Anybody looking for an 06?

[FLOWBACK]

Hey Fred I Know how you feel. Bought my 05 FJR having never even seen one. Just liked everything I read about the bike over the past few years. First ride was a 1200 mile weekend two up, Co. UT. Az. and back. Lots of open country high speed straights,zillions of curves. After first few hours my knees are starting to hurt from being bent back under my ***. A little later the vib. through the hand grips is starting to bother me. I keep playing with the windshield trying to stop the cyclone going on behind it. I have a hard time telling jeannie that maybe I made a mistake buying this thing. She new something was up when I kept standing up on the foot pegs ,my *** in her face going down the highway. I swear I'm more comfortable on my 52 hardtail. Second day, knees feel better,love those saddle bags and man what about those brakes. I'm taking curves marked 25 mph at 60,no sweat, and I really like being able to reach 130mph by the end of the "on ramp".

Now comes the fix. Highway pegs are at the powdercoaters, new heavy bar ends just arrived along with the gel grips. Just installed the rear luggage rack, and handlebar risers go on this weekend. Rad.cover should be here soon, and so will the Mich. Pilot Roads. I hope to have the fenda extenda on before I install the Holeshot exaust system. If I have time Fri. night I hope to install the Tankslapper paint protection kit, and hard wire the new Escort, and so on and so on.

Fred, my point is I don't think anybody could be totaly happy with the FJR bone stock. Thank God for "Aftermarket" parts, and the people on this forum sharing their knowledge. Mabey if you make a few small changes to the bike to suit your style,and take a few more rides out were you can let er rip the FJR might grow on ya. It grew on me.

 

[FLOWBACK]

Hey Fred I Know how you feel. Bought my 05 FJR having never even seen one. Just liked everything I read about the bike over the past few years. First ride was a 1200 mile weekend two up, Co. UT. Az. and back. Lots of open country high speed straights,zillions of curves. After first few hours my knees are starting to hurt from being bent back under my ***. A little later the vib. through the hand grips is starting to bother me. I keep playing with the windshield trying to stop the cyclone going on behind it. I have a hard time telling jeannie that maybe I made a mistake buying this thing. She new something was up when I kept standing up on the foot pegs ,my *** in her face going down the highway. I swear I'm more comfortable on my 52 hardtail. Second day, knees feel better,love those saddle bags and man what about those brakes. I'm taking curves marked 25 mph at 60,no sweat, and I really like being able to reach 130mph by the end of the "on ramp".

Now comes the fix. Highway pegs are at the powdercoaters, new heavy bar ends just arrived along with the gel grips. Just installed the rear luggage rack, and handlebar risers go on this weekend. Rad.cover should be here soon, and so will the Mich. Pilot Roads. I hope to have the fenda extenda on before I install the Holeshot exaust system. If I have time Fri. night I hope to install the Tankslapper paint protection kit, and hard wire the new Escort, and so on and so on.

Fred, my point is I don't think anybody could be totaly happy with the FJR bone stock. Thank God for "Aftermarket" parts, and the people on this forum sharing their knowledge. Mabey if you make a few small changes to the bike to suit your style,and take a few more rides out were you can let er rip the FJR might grow on ya. It grew on me.

 

[flyinlow]

Fred, you don't mention what kinds of bikes you've ridden or the other bike you have.

Do yourself a favor, take an advanced rider course somewhere in your area. I'm talking about a course where they teach you how to handle a bike. We have a course here in the Twin Cities area that is taught by some road racers. They teach you how to shift your weight, how to make the bike go through a corner, why a bike does what it does through a corner, etc. Its a one day class and I learned more in one day than I have in 20+ years of riding. I now ride my bikes with confidence, but also don't ride to the limit on the street either, I save some in reserve for those special moments when you need all your skills.

Once you take a class like this I think you will enjoy your FJR alot more. I came off sport bikes and although the FJR doesn't handle as good as those, within my first 250 miles I already got rid of the chicken strips on the tires.

