Clear indicators seem to be standard issue here in Europe and yes, they are really pretty nice. Can't imagine why you guys in the US got those huge hanging oranges!!

 

Dude, it's the same with cars too. I had a s2000 (well, 2 actually) and here in the US, the side markers were ugly orange. It was one of the first things I (and may others) changed almost immediately after getting the cars.

My guess is us Americans are too stupid to know a flashing light (regardless of color) on the side of a vehicle means it's turning... unless it's orange... then it must mean they're turning!

 

Well, this sure was a pleasant surprise. It turns out that the ugly plastic clutch cover isn't a replacement for the textured black metal piece on the FZ-09 and FJ-09. Rather, it's an additional cover that sits right on top of the normal metal cover. It uses the same three screws as the equally useless fake "ventilated" clutch cover piece on the FZ-09.

So, instead of having to order a different cover to get rid of that eyesore, all we have to do is remove it.

Stock...

After removing the plastic cover...

The stupid plastic cover, which, apparently, is designed to reduce noise, but doesn't seem to do anything...

 

Well, this sure was a pleasant surprise. It turns out that the ugly plastic clutch cover isn't a replacement for the textured black metal piece on the FZ-09 and FJ-09. Rather, it's an additional cover that sits right on top of the normal metal cover. It uses the same three screws as the equally useless fake "ventilated" clutch cover piece on the FZ-09.

So, instead of having to order a different cover to get rid of that eyesore, all we have to do is remove it.

Stock...

View attachment 26700

After removing the plastic cover...

View attachment 26702

The stupid plastic cover, which, apparently, is designed to reduce noise, but doesn't seem to do anything...

View attachment 26704

View attachment 26705

You could easily paint the silver part and retain the noise/heat/protector cover and its functionality. Just a possibility

 

Hmmm. Maybe it's a heat shield?

Whatever. Good riddance. The motor looks much better without it.

My local service shop (Red Bikes, in Roseville, Ca) just priced up a set (all four) of those Yamaha Europe clear turnsignals with the amber bulbs: $120, shipped from Europe. Yep, those are next, then it will be time for some steel brake lines and HH pads.

 

My local service shop (Red Bikes, in Roseville, Ca) just priced up a set (all four) of those Yamaha Europe clear turnsignals with the amber bulbs: $120, shipped from Europe. Yep, those are next, then it will be time for some steel brake lines and HH pads.

Are the EU signals the same size or smaller?

 

I would think that cover would come in handy at protecting the clutch if you ever fall on the right side of the bike and slide much as several folks with FZ09s destroyed their clutch cover in relatively minor right side falls. Apparently the cover will bend and cause the clutch actuator rod to bind and stop turning and thus the clutch no longer functions.

That cover is similar to the GB racing cover.

If it were my bike, I would paint it or otherwise modify the look to something I liked and then put it back on the bike.

A realtvely minor tip over in a parking lot can also tear up your radiator so you need some frame sliders to protect the radiator on both sides and the water pump on the left side or even a minor parking lot tip over can ruin your day and caost you big $

 

I've never liked frame sliders. Definitely won't be adding them to this little beauty. As for the clutch cover, I'll risk having to replace it in the event of a tipover. I really don't like that plastic piece.

 

Pretty sure the FZ-09 piece is just supposed to mimic the look of a dry clutch. Otherwise, I'm not sure how it's acting as a heat shield. It has no insulating material, and it's not covering anything a rider would normally touch. I think it's purely cosmetic.

The XSR's secondary cover at least includes backing foam. The local tech thinks it's for sound-deadening purposes. Perhaps it is. I don't know. I do know it doesn't seen to deaden any sound. If it's a heat shield, well, against what is it shielding heat, and why wouldn't the FZ-09 and FJ-09 also need it then?

 

My leg rubs that little piece on my fz09

 

Just an opinion, but, for me I reckon the money I have spent during my riding career on drop/crash damage would only be a fraction of what it would have cost to equip all my bikes with sliders/Oggy knobs, etc. and of course, depending on the mishap these protection things may not help or even make things worse. Lots of variables I will admit, so not cut and dried, and, in the end, a personal preference.

They do look cool though. I get that.

 

After today's ride, hmmm, perhaps there is something to the sound-reducing qualities of that foam-backed plastic clutch cover. Minus that piece, my bike now sounds deeper, burblier, meaner. The low-end tone is much more satisfying.

A definite case of addition by subtraction. Looks better, sounds better, didn't cost a dime. Highly recommended.

 

My leg rubs against it on my FZ, and if I stay tucked into it then it gets pretty hot - so I figure it's a vented heat shield. Why make it different on the XSR - because the XSR is about being different.

 

Hello VLJ,
Did you replace the lower right fastener with a shorter one? It's too long to be used without the plastic cover, due to the longer length.

 

Yep, had to shorten the bolt.

 

VLJ,

Now that you've had that shield off for a while, how do you like it? Have you figured out why (other than for looks) Yamaha put it on there?

