Laminar Lip - How Good is It

This is a good time to write down my thoughts about the Laminar Lip that was recently mounted on the FJR. In a nutshell this is an awesome addtion for both me as the pilot and for MeAsWe as well.

 Over time one forgets what the Lip does. Our last one blew off just as we were leaving on a 4 day trip. That sucked. I now can ride with my shield in the up position, even at 80mph. While this might not be the smart thing to do, because bugs and debris can really hurt at those speeds, it does mean the Lip creates a pocket of still air right at that level.

With the helmet shield in the down position at speeds over over 50, the wind noise is much quieter and one of the biggest benefits of the Lip. Without it the noise was driving me bonkers.

Buffeting is all but eliminated at all speeds. Most noticeable is when I use to drop my left hand off the handle bars to rest the hand, the noise level and buffeting significantly increased. That has been eliminated.

MeAsWe says the wind and buffeting that occurred in the space between is gone. She also says the wind noise in the helmet is much quieter.

I suggest using the 3M anchors that Laminar provides and a plastic bolt and nut to mount it. My last one blew off the bike. Laminar will send the plastic bolt and screws if you ask.


This is a very worthwhile farkle for any rider. Laminar Lip can be obtained HERE . Pictures can be enlarges, simply click em.

Getting Ready - The Bike

Over the last couple of weeks I have done or had things doneto the bike (most were had done) to get ready for our trip.

Couple of weeks ago had the coolant and plugs changed out. The bike is just about ready to turn 20,000 miles.

 Last weekend changed the engine and final drive oil. (really the only thing I did by myself). Yamaha made these tasks very easy on the FJR.
Installed the Laminar Lip I bought in March to replace the one that blew off the bike last September on a cold morning. I think the 3m velcro anchors (the glue buttons) are susceptible to temperature changes. This time we also drilled and bolted the Lip on and used the anchors. Hopefully if it decides to try to let go, it doesn't take the whole windshield with it. The drilling went smoothly. First we (Giff and I) mounted the Lip and then drilled thru both layers (Lip and windshield). Laminar LLC suggested going slow and using a dull bit. We also backed the windshield with a block of wood, hence it was a 2 person operation.

This week the FJR got new shoes. I have been using Shinko Ravens since I got a FJR (on both the 2007 and the 2008) and decided why change when you like what you got. I believe the Shinks have a bad rap just because of the name and they are not Michelin, Dunlops or Metzler. This is my third set and based on performance and price they are the right choice for me. YMMV. The set I replaced had about 10K on them and they still had plenty of tread left, but not enough to go 5,400+ miles.

Had the brake and clutch fluids changed. The brakes reservoir was showing an amber to Coke-like color so it was time. The clutch could have gone for awhile longer, but it had to be changed eventually so might as well get er done now.

Giff, the owner of Trinty Auto and the mechanic that does all my maintenance to the FJR, also took apart the brake and clutch levers, cleaned up the contacts and pins, and lubed the pivot points, just because he heard them squeaking when he was moving the bike around and knew they needed some attention. Why I keep going back to Giff for my work. This is Giff owner of Trinity Auto.

Yesterday we took the FJR out to the NER Meet and Greet and everything is working just right. Now I could go out and wash the FJR but what would be the point. It is just gonna get real dirty in another week and I am not a big fan of washing my bike. It is meant to be ridden not looked at. Got some minor things to do, but the bike is ready to rockN'roll.