Also, the class I was in had people with all types of bikes. The guys on the cruisers couldn't believe how they could make their bikes handle. They were scraping hard parts all over the track at the end of day. (By the way not recommended on the street, but on a track you can get away with it.)

 

[Fred H.]

Fred, you don't mention what kinds of bikes you've ridden or the other bike you have.
Do yourself a favor, take an advanced rider course somewhere in your area. I'm talking about a course where they teach you how to handle a bike.

I have a GL1800 and had three Concours (Concouri?) before that.

I have taken the MSF ERC course as well as proffesionally instructed track courses and track days. There is a race track less than 5 miles from my house I have access to for track days several times a year. Been there, done that.

The main problem is that I am not sure I want to own two bikes and try to keep tires and insurance and accesories on both, and there is no way I would give up the Wing, as the wife and I take 10-25 day long trips on it several times a year. There is simply no way could we do that on the FJR. I am already spending almost $1,000 a year in tires alone just for the Wing. Not to mention the insurance and accesories that the FJR is going to need.

I am questioning the sanity of trying to own and upkeep two bikes. Not to mention the garage space issues.

 

[Toecutter]

The main problem is that I am not sure I want to own two bikes and try to keep tires and insurance and accesories on both, and there is no way I would give up the Wing, as the wife and I take 10-25 day long trips on it several times a year.  There is simply no way could we do that on the FJR.  I am already spending almost $1,000 a year in tires alone just for the Wing. Not to mention the insurance and accesories that the FJR is going to need.
I am questioning the sanity of trying to own and upkeep two bikes. Not to mention the garage space issues.

So, didn't you know all that stuff before you bought the FJR? Perhaps you never should have bought it in the first place? You should take a long look at that sanity question.

I don't see how you can wear down two sets of tires at once, unless your wife is on one bike and you're on the other.

Like I said before, sell it.....

 

[flyinlow]

I understand the financial question. I struggled with it a few years ago and decided to go for it. I have a three car garage and have my daily driver pickup, my wife's Trailblazer, my 05 Corvette, the 06 FJR, and this weekend I'm picking up an 06 Aprilia Tuono. There's room in the garage for all of them, just have to get creative. The reason I'm buying the Tuono is that the FJR is a little too tame and need something on the wild side. (Plus I've always wanted an Italian bike)

When I was struggling with whether I should have all of this stuff, the same things came up. Tires, insurance, registration, etc. If you are struggling for cash, thats definitely an issue, so I would say don't own two bikes.

I finally decided life was too short and that we could afford some toys finally. I had a successfull career right out of college for 11 years, decided thats not what I wanted so went to work for $7 an hour in 1992 and learned a new career. Now I make more money than my previous career could have given me. I know what its like to grow up poor, make some money, go back to being poor and then make some money. In all that time I've never been a penny pincher and its worked out. I just tried not to worry about money. I'm not a wild spender, we live within our means. When I was making $7 an hour it was one of the best times of my life, met my wife, been smooth sailing ever since. As I said, if you don't have the money, thats one thing, but if you do, I say don't worry, be happy.

 

[FriscoJim]

Fred - I have the perfect 2nd bike for you - a tricked-out-hopped-up Custom Warrior - goes fast (OK not quite the FJR - more like an FZ-6 speed). Maybe we can work out a trade! Haven't seen the DFW thread yet but might come out to check out the local FJR group.

 

[jjsC6]

I understand the financial question. I struggled with it a few years ago and decided to go for it. I have a three car garage and have my daily driver pickup, my wife's Trailblazer, my 05 Corvette, the 06 FJR, and this weekend I'm picking up an 06 Aprilia Tuono. There's room in the garage for all of them, just have to get creative. The reason I'm buying the Tuono is that the FJR is a little too tame and need something on the wild side. (Plus I've always wanted an Italian bike)
When I was struggling with whether I should have all of this stuff, the same things came up. Tires, insurance, registration, etc. If you are struggling for cash, thats definitely an issue, so I would say don't own two bikes.