Also, any idea what size the bolts are? I'm considering doing this and might just pick up some shorter bolts at Home Depot (if I can find some that'll work).

 

It is an M6 bolt. Had a shorter one laying around the garage. Fits perfectly, but has a different head type (socket versus Allen). Not sure how long my OCD will allow me to refrain from cutting the original bolt back...so far so good!

 

No idea, as to the size of the new Bolt. The guy at the shop took the stock bolt and machined it down to fit.

Though this may make no logical sense, the only difference I've noticed with the cover removed is the motor just plain sounds better, almost as if I'd swapped pipes. The sound is deeper and louder, with a meaner rumble. The mechanic told me the cover was a sound suppressor, not a heat shield, and maybe he was right. I certainly haven't noticed any increase in heat, but then my leg never comes in contact with the clutch cover.

So, I really don't know what its function is, but I know it looks cheap and ugly, and I much prefer the look and sound without it.

 

Thanks VLJ!

 

I'm planning on putting a black triple tuning fork decal on mine.

 

Yep. That is what I will do also!

 

Took my heat shield/noise suppressor cover off today. Easy as. The bottom right bolt too long issue can be solved short term with a few washers. I happened to have a stainless steel bolt of the perfect length on hand. It even had the allen head in the same size as the other bolts.

Ride report: I does seem to improve the sound somewhat. I'm still in the break-in period so haven't been revving it past 6 grand. Maybe it makes a lot more noise when you rev it out.

For me, the lack of a heat shield is not a problem. I don't seem to touch it with my leg or boot when riding. None of my dinosaur bikes have heat shields and it's never a problem for me, so I reckon this thing is probably designed for noise suppression.

 

Hi, I've just put a deposit on an XSR9 and I'm so pleased to read about the redundancy of this piece of plastic! Well done VLJ, thanks. This is one design feature I did not like (as well as the electrical boxes up near the headstock - another thread on that soon no doubt).
I might look into replacing the cover with the MT-09, sorry FZ-09 as you guys know it, cover.

 

A small patch of something like this on the swing arm will solve your rubbing heel issue.

Or something like this will work as well.

Lizard Skins Frame Patch Kit > Accessories > Bicycle Protection > Misc. Bike Protection | Jenson USA

 

G-Primo, yeah, was thinking of the same solution.
I have a friend that is a graphics girl/sign maker.
I'm going to have her cut me a few in matte black vinyl.
Also gonna get the radiator covers powder coated matte black.

 

My previous job was at a sign shop...I did stuff like that all the time. Was thinking flooding the circle with Carbon fiber vynal and incert the XRS logo. Once my bike gets here I will do a few ideas...if anyone is interested, just PM me and I can have a few made up!

Another idea on the radiator shrouds is that you can use Plasti dip. It is removable if you not that committed!

 

Here is an example of Plasti-Dip. This is my wheels on my truck. BLACK base coat x 4 coats and 3 coats of Metalizer.

I have used a roll of this to do a few items on Duke 390.

Windshield

Tank and radiator shrouds

Heel guards

 

I plasti-dipped my radiator shrouds. I think it looks good. What do you guys think?

 

I plasti-dipped my radiator shrouds. I think it looks good. What do you guys think? View attachment 28732

Perfect !

Way better then expensive yamaha or aftermarket parts.

How heat resistant is plastidip ?



sent from mobile phone

 

Not sure wasn't specified on the can. But I went for a two hour ride afterwards and it looks fine.

 

It's to bad Yamaha didn't do a cleaner looking setup like they did on the XSR700.

Like this on the XSR700:

Instead of this on the XSR900:

Maybe someone will come up with a kit to cover it and make it look better???

 

I removed mine this morning. Stacked a few washers for the long bolt on the bottom as well.

 

Well my 60th made it home!!! First one in Louisiana from what the dealer told me��. Well anyway haven't rode the bike yet due to bad weather...so covered the side cover and radiator guard with some carbon vynal. Can't wait to give it a GOooooooooo!

Gonna make some Tuning Forks Logo to go in the center....

 

Well my 60th made it home!!! First one in Louisiana from what the dealer told me��. Well anyway haven't rode the bike yet due to bad weather...so covered the side cover and radiator guard with some carbon vynal. Can't wait to give it a GOooooooooo!

Gonna make some Tuning Forks Logo to go in the center....

Hand cut me a tuning fork logo...

 

 

Decided to loose my right side cover. Think it looks way better without. i did notice a little more heat on my right foot when I ride so obviously that is one of the reasons its there. The other is it has a fork that holds and protects wires from the riders foot. i found a 3/8" insulated wire clamp at my local hardware store to hold the wires in a protected position. It looks the part too.

Replaced three M6 (I think) bolts with a washer and shorter length as the originals are too long without the side cover. The cover has stand offs for the bolts. I can't recall the length I got but there 1 - 2 cm shorter.