My FJR1300 never had a very positively (=briskly) engaging clutch. It always slips for a split second until the oil between the plates is pushed out.

When I drop a clutch it just feels right when it grabs instantly and the FJR just did not do that. I’m sure that the stock FJR clutch it is fine for most, and I could happily have lived with it for many years but when doing some research I found a solution:

A new pressure plate with coil springs to replace the stock diaphragm spring plate.

BARNETT COIL SPRING CLUTCH PRESSURE PLATE

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On my first long distance trip I noticed that only having the stock FJR1300 foot pegs is not real comfortable for all day riding; you have no options to shift your leg position short of standing up.

So I started looking for options. Floorboards like large cruisers and touring bikes have simply would look terrible on the FJR. But floorboards do offer what you really want: they allow you to shift your leg and foot position and give you a lot of freedom in doing so.

After I got back home I came up with a solution that works somewhat like floor boards, but looks good at the same time: dual rider foot pegs.

DUAL RIDER FOOT PEGS: GREAT SOLUTION FOR RIDER COMFORT

The idea is that you have a set of pegs forward of your shifter and brake pedal. The distance between the shifter and the forward peg is such that if you put your feet on the stock rider pegs your toes will not hit the new forward pegs. So you don’t even notice them. You can shift and use the rear brake just like normal.

NO PROBLEM SHIFTING GEARS

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My ‘05 FJR1300 has served me very well as a long(er) distance touring bike, and I’ve been adding lots of things that improve the ride or at least pretend to

After installing all kinds of electrical accessories AND of course adding the ESG130 high output stator we supply for this bike I had been wondering about some kind of a feedback device that would give me information on the battery charge and the charging voltage of the bike’s system.

Meter showing under the console, next to my cupholder (which is in almost constant use!)

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LAST DAY ON THE ROAD

I realized I had not posted anything about my last day on the road, so I’m posting some pics now. From New Mexico I ended up a bit North-East of Phoenix where I camped out at a great campground.

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This morning I took it easy. I got a somewhat late start because I could. I have about 650 miles ahead of me and need to arrive some time in the afternoon on Sunday. This leaves me 4.5 days and that means I have plenty of time to do some sightseeing until Sunday.

So today after only 100 miles I pulled into Big Springs, which is managed by the National Park Service. On the way up I marked 2,000 miles on the trip meter.

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So here I am: getting ready to ride my motorcycle from California to New England (and back!) But first I have to make it to North Carolina where from September 28th on I have a two-week class to attend.  Thereafter I’ll be heading north which will give me a chance to see the fall colors in New England and eat some great sea-food.

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