right now and my budget.

Here is the fork brace I am looking at- not that I don't want Randy's but budget considering, this seems like it would work: http://www.ebay.com/itm/251994406329?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l5999&_trkparms=gh1g%3DI251994406329.N36.S1.R1.TR5

I still have an oil change, plugs, food and a few other miscellaneous things to pick up/maintain on the bike.  I have a full Olympia riding suit, waterproof motorcycle boots and I am getting a new helmet.  Much of any other budget is already spoken for.  

Glad to hear about the Engine bars being high on the list for others on the forum, they have been for me.

There are some type of bar ends (not sure if they are "weights" they just look aluminum) in the LSL bars.  I have the original clip on bars and the weights that fit those- they don't fit the LSL bars (when I first looked) so I should probably look there.

Anything else I should consider as a maintenance item?

[simi_ed]

A thought might be to pull the clutch slave to make sure it's not leaking, then either flush, rebuild or replace, as needed.  PITA when it goes away.  Probably flush front brakes too, rear if needed.

[Pat Conlon]

Yea, good one Eddie...Clutch slave, yep had that happen to me (only once).... Buy and install a new slave.

I forgot to add my support for the RPM front end kit along with new seals.

Get the nifty fork bug protectors Fred uses on his '89
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/YAMAHA-FJ1200-86-95-FORK-DUST-OIL-SEAL-KIT-WITH-FORK-PROTECTOR-/271444996062?hash=item3f3361efde:m:mDPt18vvmhJcxr38NtDWCIQ

They look to fit just fine with what ever fork brace you decide to buy.



Final suspension tip: Disassemble your swingarm and clean and lube all the linkage bearings (low cost item)

[Dads_FJ]

Throttle lock and/or crampbuster.

http://www.aerostich.com/a-to-b-utilities/rider-comfort/cruise-controls/go-cruisetm-universal-throttle-control.html

http://www.aerostich.com/crampbuster.html

[FJmonkey]

Throttle lock and/or crampbuster.

http://www.aerostich.com/a-to-b-utilities/rider-comfort/cruise-controls/go-cruisetm-universal-throttle-control.html

http://www.aerostich.com/crampbuster.html

Oh yea, I forgot about my crampbuster from RPM, I use the narrow one. When slabbing it I shift my hand to the right and now my palm is speed control. When off the slab my hand shifts left and I don't even know its there. Plus my foam grips (solid engine mounts) and grip heaters are really nice when the temps get cool for us wimpy SoCal weather dudes. Considering the current weather conditions I may need a snorkel and really water tight gear. 

[Pat Conlon]

Vibranator bar ends for your (non threaded) Spiegler bars will also help dampen the bar vibes and keep the tingles away.

[aviationfred]

There have been a few comments on carrying a compressor along on your trip.

I have used this tiny compressor. It comes with a power end that is the same as a Battery Tender brand charger. Easy hook ups. It also comes with it's own bag. Did I mention that this thing is tiny. Imagine a Royal Crown purple bag.....and this compressor inside.

http://www.aerostich.com/tools/tire-repair/pumps-air-compressors/aerostich-mini-compressor.html


Fred

[rktmanfj]

I got a couple of sets of these small dry-bags for my tank bag.

Less than $10/set of three at WalMart.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Outdoor-Recreation-Group-Set-of-3-Ultimate-Dry-Sacks/10928125

[Dads_FJ]

Earplugs.  Do you normally wear them?

[FJmonkey]

Earplugs.  Do you normally wear them?

I do... The music is subdued but so is the din of air past the helmet. I don't want to loose my hearing...