Bought a 2002 Honda Valkyrie new. The stock fuel tank was around 5.3 gallons with a cruising range of approx 150mi. max. I bought what was called an ACE fuel tank made for the Valk. Made of carbon fiber and fiberglass. It brought the capacity to 9.5 gallons and a realistic cruising range of 225 min. I added some Honda factory hardbags, Honda windshield, Ultimate touring seat, Pilot 35w running lights, and a host of other accessories. The fingers on my throttle hand had a tendency to go numb after a few hours. On the Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club website boards, some Valk riders were adding an Audiovox electronic cruise and swearing by it. I decided to gave it a try. WOW!! Worked like a champ. I'll never have another bike without it. It's a vacuum canister type and I have it under the seat. If I set it at 75, it'll vary about +/- 2. Not bad. I don't do the Iron Butt runs. About 2, sometimes 3 times per season, friends from work and I take some vacation days and make a run. Some long, some short. Normally 5 to 7 days in the 2000 ish range. Our longest run was 11 days & around 4900mi. Went through Yellowstone and northern Montana. On all our tours, with the ACE tank, I'm never the one who has to stop 1st for gas, although I do fill-up since we're already there. The Valk is 15 years old and getting long in the tooth but still running great at 67,000mi. Been using nothing but Mobil 1, 15W50 and a Honda filter since 1500mi. I'm not an everyday biker. I don't ride to work or just ride around town. 90% of every mile on my bike are highway miles.
Thank you. I really like the advice you give at the end when you said, "ride it and see what limits you". That's the only way I've found to figure out what I need specifically to increase my comfort and fun factor.
I think what some of you don't understand is that this is setup for the Iron Butt Rally's. This isn't the normal long distance setup. The extra fuel lets them run for a very long time without stopping. According to the rules you can only have so much fuel and the extra tank is specifically designed to give them that. You are allowed up to 11.5 gallons of fuel. A lot of the other stuff can be used normally but the extra fuel tank is special for this purpose.
Judging by the comments a lot of these ppl have no clue. He’s talking about LD Rally’s. Long Distance Rallys. The equivalent of the New York Marathon for motorcyclist. The full Iron Butt rally riders do a minimum of 1000 miles per day.., every day., for 11 straight days., with strict time frame parameters. I don’t think there’s a person making snarky comments on this page that could ever hope to complete one if their life depended on it.
Very good information. I've just completed my first Iron Butt ride and found a great deal of joy in planning and executing my long rides. Thanks for the tips
wow. this is inspiring, as a cycle riding 36 yr old undergoing an early mid-life crisis, i've been dreaming of a long cross country from orlando to wherever. maybe vancouver
Great presentation!! Really enjoyed it and although I'm not an endurance rider I still enjoy the roadways with my GOLDWING 1800. This is Alan from RIVERSIDE California, God Bless Brother!!
Like he says at the end, ride what you have and correct what you feel needs corrected. BUT also watch videos like this one and learn from others' experiences as well. If only I'd have modified my lighting I might of see that deer. Glad to say I'm all healed and the bike suffered minimal damage so we're ready for the upcoming riding season.
In 1976 I drove my BMW R90S from Florida to Oregon in 6 days in the middle of July. I arrived with the skin on my forearms sloughing off like a snake molting, and I was unable to feel my testicles or my ass for two weeks afterwards. Best memory of my life... I sure wish I had these creature comforts back then. What I did have was a roadmap, two Luftmeister saddlebags, and a sleeping bag and a tent bungied on the rear portion of the seat.
That from personal experiance I would have to argue, I have been required to operate at 100% alertness for many, many hours at a time due to my job, and with the proper training, small breaks, nutrition, and yes caffeine or nicotine supplementation it is no problem. There are many people who complete the Ironbutt rally every year of 1000 miles per day for 11 days, and the accident rate is very low as far as at fault accidents due to being tired.
Nice job. Looking forward to some long trips on my ZZR1200 this year, which came with extended windshield and full GIVI hard bags. Got it last fall and immediately recognized the need to get handlebar extenders to get out of that "Ducati crouch" they had on the bike.
Great video !! Well set up bike for those very long weeks out on a rally. Had an 07 FJR LD ride & now a 2010 12RT & setting it up pretty much the same. Funny how people that can`t or won`t ride further past the local bar, never understand the need for such equipment on a motorcycle.
Having both at the moment, I was thinking the same thing! I've done numerous long-distance trips on the C10 and am setting up my new C14 for the same. They're great bikes and are all too often overlooked for long-distance riding.
I think the whole idea of the design of this bike,is that it is made to suit what the rider feels he needs.It may be too much for most of us,but each to his own.You could tour on a Honda Cub,but why would you,when you could have something more suited to the task.If posing on you Harley is your thing,you should probably be looking at other vids,Rob
Nice video. I own three bikes and have owned dozens in my life, but the yamaha FJR 1300 is far and away the best i have ever own for going long distance. It handles great, is powerful and comfortable. the electric windshield, bags and large tank and good milage help alot. i do not enter long distance events, but travel some. Mine is a 2005 The only additions are Heli bar spacers and GPS
nice video with some really great information. Thanks for taking the time and the effort to put it together and sharing your experience with those of us who are "learning" about "LD" riding.
People need to realist that this is a rally setup, I ride an R1100RT myself, and while yes while I'm rallying I will run the full electronics suite and fuel cell, etc. When I am just riding, or even going for a tour on my own time I don't use anything extra accept for a GPS.
