Am I looking at the right bike?

[Cdogman]

So, 365,465 yesses and 1 no Hmmmmmm

 

[TruWrecks]

The FJR is a piece of junk!

Shhhhh. Don't tell him the truth. We want to keep the FJR an exclusives club.

 

[leedavis]

I own a V-star 1100 and an FJR. The V-star is a nice mid-sized cruiser, but there's nothing the FJR doesn't do better - commuting to work, trips to the grocery store, x-country, tight maneuvering, riding 2 up - nothing. In terms of performance the V-star isn't even on the same planet as the FJR. The FJR is so smooth, fast and responsive you have to pay attention. It can lull you into complacency.

 

[Charlie Hoss]

Wish I were 5'11"!! At 5'8, I can plant one foot on the ground...as long as the other is on the peg. Seriously, I think you'll do just fine on an FJR, once you get used to it. I tippy toe at every stop but don't find it to be a big problem. Would not want the lowering kit.

With your combined weight, I think you would need an aftermarket shock (no offense). I have a Wilbers set up and its one of the best farkles I have for passenger comfort along with a Sargent seat. Some kind of backrest is necessary also, I have the Sargent backrest and a Givi top case. They can't be used together.

I sold an 88 Venture Royale after owning it for 17 years. I expected my next bike would be the best all around bike, so I bought the FJR. No regrets, except these forum dudes and dudettes have caused me to spend a small fortune on farkles. :blink:

 

[MVF]

If you're mostly commuting, seldom doing any 200+ mile days and are usually solo, I can think of a lot of other bikes I'd consider first such as an FZ1, Bandit S or Monster. The big GTs might be a good choice, too. I acquired the FJR because I mostly do two-up 300+ mile days and rarely commute on it. It is the perfect machine for my use and requirements combining prodigious power, good handling, reasonable comfort for two and good luggage capacity.

I have also been considering that as well. I don't do long commutes yet. I looked at pictures of the FZ1 and it seems a lot of people here like it as well. But while my girl doesn't ride with me often, I do want her to get use to riding more and want to make sure she is comfortable. I am 270lb and she's about 160lbs (don't tell her I actually posted that) . But like I said I don't want to be changing bikes aevery few years. I also like the look of the FJR over the FZ1. Plus while I know all bikes have to be respected but some bikes I think I would get in more trouble with.

I sold my 04 Vstar for the 04 FJR. Never looked back. I think the FJR is more comfortable than the Vstar, but then again, I have a corbin seat and only had the stocker on the Vstar. However, as far as leg room, the FJR is not bad, but it is different. If you put on highway pegs, it's great.
The FJR is a totally different machine. Way faster, way more clearance, better wind protection, smoother ride.....

I prefer the riding position on the FJR because you can use your legs to alleviate some of the weight off your arse. On the Vstar, all your weight is on your arse, and thus your tailbone gets tired quickly.

I have been noticing that lately on my VStar. Sometimes you hit a bump and if you misjudged it or didn't notice it, you will really feel it. I was wondering if the new riding position would take some of that shock away. My girl has been caught out like that a few times while on the back and I can hear her through the helmets scream OWWW! She can then hear me laughing my *** off right after. The next stop I usually get a slap on the back of the helmet or shoulder asking why I didn't warn her. hehe

I have had a Bandit and an FZ1- both good bikes- if you get either one, you will probably like it, wish you got the FJR and trade up. Do yourself a favor and realize it's already too late- you know the FJR is what you want- AND YOU"RE RIGHT!

I've had lots of bikes and the FJR is far and away the best, whether it's commutes, day rides, 2-up, whatever. Yes the FZ1 would spank it in a drag race or a mountain race- but it doesn't sound like that's what you're looking for. I love this bike- it's comfortable, VERY fast, plenty flickable- and that's from an ex-canyon racer. The Bandit and FZ1 will beat you up at speed compared to the FJR, and then there's having luggage- nips 90% of the PITA part of riding a bike in the butt. Oh- and don't worry about not being able to flat foot it- I've never had a bike I could flat foot- you'll get used to it.

