Bought my last bike - Big FJR

[Old Michael]

I was shopping for a replacement for my '06 FJR. It's got a lot of miles on it, and it was time.

Started shopping. Craigslist, EBay, Dick's Bike World.

Found an ad for an '07 with just 4000 miles on it. New tires and battery.

No photos.

Called the guy. He called himself "Steve".

Told him I ONLY wanted an FJR. Any other bike would not do. FJRs are the only worthwhile motorbikes in the world.

He said we could meet in Medford and I could have a look.

He said it was an FJR XL.

Whatever.

Drove to Oregon with my brother.

Met Steve at a truck stop.

Looked over the bike.

"Geez, are you sure it's an FJR?" I ask.

"Yup. It's the XL type. A larger, faster, more luxurious version."

"Wow. I didn't think Yamaha had ever made such a machine."

"Well, ....they did. Are you here to argue, or to buy a bike?"

"Does it have a new or at least a newly-annealed crush washer on the oil drain plug?"

"Yes, of course!"

"Okay. ...I'll take it."

Snapped a quick photo.



My brother headed back south in the truck, and I aimed myself north to Grants Pass.

I turned onto the Redwood Highway (197) bound for Crescent City and the coast.

Nice to get back to California.

Stopped here and there, taking photos of the bike and the backdrop.







Initial riding impressions.

Handles much better than my old, "standard" FJR.

Much faster.

Quieter.

Wheelies better.

Rear shock replacement is less expensive.

Moving along.



Stopped to look at the trees on the way to Eureka.



Tree stump carved into a replica of the Niehart Castle in Woodinville.



Checked into my common man's digs at the KOA south of Arcata.





Enjoyed a gourmet turkey sandwich, wasabi ranch bean crisps, .... and 8 or 10 of these before turning in.



I love camping.

...Not really.



Up late the next morning. I'd dreamt I was getting old.

I rode the new Feej out past the Eureka Marina ...



Visited the old man.



I'm told Dr. Rich posed for the sculptor.



Had a quick, vegetarian breakfast here ...





Let me guess.



The new bike's got built-in nav, ...and ABS.

The nav sucks.

Jus' sayin'.

Anyhooz, I headed back north a bit, ...



Through Arcata again, and inland on 299.

299 is a very nice road, especially on a large motorcycle.

Through good ol' Willow Creek ...





...and along the river, heading east.





Killer weed.





Back to I-5 and south for the run home.

Stopped for gas and a break.

Hey! This thing has fold-down snack trays, too!



Well, it's been mostly fun, FJRForum.

Thank you.

 

[FJRay]

Just the labor to do the rear shock is more than the FJR for the whole job.

Somebody stole my truck and took it to Willow creek.

Did you get the updated DQ directory??

Make sure you get a stupid stuffed animal for the trunk.

Doug and I will teach you the secret handshake at SWFOG if you,'re there.

Now you are reeaallyy OLD .

I don't see any cup holders.

 

[VMaxChuck]

Looks like a nice ride....both the motorcycle and the geography!

Thanks for sharing!

 

[El Toro Joe]

At least you got the right color...

 

[hppants]

I dream about riding through those big trees on my motorcycle. Jealous to be sure....

Your feej has a HUGE ass, waist, and boobies. Recommend a crash diet - lose about 170 pounds, a couple of motor cylinders, and about 8" of fairing in all directions. The snack tray can remain - that's a cool idea. Anything that promotes Food Porn is a winner in my book.

 

[n7myr]

beautiful scenery. congrats on the bike I have had 3 of them and am pretty sure I will have another one before it is all over

one thing tho

that picture of the KOA cabin shows you are using a Yamaha bag liner.

: : : : : : : : : : : : : WTF : : : : : : : : : : : :

come on. if you are gonna switch do it right

I'm just sayin

 

[Geezer]

Will that XL luggage fit on a Gen 1?

 

[Panman]

What did you do get married or some stupid thing?

Well whatever if it gets you out taking pictures again it's good.

You may be right about the Doc, it could fit.

I

 

[Ramblin]

I enjoyed the pictures.

 

[rushes]

That's a big ol bike.

Hope you don't get hurt....

 

[Cav47]

Well put together mini report. Good pics and the funny storyline.

 

[Bounce]

Nice bike. Nice write up. Having ridden both, I only question the "faster" part.

 

[Bugnatr]

Nice pictures old man. A little early for flowers on the killer weed, must be a new hybrid the have up there on the coast. Ray's right about the secret handshake, we will have some Magic Darkside Bars for you to try at SWFog. Won't be long before you are sporting a nice CT on the rear.

Airboss has a national Dairy Queen list and be sure to order the matching outfits for you and the Mrs.

 

[rogdeb]

If ya gotta do it ..... Later, my friend.

Seriously, really good to read one of your zippy RR's .. been too long.

Could NOT find the hidden Photoshop head though !

 

[RaYzerman19]

Oh yeah, had one a while back....... spark plug changes and valve checks can be done with minimal removal of plastic, although an air filter change is a bit of a job for sure.

When you getting the flagpoles with matching blue & white Leafs flag? Or are you going with decals?

 

[marcusorelius]

Now yer Olden Michael fer sure!

Congrats on the nice machine!

 

[airboss]

Nice FJR XL.

BTW your nav will work much better after installing this POI file, don't understand why Honda doesn't do this at the factory.

https://www.poi-factory.com/node/8228

 

[escapefjrtist]

Wow...if you're gonna go, go big.

Nice color choice-and yeah, you need matching vests...and patches!

--G

 

[Mihalis fjr]

Very nice!!Thanks for sharing with us!!

Also Congratulations for the bike!!