At times I think the reason for a lot of the crappy comments made, are by people that are jealous of what others have. People need to grow up and act their age..... But we all know that will never happen.... What a shame
Great bike! I just bought a 2007 FJR and I would LOVE to possibly get a list of your modifications, or some help on where you bought your mods (links, company, model, etc). I would love that accessory shelf, the grip covers, the mount for your aux lights, the seat, and the handlebar spacers, oh, and I think I see some leg rests.
awesome!!!...training now for IBA riding. my biggest obstacle has been my right hand. Severe case of carpal tunnel means I need to get with a Kaoko throttle lock ASAP
i ride a FZ1 360 mi one way and over a thousand in a weekend only mods. exhaust, DB zero gravity wind screen and cellphone charger mount that has a charger
Hear you about watts. I remember switching between driving light and heated vest/gloves in super crappy weather in northern Maine. Riding a 1982 BMW R100RT with a whopping 230watt alternator! Now I'm setting up an 81 RT same alternator output but now there are LED driving lights and iPODs!!!!!
FJRs from 2006 have a 590 watt alternator fitted. That will give you about 300 watts of reserve electrical capacity. That greatly simplifies power management. 2016s on have all LED lighting. That adds about another 80 watts.
I did Surfside ,Tx. to Canton Ohio in 2 on my 06 Concourse with a Givi top bag a 30 dollar walmart rain coat just to catch a funeral and head home 2 days later.Dont piss on the side of the road in Indiana they ticket for that!
Have the same bike and year in bmw metallic blue color, Corbin seat has back rest, where did you get Givi trunk? I want to get a large one and side led replacement lights, thinking of getting cheap ones but not sure of low beam watts, 18 maybe. Already mounted broken regular lights. Gas meter just went out and clock! Has 18,000 miles bought with 12,000 3rd owner. See,s like not many parts available for such a popular bike, don’t know of a retailer for good fitting parts. Maybe Ill make some of mounts.
Sir: you've decked it out so nice! when I do get mone, I want to duplicate that what you have. Kudos! and Keep her Safe!!! I live in the Phoenix Arizona area.
Hey people, you don't need to spend 30 or 40 thousand to take a motorcycle trip. I did 5,500 miles of Mexico on a 650 Yamaha back in 1972. I thought I was doing something but met a brave Brit on a 250cc BMW. All this is nice of course but don't think that you have to spend tons of money to do it. I did it solo but recommend going with a partner. Over & Back by Wild Bill Callahan on Amazon...buy the paperback.
+James Mayfield You may have heard of Lois Pryce? She's a brave little Brit girl who shipped her 225cc Yamaha dirt bike from England to Anchorage, AK, then rode it, mostly solo, from there to the tip of South America. I bought her book & it was great. Now reading about her Africa trip....probably on the same bike. Glad you had a safe trip James. I'm 66 now but those were great days. Live life fully people.....WHILE YOU CAN!....LIFE REALLY IS....SHORT!
+Over & Back Why such a big engine? :-) I did a 2,750 mile trip (Yorkshire UK to Naples Italy) on my Suzuki Inazuma GW250, the 80 litre Givi Bag with my camping gear in it made a nice lower back support. I am now thinking 650 V-Strom, or similar size, as I did struggle on the 130kph motorways (where they drive at 100 to 160) as passing goods vehicles enquired a bit of planning. If I was going to use a 1300cc engine it would be in a car! (actually my car is 1339cc) I look at some touring motorbikes and wonder what the point is, they are motorbike in name, not spirit, If I can do a camping tour, France to Netherlands on a pushbike. with my 80 year old Dad (with a false hip and heart bypass), I am sure I can do it on a 250! Once you get over a litre and the bike is so big you can't pick it up, I think it is time to admit you really want a car, cause in my mind you are no longer on a motorbike. To be fair, I did only get my full motorbike licence in July this year, so maybe I'll get fat and lazy, and see the value of a massive soft bike that uses more fuel than a car one day soon (but God I hope not!).
+Over & Back Tell me about aging James! I'm 67. It seems like days last an hour, a week is one day, a month is one week. Get out there guys & girls. Time is wasting. If you want to read how I lived my life, it's called Over & Back by Wild Bill Callahan on Amazon. It's mostly about aviation but with a very different slant. The Mexico m/c trip is included.
Great video and great bike. I’m into LD riding but not at the IBA rally stage. I’ve done the Saddle Sore 1000. When I travel by bike we routinely do 500-700 miles daily. I’ll not think twice about riding 200-300 miles one way just to go for lunch and then return the same day. Yes lots of uninformed folks leaving thoughtless comments. Motorcycling is the only way I want to travel long distances, if you can’t get your head wrapped around that you’re just another guy/gal on a bike.
Shucks. I made the 2016 Last Ride of the Year (Dec.30) to the Stagecoach Cafe, Stockton, AL. From Denton, TX to Stockton is about 750 miles one way. Headed down to Houston to meet up with my b-i-l. Headed east to Stockton for lunch. I was shooting for home that day. Alas, it took me 3 days. We hit a bad traffic jam in I-20 and rain. Ya' gotta' know when to call the ride.
Great machine. Lot of thought and attention went into it. I have to take Treadlifeblog to task for neglecting, in his introduction, to mention either of the Kawaski Concours - the 1000cc or the 1400cc.
Marius, his bike is set up more for rallies; almost any bike can do a standard Iron Butt ride. My stock V Star 950 Tourer did well on a Saddle Sore 1000. On July 18, 2019 I'll attempt 1500 miles in 24 hours on it. However, my bike is woefully ill-prepared for an Iron Butt Rally. 11,000 miles in 11 days requires a special bike and rider combo.
