Are there any female FJR owners?

[tripletango]

Anything south of Fort Worth is just too unexciting

Sure sounds like you didn't get around much in the 3 years you were here.

RR170 along the Rio Grand is a great road. Hill Country, the Piney Woods in the east, Ft. Davis in the summer (with it's elevation that's higher than Denver) gives a respite to the summer heat, and on and on.

If you're gonna hit OK, it needs to be far east. Nearly the entire western half of AR is nothing but good. Stay off the interstates and just follow your nose down every pig trail you can find.

It's amazing that most have no idea how great the riding is in TX. Guess it's just too dam big. You gotta have patience. Some of the roads take a little seat time to get there!! Hey Bounce my kind of riding in AR! Need to get that trip planned!

 

[dusty1300]

Just got to this thread. My wife has a 2004 and rides all over the country with me. She started out with a Yamaha 650 v-star after riding with me for years. I kept talking about how much more fun it was to drive. So, she took that class here and will not ride with me anymore. After a ride to Kansas (We live in Northern Iowa) with a bunch of Goldwings, she moved up to a 1500 Kawa Vulcan and then went to a Nomad after that. She did very well on both of these bikes, but she never felt quite comfortable in the tight stuff like turning around in the road, parking lots, gas stations, etc. till she went to the FJR. She absolutely loves it. We have highway pegs, trunk, two sets of risers on there, new shield, powercommander, heated grips, and the J&M so we can talk. I got just got a new 1800 last fall and she rode one for the first time. She really liked it, but so far is unwilling to give up her beloved FJR.

She has ridden it about 12k now. We were not able to ride as much the last two years as we would have liked due to a move and other things, but she will go anywhere I do. She mostly follows me and I act as her reverse once in a while. Once in the Black Hills and I was on my 1500, she told me on the cb that if there weren't such a slowpoke in front of her, she could have some real fun. I later that year got an ST1300 so I wouldn't hold her back.

We went to the Minneapolis show Friday night and saw the new FJR. It seems better built in a lot of ways, but can't see replacing hers yet.

It is good to see other women on FJR's. They would work great for many more women also. There are many things that are hard for my wife to manage on cruisers, but can do them with ease on the FJR. The light weight also helps alot.

Tom

 

[MsLilly]

Another female rider here. I've posted a few times...

I got my first bike in 1981..a Kawasaki GPZ 550. My husband (boyfriend at the time) was so supportive, taught me how to ride and he is still my riding partner! But, all of our male friends kept telling me how it would be TOO MUCH bike for me to handle! I laugh at that now...but at the time it really made me angry. I dreamed of riding my very own bike since I was a kid and I refused to give up that dream. I sold that 550 in 8 months....all the guys were leaving me behind so moved up to a Hondo 750 Secca. Loved the bike..but still, they were riding much faster. Next bike was a GPZ 1100. That was the perfect size. I could not only keep up with the guys, but tended to pass them on occasion! I am 5'6" and have always had to tip toe on my bikes (except for the 550) but you only have to worry about that when you are stopped...and I like to go! I have no problem asking my husband or male friends to help me move my bike if we are parked somewhere that I can not ride out of. I always check where I'm parking before I stop so I can take off on my own...but sometimes a girl just needs a little help. Oh, and all those men who didn't think I could handle the 550...well, they realized real early that I not only could handle my bike, but theirs too. We have had fun switching bikes to see what they felt like. When my husband & I go on vacation, we switch bikes after every 2 or 3 hours just to change seating position. He has a Honda GoldWing and I enjoy riding that too. Just not as much as my FJR. He also has a Suzuki Hayabusa that he "allows" me to ride every now and then. It's his baby and you can see the pain in his face when he lets me get on!

I bought a Ninja 1000R in 1986 and rode that beast until August of 2004. I knew I wanted to get a new bike but I LOVED my Ninja and wouldn't let it go until I found something that was as exciting. Our local dealer had a 2005 FJR and when I went to look at it, he offered to let me ride it. OK, you don't have to offer twice, I jumped on it (my husband followed on his Busa) and took off. We live out in the country in Oregon so got on a great twisty road. I knew within a few miles that I had to have this bike. After pushing that Ninja around the turns for 18 years I couldn't get over how nimble this bike was. I had my Ninja sold the next day and an FJR on order that same afternoon! I tried a corbin seat but just didn't care for it. Went back to the stock seat. The only farkles I have are Heli bars and I put on throttlemeister bar ends on. Don't need anything else, this bike is perfect. Saw the new '06 bike and I wouldn't trade my '05 for it. Like this one just fine!