And, finally, yes, having your feet under you will let you use your legs to soak up really big bumps, and puts your spine in a better position for the shocks even if you don't. Don't know what the suspension is like on your VSTAR, but I'd be surprised if the FJR didn't ride better- smoothest bike I've ever had.

 

[Windblown]

What do you like/dislike about your current ride? The FJR is a GREAT all arounder. But it's hard to know if it's the bike for you.

I only owned a FJR for a few months and 4000 miles. It left the stable earlier this week. If I could have only ONE bike I would still be riding it.

Good luck in your quest. I can say without hesitation the FJR is a solid bike, just can't say whether it's for you.

 

[OlyFJR]

Renink keep us updated on what you decide.

 

[renink]

Renink keep us updated on what you decide.

Will do. I am going to a a few dealers this weekend to see what they can do.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Nope. If you have to ask...it isn't.

Maybe he's one of those guys that knows the answer to every question he asks.

The answer is yes. Best bike I ever owned and you are right, the FJR is the best of both worlds. It does more things very well than any other bike.

 

[Flint]

Nope. If you have to ask...it isn't.

Maybe he's one of those guys that knows the answer to every question he asks.

The answer is yes. Best bike I ever owned and you are right, the FJR is the best of both worlds. It does more things very well than any other bike.

Another plan? Cancel the upstate vanity er uh I mean vacation home? Get a GOOD, comfortable travelin' bike instead such as a FJR, GoldWing, BMW R1200RT, etc. Make occasional visits to various sites in north America between the Ross sea and Copper Canyon. Take lotsa pictures of the scenery, the food, and the locals. Make your kids so jealous they just have to matriculate into motorcycling as a lifestyle with proper education, equipment and fun. Go to a National rally with your son or daughter riding their own bike for that first big trip? The BMW and FJR and GoldWing famalies are all a fairly (LOL) nice gentle bunch a folks. Ride as long as you are physically able......

A few years back we went to the BMW International Rally in Redmond, Oregon. The award for the youngest rider to ride to the rally on their own bike was a young lady from Sioux Falls, South Dakota who was 14 years old at the time. She had ridden all the way with her Dad on his bike along with her. Ya wanna guess who won it again the next year at Trenton, Ontario Canada?

Grow old as gracefully as ya can with a large batch a photo albums of all yer new friends and the places ya been?

Just a thought?

Flint :yahoo:

 

[renink]

Renink keep us updated on what you decide.

BOUGHT IT!!! Will make another post.

 

[user 3529]

Great decision!! :drinks: I too was debating between a FZ1 and an FJR. I also decided on the FJR because I realized that even though the smaller bike probably fit my needs better at the time I would eventually want to trade up anyway. After a year on the bike if I had to make the decision again there is no way I would change it!! Just the simple stuff like not having a chain to lube makes it worth it IMO.

 

[OlyFJR]

Renink keep us updated on what you decide.

BOUGHT IT!!! Will make another post.

I knew you would. You sounded like me when I walked in and spotted a new '06 sitting on the floor of a dealership in Renton Wa. I spoke with a salesman and told him to call me with the best price he could come up with and then we'd talk. I tried to act like I was just thinking about it, but the fact is this started as a wish and became an obsession. I finally bought it and life is good.

Now you can start sleeping through the night without it being the only thing you dream about. Of course you won't sleep as much at first until you can stop going into the garage just to look at it. :looking: I'm looking forward to your next post to get an update. Welcome to the club.

Now you you need to get some frame sliders from Skyway and start on a farkle list.

 

[UweRoss]

Find someone who will let you ride one -- whether that's a dealer or simply someone near you who already owns one -- then make up your mind whether it's what you want. I bought my '06 slightly used (6 months, ~ 3000 miles) because I couldn't say no after a local seller let me ride it for a bit.

Don't worry about not being able to flat-foot it. You'll get used to that, it's no big deal. I could probably flat-foot mine if I put the seat in the low position, but I find the high position (and a piece of sheepskin) to be more comfortable when actually riding -- and I spend way more time riding than sitting at stoplights. I got over the flat-footing thing pretty quick when I bough a V-Strom in 2004...;-)

-Uwe-