I found it wasn't the seat that was a problem, but my knees that were killing me. I suppose a dual-sport bike isn't ideal for a 1500 mile weekend, but at least I got a leg stretch break every two hours for fuel. Also, the weight of your helmet has big effects on your neck after the first day. Try and find some sort of wrist rest for your throttle so you can move your hand later... I'm on a 225, but a light helmet, second set of footpegs and a throttle thing would help.
I personally love how you set up your dash. I would love to hear any feadback on how you mounted all that equipment to the FJR. I would love to try and achieve something like that on my R12RT
I'm a distance guy but don't get the iron butt stuff. Seems that its a " do it to do it" kind of reason. That lacks a deeper purpose (for me). Blowing thru towns, beautiful areas just to get the mileage without soaking it in isn't for me, or most people obviously. Kind of a niche group. Glad they do it though. Nice to see different peeps in any activity. Fun to see the set ups also. Gone across the country 2.5 times. Leisurely pace. Best way to travel. Wish I had some of the features here. Numero uno add on for me is heated clothes. Man, what a difference. Can't tell u the number of times I was praying for death just freezing my ass off. Donners Pass in February. :) Would love to grab a Moonshine Burger in Illinois someday. Look it up if you haven't heard about it.
Sean O I'm more of a take my time rider also but when I heard about the iorn butt challenge I wanted to do it with a couple of friends just to do and possibly have another story for us to talk about. I'm glad I started researching it though even though we will do a not that far from home round trip it gives great ideas of routes to take that you normally wouldn't think of that we plan to take as scenic take our time rides so I'm happy it exist just for that.
Iron Butt riders know that too fast is not the way to go. I do IBA rides and typically only ride about 5 over the posted speed. I soak in lots. If I see something so noteworthy that it warrants more time, I'll come back. Each to his own.
Fairings on modern sports bikes are so tiny they do very little for protection even with super low clip ons forcing you in to a crouched position, putting high bars on makes them even less effective.
You're confusing this with a Goldwing... I think that you are agreeing with the OP, ride your own ride! If you want to modify it to suit you, then go ahead. If you're happy with a stock set up, then that's great too. Some of us love to tinker with our bikes to make them more comfy for our purpose. Farkling up a bike can be a lot of fun. You're absolutely right, you can have as much fun on pretty much anything you want to. Ride whatever puts a smile on your face!
Adventure-touring bikes are the best to travel far. Such BMW 1200 GS, Triumph Tiger, Guzzi Stelvio...ect The legs position is much natural than on a sport-touring. And you can take short cut on the gravel roads with those wonderful machines.
What can I say, i bought it in 2014 it’s d bike. In 2015 I ride it from Singapore to Koh Samui and back around 2700 km in daylight in rain and in the night pillion with my wife zero problem. Actually I rode blackbird before but FJR is much much more comfortable.👍
My wife wont ride on my FJR anyway id love that extra fuel cell! And the lights Ive never been too thrilled about the Hi-beams on this thing anyway. I ride home late at night a lot these would be great!
Paul, thank you. Nicely done and neatly presented, I am glad you retained this for as long as you have because the info itself is timeless. Currently I ride a Suzuki Boulevard C50T(icon photo) which I have great fun with but it is not a very long distance machine, it's well suited for hours of riding buy not days, I'd say it's a cruiser but not a cross country touring bike. My next step may be a longer haul machine with all the fixings & perks but I have to decide which one. Victory has some nice machines but then again so does Indian..., yes I know hardly the same category or class of bike so you can see where my taste isn't fully matching up to the task. I work with a bunch of guys all with differing rides, some on BMW's others on Indians and then the Harley group (thanks but not for me) Like so many others in my league I am a returning biker after taking an extended break but am now reinvigorated with extra money to put into the bike I really want...., however as I said this Boulevard is going to stay in the stable because of how nice it is and how well suited it is for all around quick trips. The mods you did have given me some ideas for which way to lean, I have not even considered the Yamaha line nor the FJR's, I don't know if I can adapt into the "sport bike" style or ride..., I have noticed your bike is popular with the Police Bike community world wide. Facing the facts I am a slightly older cruiser / touring bike type with a desire for the comforts I can afford plus some serious power commanded by the wrist. Shaking Harley's don't fit the bill and neither does the super hushed power of Honda, if I am going to spend some real money it'll be on something that can tackle the road with comfort, power in a graceful cruiser style. Maybe I'm back to the Victory again (hahaha), just thinking aloud here. It would be nice to see another posting from you with some more recent activities if you could sir. I'm sure the others would like to see it and I certainly would. Let us know how the Yamaha is doing these days or if it was replaced by another ride. Again, thank you, it is informative and practical. Okay, time for the update please. :)
You have a number of other mods on the bike that went without mention. how about a quick list: cruise, water supply, extra bags,2 GPS's, other pegs... Sometimes its the little things that make the big differences.
some ppl love to ride a bike so they use it whenever they can even at very long distances such as 1000 miles and more. Once you rode a bike for 1000miles ur arse will feel pain as it never felt bevore so every bit of comfort you can add to ur motocyle helps you to lower the pain. Those who do not know or like the feeling of driving a motocyle for a long period of time will never understand!
Really nice video. I just inherited a 94 goldwing. Looking to do things to make it mine. Headlight improvement is a must. With the age it doesn't have the new technology bells and whistles, looking to change that, you have good suggestions.
Awesome video...I recently bought a 2015 FJR1300es exactly for taking long rides (its the plan come Spring 2016); do you have any information you can provide on the accessory bars and how they attach to the bike? Such as the bar where you have the GPS and communication devices mounted.Thank you for sharing your experience.
yes, I don't ride very often. I have friends who ride 9-10 months of the year depending on weather. I'm not like them. What I ment was that it's pointless to build a long bridge on 1 support just to show it's possible. The optimal structure n configuration is the best and is only 1.