Now my daughter riders. She is height challenged. She's 5'2" and can't touch the ground on many bikes. She doesn't care for cruisers so we finally found a Kawaski Ninja 500 :assasin: that she could fit on. I love that she is starting with basically the same type bike I started on. We took our bikes out today, met up with another female friend that rides and had a blast. We don't have a lot of sunny days up here so when the sun is out, we ride! Left the husband at home working on his Busa...making it prettier! Just the girls today.

Thanks for asking about the females comments on the bike. I enjoyed reading what all you other ladies had to say. Ride safe and keep the shiny side up!

 

[Silver Penguin]

It is good to see other women on FJR's. They would work great for many more women also. There are many things that are hard for my wife to manage on cruisers, but can do them with ease on the FJR. The light weight also helps alot.
Tom

Hi Tom. Your comments are encouraging to a recent FJR convert. I learned to ride, as a kid, on all sorts of bikes. After raising our children, DH and I returned to riding and I got a VStar 650, then 1100.

I still have the 1100 and rode it this weekend. What a difference! It did NOT want to go around corners the way that the FJR does. I'm talking around town errands here, not twisties. It feels good to be able to flat foot the bike, but that's about all.

As soon as I get my sliders onto the FJR, I'm going to try some slow speed exercises that will hopefully give me the skills and confidence to ride the bike better.

Knowing that your wife has done so well really encourages me. Thanks for sharing.

Jill

 

[Silver Penguin]

Now my daughter riders. She is height challenged. She's 5'2" and can't touch the ground on many bikes. She doesn't care for cruisers so we finally found a Kawaski Ninja 500 :assasin: that she could fit on.

Your daughter faces the same height challenge that I do. Thick soled boots are my friend!

I tried the Ninja 500 during Femmoto's demo event and had a lot of fun with it. That was part of the reason I wanted to move away from a cruiser.

How do you like the Hayabusa? That's DH's next bike. He says he'll let me ride it now and again, if I can handle it OK.

Jill

 

[dusty1300]

Hi Tom. Your comments are encouraging to a recent FJR convert. I learned to ride, as a kid, on all sorts of bikes. After raising our children, DH and I returned to riding and I got a VStar 650, then 1100.
I still have the 1100 and rode it this weekend. What a difference! It did NOT want to go around corners the way that the FJR does. I'm talking around town errands here, not twisties. It feels good to be able to flat foot the bike, but that's about all.

As soon as I get my sliders onto the FJR, I'm going to try some slow speed exercises that will hopefully give me the skills and confidence to ride the bike better.

Knowing that your wife has done so well really encourages me. Thanks for sharing.

Jill

Here are two more things that make it an ideal bike for beginners as well. The clutch and engine being powerful allows you to take off by just letting out the clutch. The vstar 650 had to be let out in proportion to giving it gas. Much easier on the FJR. Also, power will get you out of bad situations better. If you are in a tight situation with a car changing lanes into you or any number of things that are a danger, then a quick twist of the throttle and you are out of there. A slow, non-responsive bike takes a while to get past that car or to get yourself out of a blind spot, or pass a truck/car on the highway.

Karla's greatest fear while we were waiting for her FJR was that it was too powerful and she would be pulling wheelies every time she hit the gas. Of course, this is not the case and she was quite relieved.

She does get hot in the summer on the bike, but a smaller windshield and the highway pegs help. I may do the heat fix this Spring also. She really likes the heat when it is colder. When it is colder as it is a lot here in Iowa, the better protection from wind vs. a cruiser has helped keep our riding seasons longer.

Tom

 

[zzkenoman]

Hi Tom.  Your comments are encouraging to a recent FJR convert.  I learned to ride, as a kid, on all sorts of bikes.  After raising our children, DH and I returned to riding and I got a VStar 650, then 1100. 
I still have the 1100 and rode it this weekend.  What a difference!  It did NOT want to go around corners the way that the FJR does.  I'm talking around town errands here, not twisties.  It feels good to be able to flat foot the bike, but that's about all.

