So…I got back from a ride and had an epiphany

I just came back from a ride with my Raven beauty!
Is the FJR the fastest? No.
Is it the most powerful? No.
Is it the most agile? No.
Is it the most comfortable? No.
Is it the lightest? No.
Is it the heaviest? No.
But…
Can she dance in the twisties? Yes
Can she take you farther than you’re capable of riding? Yes
Is she strong enough to make this former track guy smile? Yes
Is she comfortable enough to ride non stop until you need a break? Yes
Of all the bikes I’ve had, this FJR is truly the best of all worlds. She’s definitely a keeper!

Mad German said:

I just came back from a ride with my Raven beauty!
Is the FJR the fastest? No.
Is it the most powerful? No.
Is it the most agile? No.
Is it the most comfortable? No.
Is it the lightest? No.
Is it the heaviest? No.
But…
Can she dance in the twisties? Yes
Can she take you farther than you’re capable of riding? Yes
Is she strong enough to make this former track guy smile? Yes
Is she comfortable enough to ride non stop until you need a break? Yes
Of all the bikes I’ve had, this FJR is truly the best of all worlds. She’s definitely a keeper!

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You might add mechanical reliability to the list. I have never owned a piece of machinery that was as trouble-free as either of the two FJRs that I have owned and ridden for close to 450,000 km.

RossKean said:

You might add mechanical reliability to the list. I have never owned a piece of machinery that was as trouble-free as either of the two FJRs that I have owned and ridden for close to 450,000 km.

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Only one that ties for me was another Yamaha - a fz1.

I have the same thoughts. I commute, I shop, I play, I cruise, I tour two-up, and FJR does it all

Oldjeep said:

Only one that ties for me was another Yamaha - a fz1.

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I loved my FZ1s! If they had just had more bottom end, I may have never switched. With that said, I don't think anything beats an FJR as an all-arounder - as long as you don't include off-roading! ; )

MVF said:

I loved my FZ1s! If they had just had more bottom end, I may have never switched. With that said, I don't think anything beats an FJR as an all-arounder - as long as you don't include off-roading! ; )

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I ended up doing several miles of muddy and sandy mess in the Pisgah National Forest by accident while two-up. FJR handled it surprisingly well even with my lack of off-road experience.

The bell hop at the hotel that evening was less than amused at the state of my luggage

I took a ride for a purpose yesterday. We have our first heat of the season forecast next week, and my daughter asked me to come down to NH to put in a window AC unit for my grandson. Yesterday’s weather was perfect for riding, so I tossed a few tools in the side bag and headed south at 8AM, right after breakfast.

Now, normally that is about an hour and 3/4 drive, but half of that is on interstate. I opted for some quieter back roads, especially considering the pirates are in town for the Laconia Classic this week. Didn’t run into any roving hoards on my way down, nor my similarly rural back roads route back after doing the AC install deed. Didn’t get back home until about 3 PM. And my Grandson will be happy, and sleep well, next week.

Main point is, the FJR made me smile again, as it does every time I ride it. I honestly have never had any particularly unreliable bike. I credit that to following a regular and fastidious maintenance regimen. But I’ve never had a bike with nearly as much performance ability as the FJR.

Closing in on 70k miles on the Feejer now. Thinking about maybe servicing the front forks, though they don’t seem to need it. Having 4 other bikes keeps the mileage per year down. That and our long northern winters. But, knock on wood, not a single problem with either of my 2 FJRs over 170k miles. That’s pretty hard to beat.

Fjr je neuvěřitelný hybatel a rychlík. V neděli jsme se s manželkou vrátili z výletu po Evropě a ona opět dokázala, že toho zvládne víc než já. Letos na dovolené za týden najeto 5256 km v plné polní. V 90. letech jsem měl FJ 1100 a najel s ní 200 000 km. pak to byl odpis. Následoval XJ 900 S z roku 1999 s najetými 180 000 km. Prodáno a pak jede dál. Nyní FJR a bezkonkurenčně nejlepší, nejpohodlnější a nejuniverzálnější stroj.

Jiří Šimůnek said:

Fjr je neuvěřitelný hybatel a rychlík. V neděli jsme se s manželkou vrátili z výletu po Evropě a ona opět dokázala, že toho zvládne víc než já. Letos na dovolené za týden najeto 5256 km v plné polní. V 90. letech jsem měl FJ 1100 a najel s ní 200 000 km. pak to byl odpis. Následoval XJ 900 S z roku 1999 s najetými 180 000 km. Prodáno a pak jede dál. Nyní FJR a bezkonkurenčně nejlepší, nejpohodlnější a nejuniverzálnější stroj.

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Google translation help for we English-only speakers:
Fjr is an incredible mover and speedster. On Sunday, my wife and I returned from a trip to Europe, and she once again proved that she can handle more than I can. This year on vacation, 5,256 km were driven in a week in full fields. I had an FJ 1100 in the 1990s and put 200,000 km on it. then it was a write off. It was followed by a 1999 XJ 900 S with 180,000 km. Sold and then moves on. Now the FJR and the best, most comfortable and most versatile machine without any competition.

I was going to mention, before mcatrophy brought it up, that I had similar feelings of satisfaction whenever I rode my '86 FJ1200 (which I still have, but it is in need of some tlc to address rough running probably due to age and ethanol gas). The FJ did everything I wanted it to and I rode it as far northeast as Labrador and as far west as MN. Just an outstanding bike.

And then I bought a brand new 2004 FJR1300. Ordered it from the dealer without ever test riding one. I just had faith that Yamaha would nail the design, and it has exceeded my expectations. 87,000 (S)miles so far and I am looking forward to many more!

FJRMaineiac said:

... before mcatrophy brought it up, ...

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Not me,I just found a translation of Jiří Šimůnek's post above. Mind you, I do agree!

Most under rated big tourer, that can just about fill any need, from the shopping to spots ridding. Had mine 10years, and still love her