Back home again...

[designeraccd]

After "downtrading" my FJR for the 2004 ST1300 I had bought new @ 2 months ago, it finally got thru to me that my now creaky hips could NOT bend to the angles needed to ride the ST1300. Sharp hip pains would result after several hours of riding, but when I bought her in '04: NO problems. What a difference 5 years, 1 replaced hip and 1 deteroraiting hip make!

Fortunately, despite the "co$t" I was able to retrade for my FJR. While her gearbox (with only 6900 miles) is not even close to being as smooooothh as the ST's at 25K miles; nor does she have the smooth, quiet air pocket of the ST...I sure am GLAD to have her back! A new front Sargent saddle and a larger Cee Bailey shield are on order to hopefully get her up to the ST comfort in those two areas. OTOH the power difference is very noticeable now. So is the superior suspension: certain S. MI roads seem to have been "resurfaced" since I last rode them on the ST...the speed bumps are all but gone!!

Good to have her back...period! DFO :yahoo:

 

[Patriot]

wow, now there's a story on real world FJR hindsight and committment... :clapping:

 

[RadioHowie]

wow, now there's a story on real world FJR hindsight and committment... :clapping:

Mike,

Don't forget OUR stories on commitment....dropping BIG $$$ on dead bikes because we love 'em so much. :yahoo:

'Howie

(even if it was someone else's money)

 

[Patriot]

wow, now there's a story on real world FJR hindsight and committment... :clapping:

Mike,

Don't forget OUR stories on commitment....dropping BIG $$$ on dead bikes because we love 'em so much. :yahoo:

'Howie

(even if it was someone else's money)

sure, I agree, but not a story of buyer's remorse, just depression n bad mojo

 

[jjsC6]

I came from a 2004 ST1300 to my FJR 3.5 years ago. I like everything about the FJR better (including all day comfort).

 

[03HiYoSilver]

Welcome back Designer!

Glad things worked out well for you.

 

[designeraccd]

Overall, for me, the FJR is more comfy, but does need some improvement to match my former ST1300...hence the new parts on order. However, the supple suspension, with its full adjustment capability puts her way ahead of the ST. Also, in these days of high priced gas, (which will rise radically IF we ever get out of the economic me$$ we are in) the fact that she uses Regular + gets better mpg, too become more POSITIVES for her.

Unfortunately it has been raining all day and the prediction is more of the same for most of the week: NUTZ! I want to RIDE!!!!

Thanks for the "thanks"...it's GR8 to have her back. She will not leave again...I may be "slow", but I do learn!!! LOL! DFO

 

[designeraccd]

Boy did I MISS the wind protection the ST 1300 had while riding my FJR in 50F weather yesterday! A larger Cee Bailey is on order, but-brrr-not here yet. Besides the extra, unneeded "air conditioning" the wind NOISE on my helmet compared to the ST really was striking.

Despite that; still happy I bought her back as I inadvertantly found out the ABS worked yesterday: I came flying around a curve and found the road blocked with barracades and 2 huge dump trucks...oopz! The ST was not equipped with ABS. Stopped safely...teach me to ignore signs, as the road had been REopened @ 3 weeks ago so it couldn't be closed...uh-huh. DFO :dribble:

 

[MojaveFJR]

welcome back to the collective.

Other than the fact my GF would leave me if I sold/traded the feej, she will remain in my stable for very long time. After two yrs, there is still the grin facter whether just admiring her lines, or feeling the power between my legs. (Rockhound, Armeggedon).

Nice real life comparo.

 

[designeraccd]

After not driving it for 5-6 weeks, we took my lil '95 Miata out this afternoon: think I'm COLDER than on the FJR yesterday! Despite keeping windows up and heater on max; the wind protection I was "complaining" about on my FJR is better-with my Gerbing gear ON-than the top down Miata!!!

Still, for something with 2 too many wheelzz...it is FTD (FunToDrive), but the FJR is better still, of course! Looks like the weather starts downhill by tomorrow so both FJR and Miata will sit...sigh. DFO

 

[designeraccd]

My FJR got even better today: a new Sargent (front) saddle was installed plus a Cee Bailey +2, +2 windshield. It ranged from 39F to 48F and with the Cee Bailey I finally have a reasonably good "pocket" of still air up to @ 100 mph. My head/helmet now do not get battered by the wind, which has always been the case with the stock windshield ALWAYS at full up. My only regret was not going to +4 on the width...believe that would have gotten the "pocket" I was hoping for no matter actual wind versus bike direction. Despite that the improvement in comfort on the bike is very significant: both items are of high quality, fit great and provide a much improved ride comfort. Also, wind noise at my helmet is now gone.

Certainly had 2 GR8 rides today thanks to these new mods! DFO :yahoo:

 

[DingusKahn]

Welcome back. Before I bought the FJR a friend let me have his ST1300 for a day. It was fun, but not very comfortable. My hands hurt like hell that night from the load and vibration. I bought the FJR because of the extra power and speed, but didn't know how much more comfortable it was going to be.

One of my first mods, excuse me, farkles, was the +4 +4 Cee Bailey with the flip. WOW. What a difference it made. I don't run it all the way up unless it's raining. But there is no wind or buffeting on my helment. I don't need ear plugs because it is quiet as is. And anything in my ear bothers me.

The seat is one my short list....

DK

 

[designeraccd]

A Sargent (front) saddle will make an AMAZING improvement: it is shaped properly to "distribute" the load over a wide area instead of just the two bones that protrude...which you DO feel on the stock '06 FJR saddle.

The +2 with flip worked fine, but definately wish I would have gone with +4 on width...oh well! DFO

 

[Duff]

That gearbox is not broke-in yet.. it'll smooth up when you hit 50K miles! :blink: