Nice tutorial and expression of your experience. Thank you. You have got a real nice ride there. Suggestion: rethink Windex for the Poly carbonate windscreen. Mild soap / water with a teaspoon of isopropyl alcohol. Cheers!
I carry a bunch of things also but some things that may help are: locktite (blue) , small container with assembly grease, F11 cleaner (cleans the entire bike), small electric tire pump (hooks up to my battery tender fitting on the hookup or USB and gets rid of the bigger foot pump), spare helmet visor, chapstick, Immodium ( as you probably know, the runs are no fun on a bike and neither is an bad stomach with some of that road food), First aid kit (Target has the soft bags you can make your own, takes up virtually no room), I have a jump pack also, just amazing. I found a smaller torque wrench I travel with from harbor freight. The list can be endless but not much more to add. That FJ is beautiful, lots of manufacturers going to that matt finish but I love the blue especially.
You and Ozarks Backroads have great lists. In addition to most of the stuff you guys carry, the only thing extra that I also have is some wet wipes. Getting a touch of food poisoning or just some food that disagrees with you that causes diarrhea can not only dehydrate you faster, it can really make things sore down there. The wet wipes keeps you from getting raw from toilet paper and does a much better job at keeping you clean. Having issues with a sore bum when you have to ride hundreds of miles back home is one of the most miserable experiences you can have. Ride safe fellas!
One modification that I really like is the replacement of the valve stems with 90 degree valve stems. It makes it much easier to check tire pressures and inflate the tires. The discs on the front and the large hub on the back make the gauge difficult to use. They are also aluminum and won't cut like the rubber ones.
Very nice! A rider/mechanic with proper tools to do the job. And the knowledge to use them. Many so - called dealer mechanics never check any of the torque specs, sequences, or distances. Just slap'er together. Close enough is good enough! The front axle/bearing/forks/torque are very similar to my GL1800 Wing. It's set up that way too. And good point on the fork tubes centering and not in a bind. The person that put that together before you has tightened one side of the pinch bolts (prob the right side) before tightening the axle bolt/nut (the one with 63 ft/lb). That messed up the ability of the R. fork to center itself. The Honda sequence is a little different and includes pushing the front susp up and down, then loosening and torqueing L. pinch bolts again. Just a guess, but that person probably figured he wouldn't have to hold the right side of the axle while tightening the axle nut. Glad you found that before your trip. Happy Trails!
A couple of things that I carry. I carry some medical supplies so that I can help a fellow rider or myself. In particular a trauma tourniquet is good to carry. I also carry some rubber disposable gloves for working on the bike or for medical needs if necessary. A small 12v tire pump might be smaller than your foot pump. I also carry a Garmin InReach for tracking myself and for communicating an emergency when out of cell service.
nice bike was looking at newer one i have 2001 still going hot and strong another gear would be good I'm from Australia love to come over some day and ride your roads anyway keep up the good work. FTW
That is a beautiful bike, love the colour. I’m thinking of buying one myself when spring gets here. Did you ever get to the bottom of how the front wheel ended up incorrectly spaced? It’s a good job you’re an attentive type or you could’ve ended up needing to replace the fork bushings before too long.
what type of front stand is that you are using under the middle of the bike and where did you get it .. where is it placed under the fairing there as well? Cheers, ..
Hey Ricardo, that is a center jack placed under the header tubes. it is similar to this one..... www.jpcycles.com/product/832-120/bikemaster-heavy-duty-steel-center-jack Thanks for the comments sir.... ride safe.... Jon Smith.... :)
Hello there, Good to hear from you. I prefer a manual pump over an electric pump. A manual pump will always work when it is needed... can't say the same for Chinese electric air compressors. Thanks for watching and keep safe out there... :)
Thanks for watching sir, the idea there is to let both forks hang freely when the pinch bolts are tightened on the right hand fork. By doing it this way there will be no side loading on the forks. Keep safe out there... :)
Hello fellow, I've always tought that before tighten pinch bolts forma And once you tight the axel nut, you should put the bike with no leg holder por anything And push the handelbars up And down, so that the weight of the bike get adjusted to the axel,each side And last thing And finally tighten pinch bolts, so that everything is firmly adjusted. At least, all along 35 years of riding, is the way I hace always watch different tyre mechanics doing it so that I hace learned so. Watching your method, makes me doubt now...Cause I can sure see that you are precise, with knoledge an take real good care of your bikes. Greetings from Segovia mountains un Spain, over a xt12ze Super Tenere 18, also a great And reliable bike...Soon I'll get one of those iconics And spaceships fjrs...Just the kind of bikes to enjoy forever to ride And work con them. Take care fellow And enjoy. Bikes are the best!
Have a safe and enjoyable trip. My group is leaving on June 1 for 16 days we are heading east to check out Niagara Falls then on east to the state of New York and on up to Maine maybe take In some parts of Canada while we are up there. Ride Safe! Also you seem to be a good mechanic is that your background? Just wondering.😊
That sounds like you are going to have a blast for sure...ride safe up there... I grew up building cars and bikes and have worked as a mechanic for quite a few years of my life. I actually have a degree in electronics and worked in field service supporting Main Frame and super Mini computer systems for many years. I currently work in IT for a Business Solutions Company. Thanks for the comments... Jon Smith :)
Ozarks Backroads well I kind of figured you seem to know your way around a bike. We are really looking forward to our ride as I am sure you are yours as well. Maybe sometime we will meet up sometime. I ride over in your area all the time. Safe Travels.
Hello, I have a problem with the fuel gauge of my FJR 1300, on the screen it marks all the lines as if it were full but always blinking, having or not gasoline. What can be? Thank you
Hello sir, I have not heard of any specific issues with the fuel gauges on the FJR but I would imagine that you could have a problem with the ground for the fuel gauge sending unit or possibly a bad sending unit. I would try unplugging and re connecting the fuel pump/sending unit connectors on the bottom of the fuel tank and tightening all the chassis grounds on the frame under the seat and fuel tank. If that does not help you may need to see dealer service... thanks sir and good luck.... :)
I know that givi makes a top case mount that also doubles as a luggage rack to tie down dry bags like the Kriega 30 liter bags so I don't have to use a top case do you think that there is enough room on the back of the fjr for that sort of a thing ?plus without covering the passenger seat?
I have a 2016 FJR and need a front tire replacement wondering about how you Jack the front end up are you sure it's okay to put the weight on those headers ?
I think you carry too many tools 🛠 I mean, you’re not riding a Harley! 🤣 Better safe than sorry I guess, but honestly if I rode with you on a trip I wouldn’t bring any tools because I think you have enough. 👍🏻
I have not had good results with Frog Togo’s. Before I hit the thunder storm out of Santa Fe, I put a full set on and got just as wet aa though they weren’t there. Very disappointed in Frogg Toggs
Hi John..really appreciating your channel and all the guidance. Although watching the FJR service I notice you use a Givi v56 top box also on your Versys1000. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the apparently nonsensical max top box weight limit on the Versys. 6 kgs max...when even Kawasakis own 47l box weighs 4.5 empty. So..they are saying no more than 1.5 kgs or 3.5 lbs of actual contents!!! You seem like an experienced common sense kind of guy. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Keep up the good work. Cheers !
hello sir, I actually had the 47 liter Givi on the versys but it is important I think not to overload the top box on any bike. I allways keep my lighter contents in my top box and heavier things like tools and such in the side cases. I was not aware of the max load on the versys but I have never had any issues with rear subframes or top box failures. thanks for the comments.... :)
@@ozarksbackroads5484 hi John...all makes good sense...I just wonder why the versys has such a low limit compared to other bikes. Love the FJR by the way. Awesome 😃
I took it interesting ride on my motorcycle up the other day took 125 into Arkansas and rode the ferry boat across have you done that yet I made a little video of it but I'm not too good at that you can make a better one
Hi, in your previous video you changed the oil. I noticed you weren't wearing rubber gloves. Used motor oil is a known carcinogen (cancer causing), so you may want to get a box of them. Same with grease being applied. I also noticed your front brake calipers hanging via the rubber hoses. You should use a bungee cord to hold them up and relieve pulling tension on the hoses. Also maybe some knee pads when working on the floor? Sorry, I do a lot of work on my Goldwing like you do on your FJR and it all helps. If you ever want to visit Western Canada, contact me, I know all the places best to ride in, what to see, what to avoid, etc.
Never use a screwdriver for centralising the front wheel bearing spacer sleeve, always hard wood or plastic, your asking for trouble with a screwdriver. Use hard wood or plastic or plastic hammer to fit the wheel bearings as well.
Good show. Appreciate the education on getting that front wheel setup.
Nice tutorial and expression of your experience. Thank you. You have got a real nice ride there. Suggestion: rethink Windex for the Poly carbonate windscreen. Mild soap / water with a teaspoon of isopropyl alcohol. Cheers!
Glad I stumbled across your pages. Just bought the same blue 2018 frj1300😁
Good to hear that, enjoy and ride safe..... :)
Great video! I enjoyed watching it and also love my FJR!
Good to hear from you sir, yes the FJR is an awesome machine... thanks for watching... keep safe out there... :)
Great tutorial bud!
Thanks for posting.
Thanks for watching sir... :)
I carry a bunch of things also but some things that may help are: locktite (blue) , small container with assembly grease, F11 cleaner (cleans the entire bike), small electric tire pump (hooks up to my battery tender fitting on the hookup or USB and gets rid of the bigger foot pump), spare helmet visor, chapstick, Immodium ( as you probably know, the runs are no fun on a bike and neither is an bad stomach with some of that road food), First aid kit (Target has the soft bags you can make your own, takes up virtually no room), I have a jump pack also, just amazing. I found a smaller torque wrench I travel with from harbor freight. The list can be endless but not much more to add. That FJ is beautiful, lots of manufacturers going to that matt finish but I love the blue especially.
You and Ozarks Backroads have great lists. In addition to most of the stuff you guys carry, the only thing extra that I also have is some wet wipes. Getting a touch of food poisoning or just some food that disagrees with you that causes diarrhea can not only dehydrate you faster, it can really make things sore down there. The wet wipes keeps you from getting raw from toilet paper and does a much better job at keeping you clean. Having issues with a sore bum when you have to ride hundreds of miles back home is one of the most miserable experiences you can have. Ride safe fellas!
One modification that I really like is the replacement of the valve stems with 90 degree valve stems. It makes it much easier to check tire pressures and inflate the tires. The discs on the front and the large hub on the back make the gauge difficult to use. They are also aluminum and won't cut like the rubber ones.
That would be nice, I have never done that but I need to..... :)
Very nice! A rider/mechanic with proper tools to do the job. And the knowledge to use them. Many so - called dealer mechanics never check any of the torque specs, sequences, or distances. Just slap'er together. Close enough is good enough! The front axle/bearing/forks/torque are very similar to my GL1800 Wing. It's set up that way too. And good point on the fork tubes centering and not in a bind. The person that put that together before you has tightened one side of the pinch bolts (prob the right side) before tightening the axle bolt/nut (the one with 63 ft/lb). That messed up the ability of the R. fork to center itself. The Honda sequence is a little different and includes pushing the front susp up and down, then loosening and torqueing L. pinch bolts again. Just a guess, but that person probably figured he wouldn't have to hold the right side of the axle while tightening the axle nut. Glad you found that before your trip. Happy Trails!
Lovely bike nice instructional video
A couple of things that I carry. I carry some medical supplies so that I can help a fellow rider or myself. In particular a trauma tourniquet is good to carry. I also carry some rubber disposable gloves for working on the bike or for medical needs if necessary. A small 12v tire pump might be smaller than your foot pump. I also carry a Garmin InReach for tracking myself and for communicating an emergency when out of cell service.
thanks Steve...... :)
Very informative video, if you want to save some space stop and go makes a nice little air compressor
Thank you sir for the tutorial. Now I know what to pack for a long trip. And yes how did the world operate without zip ties.
Thanks sir.... :)
Thanks for your reply, that will help in my decision to purchase. Good health, and mind the cagers.
nice bike was looking at newer one i have 2001 still going hot and strong another gear would be good I'm from Australia love to come over some day and ride your roads anyway keep up the good work. FTW
Good to hear from you sir, Hope you make it here to the US some day soon. Thanks for watching... Keep safe out there... :)
I have a '14 ES for 5 years and never dismantled its fairings, LOL...BTW the bike has been flawless
Zip ties are great but I always carry a length of re-bar tie wire. If something is hot that needs securing it won’t melt.
Enjoy your trip...
thanks sir.... :)
That is a beautiful bike, love the colour. I’m thinking of buying one myself when spring gets here. Did you ever get to the bottom of how the front wheel ended up incorrectly spaced? It’s a good job you’re an attentive type or you could’ve ended up needing to replace the fork bushings before too long.
thanks for the comments sir, The front wheel was installed by the dealer so that answers the who done it.... :)
Hey there Ozark Backroads guy. Just letting you know that we're in Harrison. Just south off 206 at Shady oaks campground.
Hello there sir, I am still out in Colorado but should be home this week, perhaps we could try to meet up this weekend.?
@@ozarksbackroads5484 I thought you might be. Just letting you know. We have till September.
That's a beautiful bike. I love my 2014. It's amazing how much an FJR can pack, right?!
thanks sir, yes they will haul quite a bit of stuff... :)
what type of front stand is that you are using under the middle of the bike and where did you get it .. where is it placed under the fairing there as well? Cheers, ..
Hey Ricardo, that is a center jack placed under the header tubes. it is similar to this one..... www.jpcycles.com/product/832-120/bikemaster-heavy-duty-steel-center-jack Thanks for the comments sir.... ride safe.... Jon Smith.... :)
Dont forget lots of water n nuts or snacks have a great time
Thanks Sir.... :)
A cheap, light weight bicycle frame pump with a gauge on it works good.
Hi, how come you are not carrying a 12v air compressor instead of the foot pump? Your FJR has a glove box with a 12v outlet.
Hello there, Good to hear from you. I prefer a manual pump over an electric pump. A manual pump will always work when it is needed... can't say the same for Chinese electric air compressors. Thanks for watching and keep safe out there... :)
What happened to the fork side loading issue?
Thanks for watching sir, the idea there is to let both forks hang freely when the pinch bolts are tightened on the right hand fork. By doing it this way there will be no side loading on the forks. Keep safe out there... :)
Hello fellow, I've always tought that before tighten pinch bolts forma And once you tight the axel nut, you should put the bike with no leg holder por anything And push the handelbars up And down, so that the weight of the bike get adjusted to the axel,each side And last thing And finally tighten pinch bolts, so that everything is firmly adjusted. At least, all along 35 years of riding, is the way I hace always watch different tyre mechanics doing it so that I hace learned so. Watching your method, makes me doubt now...Cause I can sure see that you are precise, with knoledge an take real good care of your bikes. Greetings from Segovia mountains un Spain, over a xt12ze Super Tenere 18, also a great And reliable bike...Soon I'll get one of those iconics And spaceships fjrs...Just the kind of bikes to enjoy forever to ride And work con them. Take care fellow And enjoy. Bikes are the best!
Have a safe and enjoyable trip. My group is leaving on June 1 for 16 days we are heading east to check out Niagara Falls then on east to the state of New York and on up to Maine maybe take In some parts of Canada while we are up there. Ride Safe! Also you seem to be a good mechanic is that your background? Just wondering.😊
That sounds like you are going to have a blast for sure...ride safe up there... I grew up building cars and bikes and have worked as a mechanic for quite a few years of my life. I actually have a degree in electronics and worked in field service supporting Main Frame and super Mini computer systems for many years. I currently work in IT for a Business Solutions Company. Thanks for the comments... Jon Smith :)
Ozarks Backroads well I kind of figured you seem to know your way around a bike. We are really looking forward to our ride as I am sure you are yours as well. Maybe sometime we will meet up sometime. I ride over in your area all the time. Safe Travels.
Hello, I have a problem with the fuel gauge of my FJR 1300, on the screen it marks all the lines as if it were full but always blinking, having or not gasoline. What can be? Thank you
Hello sir, I have not heard of any specific issues with the fuel gauges on the FJR but I would imagine that you could have a problem with the ground for the fuel gauge sending unit or possibly a bad sending unit. I would try unplugging and re connecting the fuel pump/sending unit connectors on the bottom of the fuel tank and tightening all the chassis grounds on the frame under the seat and fuel tank. If that does not help you may need to see dealer service... thanks sir and good luck.... :)
@@ozarksbackroads5484
I'll try to do that. Thank you very much!
I know that givi makes a top case mount that also doubles as a luggage rack to tie down dry bags like the Kriega 30 liter bags so I don't have to use a top case do you think that there is enough room on the back of the fjr for that sort of a thing ?plus without covering the passenger seat?
yes there is plenty of room for a larger rack on the FJR, it will be behind the passenger seat I would say.... Thanks sir....Jon Smith :)
I have a 2016 FJR and need a front tire replacement wondering about how you Jack the front end up are you sure it's okay to put the weight on those headers ?
yes sir, put the bike on the center stand and then lift under the headers, 95 percent of the weight is carried on the center stand. Thanks sir... :)
thanks for responding to my question sure do enjoy your videos !
