What did you do to your FJR today?

Talk about issues and questions specific to the FJR here.
Post Reply
User avatar
raYzerman
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 10237
Joined: Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:49 am
FJRModel: 2010 Honda CBF1000FA
Location: Millgrove, Ontario, CA
x 3429
x 12678

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by raYzerman »

Jim a possible option is a DIY kit from Seat Concepts..... I do not recommend the sandpaper gripper fabric...... they have a low seat option... I have done a couple of these kits on other bikes and they are not a hard install... recommend an air stapler and stainless staples. Warm the cover out in the sun and it should go well.
https://www.seatconcepts.com/comfort-tr ... _density=2
fontanaman loved this
Keep yer stick on the ice........... (Red Green)
Duct tape can't fix stupid, but it can sure muffle the sound.
User avatar
Hppants
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 7535
Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2016 9:22 pm
FJRModel: 2021ES
x 15236
x 14112

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by Hppants »

I learned a new word today - bucolic.

Now - if i can remember to use it in the correct context....
fontanaman loved this
"I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living. Or get busy dying."
- Andy Dufresne, Shawshank Redemption

Image
User avatar
danh600
Veteran
Posts: 4725
Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2014 3:36 pm
FJRModel: 2022 FJR1300ES
Location: Roughedge,NC
x 5995
x 10131

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by danh600 »

Cav47 wrote: Thu Jun 12, 2025 10:33 pm Part of my tech spec bag protection is coming off. It is the leading edge on the front and the wind above 45 is pulling it up more.

What is the best fix?

Thanks
I emailed them and they sent me a replacement. Didn't ask for a receipt or when I got them.
fontanaman and bigjohnsd loved this
User avatar
FJRoss
Veteran
Posts: 2895
Joined: Sat Apr 14, 2018 7:41 pm
FJRModel: 2011 FJR 1300
2017 BMW F700GS
Location: Fredericton NB (Canada)
x 910
x 2664

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by FJRoss »

Hppants wrote: Mon Jun 30, 2025 7:45 am I learned a new word today - bucolic.

Now - if i can remember to use it in the correct context....
Just don't mix it up with bubonic or colonic.
wheatonFJR and bigjohnsd loved this
User avatar
gixxerjasen
I post more than I ride
Posts: 6343
Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2013 5:50 pm
FJRModel: 2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE
Location: DFW
x 6079
x 10024

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by gixxerjasen »

raYzerman wrote: Mon Jun 30, 2025 7:22 am I do not recommend the sandpaper gripper fabric......
Good to know. They've either changed their terminology or materials over time. When I ordered my DRZ kit, it came with the "Gripper Top" which isn't offered anymore. Now they have "Sem-Grip" and "Sandpaper." They also no longer offer the DIY kits for a lot of bikes. I can only order a complete seat for my KTM, and it looks like the DIY kits are gone from the DRZ line as well. Frustrating, thanks for passing along this info.
YouTube Channel | My Blog
Current Bikes:2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE | 2016 KTM 1190 Adventure R | 2001 Suzuki DRZ-400E | 2020 KTM 500 XCF-W
Son's Bike:2019 Honda CRF250L

I'm here to serve as an example of what NOT to do.
User avatar
bigjohnsd
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 6486
Joined: Sun May 18, 2014 4:28 pm
FJRModel: 2013 FJR1300A "Brian's Bike"
Location: Black Hills, SD I-90 Exit 14
x 11601
x 10809

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by bigjohnsd »

raYzerman wrote: Mon Jun 30, 2025 7:22 am Jim a possible option is a DIY kit from Seat Concepts..... I do not recommend the sandpaper gripper fabric...... they have a low seat option... I have done a couple of these kits on other bikes and they are not a hard install... recommend an air stapler and stainless staples. Warm the cover out in the sun and it should go well.
https://www.seatconcepts.com/comfort-tr ... _density=2
I've had one of their seat covers on my old KLR and have one on my DL800.

I found it worthwhile to have a local upholsterer install the cover for $30.
I tried on the KLR, he fixed my screw ups. I took the Suzuki seat and cover to him from the get-go.

