My, this is a long topic. 80 pages? I could start a new topic, but I'll just add my 2 cents here.
Picked up my '16 at D&H in Cullman, met Jerold, met my new bike and went for a ride.
I hit the 'southernmost' point in the Florida Keys, the easternmost point in Quoddy Head, Maine, and various other interesting spots along the way. (FINALLY: got to Deal's Gap and the Tail of the Dragon!) Taking my time and just enjoying being on the bike.
Arrived in Texas with 6817 miles on my 22 day old bike.
6th gear is wonderful. Some people say it's an unnecessary overdrive. For super slab work, or smaller highway work, or even 45 mph work - it works fine. I needed to shift down a couple to get some good acceleration, but that is not a hardship.
Cruise control is wonderful. I went to a Cleveland-area shop with 5200 miles to get the 4000 mile oil change. He said that if I wanted to maximize mileage, use the cruise control. The 'brains' on the bike is constantly check throttle position, and if you use your right hand to maintain a constant speed, you are not really maintaining a constant speed, and the bike will react to every input. I think I agree with that.
One of my days, I was totally NOT in a hurry. Only 350 miles to go to my next scheduled hotel stop, and all day to get there. So, I went mostly small (55mph) country highways, and I went with the posted limits. If it was 55, I set the cruise to 56. 45 mph, I went 46. I put 299.6 miles before the last dot started blinking, and 319 total for the tank. 54.6 calculated smiles per gallon. I am a very happy rider.
Worst mpg day was Southern Indiana and Tennessee, into a 30 mph constant head and quarter-head wind. Gusting (I learned later) to 45 mph. It was chilly, exhausting, and not much fun. Lowest mileage for the trip: 41 mpg.
The heated grips are my 2nd favorite feature.
The windshield is too short for a 6'2" rider with a tall torso. I will be getting an aftermarket item very soon.
I chose my timing very well for my trip, weather-wise. I had one loooonnnng rainy, cold day, in KY, WV, VA. My waterproof gloves turned into mops. I had two other days where I needed to put on the rain suit for an hour or so before it cleared up. Just about everything else was sunny and dry.
It was interesting to go from late spring (FL, AL, GA) to early spring, to barely spring, to no sign that spring was anywhere to be found (ME). Then back to almost summer in TX,
I have kept track of every drop I've put in, and I'm averaging 46.5 mpg. I spent many hours looking for the fastest cars I could find, and following at a discrete distance. One day, I followed about 5 cars for over 2 hours at around 90, and only got 45 mpg on that tankful.
My butt hurts after 4 hours. Nothing I could do about it. I hoped to grow some calluses, but at the end of a long day (sometimes 8 hours) it just ached. I have a gel pad, but I didn't bring it, just using the stock seat. I do not have an iron butt.
There was none of the engine heat that is always there on my 2005 model. I had heard that problem was cured long ago, and I can confirm.
Givi 46 liter trunk is just perfect. The Yamaha bag inserts are a nice perk, I used them and filled the bags up with everything I needed.
I avoided night riding, but had to be out a couple of times. The low beams on the bike are brighter and wider than many of the cars I was on the road with. The high beams can light up some of the smaller moons of Jupiter. Great lights.
If anyone want to ask me for advice on getting a new bike...I'd suggest looking hard at the 2016 Yamaha FJR1300. Pretty much an OK bike. IMO.
