War Machine
Zero Altitude Test Pilot
Late in the afternoon on Saturday April 14th I took delivery of my new 06FJR. It is absolutely beautiful in the sun. Looks a little different (the color) from every angle. The first accessory on the bike was a high powered magnet on the oil filter. You might have seen these in racing magazines. They trap metal shavings from the engine inside the filter, & I thought this would be the best time to try this. I'll let you know of the results at 600 miles.
The seat was in the high position, & with my 5' 10" body & 30" inseam. I can only manage a little less than 1/2 of each foot on both sides. When I stop I mainly plant only my right foot down & keep my left foot on the peg, so it really didn't matter that much. Eventually I will probably put in in the lower position. Stretch to the handlebars was good I felt very comfortable, although a 1" riser would probably alleviate the minor pressure on my wrists. Took it easy on local streets because the tires weren't scuffed up yet. A small amount of water while leaning in a slow curve made the tire break ever so slightly. My bike came with the Bridgestones. The same tires on my friend John's ST1300. I have put over 1500 miles on his bike & those tires are confidence inspiring under all conditions on the Honda. Time will tell if I feel the same. Only put 84 miles that day. Had personal things to do & didn't ride at all on Easter Sunday.
BUT... On Monday I put 500 miles on it in 8 1/2 hours. Took a solo ride from Staten Island, New York City up to Lake George in the Adorondack Mountains of upper New York State. On the expressway @4000 rpm the bike is doing 78 miles an hour. Although I revved it up to 6000 a few times, I mainly stayed @4000. It wasn't easy. You can reach triple digits in a heartbeat.
I had the bags on, but they were mainly empty, and although it was a windy day (gusts up to 30 mph) the bike felt stable & didn't wander much. I noticed no whistling as others have mentioned from the windshield. I did notice that the windshield flexes quite a bit. Think they would have thought of a more rigid (thicker?) plastic. I found the seat very comfortable for a stock seat, but after 6 hour I was squirming alittle. The corbin seat on my old Interceptor is a little better on the butt. I did not notice much vibration in the bars or any where else. The transmission was probably the best transmission I ever experienced on any bike, no less a brand new one. Shifting was postive & not clunky up or down shifting. The clutch was of moderate pressure & when I was stuck in rush hour traffic for a while, it still didn't hurt my hand & at the same time did not feel spongey.
One other thing, since it was mainly low 50's under cloudy skies for the first half of the ride, I actually used the heated grips (option) with my summer gloves on & was glad I did.
On Thursday morning I will bring it in for it's 600 mile service, & will keep you posted on the metal filings I find in the oil & final drive.
Can't stop smiling.
The seat was in the high position, & with my 5' 10" body & 30" inseam. I can only manage a little less than 1/2 of each foot on both sides. When I stop I mainly plant only my right foot down & keep my left foot on the peg, so it really didn't matter that much. Eventually I will probably put in in the lower position. Stretch to the handlebars was good I felt very comfortable, although a 1" riser would probably alleviate the minor pressure on my wrists. Took it easy on local streets because the tires weren't scuffed up yet. A small amount of water while leaning in a slow curve made the tire break ever so slightly. My bike came with the Bridgestones. The same tires on my friend John's ST1300. I have put over 1500 miles on his bike & those tires are confidence inspiring under all conditions on the Honda. Time will tell if I feel the same. Only put 84 miles that day. Had personal things to do & didn't ride at all on Easter Sunday.
BUT... On Monday I put 500 miles on it in 8 1/2 hours. Took a solo ride from Staten Island, New York City up to Lake George in the Adorondack Mountains of upper New York State. On the expressway @4000 rpm the bike is doing 78 miles an hour. Although I revved it up to 6000 a few times, I mainly stayed @4000. It wasn't easy. You can reach triple digits in a heartbeat.
I had the bags on, but they were mainly empty, and although it was a windy day (gusts up to 30 mph) the bike felt stable & didn't wander much. I noticed no whistling as others have mentioned from the windshield. I did notice that the windshield flexes quite a bit. Think they would have thought of a more rigid (thicker?) plastic. I found the seat very comfortable for a stock seat, but after 6 hour I was squirming alittle. The corbin seat on my old Interceptor is a little better on the butt. I did not notice much vibration in the bars or any where else. The transmission was probably the best transmission I ever experienced on any bike, no less a brand new one. Shifting was postive & not clunky up or down shifting. The clutch was of moderate pressure & when I was stuck in rush hour traffic for a while, it still didn't hurt my hand & at the same time did not feel spongey.
One other thing, since it was mainly low 50's under cloudy skies for the first half of the ride, I actually used the heated grips (option) with my summer gloves on & was glad I did.
On Thursday morning I will bring it in for it's 600 mile service, & will keep you posted on the metal filings I find in the oil & final drive.
Can't stop smiling.
