Well here we are in September and it has been a big month for me. It actually started August 30th and by September 8th I had added 6000 miles to the FJR. I have just completed the “Run What Ya Brung” rally starting in Salt Lake City on the 2nd and returning on the 7th. I completed the rally placing 9th, I was very pleased with my performance since this was my first multi-day rally, on a new motorcycle with little farkling and just coming off my accident (that’s why the new FJR). If you would like to know more about the rally check my RWYB rally report, it is under the September reports.
This month was also my first ouchy for the FJR, I dropped it loading on to a trailer after the RWYB. My guess it was unhappy about being put on a trailer so it chose to fall over. I tried to explain to it, that its tires were shot and the family came to the finish so we could all go on a 3 day vacation but it didn’t help. What really happened, I was loading the FJR on a new trailer; I put my foot down to balance it after driving up onto trailer but found no floor board on the left side well I’m sure you can guess what happened next. After my adventure, I picked up the FJR and checked out the damage. I did scratch up my left saddle bag, scratched the left mirror and put a ¼ inch scratch in the tank. I have already picked up some touch up paint and covered my shame marks on the mirror and tank. The saddle bag is going to take a lot of work.
Still scratches and all, I’m really pleased with how the FJR has performed so far. I have just less than 9000 miles on it, in less than 8 weeks. I did try adding an auxiliary power plug to run multiple toys for the rally but that was a bust. First sign of rain and I blew the fuse due to my temporary wiring. I really need to get an auxiliary fuse block installed under my seat for my toys. I also found the new V-Strom hand guards that I installed right before the RWYB great; they really helped keep my hands warmer. I don’t run any heated gear or grips so wind protection is important.
This month lessons learned are many after the RWYB.
1. Need to find a better set of tires for 09 IBR. The Bridgestone’s cannot get the mileage I need so I'm switching to Pilot Road 2’s and hoping I can get 10-11K out of a set. The Bridgestone’s were in pretty bad shape with only 8900 on them.Testing now
2. Need to get a fuse block installed for electronics. Completed
3. Need to get a radar detector installed. Even though I rarely exceed 5 over the speed limit, to many small towns and side roads that I could get nailed on. I don’t need it for the interstate, speed limit plus 5 is plenty!
4. Fuel cell is a must and I’m going to need help with install, to make sure it is done correctly. I need to make sure it can pass technical inspection for rallies. Purchased
5. A camel back really doesn’t work; I need a better setup for hydration. Done needs installed
6. I need to work on my routing and adjusting my times based on road conditions. For example, if heading east coast need to take into account traffic and higher traffic loads.
7. Need to add auxiliary lighting to the motorcycle, the current set up isn't bad but would like the extra light for night riding and critter watching. Purchased brackets
8. Lastly for now I need to pack better, I was completely packed and never opened the left saddle bag because I didn’t need the stuff.
I have just installed a set of Pilot Road 2 tires on the FJR; they are a dual compound softer on the sides and harder down the center, so I’m hoping for better life. At this time, I am getting ready for the New Mexico Land of Enchantment rally in October. It is a 24 hour, 1000 mile adventure in New Mexico; I competed in last year’s event (what a great time, Ira and Jeff put on a great event).
This weekend my goal is to build a fuse box for my toys, I'm setting up for GPS, XM-Radio, Radar Detector, and auxi-lighting. I have a set of brackets coming and I'm shopping for a new set of lights.
Well the fuse box is in but ran into a snag the XM-Radio needs to take the 12 volt and reduce to 5 Volts so I've ordered a black box to take care of that. The GPS was hardwired in no problems and I have futures for radar detector and lights. My brackets came in but have not been installed. My wife also surprised me with a four gallon Fuel cell for the FJR, so nowI'm looking at a mounting system and plumbing.
This weekend is the NM LOE so the FJR is beginning to take shape, I'm not going to have the extra lighting, fuel cell, or radar detector installed but I should be ready. I have the XM-Radio, GPS, hydration system, and throttle spring modification completed. I took the bike for a 300 plus mile ride last weekend (made a chilli Cheeseburger run) to check out the changes I made and everything worked well. So as September closes out I have 9350 miles on the new FJR and 14,120 on for the year. I'm slowly creeping up on the 20K mark.
No comments:
Post a Comment