protecting crotch against FJR Toaster-like heat

[RockyMtnWay]

I've got a 2005.  Unfortunately, not a 2006 - or newer.   Thus, I have exerpienced the heat in the crotch and on my inner thighs on this bike.  The metal of the tank is almost too hot to touch!   On long days on going through very hot days I can't barely stand it and end up pouring water on my boys to put the fire out.   But - 5 miles down the road - dry as dust again.

Anyone come up with a solution to this?  I was thinking if I had a thick peice of - something - that I could soak with water to keep as a barrier between me and that tank.   Like those neck tubes you fill with ice or water.  A Buoy for my Boys, so to speak.

But finding something that'll work, be functional, is the trick.

Anyone have any mods or tricks with this?   None that require anything that requires mechanics.  The screwdriver is not my friend.

Thanks

[jude]

Quit smashing your jimmies against the tank.   Frankly, my FJR runs cool and I have no issue.  Well, either that or it's just as hot as everyone else's and I just don't notice.

Go over to FJROwners.ws and do a search for 'Left Side Heat Fix' and 'Right Side Heat Fix', by a gentleman known as 'cromeit'.  That seems to work for most Gen 1 owners.  Even if you have five thumbs, this is easy to handle.

[Wanderer]

Look up Smitty141 on fjrforum.com
He makes a tank blanket for Gen I's that goes UNDER the tank, over the top of the motor for 24$ shipped in the USA.  I have one on my 03 and can personally attest to its benefit.  My fuel tank now only gets slightly warm (I can't usually feel it through my gloves).  The bike seems to run SLIGHTLY warmer.  It'll hit 3 bars a little faster in traffic, but the fan doesn't kick on anymore than it used to, and cools off just the same when I get moving.
It's a pretty easy install, just take off the seat, pop the plastic quick fasteners on the kneepanel so they'll rotate with the tank. Hit the 2 bolts at the top of the tank and lift. Have a friend or a rope hold the tank propped up and lay the pad in. tuck it in around the frame rails and lower the tank slowly making sure the pad or wires/hoese aren' pinched.  Button her up and enjoy cool nuts.
The Cromeit mods I've heard are excellent fixes, so I've heard. Because I ride ATGATT the heat at my shins doesn't bother me, so I haven't put them on mine.  From what I've seen of the tutorial they are not an easy install, especially the left side.  It involves pulling the fairing panels and bending sheetmetal into a U-shape then bolting it to the frame.  The right side involoves pulling the fairing and stuffing large foam blocks between the frame and the tupperware.
The tupperware pull isn't as daunting as it may seem, but it requires patience and a desire to get uner there.  I've done it, but it wasn't fun, there's like Eleventeen screws and fasteners.
 

[Bounce]

I wear riding gear (ATGATT) and those issues aren't a problem on my 2003.  Some options are noted here:

http://www.fjr-tips.org/mods/insul/insul.html

[S_Palmer]

My FJR ran hot too, the Cromeit mods help keep the heat off my shins, but the tank heat is what really bothered me. Insulating the bottom of the tank helped but really only slowed down the process, sooner or later the tank would heat up. The best solution I was able to find was some foil backed bubble wrap insulation cut to fit on the outside of the tank where I contacted  it. I covered it with a vinyl tank bra - instant relief.
Good luck
Steve

[WBill]

After you install a heat blanket between the engine and the tank, and ride at night, you may conclude, as I did, that there are two major sources that elevate tank temperatures.  

The engine is one heat source, particularly in front, where the exhaust headers and radiator are.  Before installing the heat shield under the tank, I had fuel reach its boiling point on hot (100+ F) days.  That was good for a little comic relief while refueling.  

During the daytime, the sun is the other heat source.  With a heat shield installed and no sun, my '05's tank is cool to the bare handed touch, even with three bars showing on the temp. display.  I made my own, taking cues from Yamaha's generation II revisions.  It was a simple affair, easily within reach of most garage wrenchers.  Seated close to the tank at night, it now seems that my crotch warms the tank more than the other way around.  

Go out and put your bare hand on your car hood during the day (remove quickly, or just take my word for it  ).  No heat fix will cure that one, and it affects all makes and models.  Comparing summer days to nights, with the blanket in place, that sun is the one that seems to warm the rear part of the tank, and, hence, my inner legs most.  Engine heat on an unmodified bike probably kicks the solar heat up to another level.

[Nitro]

My buddy has a st1300...He  had his parts dry up years ago and fall off and now says  only his feet get hot? Hope that doesnt happen on the fjr!!!!