Motto - "If it shows, pay a professional; you'll be happier in the long run."
fontanaman loved this
2023 Suzuki DL800DE ADV "Suzy"
2021 BMW R1250GSA "Gray Ghost II"
2014 BMWR1200 GSA "Freya"
2009 Kawasaki KLR 685 "Bestia de Azul
2013 Yamaha FJR1300 "Gray Ghost"
2005 Yamaha XV1700 Roadstar Warrior
User avatar
fontanaman
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 3793
Joined: Fri Mar 08, 2013 9:38 pm
FJRModel: 2017 FJR, 2017 DR650, 2021 Triumph Tiger GT
Pro
Location: Spokane, Washington
x 4520
x 6178

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by fontanaman »

The word bucolic for me is almost a state of mind, zen like even, where everything seems just as it should be. Photos in my last ride post remind me of places I was the 1960s. The clouds in the Spokane area are really nice sometimes.

Here is my current thought on a seat for the Triumph.

Image

No wings like a Russell and that seems appealing now, especially after raising the seat on the FJR, getting stabbed in the thigh by the wings, then lowering it. That is a bloody 3/4 of an inch. The Triumph has 2-3 inches more leg room than the FJR.

The seat above is produced by Legendary Best Seats by Adrian. It does not have a sand paper finish. The seat has extra width over the Triumph but not the wide wings like a Russell. I would get it in smooth leather. I had a vinyl Russell years ago and go monkey butt and I want a seat I can slide around on.

Ascetically, I would have him add angular gray accents to compliment the gray comes off the fuel tank panel.

Image

The rear stock seat has a gray accent. Something like in the BMW photo above.

Comments please. I need some help with pros/cons of my ideas. Much appreciated.

Pray for the Firefighters, First Responders and families of the victims of the Canfield Mountain ambush near Coeur D’Alene about 30 miles from Spokane. My wife and I were appalled by this incident. Just terrible to ambush the people trying to make a difference and help the community. Fire is a problem in the Spokane area and we really appreciate the firefighters. What a sad day.
Last edited by fontanaman on Mon Jun 30, 2025 2:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
FJRPittsburgh, Road Runner, and wheatonFJR loved this
Searching for roads paved with Asphalt, unless I am riding the mighty DR650 bushpig.
User avatar
raYzerman
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 10237
Joined: Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:49 am
FJRModel: 2010 Honda CBF1000FA
Location: Millgrove, Ontario, CA
x 3429
x 12678

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by raYzerman »

I think those are the Bill Mayer seats now done by the new guy who bought the business... good seats IMHO.
The seat concepts seems a little flatter for the Turnip, and you can get cover material that will let you slide, but not slippy..... I had a leather Russell, and wouldn't do that again..... I like carbon fiber type vinyl, not smooth vinyl or smooth leather.
I did a SC dirt bike seat, quite the improvement, it had smooth top and gripper (sandpaperish) vinyl on the sides. Some dirt bike people want it the other way around.
Road Runner and fontanaman loved this
Keep yer stick on the ice........... (Red Green)
Duct tape can't fix stupid, but it can sure muffle the sound.
User avatar
gixxerjasen
I post more than I ride
Posts: 6343
Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2013 5:50 pm
FJRModel: 2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE
Location: DFW
x 6079
x 10024

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by gixxerjasen »

fontanaman wrote: Mon Jun 30, 2025 12:31 pm Ascetically, I would have him add angular gray accents to compliment the gray comes off the fuel tank panel.
Just ensure that the seams won't be where your legs sit. I had a seat a while ago that had seams like that and they rubbed blisters onto my legs on long rides even with motorcycle pants. My current seat for the KTM has a splash of orange on it and it's low enough that the seams aren't an issue for me. Something to consider.
YouTube Channel | My Blog
Current Bikes:2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE | 2016 KTM 1190 Adventure R | 2001 Suzuki DRZ-400E | 2020 KTM 500 XCF-W
Son's Bike:2019 Honda CRF250L

I'm here to serve as an example of what NOT to do.
User avatar
SkooterG
Veteran
Posts: 839
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2019 11:39 pm
FJRModel: 2004 X 2, 2009 X 2, 2013 X3, 2014, 2017, 2023...... I have issues!
Location: Skootsdale, AZ
x 1437
x 2108

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by SkooterG »

Packed it up for 6 weeks of European Adventure! Here, ready to go at Knopf Tours in Heidelberg, Germany! 🇩🇪




Image
escapefjrtist, bigjohnsd, danh600 and 6 others loved this
Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional.

IBA #327

'04 FJR (X2) -- '09 FJR (X2) -- '13 FJR (X3) -- '14 FJR ES -- '15 FJR ES -- '17 FJR ES -- '23 FJR ES -- '14 BMW GSA What can I say? I have issues!
User avatar
fontanaman
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 3793
Joined: Fri Mar 08, 2013 9:38 pm
FJRModel: 2017 FJR, 2017 DR650, 2021 Triumph Tiger GT
Pro
Location: Spokane, Washington
x 4520
x 6178

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by fontanaman »

Where is the automotive tire? :D

From the Valley of the Blast Furnace to the oven. It will by 96° Heidelberg, Germany tomorrow. Good thing Scooter is used to warm weather. Hopefully the mountains are the destination.
bigjohnsd, wheatonFJR, and SkooterG loved this
Searching for roads paved with Asphalt, unless I am riding the mighty DR650 bushpig.
User avatar
SkooterG
Veteran
Posts: 839
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2019 11:39 pm
FJRModel: 2004 X 2, 2009 X 2, 2013 X3, 2014, 2017, 2023...... I have issues!
Location: Skootsdale, AZ
x 1437
x 2108

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by SkooterG »

fontanaman wrote: Wed Jul 02, 2025 12:00 am Where is the automotive tire? :D

From the Valley of the Blast Furnace to the oven. It will by 96° Heidelberg, Germany tomorrow. Good thing Scooter is used to warm weather. Hopefully the mountains are the destination.
Yeah, it was 99 degrees here at Knopf Tours yesterday! :shock: So much for escaping the Arizona furnace! There is a massive, record-breaking heat wave across much of Europe right now. Unfortunately, that may impact my plans on visiting many of the Balkans where I have never been before. :(

But first, the Alps!

No Darkside tire in Europe! Even I am not willing to poke that bear!!!
escapefjrtist, bigjohnsd, FJRPittsburgh and 2 others loved this
Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional.

IBA #327

'04 FJR (X2) -- '09 FJR (X2) -- '13 FJR (X3) -- '14 FJR ES -- '15 FJR ES -- '17 FJR ES -- '23 FJR ES -- '14 BMW GSA What can I say? I have issues!
User avatar
Road Runner
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 607
Joined: Mon Sep 16, 2019 9:10 pm
FJRModel: 2008 FJR Advanced Edition
1987 KLR 650 Thumper
Location: Saratoga, NY. area
x 2360
x 1127

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by Road Runner »

SkooterG wrote: Tue Jul 01, 2025 11:52 pm Packed it up for 6 weeks of European Adventure! Here, ready to go at Knopf Tours in Heidelberg, Germany! 🇩🇪




Image
That right there is a good looking Gen II.... I don't care who ya are.
escapefjrtist, SkooterG, fontanaman and 2 others loved this
"A biker never knows" - Tim Allen


Art
User avatar
fontanaman
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 3793
Joined: Fri Mar 08, 2013 9:38 pm
FJRModel: 2017 FJR, 2017 DR650, 2021 Triumph Tiger GT
Pro
Location: Spokane, Washington
x 4520
x 6178

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by fontanaman »

Me thinks Scooter should start his own tour company in Europe. He could use his fleet of FJRs, the only problem is FJRs are for accomplished motorcyclists, not something for a noob. We could kick it off by having a FJR rally in Germany and call it EFR or GFR. I am in.

All though it is not FJR related I have decided to try a seat from Legendary Best Motorcycle Seats on my Triumph. The reason to not go with a Russell is my belief the design comes from the '80's when motorcycles with lots of leg room did not exist aka adventure bikes. In short those big wings did into my thigh due to the long leg reach. The Legendary seat is more like a Laam and so far the Legendary customer service has been good and there are plenty of stories of less then legendary customer service from Laam on this forum. Consider me a forum guinea pig for Legendary.
bigjohnsd, CraigRegs, LKLD and 1 others loved this
Searching for roads paved with Asphalt, unless I am riding the mighty DR650 bushpig.
User avatar
gixxerjasen
I post more than I ride
Posts: 6343
Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2013 5:50 pm
FJRModel: 2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE
Location: DFW
x 6079
x 10024

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by gixxerjasen »

fontanaman wrote: Wed Jul 02, 2025 9:48 am We could kick it off by having a FJR rally in Germany and call it EFR or GFR.
DFR
fontanaman wrote: Wed Jul 02, 2025 9:48 am All though it is not FJR related I have decided to try a seat from Legendary Best Motorcycle Seats on my Triumph. The reason to not go with a Russell is my belief the design comes from the '80's when motorcycles with lots of leg room did not exist aka adventure bikes. In short those big wings did into my thigh due to the long leg reach. The Legendary seat is more like a Laam and so far the Legendary customer service has been good and there are plenty of stories of less then legendary customer service from Laam on this forum. Consider me a forum guinea pig for Legendary.
Did you check with Russell to see if they could do what you wanted? Most of the seat manufacturers have their cookie cutters ready, but can also take special requests. Doesn't seem like you are going wrong with the BMS, but could be worth checking. It's just an email, and emails are cheap! :D
Road Runner and wheatonFJR loved this
YouTube Channel | My Blog
Current Bikes:2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE | 2016 KTM 1190 Adventure R | 2001 Suzuki DRZ-400E | 2020 KTM 500 XCF-W
Son's Bike:2019 Honda CRF250L

I'm here to serve as an example of what NOT to do.
User avatar
fontanaman
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 3793
Joined: Fri Mar 08, 2013 9:38 pm
FJRModel: 2017 FJR, 2017 DR650, 2021 Triumph Tiger GT
Pro
Location: Spokane, Washington
x 4520
x 6178

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by fontanaman »

Nope I did not check with Russell. Their design is their design and I am skeptical it will work on my Triumph. Why ask the wolf guarding the hen house?
Last edited by fontanaman on Wed Jul 02, 2025 4:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Searching for roads paved with Asphalt, unless I am riding the mighty DR650 bushpig.
Panman
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 431
Joined: Wed Oct 04, 2017 10:55 pm
FJRModel: 2007
x 78
x 807

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by Panman »

Here's another good loop Jim.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LLsrA8C2X7Us13Rh6

Ot take the little ferry over to Inchelium.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QhXHgNSToz1XcC6J6
fontanaman loved this
User avatar
FJRPittsburgh
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 2072
Joined: Thu Jun 15, 2017 1:10 pm
FJRModel: 2013 A, 2008 AE has been sold.
Location: Canonsburg, PA
x 9528
x 4068

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by FJRPittsburgh »

SkooterG wrote: Tue Jul 01, 2025 11:52 pm Packed it up for 6 weeks of European Adventure! Here, ready to go at Knopf Tours in Heidelberg, Germany! 🇩🇪
Enjoy your time over there! Sounds like fun!
2013 Yamaha FJR1300A
2022 Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT
2017 Yamaha FZ-07
2013 Honda CRF250L
User avatar
escapefjrtist
Veteran
Posts: 1333
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 12:51 pm
FJRModel: '15 FJR 1300A
Location: Snohomish WA
x 2495
x 2017

Re: What did you do to your FJR today?

Post by escapefjrtist »

Road Runner wrote: Wed Jul 02, 2025 5:54 am
SkooterG wrote: Tue Jul 01, 2025 11:52 pm Packed it up for 6 weeks of European Adventure! Here, ready to go at Knopf Tours in Heidelberg, Germany! 🇩🇪




Image
That right there is a good looking Gen II.... I don't care who ya are.
Skooter had a REALLY good teacher...for the '09 FJR & the 'stich. JS'NS! ;) :stickpoke:

~G
wheatonFJR loved this
IBA34365
'15 FJR-USD-A
'18 Tenere
Post Reply