Pre-trip upgrades - thoughts and suggestions

[rktmanfj]

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...

I do also.

[Pat Conlon]

Earplugs.  Do you normally wear them?

Doesn't everyone?

[Dads_FJ]

Earplugs.  Do you normally wear them?

Doesn't everyone?

Should everyone?  Yup
Does everyone?  Dunno but I bet some don't.

[aviationfred]

I have tried the molded earplugs with speakers. They never quite felt right..... Maybe too many years using EAR foamies while in the military.

I have found these work great.

Plugfones

https://www.plugfones.com/

They are easily found on eBay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bluetooth-Plugfones-Yellow-Earplug-Headphones-With-Wireless-Adapter-Bundle-/400886125039?hash=item5d56acd1ef:g:Go0AAOSwI-BWLl76





Fred

[rktmanfj]

I have tried the molded earplugs with speakers. They never quite felt right..... Maybe too many years using EAR foamies while in the military.

I have found these work great.

Plugfones

https://www.plugfones.com/

They are easily found on eBay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bluetooth-Plugfones-Yellow-Earplug-Headphones-With-Wireless-Adapter-Bundle-/400886125039?hash=item5d56acd1ef:g:Go0AAOSwI-BWLl76

Fred

I use an older Jabra BT dogtag.

It's great... no wires connecting me to the bike, and if I walk out of range, the music stops and I can hear without removing my helmet.

[Mark Olson]

Check the charging voltage of your system. At idle and at 5k RPM. The fj likes to overcharge and fry you're battery on long rides causing sudden failure . you want 14 volts maximum...opinions will vary .
Most of the time you will find melted connectors between the alt and the battery wiring which will cause a false reading for the regulator resulting in overcharge . If the wiring is good and you still overcharge , check the files about upgrading the regulator. It is no fun push starting an FJ loaded with gear. You will end up needing the engine bars.

[PaulG]

2 cents CDN worth (1.4 cents US)

Definitely swingarm/suspension bearings - clean - inspect -relube with a quality synthetic grease.  Just be aware that if they are pooched, OEMs are expensive. Can't say they are a low cost item "up here".

Seat pad - I use an Airhawk - reeeallly good investment http://www.airhawk.net/airhawk-products.aspx, especially if this is the first time for the coming season that you are putting on any substantial miles.  When I went to Texas in 2013 it was a 4,000 mi. round trip, and literally my first ride of the year.  My ass had no chance to harden up for the long hours in the saddle, and I wouldn't have lasted 3 days without it - let alone the 2 wks I was gone.

Fork seals ? Hopefully the PO used Yamaha seals.  Don't know if theres a way of telling what they are while in the fork.  Might be worth changing them just in case - if not at least change the fork oil.

Stainless brake lines - definitely

Fork brace - the one you listed might be ok for touring.  Since it's composed of what looks like 5 separate pieces and probably made from cast Al not billett it may still offer some flex under aggressive riding.

Extra lighting - only if you forsee yourself doing a lot of night riding for now.  If you are competent at wiring etc then by all means, but just make sure it absolutely positively works before you go - otherwise I would wait until after the trip to mess around with that.

Clutch - might be worth an inspection.  50K miles on it should be OK but it also depends on PO's riding style.  Trying to deal with a slipping/dragging clutch on the road could be a trip ender.

Earplugs? Whaaa....?

GPS - if you know how to use them, then great - but always bring or buy maps on the way.  Also heading East-West-North-or South works just as good, especially if you have no particular place to be.

Tools - as mentioned the tire repair/compressor kits.  The only real tools I used was the Yamaha tool kit to adjust my chain - which you need to check EVERY DAY along with tire pressures.  Of course bring whatever chain lube you use and an extra litre or two of oil - sorry is that quarts?  Also bring an extra oil filter or two if you have the original set-up. They may/will be hard to find if you need one as dealers may not stock them.  Bring a few common size wrenches and Allen keys and screwdrivers - but not too many.  No point in bringing 1/2 the tool chest cuz theres only so much you can do on the side of the road.

Extra fuses - yes - also assorted zip ties from small to those ones you could use for a belt.

You didn't mention where you were going BTW....


Hmmmm.... Gipsy Danger.... Am I the only one that does not have a name for my FJ?  I've never named any of my previous bikes, and frankly the members on this site are the only ones I have ever come across that do this.  Is this peculiar to the FJ community or do I just need to get out more?   

Oh yes... remember rain is just made out of water and HAVE FUN! 