I finally decided life was too short and that we could afford some toys finally. I had a successfull career right out of college for 11 years, decided thats not what I wanted so went to work for $7 an hour in 1992 and learned a new career. Now I make more money than my previous career could have given me. I know what its like to grow up poor, make some money, go back to being poor and then make some money. In all that time I've never been a penny pincher and its worked out. I just tried not to worry about money. I'm not a wild spender, we live within our means. When I was making $7 an hour it was one of the best times of my life, met my wife, been smooth sailing ever since. As I said, if you don't have the money, thats one thing, but if you do, I say don't worry, be happy.

Wow, you and I need to meet. I roadraced motorcycles back in "the day", so I'm a pretty avid sport rider myself. I also have a three car garage with my Acura TL, my wifes Tahoe and an '05 Corvette convertible. I typically keep my ST1300 (soon to be replaced by my FJR when it comes in) in the garage. I finally got tired of shoe-horning in the Goldwing, so I keep it at a storage building down the street.

 

[flyinlow]

jjs, I see you're located in Houston. I'm in the Twin Cities in MN.

Do you frequent the Corvette Forum? My handle is the same over there.

I have a Z51 coupe, Victory red, 6speed fully loaded except for the NAV.

 

[Rickster]

Good luck however it turns out. Nothing wrong with a GL if that's your cup-o-tea.

You should post a $ figure, or just put it on e-bay if that's your decision.

If you're looking for others to ease your buyers remorse -- good luck here!

I'm still waitin' waitin' waitin' on an AE, but I have no bike similar -- so shouldn't be a prob. Maybe you could trade it for an R1?

 

[Shane Stump]

Fred,

Make a "do-it-your-self" video for the FJR1300 like you did for the GL1800, add a few sponsers, and your FJR1300 + insurance + farkles will be paid for in about a month's time with your talents.

Well, off to Corpus!

Best Regards,

Shane

 

[hippo]

I am not sure I want to keep this bike.  Thought I wanted it, but now I don't know why I bought it.  I can only ride one at a time anyway.
It is a brand new 06 (two weeks old) with 1K miles on it.  I haven't made my mind up for sure if I want to sell it or not, but if someone gave me a decent offer, I just might let it go.  The bike is located in Ft Worth.

Fred,

I follow your posts with great interest on the GW boards. You know, it's kind of strange, I have an '06 FJR on order and am wondering the same thing you are.

Since my '02 GW, I've had:

'01 R1150GS

'01 R1200C

'03 VRSCA

'03 XB9S

'05 ZX-6R

'05 GSXR1000

'05 DRZ-400SM

They're all gone, only the GW remains. I'm having second thoughts on the FJR too -- I'm sure it's a great bike, but it comes down to whether I need another bike that I'm not going to ride any where near the amount I ride the GW.

You can't ride any of the sport bikes to anywhere near their potential on the street, so most of the performance is wasted.

I guess my main reason for having a second bike would be that it would be lighter than the GW.

Aw crap...

 

[TheRepairMan]

You poor lost souls.

I think if you can't see yourself being entertained on the new FJR you might want to consider doing what I've done. Not that I don't absolutely love the new FJR. I want one really bad, but I just couldn't let myself miss the experience of the FZ1.

A lot of you know exactly what I'm talking about because you are into them also. You still have a mostly upright sitting position but also enjoy handling and performance not far off the mark of the R1.

I must admit I spend most of my time over on the FZ10a Message board now days but still stop in here every now and then to see whats going on.

Too many bikes and so little time!

Enjoy,

Roger B

soon to be owner of an 06 red FZ1

 

[Fred H.]

I added a new farkel today (RKA Super Sport tank bag) and I think I feel better now.

Maybe that is all I need, to sprinkle some more farkels on it.

I think I will keep the bike, I am just going through a phase where I question my purchase. Not all that uncommon for me, and I will probably get over it.

 

[vmaxed]

Fred...now you need to add a new garage like I did... :haha:

 

[qmotion]

Guess i'll add my 2 cents. I live in the big city and only have a one car garage. I kept a 1987 Yamaha Venture Royale (with only 31K original miles) and my 2005 FJR in the garage. I had to park my Mercedes E-320, 1988 BMW-M5 (under cover) and my wife's BMW 325 convertible on the street. Contractors will be comming in a couple weeks to tear down a wall in the garage so I can put the M5 in with the bikes. Actually my 2005 FJR was totaled last month so I'm waiting for the FJR 1300AE. I was use to the radio and CB/intercom, etc. on the touring bike so I installed a J&M CB/intercom, XM radio, radar detector, laser radar jammer, Garmin 2610 navigation, Corbin Dual Canyon heated seats with back rest, heated grips, cigarette lighter, 12volt accessory outlet and a Scorpio alarm system. Frankly I didn't start riding the full dressed tourer again till I totaled the FJR. I was thinking of selling the Venture. Now I'm glad I kept it so I can still ride. I must admit my lady did prefer to ride on the back of the Venture over the FJR. Now she wants to learn how to ride herself. Guess I'll be setting the FJR-AE up as a solo machine. I too understand the delima you faced. It all boils down to what you can and can't afford. Along with taking long trips I do a lot of inner city riding with traffic and it's not a lot of fun on a big road machine. The FJR is the best of both world's to me. If you can keep both, you'll be glad you did.

 

[Bounce]

Give it time Fred. Took me a month and a couple thousand miles to know *for sure* that I made the right decision in replacing my Connie. As with any new bike, you have to grow into each other, IMHO.

Gotta agree with SkooterG, Fred. It's a riding position change from the Wing and Connie. Give your body time to adjust and I think you'll be pleased. 6 months after moving to the Feejer from the GL1500, I swapped with a friend (who also had a GL1500). I was surprised that a riding position I'd been using for over 10 years now felt like I was leaning over backwards.

Though I think sometimes the fun of riding a bike is pulling the throttle to the stop and going through the gears and pushing the bike to it's limits. I don't think I can ride this bike like that, at least not on the street anyway.

Yep, seems some time to adapt is in order. The difference is that pulling a highly-able bike to the stops can result in a much greater reaction than when doing it on a less-able machine. You can get the thrill like you're used to, but you do it by whacking the throttle open a fraction of WFO. Learning where these areas are is part of the acclimation process.

Understanding that you have "ludicrous speed" on tap when you want to get really crazy is like having "hidden knowledge" when you hear some riders (Wingsters and Conkster as 2 examples) going on about the amazing performace of their bikes. You'll know that some people don't realize exactly how much technology has changed over the years and what having real performance on tap is like (short of a true hyper sport bike).

The FJR is like 2 bikes. Under 5 grand it's highly able and completely predictable. Break the 5 grand mark and the beast awakens; still very predictable but the dragon starts breathing fire.

re: insurance

Check the Hull Agency in SW Ft. Worth. I have Dairyland through them: full coverage with 100/300/50 and 250 deductable. It went down again this year. Now it's $245 a year.

 

[Fred H.]

I put some much needed farkles on this weekend (Autocom intercom, Ipod, radar, GPS, tankbag, throttle lock) and put a few hundred more miles on it.

I think I am feeling better about it. I do like the way it handles in the corners and I am adjusting to it.

But now I am feeling guilty that the GL1800 hasn't been ridden in almost 2 weeks. I guess I am going to have to get used to dividing my attentions between to machines. It is harder than I thought it would be. I feel like I am cheating on my wife when I ride the FJR.

 

[Rickster]

Tell the GL that it's now wonder you're cheating on her --

The new FJR is new, tighter engine, crisper, and doesn't have any scratches or scars!

 

[jjsC6]

jjs, I see you're located in Houston. I'm in the Twin Cities in MN.
Do you frequent the Corvette Forum? My handle is the same over there.

I have a Z51 coupe, Victory red, 6speed fully loaded except for the NAV.

Do I frequent the Corvette forum? I guess so. I have over 10,000 posts over there. I do recognize you. I'm "jschindler" on the Corvette forum.