Hi From Chicago, couple of questions

[Spork]

Hi folks,

I picked up a new to me heavily farkled 2014 ES. I already have an FJR so I'm heavily in MamaYama's fan club.

Since this is a new bike I got a couple of questions:

1) The clutch throw is super short when the engine is cold, but then loosens up after the engine is war,, is this normal? I switched oil to Castrol 4T (dino) but nothing changed
2) Has anyone used Rotella T6 with these bikes with good results? I use T6 in my FJR but the tranny is all clunky, but that could just be the FJR not the oil (T6 is my go to oil)
3) Where do you stash your air pump and plug kit?
4) Any necessary farkles/upgrades/improvements? ( I have Yam bags, World Crosser skid plate, Altrider crash bars, PIAA lights, some other LED light bar under the head lights, TPMS (in tire, which sucks, I like my FOBO on the FJR), AUX power by dash (2x USB), X-Grip phone holder thingie.
5) Any issues to look out for in the 2014 ES? The PO didn't get the YES, so I'm gonna be fixing things myself.
6) what are the best 80/20 (on/off) tires? I was thinking Anakee, but it's been awhile since I bought DS tires.

Thanks in advance, happy to be part of the club ::008::

 

[OldRider]

I'll give my opinion on the clutch, others will jump in on the other stuff for sure. The very best thing you can do is throw the stock diagram type spring and put in a Barnett pressure plate. This will make the clutch release like it should. I hate diagram springs.

 

[VRODE]

1) Don't notice a tremendous difference in clutch action on mine. Maybe I'm not aware of it.
2) Many members use T6. I used it on my FZ1 and will probably use it on my ST
3) I stash mine here. https://www.advmotorrad.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_81_82&product_id=131
4) You have what many consider needed farkles already. It's up to you. There's always something to spend money on.
5) The clutch basket and CCV issues were addressed by Yamaha with the 2014+ models. Check your spokes from time to time. Might want to get a suitable torque wrench. I'm probably going to re-map mine as well.
6) Research it. My 2016 has BW which are not terrible. I like 'em so far. In 80/20 lots of good tires to choose from it seems.

Welcome and enjoy your new ride!

 

[bmac]

1) The clutch throw is super short when the engine is cold, but then loosens up after the engine is war,, is this normal?

It was normal on mine when it sat for awhile. I got used to pumping the clutch a couple of times at the start of the day.

 

[Spork]

Thanks for the replies guys ::008::

im not digging having to drop the skid plate for every oil change . I have an idea to cut a 3" hole in the world crosser (oem) skidplate so I can get to the filter. My thought is that it is recessed and im not doing technical trails anyway, but im not sure if this has already been done.

 

[r1d1]

::004:: from Scotland.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Welcome aboard and congrats on the new bike.

1) The clutch throw is super short when the engine is cold, but then loosens up after the engine is war,, is this normal? I switched oil to Castrol 4T (dino) but nothing changed
Never noticed it. The clutches have been fairly bullet proof until doing lots of sand and hills.


2) Has anyone used Rotella T6 with these bikes with good results? I use T6 in my FJR but the tranny is all clunky, but that could just be the FJR not the oil (T6 is my go to oil)
Lots of folks do, including me.

3) Where do you stash your air pump and plug kit?
Mine is in a tupperware box with other tools and that is in the top box.


4) Any necessary farkles/upgrades/improvements? ( I have Yam bags, World Crosser skid plate, Altrider crash bars, PIAA lights, some other LED light bar under the head lights, TPMS (in tire, which sucks, I like my FOBO on the FJR), AUX power by dash (2x USB), X-Grip phone holder thingie.
Sounds like you have the farkles well covered. If the seat feels forward tilted, search for the threads about putting rubber bumpers under the front to flatten it, or the SeatConcepts recover kit. Windshields are subjective too.

5) Any issues to look out for in the 2014 ES? The PO didn't get the YES, so I'm gonna be fixing things myself.
The Gen2 bike have been really solid. Gas, oil, tires, repeat.

6) what are the best 80/20 (on/off) tires? I was thinking Anakee, but it's been awhile since I bought DS tires.
The current darling tire is the Mitas E-07, but we are fortunate to have so many good choices. Lots of tire threads to search for here. Coming from the FJR, you may like to lean deep in corners and if so I'd skip the Anakee 3 as you can ride off the side of the shoulder and get the tire to slip.

 

[Spork]

It was normal on mine when it sat for awhile. I got used to pumping the clutch a couple of times at the start of the day.

That's exactly how i fix it too: after i fire up the engine I work the clutch a few times and it is fine; if i don't it engages almost instantaneously. I think the plates are sticking when sitting overnight, but it's no big deal, my KLR did the same thing, I just wanted to make sure it wasn't unusual.

Also thanks for the equipment tips.

I'm thinking that I'll get
The Barnett pressure plate ($150), install at the end of the season.
DSBP Raid Toolbox - XT1200Z Super Tenere ($150) I like that it is lockable, I can keep some minor valuables in there as well (eg. GPS).
The scouts still have plenty of meat on them, but the Mitas E-07 are on my list when I replace.

I'm also thinking of removing the worldcrosser Yamaha plate and putting a GIVI or Alt rider plates, but they need to be dropped to get to the oil. There are some other solutions out there that have Oil filter access, but they are upwards of $900 ... yikes.

 

[barkingllizard]

congrats on your new ride, Spork, with a simple hello.....

 

[Spaggy]

Be aware that the Yamaha skid plate is bolted to the bottom of the engine. Bottom out once and it'll bust your oil pan.