[RockyMtnWay]

My FJR ran hot too, the Cromeit mods help keep the heat off my shins, but the tank heat is what really bothered me. Insulating the bottom of the tank helped but really only slowed down the process, sooner or later the tank would heat up. The best solution I was able to find was some foil backed bubble wrap insulation cut to fit on the outside of the tank where I contacted  it. I covered it with a vinyl tank bra - instant relief.
Good luck
Steve

What bra did you buy?   Since this does not involve mechanics - I'd be up for buying this and putting some stuffing in between it and the tank - sounds like a good idea.

Thanks

[nanbil]

I believe that one can sell a testicle for $30,000.  Of course that's raw, I have no idea what they go for cooked...

[shil]

Who's offering such outrageous prices?  I'm too old to start a family and will offer up one and maybe both of my boys for that much $.

[FJRmgm]

+1 to what Wanderer said about Smitties under-tank insulation blanket - I have one and it really makes a big difference. Here is a link to the thread for the insulation blanket - http://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=11191

Also, do the Cromeit heat fix because it really helps with the left side heat. Here is a link to the Cromeit heat fix http://www.fjrowners.ws/forum/messages/6/10176.html?1063970531

I am also running a Cee Bailey +2+2 with flip windscreen and that makes a MAJOR difference in the heat upflow from the engine over stock and stops the dreaded "push" on your back at highway speeds.

[RockyMtnWay]

+1 to what Wanderer said about Smitties under-tank insulation blanket - I have one and it really makes a big difference. Here is a link to the thread for the insulation blanket - http://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=11191

Also, do the Cromeit heat fix because it really helps with the left side heat. Here is a link to the Cromeit heat fix http://www.fjrowners.ws/forum/messages/6/10176.html?1063970531

I am also running a Cee Bailey +2+2 with flip windscreen and that makes a MAJOR difference in the heat upflow from the engine over stock and stops the dreaded "push" on your back at highway speeds.

How does that Cee Bailey help with wind noise buffetting?  I started another thread where I'm battling that.   I also want something that keeps windflow past over the tank (I have Skyway's spacers which help a lot) but I also don't want to look through plastic if I can help it, and when I put it down I want to truly want it down.

Thanks

[FJRmgm]

The Cee Baily (+2+2 with flip) changes the airflow on the FJR - a LOT.

The first ride after I installed it was like night and day from stock.

The problem with the stock FJR windscreen is its too short and narrow so the air envelope behind it closes too soon behind and around the riders back and also causes updraft of heat from the engine onto the rider.

Very happy with the +2+2 with flip.  Its tall enough to make a difference when up (I never put mine all the way up) but also still short enough so when its hot I can put it down and get air on me.

Smitty's under-tank insulation blanket makes all the difference in the world on how hot the tank gets.

[RockyMtnWay]

Thanks.  I am currently reading great things about the VStream over on fjrforum - and which makes me think I should try that is there are a couple of folks my height 5' 9" and using Skyway's spacers (like I am as well) that love it.   Since it's pretty much all about height, I might give it a try.

[squeezer]

Also check the fjrforum about attaching Baker air wings using Garauld's light brackets.  I've got the parts and installing those and smitty's insulation blanket are my weekend projects before riding across the midwest next week.

[RockyMtnWay]

Also check the fjrforum about attaching Baker air wings using Garauld's light brackets.  I've got the parts and installing those and smitty's insulation blanket are my weekend projects before riding across the midwest next week.

Will do, thanks for the tip.

[Mac]

Here you go.


The aerostich for the FJR rider.

[Wanderer]

...Says the guy with an ST1300.

My usual riding parnter rode my FJR once loved the sport-tourer feel and traded in his Hayabusa for an 07 ST.  That bike is a certified mile-eater and comfy as a La-Z-Boy, but felt like I had a space heater pointed at my knees, as opposed to a hair dryer from knees to ankles.  
Just proves once again that engine heat is subjective.  

[Mac]

...Says the guy with an ST1300.

My usual riding parnter rode my FJR once loved the sport-tourer feel and traded in his Hayabusa for an 07 ST.  That bike is a certified mile-eater and comfy as a La-Z-Boy, but felt like I had a space heater pointed at my knees, as opposed to a hair dryer from knees to ankles.  
Just proves once again that engine heat is subjective.  

You just may be more sensetive to heat, I've not had a problem in the southern 105 F summers.

[Wanderer]

I think it's more heat palcement.  I've never felt any discomfort on my un-modded 03.  I certainly feel the heat, but it's never bothered me, including a trip to Tucson, AZ trip last June to visit my BiL.  I wasn't a fan of the ST heat.  

[Andrew]

Look up Smitty141 on fjrforum.com
He makes a tank blanket for Gen I's that goes UNDER the tank, over the top of the motor for 24$ shipped in the USA.  

Yep the "Blanket" works  

[Thundergod]

I have heard of this nut-roasting issue...I wonder if Corbin could come up with a ventilated seat...small airducts built into the seat to take heat away....