Pretty badass setup. Think I want an FJR1300 second gen, don't know if I want the AE version. My heart wants a BMW or Ducati my head says Japanese. Still debating sport tourer or adventure tourer.
So do I, on my personal trips I ride roughly 10-12 hours a day, however when running a long distance rally such as any of the Iron-Butt Association rallys you are doing upwards of 1K miles per day.
Everyone makes things so complicated .Electonically adjustable windscreen/ custom seats/ gps/ xm weather/ telephone/ custom fuel cell. I would just like to say you can have as much "fun" or more on something a little less complicated. I can ride my old Triumph Bonneville 400 miles a day and can have some real fun and actually feel like a rode a motorcycle afterwards. Might as well be in a Cadillac if your going to that much bother.
Wow! Love the information you provided. One thing you didn't mention and that was cruise control. Does your particular bike have cruise control and if not, then how do you keep your hands from cramping 460 or so miles of riding?
I totally agree with pbr2424. Why go through ALL that trouble when in the end you can just get in a car? Don't get me wrong, I love motorcycles too but to go through all that hassle to travel 400 or 500 miles especially alone seems to me a little too much. But then again thats just my opinion.
He is not just traveling 400 or 500 hundred miles. He built a specialized machine to do the IBR, an 11 day, 11000 mile scavenger hunt. Since its beginning in the late '80's, about 600 people have finished the Iron Butt Rally. Hey, if it were easy, anybody could do it.
It is not the same experience in a car. When I crossed the border with Canada last summer, I would have never smelled thousands upon thousands of Douglas Fir trees as soon as I entered Canada. It smelled like Christmas. There are things you see and notice on the back of the bike because you are in a different position than you would be in a car you would have never seen. That is why a motorcycle and not a car.
I just completed an Iron Butt certified ride, a SaddleSore 1000 doing 1038 miles in 18.5 hours. Granted it is not for everyone, but for those of us who love it, nothing is better. I've never understood marathon runners, but I won't criticize them for dedication to their sport. There is little benefit to high speeds in endurance riding, it burns too much gas and is fatiguing. I typically ride about 5 over the limit, so I still take in the scenery and enjoy the sights and sounds of riding.
One gallon water jugs. You can get by for one day of desert riding without them, but after two long days, you start running into dehydration. www.fjr-tips.org/acc/hyd/hyd.html Remember, if you are doing Iron Butt work, you are riding lots of miles - on the clock.
you just need too much, all that shit isn't necessary.but thats just me. to each his own. That extra fuel was a great idea and the tank itself was smart. But white knuckling it like that to me is not fun, like endurance fucking sometime it feels good to just stop.
I use a Russel the best seat I have two motorcycle i bought Russel seats for both. I tried sergeant and it was better then stock but the Russel was the next step up. I also both Helio bars on my bike to. I will ride all day.
I just bought 1 of these was fairly low miles 1 of my only complaints is the handlebars are a little low for me and I have the same heli bar risers just wished I could get them a little higher and back a little bit
Nice setup you have there, and I think from what you have said it works for you. What I want to know , what is the best tires for long distances, without going darkside, with a car tire, if I said that right ? Thanks, yl
Ecoory he does endurance rallies, this stuff is necassary to be comfortable. They cover miles like no other. Im tired after 200 miles sometimes, lol, lol
Bought a 2002 Honda Valkyrie new. The stock fuel tank was around 5.3 gallons with a cruising range of approx 150mi. max. I bought what was called an ACE fuel tank made for the Valk. Made of carbon fiber and fiberglass. It brought the capacity to 9.5 gallons and a realistic cruising range of 225 min. I added some Honda factory hardbags, Honda windshield, Ultimate touring seat, Pilot 35w running lights, and a host of other accessories.
The fingers on my throttle hand had a tendency to go numb after a few hours. On the Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club website boards, some Valk riders were adding an Audiovox electronic cruise and swearing by it. I decided to gave it a try. WOW!! Worked like a champ. I'll never have another bike without it. It's a vacuum canister type and I have it under the seat. If I set it at 75, it'll vary about +/- 2. Not bad.
I don't do the Iron Butt runs. About 2, sometimes 3 times per season, friends from work and I take some vacation days and make a run. Some long, some short. Normally 5 to 7 days in the 2000 ish range. Our longest run was 11 days & around 4900mi. Went through Yellowstone and northern Montana. On all our tours, with the ACE tank, I'm never the one who has to stop 1st for gas, although I do fill-up since we're already there.
The Valk is 15 years old and getting long in the tooth but still running great at 67,000mi. Been using nothing but Mobil 1, 15W50 and a Honda filter since 1500mi. I'm not an everyday biker. I don't ride to work or just ride around town. 90% of every mile on my bike are highway miles.
Well spoken, very articulate and informative. Spoken from experience rather than a script - keep up the good work and safe riding from UK
Thank you. I really like the advice you give at the end when you said, "ride it and see what limits you". That's the only way I've found to figure out what I need specifically to increase my comfort and fun factor.
A separate fuel cell?!!!! Love it. This guy is hard core & smart about it. This is an older video that has aged well and stands the test of time.
The most hard core yet Functional and brilliant set up I've ever seen. Good Video. Great job.
Beautiful custom job. You chose a great bike to build on, I can appreciate all the options and how you incorporated them. Nice job.
incredible modifications that you shared... looks like a lot of thought and execution on your bike ! very impresssed thanks for sharing this video
2021 and I still looking at this video. Very useful.
