TechFrog - Jim
Member
So I've just completed my first full month with the FJR and have a thing or two to say about a thing or two. First off, I've been riding bikes since I was about 9, and started racing motocross at about 12. Left all that behind in my teens, and have been on street bikes ever since. I'm only giving you good friends a bit of background to preface what I have to say next. Although I've had about 8 or 9 street bikes over the years, I've tried to stay away from crotch-rockets only because if I had one, I know I would push it to it's limit. For that reason, I've kept to Magna's, Standards, and one of my latest loves, a V-Strom DL650 (wee-strom). See, with a multi-purpose bike like that, I can't really be challenged. I can cruise, or hit a dirt trail.
Enter FJR.... I decided I wanted a Sport Tour bike and the FJR was the top choice, besting a Connie, by a slim margin. What i expected was another combination bike: sporty, but very tour capable. I figured, I would not be tempted to push a 600lbs + bike too hard since in my mind, its not really optimal for canyons etc. Problem is, I ride with a group, and part of that group has some very good riders, and on very fast and bikes. Southern California has some of the best back roads for bike riding in the country, and I'm pretty much on them every weekend. Since getting my FJR, I've sold my Honda Magna, and only have ridden my V-Strom once.
Back to the weekend rides. Last Friday, I went riding with a pretty fast group to Angeles Crest Highway. Finally pretty comfortable with my new FJR, I found myself pushing the bike to see what she's made of. Well, although many of you are likely to be laid back riders, I'm sure at least a few of you know what I mean when I say, this bike holds its own. I was riding with a Hayabusa, so I was pushed pretty hard. He and I broke from the pack and did some 70mph turns, just short of scraping pegs. I was still getting to know the bike a bit. Saturday, I went with another group to highway 33, a bit north, which is an amazing road. All in all, between Friday and the end of Sunday, I rode about 800 miles of mostly twisties.
I just want to sum up that this bike we have, really is an amazing machine. The stock Bridgestone Battleax OEM tires are way better than I expected they'd be, as I rode within a quarter inch of the end of the sidewall and had perfect cupping on both front and rear tires showing how they are doing their job. If there is any possible down side is, that this bike really makes me want to ride hard (didn't expect that). The up side is, riding is a major part of my life and I don't think I could have found a better all-around motorcycle. SO very happy with my decision. I just hope I'm not too tempted, too often to push harder. 4th of July is a nice coastal ride to Laguna Seca for the races!
Cheers all!!!
-Jim
Enter FJR.... I decided I wanted a Sport Tour bike and the FJR was the top choice, besting a Connie, by a slim margin. What i expected was another combination bike: sporty, but very tour capable. I figured, I would not be tempted to push a 600lbs + bike too hard since in my mind, its not really optimal for canyons etc. Problem is, I ride with a group, and part of that group has some very good riders, and on very fast and bikes. Southern California has some of the best back roads for bike riding in the country, and I'm pretty much on them every weekend. Since getting my FJR, I've sold my Honda Magna, and only have ridden my V-Strom once.
Back to the weekend rides. Last Friday, I went riding with a pretty fast group to Angeles Crest Highway. Finally pretty comfortable with my new FJR, I found myself pushing the bike to see what she's made of. Well, although many of you are likely to be laid back riders, I'm sure at least a few of you know what I mean when I say, this bike holds its own. I was riding with a Hayabusa, so I was pushed pretty hard. He and I broke from the pack and did some 70mph turns, just short of scraping pegs. I was still getting to know the bike a bit. Saturday, I went with another group to highway 33, a bit north, which is an amazing road. All in all, between Friday and the end of Sunday, I rode about 800 miles of mostly twisties.
I just want to sum up that this bike we have, really is an amazing machine. The stock Bridgestone Battleax OEM tires are way better than I expected they'd be, as I rode within a quarter inch of the end of the sidewall and had perfect cupping on both front and rear tires showing how they are doing their job. If there is any possible down side is, that this bike really makes me want to ride hard (didn't expect that). The up side is, riding is a major part of my life and I don't think I could have found a better all-around motorcycle. SO very happy with my decision. I just hope I'm not too tempted, too often to push harder. 4th of July is a nice coastal ride to Laguna Seca for the races!
Cheers all!!!
-Jim
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