CycleWorld show in Houston -- Black 2008

[Titan]

Anyone go the show in Houston today? They had a black 2008 FJR in the demo bikes and an AE model. I rode an AE model for the first time. It only took a few minutes to get used to it. No complaints from me. The black 2008 color has some metal flake in the paint. Doesn't look too bad to me. Also took demo rides at the Kawasaki trailer on the Concours, ZX 14 and the Z1000. The rides are about 20 miles. All you need is a license and riding gear. They don't even check to see if you can ride before letting you take off on a ZX 14. They must have some good lawyers.

 

[Midlifefjr]

Anyone go the show in Houston today? They had a black 2008 FJR in the demo bikes and an AE model. I rode an AE model for the first time. It only took a few minutes to get used to it. No complaints from me. The black 2008 color has some metal flake in the paint. Doesn't look too bad to me. Also took demo rides at the Kawasaki trailer on the Concours, ZX 14 and the Z1000. The rides are about 20 miles. All you need is a license and riding gear. They don't even check to see if you can ride before letting you take off on a ZX 14. They must have some good lawyers.

I am going to the show when it comes to San Mateo. What was your overall impression?

 

[Titan]

Lots of new motorcycles from Aprillia to Yamaha. Plenty of vendors if you need some new stuff. I have been going for the last few years and enjoy it. Buy your ticket online and use ROK (Riders of Kawasaki) as the discount code. Tickets went down to $8 dollars that way.

 

[Groo]

Anyone go the show in Houston today?

I'm going with some friends tomorrow (Sunday)...

 

[lacofdfireman]

I have never been to a Motorcycle show before but read of people being able to test ride different bikes. I am curious as to how long you have to wait in line to ride a bike. If rides are 20 miles or so then you must have to wait in line for along time I would imagine. So how long do you have to wait for a demo ride? Also those of you that are going to these shows how come we aren't seeing any photo's of these new 08's yet. I know you have a camera with you so show us some photo's!!

This could be the perfect oppertunity to be able to ride both the FJR and the new C14. I am about 80% sure I want the FJR but still would like to ride a C14. Titan what was your opinion on the C14 vs. FJR since you were able to ride both? Curious.....

 

[FJR_pig]

How bad were the fingerprints all over that black '08? I bet it looks killer when it's all shined up, but am wondering how bad a dirt magnet it is...

(I know, I know, a clean bike is a... <_< )

 

[I'mAllIn]

I've been to the Atlanta show for the last few years and was always thrilled. The Houston show was about 1/5 the size of the Atlanta show from last year. Lots of models (bikes that is) missing. I drove from Memphis to look at a KTM Super Enduro and the BMW HP2, and neither were there!

 

[KnuckleHead]

Its doenst hit my neck of the woods until the 1st of Decmeber, but I will certainly be going. I need to see that 08 in person!

 

[caryb]

I was at the show yesterday (Saturday) as well. I really did not care for the Black FJR, but then again I am not a fan of black. The dark metallic gray on the AE is super nice though. I like the old silver but the new gray is stunning!

They had a new Concours with a tall windshield and gel seat that was pretty comfortable. Both were Kawasaki add on products for the bike.

The BMW booth was cool as usual. They have more bikes that I would like to own than any other manufacturer.

Also took a look at the Moto Guzzi Norge. In person the bike looks great but it felt really top heavy compared to most other bikes. A little disappointed with it.

CaryB

 

[dabayliner]

Is it December yet??? Crap.... Is it December yet? crap.... Is it....

 

[madmike2]

Haw kumb noe buddy kin tek a pitcher en post et? Duz thuh nue Norte Americano FJR luke tuh bee the saym az thuh Yer-oh version...Eye meen...all blak lyk Slappy's all-blue? Er due them guys en Cypress be sendin' we'ens a black wun lyk David Downs's's's wif duh silver aroun' thuh tank thingy? (Afore enny uv yew gits clever, ah noe David has them Carbono Fibery protectors on hisn's bike.)

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

How bad were the fingerprints all over that black '08? I bet it looks killer when it's all shined up, but am wondering how bad a dirt magnet it is...
(I know, I know, a clean bike is a... <_< )

+1

 

[Titan]

You sign up for demo rides each day. Do it early because they fill fast. Pick the bike you want to try and see when it's available. We scheduled ours for the afternoon so we could go to the display area first. You get a paper with the time and bike you reserved. You can hang around and wait for a "no Show rider" bike also. On some rides the cruiser bikes weren't all taken. The escorted ride was about 20 miles with a mixture of interstate and city streets. Lasted maybe 30 minutes. We went out in groups of 8 bikes.

I was able to get the ZX 14, Concours, Z1000 and FJR 1300 Auto.

The 14 is a monster. Twist the throttle and it just goes faster very quickly. The Concours was strong also, nice bike but I felt the heat on my legs in just a few minutes. The Z1000 had a more peaky powerband and wanted to wheelie too easily. All nice bikes but I didn't find anything I wanted to trade my 07 FJR for.

Ok here are some pictures

Reliant Stadium

Inside the show

Victory Bikes lined up for demo. Yamaha and Kawasaki had demo rides also

Black 08 FJR

Black

Butt end of the Suzuki B-King. Looks Like a Gremlin face

 

[bramfrank]

I'm a bit surprised that they left the rear tank trim silver - they changed everything else to black - probably would have looked awesome - though it would certainly scratch easy.

 

[madmike2]

Black 08 FJR

Thanks, Titan, you've answered the question in my mind about the "silver tank piece". I wondered if they would leave that since it's a "parts bin" piece. At least it can be easily painted by those who wish to do so.

While its not my favorite color (being an owner of a metallic black XS1100), even on the FJR, "Black is beautiful!" I suspect there will be plenty of very happy '08 owners. :clapping:

 

[twowheelnut]

By any chance did BMW have the F800GS there? :dribble:

 

[Titan]

By any chance did BMW have the F800GS there? :dribble:

Bmw had some 800 models but I don't remember seeing a GS model.

 

[madmike2]

By any chance did BMW have the F800GS there? :dribble:

ALready thinking of upgrading from the itty-bitty-six-fitty? Poor wabs! :cray:

 

[twowheelnut]

ALready thinking of upgrading from the itty-bitty-six-fitty? Poor wabs! :cray:

Yep and downgrading the FJR.