I think you carry too many tools 🛠
I mean, you’re not riding a Harley! 🤣
Better safe than sorry I guess, but honestly if I rode with you on a trip I wouldn’t bring any tools because I think you have enough. 👍🏻
you are absolutely correct sir.... :)
Lol
Hey man how many miles are on your bike? Were the bearing loose?
the bike was new, one of the front wheel bearings had a rough spot in it so I changed them... thanks sir... :)
What’s the best way to get the bearings out?
I use a drift punch and drive each bearing out from the opposite side (from the back side of the bearing. thanks sir... :)
I have not had good results with Frog Togo’s. Before I hit the thunder storm out of Santa Fe, I put a full set on and got just as wet aa though they weren’t there. Very disappointed in Frogg Toggs
sorry to hear that :(
Wheel bearing replacement on a 2018? What happened?
check it out here... ua-cam.com/video/-Xc2Si38urs/v-deo.html thanks sir.... Jon Smith.... :)
Hello , when you travel to UK ?
hello there sir, I do not have any plans at this time to travel over seas but you never know.... Thanks sir..... :)
Hi John..really appreciating your channel and all the guidance. Although watching the FJR service I notice you use a Givi v56 top box also on your Versys1000. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the apparently nonsensical max top box weight limit on the Versys. 6 kgs max...when even Kawasakis own 47l box weighs 4.5 empty. So..they are saying no more than 1.5 kgs or 3.5 lbs of actual contents!!! You seem like an experienced common sense kind of guy. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Keep up the good work. Cheers !
hello sir, I actually had the 47 liter Givi on the versys but it is important I think not to overload the top box on any bike. I allways keep my lighter contents in my top box and heavier things like tools and such in the side cases. I was not aware of the max load on the versys but I have never had any issues with rear subframes or top box failures. thanks for the comments.... :)
@@ozarksbackroads5484 hi John...all makes good sense...I just wonder why the versys has such a low limit compared to other bikes. Love the FJR by the way. Awesome 😃
I think I may have just passed you was you in Strafford Missouri by the Burger King and gas station
sorry sir but that was not me.... I appreciate you thinking of me though..... :)
@@ozarksbackroads5484 lol for some reason I thought it was it kind of looked like you and you guys have similar motorcycles
@@ozarksbackroads5484 lol for some reason I thought it was you guys who resemble a little bit and have also similar motorcycles
I took it interesting ride on my motorcycle up the other day took 125 into Arkansas and rode the ferry boat across have you done that yet I made a little video of it but I'm not too good at that you can make a better one
Hi, in your previous video you changed the oil. I noticed you weren't wearing rubber gloves. Used motor oil is a known carcinogen (cancer causing), so you may want to get a box of them. Same with grease being applied. I also noticed your front brake calipers hanging via the rubber hoses. You should use a bungee cord to hold them up and relieve pulling tension on the hoses. Also maybe some knee pads when working on the floor? Sorry, I do a lot of work on my Goldwing like you do on your FJR and it all helps. If you ever want to visit Western Canada, contact me, I know all the places best to ride in, what to see, what to avoid, etc.
Hello combien a de miles votre fjr
au moment de cette vidéo, je n'avais qu'environ 600 miles sur le FJR. J'ai maintenant environ 5600 miles dessus. Merci Monsieur... :)
Merci pour votre réponse Je suis étonnée que vous ayez à remplacer les roulements si tôt
@@bebel3163
L'un d'eux avait une place rugueuse donc je l'ai changé, c'était juste un roulement défectueux pour le départ ... :)
Have you tried camping off the bike? Much cheaper :)
yes sir, used to do that quite a bit... good times for sure... thanks sir... :)
why on earth are you replacing the wheel bearings on a brand new bike ???? if the bearings are bad it's probably covered by the warranty !
if you knew about how many HACK mechanics there are out there,you'd do it yourself too
More important is how the hell did the front wheel end up incorrectly spaced? That could’ve really buggered up the forks.
Wheel bearings are a pain in the ass to install. I would have my dealership do this for free for mucking it up on a new bike in the first place.
Never use a screwdriver for centralising the front wheel bearing spacer sleeve, always hard wood or plastic, your asking for trouble with a screwdriver.
Use hard wood or plastic or plastic hammer to fit the wheel bearings as well.
BS
why take a tool kit on a new bike,just get recovery
Plastic handled chisel... (face palm) ....