This inspired me to buy my 2014 FJR.
I think what some of you don't understand is that this is setup for the Iron Butt Rally's. This isn't the normal long distance setup. The extra fuel lets them run for a very long time without stopping. According to the rules you can only have so much fuel and the extra tank is specifically designed to give them that. You are allowed up to 11.5 gallons of fuel. A lot of the other stuff can be used normally but the extra fuel tank is special for this purpose.
Judging by the comments a lot of these ppl have no clue. He’s talking about LD Rally’s. Long Distance Rallys. The equivalent of the New York Marathon for motorcyclist. The full Iron Butt rally riders do a minimum of 1000 miles per day.., every day., for 11 straight days., with strict time frame parameters. I don’t think there’s a person making snarky comments on this page that could ever hope to complete one if their life depended on it.
Most won't understand. IBA 71243 here!
Getting my first touring bike in a couple of weeks a nice Concours 14 to start dabbling into some iron butt challenges
Very good information. I've just completed my first Iron Butt ride and found a great deal of joy in planning and executing my long rides. Thanks for the tips
wow. this is inspiring, as a cycle riding 36 yr old undergoing an early mid-life crisis, i've been dreaming of a long cross country from orlando to wherever. maybe vancouver
Great presentation!! Really enjoyed it and although I'm not an endurance rider I still enjoy the roadways with my GOLDWING 1800. This is Alan from RIVERSIDE California, God Bless Brother!!
Awesome video. A very neat setup for long journey motorcycle. Got style on his FJR modification...good luck man.
Like he says at the end, ride what you have and correct what you feel needs corrected. BUT also watch videos like this one and learn from others' experiences as well. If only I'd have modified my lighting I might of see that deer. Glad to say I'm all healed and the bike suffered minimal damage so we're ready for the upcoming riding season.
PapawTom I
How's the deer?
Delicious!
Well put, well put. I have a 2006 FJR, can't say how much I love the beast and it is a beauty. It is the beauty and the beast story in one.
In 1976 I drove my BMW R90S from Florida to Oregon in 6 days in the middle of July. I arrived with the skin on my forearms sloughing off like a snake molting, and I was unable to feel my testicles or my ass for two weeks afterwards. Best memory of my life... I sure wish I had these creature comforts back then. What I did have was a roadmap, two Luftmeister saddlebags, and a sleeping bag and a tent bungied on the rear portion of the seat.
That from personal experiance I would have to argue, I have been required to operate at 100% alertness for many, many hours at a time due to my job, and with the proper training, small breaks, nutrition, and yes caffeine or nicotine supplementation it is no problem. There are many people who complete the Ironbutt rally every year of 1000 miles per day for 11 days, and the accident rate is very low as far as at fault accidents due to being tired.
Nice job. Looking forward to some long trips on my ZZR1200 this year, which came with extended windshield and full GIVI hard bags. Got it last fall and immediately recognized the need to get handlebar extenders to get out of that "Ducati crouch" they had on the bike.
Beautiful setup, thanks for sharing. FJR is the bike I'd take for the IBR. Highway rocketship.
Great video and great advice. That looks like a Garmin V on the left bar which is still one of my favorite GPS units.
Great video !! Well set up bike for those very long weeks out on a rally. Had an 07 FJR LD ride & now a 2010 12RT & setting it up pretty much the same. Funny how people that can`t or won`t ride further past the local bar, never understand the need for such equipment on a motorcycle.
Having both at the moment, I was thinking the same thing! I've done numerous long-distance trips on the C10 and am setting up my new C14 for the same. They're great bikes and are all too often overlooked for long-distance riding.
I like the advice about riding your own bike then fixing the things that limit your time in the saddle.
Nice review buddy, very informative, your absolutely right on the fjr stock seat, when mine needs fuel im glad to get off of it for a few minutes.
I think the whole idea of the design of this bike,is that it is made to suit what the rider feels he needs.It may be too much for most of us,but each to his own.You could tour on a Honda Cub,but why would you,when you could have something more suited to the task.If posing on you Harley is your thing,you should probably be looking at other vids,Rob
Nice video. I own three bikes and have owned dozens in my life, but the yamaha FJR 1300 is far and away the best i have ever own for going long distance. It handles great, is powerful and comfortable. the electric windshield, bags and large tank and good milage help alot. i do not enter long distance events, but travel some. Mine is a 2005 The only additions are Heli bar spacers and GPS
it looks like a spaceship!! Congratulations from Spain!!
Interesting vid, thanks. The FJR is a great bike... looks like yours is ready for big time distance. Excellent.
nice video with some really great information. Thanks for taking the time and the effort to put it together and sharing your experience with those of us who are "learning" about "LD" riding.
People need to realist that this is a rally setup, I ride an R1100RT myself, and while yes while I'm rallying I will run the full electronics suite and fuel cell, etc. When I am just riding, or even going for a tour on my own time I don't use anything extra accept for a GPS.
At times I think the reason for a lot of the crappy comments made, are by people that are jealous of what others have. People need to grow up and act their age..... But we all know that will never happen.... What a shame
تعليقك قبل 6سنين اين ذهبت بك الايام ياصديقي 😔
east to west coast and back on a vulcan 900 with hard bags and a mustang saddle. bike performed like a champ
Great bike! I just bought a 2007 FJR and I would LOVE to possibly get a list of your modifications, or some help on where you bought your mods (links, company, model, etc). I would love that accessory shelf, the grip covers, the mount for your aux lights, the seat, and the handlebar spacers, oh, and I think I see some leg rests.
awesome!!!...training now for IBA riding. my biggest obstacle has been my right hand. Severe case of carpal tunnel means I need to get with a Kaoko throttle lock ASAP
I agree. Ride what ever you enjoy the most. Thanks for your insight and video.
i ride a FZ1 360 mi one way and over a thousand in a weekend only mods. exhaust, DB zero gravity wind screen and cellphone charger mount that has a charger
Hear you about watts. I remember switching between driving light and heated vest/gloves in super crappy weather in northern Maine. Riding a 1982 BMW R100RT with a whopping 230watt alternator! Now I'm setting up an 81 RT same alternator output but now there are LED driving lights and iPODs!!!!!