   

[aviationfred]

Tools - as mentioned the tire repair/compressor kits.  The only real tools I used was the Yamaha tool kit to adjust my chain - which you need to check EVERY DAY along with tire pressures.  Of course bring whatever chain lube you use and an extra litre or two of oil - sorry is that quarts?  Also bring an extra oil filter or two if you have the original set-up. They may/will be hard to find if you need one as dealers may not stock them.  Bring a few common size wrenches and Allen keys and screwdrivers - but not too many.  No point in bringing 1/2 the tool chest cuz theres only so much you can do on the side of the road.

My 2 cents on tools.

I was told once in respect too what tools to bring on a long trip. Specially on a long solo trip. Imagine what could go wrong and could you fix/repair the problem with the tools in your possession?

Put together a tool kit for road trips. Once together, get the kit out. Lock your tool box and perform some maintenance on your bike only using the tool kit. Chain adjustments, front wheel removal, oil and filter change, headlight/tail light/turn signal replacement, and so on.

Cycle Gear sells an awesome tool roll. Along with tools, it also comes with fuses, some electrical wire, electrical tape, a few tie wraps.

Why carry this...



When you can carry this....



Fred

[Alf]

Take with you a brake and clutch levers, a gearshift lever, a pull throttle cable and a slave clutch repair kit, the weak point in our FJs.
Those things dont occupy place and could avoid a premature end of your travel for a stupid fail or a little side drop

[Jeff0308]

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)

   

Hi pat. Just reading your post here. I've just looked up the LED  fan less light.  I just got the fan type. Haven't put it to use yet but have thought of HID Do you know how good these are. What type are you using? Also the earplug headphones. I've never seen them before. How good are these compared to the headsets with the speakers and microphone in the helmet type?  Also any recommendations to auxiliary lights/ driving lights?  Just looking for people's opinions. Thanks Jeff

[Pat Conlon]

I can't comment on the HID lights, I've never tried them. FJ Monkey Mark can chime in. I have heard of other FJ'ers complain when Mark is riding behind them....something about issues with bubbling paint and blisters from the output from Mark's HID. Never a problem for me. Mark is a smooth fast rider and he is always way, way out in front of me..

I have the (fan less) LED lights (see above link) installed in my Miata and I like them. I bought another H4 LED for my FJ but have not put it in yet.

Earplugs: Everyone is different. Due to my Irish genetics I have a tortuous ear canal. That's an actual term, tortuous. Meaning normal ear plugs won't fit me. I have mine custom made and I wear them with speakers in my helmet from my Sena SMH10R supplying the audio and intercom.

The cost of custom earplugs ($120) is chump change compared to the amount of money I have invested in my home HiFi equipment.

Cheers laddie

[Neoday2]

Really appreciating the input!

I ride with ear plugs all the time unless I have my noise isolating headphones in.  I have tried a ton of headphones and these just work great, are cheap and really isolate the outside noise.  http://amzn.com/B003EM8008

I know this isn't the right place to list items for sale (I will move this over there) but how much are the stock bars and top triple tree clamps worth?  The PO gave them to me with the bike.  I think I'll keep the LSL bars on unless there are some good reasons to switch back to the stock bars.

[FJmonkey]

I have been using the DDM HID 4500/5000K (Very white light, go higher for a blue tinge) for both bike and truck. The current DDM H4 bulb is quite small and fits in nicely on the FJ. The system including bulbs are lifetime guarantee, I have replaced one bulb on my truck in the last 5 years. No issues with the bike.  And not all complain about how bright my light is, they are out far enough to see the flashes of bugs bursting into flames when they bother to look back...

[rktmanfj]

I bought another H4 LED for my FJ but have not put it in yet.

Whatta ya waitin' for man?  I'm tryin' ta decide between HID and (fanless) LED 

Still on the fence.

The cost of custom earplugs ($120) is chump change compared to the amount of money I have invested in my home HiFi equipment.

Is it just Kali prices (or your tortuous canals)?   

I've had a couple of pair made (both at events, maybe they're cheaper then), for about $40 each time.

[Pat Conlon]

Hey Randy, I really want to install that LED, but now another Randy has my bike and is working his secret mojo on her.
I have a nifty light meter that measures foot candle output. When I get my girl back I'll do a write up comparing LED vs Halogen headlight output.
While I'm at it, I might as well compare Fc output on stock wires vs. relay mod. With the low amperage draw of the LED, I'm curious if the headlight relay mod is effective with the LED (or even necessary?)
Also, I've always wondered precisely how much more light is produced by a 55/65 halogen bulb when the voltage is increased from 10.6 volts (stock harness) to 14.4 volts (relay mod)

I just checked my records, my ear plugs were $80 + $40 for irrigation (cleaning) and exam/hearing test.

Cheers