Whip
Well-known member
Background check.
I pre-ordered a 2003 FJR site unseen. Rode it about 50,000 miles. Heat was my only issue. I often pored water on my lap during stops. Traded it for a Kawa Mule.I needed it
) I bought a Road Glide and a 1200RT. After holding up cars on Poudre Canyon in a rain storm on the HD and constantly taking the RT to Beemerville to get worked on I thought I had learned my lesson...
Soooo
I bought a 2006 FJR(in 2006) with 275 miles on it in Green Bay WI. I enjoyed the fly and ride very much. Took some great trips on it(mostly two up) and even did a 1305 mile day with it. I decided I wanted to do some light dirt riding so I got a 1200 GSA, it broke down in the first 2000 miles so I sold it. Then I got a KTM 950 took it to Alaska and sold the FJR after just under 50,000 trouble free miles.
Now, ...YMMV
I could hear the 2013 FJR calling my name. I picked it up on Thursday ($14,900) and took it out for 150 miles this mornin. I think the motor is a bit smoother than my 2006, the gears slip/change a bit softer as well. I moved the lever to hard on the rear suspension before I took off. The seat was in the low position and I added two clicks to the right fork tube. I don’t really know where it started. I rode it on familiar roads. On one of my favorite right handers as I put my weight on the inside peg I felt the rubber give on the peg. I am gonna have to replace the pegs. I noticed the windshield in the highest position still transferred a lot of wind to my head and neck. I ordered and expect to receive the touring windshield on Thursday (25th). While riding through Bandera I noticed my knees touching the side of the gas tank and remembered I need some tank protectors to keep from scratching up the beautiful paint. I also saw the front of my Aerostich laying on the lower top of the tank as well so I will need something there too. At about 75% the FJR is rock solid in the corners as I bring it up to 90% and catch some uneven ground it wobbles just a bit and does not give good feedback so I think it may need a bit more damping, the spring rates feel pretty good. I will read how to dial in some more shortly. I moved the seat to the higher position at my last stop and I think that will work better for my 6’2” frame. I have heard good things about the tires that come with the bike ... I ain’t sold till I try to get the wobble out of it cause it could be the tires. On my 2006 I put 120/60/17 (Michelin 2CT) on it to create a quicker turn in and I was very happy. The seat is better than most but still needs to be replaced for long distance riding. I may replace the foam to start with because the actual layout is not bad, but the bouncy rubber feel does not give me good feedback and could add to the instability I feel when pushing it. For two up long distance travel the bags were and still are a bit small. I have the GIVI racks to put on some full size side bags and a 55LT trunk so I may go that route...we will see. The Fly By Wire has made the throttle softer and of course the CC is a nice addition. The switching from Touring to Sport mode was interesting. My early thoughts are it would be better for me to stay with one or the other almost all of the time so I know what to expect. For me prolly the Sport. Overall it was a great bike that has been made even better. I am very happy and looking forward to our September trip to Newfoundland.
I pre-ordered a 2003 FJR site unseen. Rode it about 50,000 miles. Heat was my only issue. I often pored water on my lap during stops. Traded it for a Kawa Mule.I needed it
Soooo
I bought a 2006 FJR(in 2006) with 275 miles on it in Green Bay WI. I enjoyed the fly and ride very much. Took some great trips on it(mostly two up) and even did a 1305 mile day with it. I decided I wanted to do some light dirt riding so I got a 1200 GSA, it broke down in the first 2000 miles so I sold it. Then I got a KTM 950 took it to Alaska and sold the FJR after just under 50,000 trouble free miles.
Now, ...YMMV
I could hear the 2013 FJR calling my name. I picked it up on Thursday ($14,900) and took it out for 150 miles this mornin. I think the motor is a bit smoother than my 2006, the gears slip/change a bit softer as well. I moved the lever to hard on the rear suspension before I took off. The seat was in the low position and I added two clicks to the right fork tube. I don’t really know where it started. I rode it on familiar roads. On one of my favorite right handers as I put my weight on the inside peg I felt the rubber give on the peg. I am gonna have to replace the pegs. I noticed the windshield in the highest position still transferred a lot of wind to my head and neck. I ordered and expect to receive the touring windshield on Thursday (25th). While riding through Bandera I noticed my knees touching the side of the gas tank and remembered I need some tank protectors to keep from scratching up the beautiful paint. I also saw the front of my Aerostich laying on the lower top of the tank as well so I will need something there too. At about 75% the FJR is rock solid in the corners as I bring it up to 90% and catch some uneven ground it wobbles just a bit and does not give good feedback so I think it may need a bit more damping, the spring rates feel pretty good. I will read how to dial in some more shortly. I moved the seat to the higher position at my last stop and I think that will work better for my 6’2” frame. I have heard good things about the tires that come with the bike ... I ain’t sold till I try to get the wobble out of it cause it could be the tires. On my 2006 I put 120/60/17 (Michelin 2CT) on it to create a quicker turn in and I was very happy. The seat is better than most but still needs to be replaced for long distance riding. I may replace the foam to start with because the actual layout is not bad, but the bouncy rubber feel does not give me good feedback and could add to the instability I feel when pushing it. For two up long distance travel the bags were and still are a bit small. I have the GIVI racks to put on some full size side bags and a 55LT trunk so I may go that route...we will see. The Fly By Wire has made the throttle softer and of course the CC is a nice addition. The switching from Touring to Sport mode was interesting. My early thoughts are it would be better for me to stay with one or the other almost all of the time so I know what to expect. For me prolly the Sport. Overall it was a great bike that has been made even better. I am very happy and looking forward to our September trip to Newfoundland.
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