FJRs from 2006 have a 590 watt alternator fitted. That will give you about 300 watts of reserve electrical capacity. That greatly simplifies power management. 2016s on have all LED lighting. That adds about another 80 watts.
I did Surfside ,Tx. to Canton Ohio in 2 on my 06 Concourse with a Givi top bag a 30 dollar walmart rain coat just to catch a funeral and head home 2 days later.Dont piss on the side of the road in Indiana they ticket for that!
Piss on Indiana! (Just don't get caught).
Have the same bike and year in bmw metallic blue color, Corbin seat has back rest, where did you get Givi trunk? I want to get a large one and side led replacement lights, thinking of getting cheap ones but not sure of low beam watts, 18 maybe. Already mounted broken regular lights. Gas meter just went out and clock! Has 18,000 miles bought with 12,000 3rd owner. See,s like not many parts available for such a popular bike, don’t know of a retailer for good fitting parts. Maybe Ill make some of mounts.
A beautiful bike and nice video. Thanks for sharing.
Inspiring video with a great biking attitude. Thanks.
Sir: you've decked it out so nice! when I do get mone, I want to duplicate that what you have. Kudos! and Keep her Safe!!! I live in the Phoenix Arizona area.
Iron Bud is an endurance race where you do about 1000 miles plus in a day.
In South-Africa we did 1760 km (1100 Miles) in a day.
Hey people, you don't need to spend 30 or 40 thousand to take a motorcycle trip. I did 5,500 miles of Mexico on a 650 Yamaha back in 1972. I thought I was doing something but met a brave Brit on a 250cc BMW. All this is nice of course but don't think that you have to spend tons of money to do it. I did it solo but recommend going with a partner. Over & Back by Wild Bill Callahan on Amazon...buy the paperback.
Over & Back Word. I just completed 2,000 miles on a 08 Suzuki V-Strom 650. I can't wait to do it again!
+Over & Back LOL back in 1972! Before and the Mexican drug problems and gangs.
+James Mayfield You may have heard of Lois Pryce? She's a brave little Brit girl who shipped her 225cc Yamaha dirt bike from England to Anchorage, AK, then rode it, mostly solo, from there to the tip of South America. I bought her book & it was great. Now reading about her Africa trip....probably on the same bike. Glad you had a safe trip James. I'm 66 now but those were great days. Live life fully people.....WHILE YOU CAN!....LIFE REALLY IS....SHORT!
+Over & Back Why such a big engine? :-) I did a 2,750 mile trip (Yorkshire UK to Naples Italy) on my Suzuki Inazuma GW250, the 80 litre Givi Bag with my camping gear in it made a nice lower back support.
I am now thinking 650 V-Strom, or similar size, as I did struggle on the 130kph motorways (where they drive at 100 to 160) as passing goods vehicles enquired a bit of planning.
If I was going to use a 1300cc engine it would be in a car! (actually my car is 1339cc) I look at some touring motorbikes and wonder what the point is, they are motorbike in name, not spirit, If I can do a camping tour, France to Netherlands on a pushbike. with my 80 year old Dad (with a false hip and heart bypass), I am sure I can do it on a 250! Once you get over a litre and the bike is so big you can't pick it up, I think it is time to admit you really want a car, cause in my mind you are no longer on a motorbike.
To be fair, I did only get my full motorbike licence in July this year, so maybe I'll get fat and lazy, and see the value of a massive soft bike that uses more fuel than a car one day soon (but God I hope not!).
+Over & Back Tell me about aging James! I'm 67. It seems like days last an hour, a week is one day, a month is one week. Get out there guys & girls. Time is wasting. If you want to read how I lived my life, it's called Over & Back by Wild Bill Callahan on Amazon. It's mostly about aviation but with a very different slant. The Mexico m/c trip is included.
Great video and great bike. I’m into LD riding but not at the IBA rally stage. I’ve done the Saddle Sore 1000. When I travel by bike we routinely do 500-700 miles daily. I’ll not think twice about riding 200-300 miles one way just to go for lunch and then return the same day. Yes lots of uninformed folks leaving thoughtless comments. Motorcycling is the only way I want to travel long distances, if you can’t get your head wrapped around that you’re just another guy/gal on a bike.
Shucks. I made the 2016 Last Ride of the Year (Dec.30) to the Stagecoach Cafe, Stockton, AL.
From Denton, TX to Stockton is about 750 miles one way. Headed down to Houston to meet up with my b-i-l. Headed east to Stockton for lunch. I was shooting for home that day. Alas, it took me 3 days. We hit a bad traffic jam in I-20 and rain.
Ya' gotta' know when to call the ride.
Great video,I enjoy listening to some one who knows what they are talking about.
Very interesting video report! I own a Goldwing and do some LD riding but not as serious as you, not yet.
Great machine. Lot of thought and attention went into it. I have to take Treadlifeblog to task for neglecting, in his introduction, to mention either of the Kawaski Concours - the 1000cc or the 1400cc.
Love the idea of the fuel cell for eliminating some fuel stops!