As soon as I get my sliders onto the FJR, I'm going to try some slow speed exercises that will hopefully give me the skills and confidence to ride the bike better. 

Knowing that your wife has done so well really encourages me.  Thanks for sharing.

Jill

Here are two more things that make it an ideal bike for beginners as well. The clutch and engine being powerful allows you to take off by just letting out the clutch. The vstar 650 had to be let out in proportion to giving it gas. Much easier on the FJR. Also, power will get you out of bad situations better. If you are in a tight situation with a car changing lanes into you or any number of things that are a danger, then a quick twist of the throttle and you are out of there. A slow, non-responsive bike takes a while to get past that car or to get yourself out of a blind spot, or pass a truck/car on the highway.

Karla's greatest fear while we were waiting for her FJR was that it was too powerful and she would be pulling wheelies every time she hit the gas. Of course, this is not the case and she was quite relieved.

She does get hot in the summer on the bike, but a smaller windshield and the highway pegs help. I may do the heat fix this Spring also. She really likes the heat when it is colder. When it is colder as it is a lot here in Iowa, the better protection from wind vs. a cruiser has helped keep our riding seasons longer.

Tom

Tom,

I may be going to Iowa next month, bringing my fjr on the trailer. where do you suggest I ride in your state? I will be in wilton, and by the way how is the weather?

 

[dusty1300]

Right now, the weather is Mostly Cloudy and 19 degrees. Hoping for high of 30 with a bit of snow. Not great motorcycle weather. I had to lookup where Wilton was. You will be pretty close to the river. I like the river roads North and South of the Quad Cities. Next month may still be pretty cold, but I have hope. The farther South you go, the warmer it will be, of course. You never know about March. We have had blizzards and we have ridden. I was able to go for a ride about two weeks ago, very unusual for January. We live up near the Minnesota border, so you will be about 3.5 to 4 hours away. Have a good time while you are here... must be here for family, huh? Not much of a reason to come here otherwise.

Tom

 

[zzkenoman]

Wilton is near Muscatine, between davenport and des moine. Your right about only going there to see family, so I am looking for ideas to either ride along the river, or head north or chicago possibly. If it is as cold or still quite a bit of snow still, maybe its not a good idea yet to bring my bike up there. what do you think?

 

[dusty1300]

I like the ride from the Quad cities down toward St. Louis. If you have never been to Hanibal, the home of Mark Twain, that is fun. You never know about the weather in March. Most years, we get the bikes out in April for short rides, but most of the riding doesn't start until April. Every year is different. I wouldn't decide on bringing the bike yet, you just never know.

Tom

 

[Silver Penguin]

Jill

Here are two more things that make it an ideal bike for beginners as well. The clutch and engine being powerful allows you to take off by just letting out the clutch. The vstar 650 had to be let out in proportion to giving it gas. Much easier on the FJR. Also, power will get you out of bad situations better. If you are in a tight situation with a car changing lanes into you or any number of things that are a danger, then a quick twist of the throttle and you are out of there. A slow, non-responsive bike takes a while to get past that car or to get yourself out of a blind spot, or pass a truck/car on the highway.

Karla's greatest fear while we were waiting for her FJR was that it was too powerful and she would be pulling wheelies every time she hit the gas. Of course, this is not the case and she was quite relieved.

She does get hot in the summer on the bike, but a smaller windshield and the highway pegs help. I may do the heat fix this Spring also. She really likes the heat when it is colder. When it is colder as it is a lot here in Iowa, the better protection from wind vs. a cruiser has helped keep our riding seasons longer.

Tom

After getting used to the different clutch and throttle characteristics, I'm really impressed. The power is awesome. Until getting the FJR, I preferred not to commute in the car pool lane because getting to and from it, across five lanes of traffic, was scary. With the slightest twist of the wrist, the beast eats up the freeway.

So far, the heat has been an asset rather than a problem. Time will tell how I deal with it over the summer. We've only had the bike since October.

It's definitely a keeper - DH switched my personalized plate onto the FJR today. Everyone behind will know that this is JILS BYK.