I meant to say, all I like is gps, cruise, streamlined bags and not all the top heavy addons, yes the seat and adjustable bars are a must
Beautiful build... Hope you achieve your LD goals and put another FJR on the podium!
Beautiful and useful presentation many thanks
Thanks for the info. Also thinking of doing the "Iron But" someday, so nice to know what the pro's do.
Marius, his bike is set up more for rallies; almost any bike can do a standard Iron Butt ride. My stock V Star 950 Tourer did well on a Saddle Sore 1000. On July 18, 2019 I'll attempt 1500 miles in 24 hours on it. However, my bike is woefully ill-prepared for an Iron Butt Rally. 11,000 miles in 11 days requires a special bike and rider combo.
This guy makes sense
I found it wasn't the seat that was a problem, but my knees that were killing me. I suppose a dual-sport bike isn't ideal for a 1500 mile weekend, but at least I got a leg stretch break every two hours for fuel. Also, the weight of your helmet has big effects on your neck after the first day. Try and find some sort of wrist rest for your throttle so you can move your hand later...
I'm on a 225, but a light helmet, second set of footpegs and a throttle thing would help.
I personally love how you set up your dash. I would love to hear any feadback on how you mounted all that equipment to the FJR. I would love to try and achieve something like that on my R12RT
I'm a distance guy but don't get the iron butt stuff. Seems that its a " do it to do it" kind of reason. That lacks a deeper purpose (for me). Blowing thru towns, beautiful areas just to get the mileage without soaking it in isn't for me, or most people obviously. Kind of a niche group. Glad they do it though. Nice to see different peeps in any activity. Fun to see the set ups also. Gone across the country 2.5 times. Leisurely pace. Best way to travel. Wish I had some of the features here. Numero uno add on for me is heated clothes. Man, what a difference. Can't tell u the number of times I was praying for death just freezing my ass off. Donners Pass in February. :) Would love to grab a Moonshine Burger in Illinois someday. Look it up if you haven't heard about it.
Sean O I'm more of a take my time rider also but when I heard about the iorn butt challenge I wanted to do it with a couple of friends just to do and possibly have another story for us to talk about. I'm glad I started researching it though even though we will do a not that far from home round trip it gives great ideas of routes to take that you normally wouldn't think of that we plan to take as scenic take our time rides so I'm happy it exist just for that.
Iron Butt riders know that too fast is not the way to go. I do IBA rides and typically only ride about 5 over the posted speed. I soak in lots. If I see something so noteworthy that it warrants more time, I'll come back. Each to his own.
Was over on a kid's sport bike forum and they seem to think everyone should have a sport bike for touring. "Just change the handlebars". LOL. Kay...
Fairings on modern sports bikes are so tiny they do very little for protection even with super low clip ons forcing you in to a crouched position, putting high bars on makes them even less effective.
You're confusing this with a Goldwing...
I think that you are agreeing with the OP, ride your own ride! If you want to modify it to suit you, then go ahead. If you're happy with a stock set up, then that's great too. Some of us love to tinker with our bikes to make them more comfy for our purpose. Farkling up a bike can be a lot of fun.
You're absolutely right, you can have as much fun on pretty much anything you want to. Ride whatever puts a smile on your face!
Adventure-touring bikes are the best to travel far.
Such BMW 1200 GS, Triumph Tiger, Guzzi Stelvio...ect
The legs position is much natural than on a sport-touring.
And you can take short cut on the gravel roads with those wonderful machines.
What can I say, i bought it in 2014 it’s d bike. In 2015 I ride it from Singapore to Koh Samui and back around 2700 km in daylight in rain and in the night pillion with my wife zero problem. Actually I rode blackbird before but FJR is much much more comfortable.👍
My wife wont ride on my FJR anyway id love that extra fuel cell! And the lights Ive never been too thrilled about the Hi-beams on this thing anyway. I ride home late at night a lot these would be great!
Nice setup.
Very good. I am surprised that you don't have (or simply didn't mention) a throttle lock of some sorts.
I think you did a splendid job adding those mods to your bike. Truly outstanding.
my last day of the three week 4 corners tour in 87 was ft Lauderdale to Allentown pa 1217 miles on my 84 gs750 Suzuki with a stock seat. just sayin
Beautiful bike sir!
Paul, thank you. Nicely done and neatly presented, I am glad you retained this for as long as you have because the info itself is timeless. Currently I ride a Suzuki Boulevard C50T(icon photo) which I have great fun with but it is not a very long distance machine, it's well suited for hours of riding buy not days, I'd say it's a cruiser but not a cross country touring bike. My next step may be a longer haul machine with all the fixings & perks but I have to decide which one. Victory has some nice machines but then again so does Indian..., yes I know hardly the same category or class of bike so you can see where my taste isn't fully matching up to the task. I work with a bunch of guys all with differing rides, some on BMW's others on Indians and then the Harley group (thanks but not for me) Like so many others in my league I am a returning biker after taking an extended break but am now reinvigorated with extra money to put into the bike I really want...., however as I said this Boulevard is going to stay in the stable because of how nice it is and how well suited it is for all around quick trips. The mods you did have given me some ideas for which way to lean, I have not even considered the Yamaha line nor the FJR's, I don't know if I can adapt into the "sport bike" style or ride..., I have noticed your bike is popular with the Police Bike community world wide. Facing the facts I am a slightly older cruiser / touring bike type with a desire for the comforts I can afford plus some serious power commanded by the wrist. Shaking Harley's don't fit the bill and neither does the super hushed power of Honda, if I am going to spend some real money it'll be on something that can tackle the road with comfort, power in a graceful cruiser style. Maybe I'm back to the Victory again (hahaha), just thinking aloud here. It would be nice to see another posting from you with some more recent activities if you could sir. I'm sure the others would like to see it and I certainly would. Let us know how the Yamaha is doing these days or if it was replaced by another ride. Again, thank you, it is informative and practical. Okay, time for the update please. :)
Central Asia. There are places with petrol stations 400 miles apart.
You have a number of other mods on the bike that went without mention. how about a quick list: cruise, water supply, extra bags,2 GPS's, other pegs...
Sometimes its the little things that make the big differences.
some ppl love to ride a bike so they use it whenever they can even at very long distances such as 1000 miles and more. Once you rode a bike for 1000miles ur arse will feel pain as it never felt bevore so every bit of comfort you can add to ur motocyle helps you to lower the pain.
Those who do not know or like the feeling of driving a motocyle for a long period of time will never understand!
Really nice video. I just inherited a 94 goldwing. Looking to do things to make it mine. Headlight improvement is a must. With the age it doesn't have the new technology bells and whistles, looking to change that, you have good suggestions.
Awesome video...I recently bought a 2015 FJR1300es exactly for taking long rides (its the plan come Spring 2016); do you have any information you can provide on the accessory bars and how they attach to the bike? Such as the bar where you have the GPS and communication devices mounted.Thank you for sharing your experience.
nicely done video! Sweet rig.
yes, I don't ride very often. I have friends who ride 9-10 months of the year depending on weather. I'm not like them. What I ment was that it's pointless to build a long bridge on 1 support just to show it's possible. The optimal structure n configuration is the best and is only 1.
Nicely done, sir!
Nice video. Thanks for putting it out.
Pretty badass setup. Think I want an FJR1300 second gen, don't know if I want the AE version. My heart wants a BMW or Ducati my head says Japanese. Still debating sport tourer or adventure tourer.
So do I, on my personal trips I ride roughly 10-12 hours a day, however when running a long distance rally such as any of the Iron-Butt Association rallys you are doing upwards of 1K miles per day.
It's good that you have chosen not so large engine. It's wasting of fuel. That is observed in the US cars.
Words of wisdom @ 8:38. Well spoken sir.
Everyone makes things so complicated .Electonically adjustable windscreen/ custom seats/ gps/ xm weather/ telephone/ custom fuel cell. I would just like to say you can have as much "fun" or more on something a little less complicated. I can ride my old Triumph Bonneville 400 miles a day and can have some real fun and actually feel like a rode a motorcycle afterwards. Might as well be in a Cadillac if your going to that much bother.
Wow! Love the information you provided. One thing you didn't mention and that was cruise control. Does your particular bike have cruise control and if not, then how do you keep your hands from cramping 460 or so miles of riding?
Good info, nice choice of bike
Well put together video.
Nicely done. Thank you :)
Excellent! Have a great trip.
I totally agree with pbr2424. Why go through ALL that trouble when in the end you can just get in a car? Don't get me wrong, I love motorcycles too but to go through all that hassle to travel 400 or 500 miles especially alone seems to me a little too much. But then again thats just my opinion.
He is not just traveling 400 or 500 hundred miles. He built a specialized machine to do the IBR, an 11 day, 11000 mile scavenger hunt.
Since its beginning in the late '80's, about 600 people have finished the Iron Butt Rally.
Hey, if it were easy, anybody could do it.
It is not the same experience in a car. When I crossed the border with Canada last summer, I would have never smelled thousands upon thousands of Douglas Fir trees as soon as I entered Canada. It smelled like Christmas. There are things you see and notice on the back of the bike because you are in a different position than you would be in a car you would have never seen. That is why a motorcycle and not a car.
I just completed an Iron Butt certified ride, a SaddleSore 1000 doing 1038 miles in 18.5 hours. Granted it is not for everyone, but for those of us who love it, nothing is better. I've never understood marathon runners, but I won't criticize them for dedication to their sport. There is little benefit to high speeds in endurance riding, it burns too much gas and is fatiguing. I typically ride about 5 over the limit, so I still take in the scenery and enjoy the sights and sounds of riding.
Very, very cool set up. Can you tell me what is in front of your side bags?
One gallon water jugs. You can get by for one day of desert riding without them, but after two long days, you start running into dehydration.
www.fjr-tips.org/acc/hyd/hyd.html
Remember, if you are doing Iron Butt work, you are riding lots of miles - on the clock.
Nice looking setup.
you just need too much, all that shit isn't necessary.but thats just me. to each his own. That extra fuel was a great idea and the tank itself was smart. But white knuckling it like that to me is not fun, like endurance fucking sometime it feels good to just stop.
I use a Russel the best seat I have two motorcycle i bought Russel seats for both. I tried sergeant and it was better then stock but the Russel was the next step up. I also both Helio bars on my bike to. I will ride all day.
Russell is NOT the "next step up" from a Sergeant. It is a giant leap upward.
You're farkles are valued at more than my entire VStrom.....
I just bought 1 of these was fairly low miles 1 of my only complaints is the handlebars are a little low for me and I have the same heli bar risers just wished I could get them a little higher and back a little bit
Nice setup you have there, and I think from what you have said it works for you. What I want to know , what is the best tires for long distances, without going darkside, with a car tire, if I said that right ? Thanks, yl
EXCELLENT video! Did you do anything in the area of footpeg adjustment to make the bike more comfortable?
very good video!
Thanks for sharing... a kind heart as well!
The Harley can turn gas to noise without the side effect of horsepower.
Who needs speed when you can make that much noise?
Ecoory he does endurance rallies, this stuff is necassary to be comfortable. They cover miles like no other. Im tired after 200 miles sometimes, lol, lol