Jill

 

[Kasey]

Yes I've got the '03 in W. Canada and I love everything about it. I've had bikes off and on since the 70's but my previous ride for eight years was an '84 Venture Royale and I thought that was quick and nimble. The only drawback was keeping it in good mechanical condition which is why I started to shop around for a new sport-tourer. I rode a few others but nothing turned my crank like the little black and white pic of the FJR in MCN and I waited patiently for it to arrive. Riding impressions/comparisons were more acute in the beginning - at this point the FJR and I are like one and I don't even think about it anymore. I can't imagine ever owning anything else.

I had a custom saddle done at Rich's in Seattle after the first year of discomfort; I added D&H setback bar risers, heated grips and larger Givi shield. Lt. side heat can be an issue in the summer so I've insulated under the gas tank, stopped wearing leather pants and went to vented textile.

I read a lot here, learned a lot here and at the old site, but rarely post. I know there must be many more women FJR riders out there but not everyone is internet connected or interested. I might be the only great grandma riding one, tho'.

See you in Reno, eh?

Kasey

 

[madmike2]

Go granny, go granny, go granny, go-oh-oh-oh!

Or is that, "You go, girl!"

Kasey, did Rich's lower your seat or did the also narrow the front of the seat to give a different leg angle to help you reach the ground?

 

[Silver Penguin]

See you in Reno, eh?

Nice to meet you Kasey. Your description of becoming one with the bike is truly encouraging.

I won't make it to Reno this year - too many plans and too little time off work to accomplish them. But who knows for next year? Reno is only 1-2 days' ride from home.

Jill

 

[Toecutter]

I know there must be many more women FJR riders out there but not everyone is internet connected or interested.

Not to mention all who are scared/put off by all our debauchery. I gotta work on that. Sorry.

 

[zzkenoman]

I know there must be many more women FJR riders out there but not everyone is internet connected or interested.

Not to mention all who are scared/put off by all our debauchery. I gotta work on that. Sorry.

I know what, lets make the women...I mean Ladies...be in charge of the warning meters and I'm sure all us men will shape up.....but...they have to put up live cams

 

[Kasey]

Kasey, did Rich's lower your seat or did the also narrow the front of the seat to give a different leg angle to help you reach the ground?
Hi Mike - long time no talk. Re the seat: I didn't need it lowered but ultimately it ended up a little lower during the the process of carving out the foam to create the "saddle" shape; which also narrowed the front a little. It's the best money I ever spent!! and that was when the $$ exchange rate was much higher. I can't describe the comfort of settling 'into' vs 'onto' the saddle.

Hi Jill - nice to meet you as well.

Different subject - I was through CA Dec./Jan. with a pal trucking our KLR's to Yuma for five weeks of riding I should have PM'd some of you before I left so we could have had a visit.

Kasey

 

[luvtoride]

See you in Reno, eh?

Nice to meet you Kasey. Your description of becoming one with the bike is truly encouraging.

I won't make it to Reno this year - too many plans and too little time off work to accomplish them. But who knows for next year? Reno is only 1-2 days' ride from home.

Jill

Jill, don't worry... you'll get used to this big bike. I took quite awhile... months and months and months... thousands of miles, too but very, very comfortable now. I never think twice about getting on & going in any conditions... well snow??? I definitely draw a line there.

I've been an owner for just under 1 1/2 years. Getting used to her was definitely a gradual thing & most of my bike bonding was done on multi-day trips. That being said... dirt and gravel STILL make me nervous if I've got to turn around in it for some reason... but I'll do it. There isn't much, if anything that I won't do when maneuvering my bike, anymore.

Think about taking some weekend trips. You'll definitely see what I mean about bonding w/ the bike.

Heidi

Oh, and about Reno... mannnn, wish I was going!

 

[Clark Kent]

My wife will own mind when I get it! She owns my Valk. and ST100 now. :clap:

 

[twowheelnut]

I know there must be many more women FJR riders out there but not everyone is internet connected or interested.

Not to mention all who are scared/put off by all our debauchery. I gotta work on that. Sorry.

'Sokay now, Bob. Radman ain't coming. The women and children (hell the men, too, for that matter!) are safe... :lol: