Finally Rode an FJR, but didn't love it

[jr944]

For the past few months, I've been planning to buy a new FJR, but just couldn't pull the trigger before actually riding one. Last week, a friend of a friend was kind enough to allow me to take his '03 for a good 1/2 hour ride that included some gentle curving roads, stop and go in-town, and a bit of interstate.

My current (and first) bike is an '04 Suzuki SV650S. I really like it a lot and am glad it was my first. My plan was even to keep it for a while after purchasing the FJR just for quick rides on the twisties near home. I wanted the FJR for a more comfortable riding position, smoother ride, and long-distance touring capability. While I'm working on improving my riding posture, my hands still tend to get numb on the SV due, I'm sure, in part to the riding position and partially due to the buzzy V-twin motor.

I've read all the fantastic reviews and probably thousands of posts on this forum. What I expected with the FJR was a much bigger, but still sporty feeling ride. What I found (at least on this particular '03) was that it felt like the handlebars were fighting me back at in low speed turns (neighborhood speed) and an exhaust note that was extremely unsatisfying. In the 45-50mph curving roads, it was nice, but still felt big to me. On the highway, it felt fantastic and would be even better with a slightly taller windscreen.

Another friend, who was also sure the FJR would be my next bike, offered to let me ride his '97 CBRXX Blackbird. Obviously, not apples to apples, but the Blackbird is almost the same weight as the FJR and similar power. I hope this isn't sacreligious on this forum, but I LOVED the Blackbird. The throttle response was fantastic, it sounded great, shifted perfectly, and handled like I expected a big sportbike to handle. This bike is about to turn 50k miles and was as smooth and tight as could be. The ride was only about 20 minutes and I really don't think I can live with the seating position for a 250-300 mile day.

OK, have at it...... You won't hurt my feelings. What's wrong with me? What was wrong with the '03FJR I rode? What, if any, other bikes should I look at? What bikes did you consider before choosing the FJR and why? (I'm now considering Ducati ST3 or used BMW K1200GT or RS)

Thanks very much for your thoughts. I've really enjoyed just learning about the FJR and was looking forward to joining you as an owner (and may still do so, just not so sure now!)

Joe

St. Louis, MO

 

[TheAxeman]

I think you should wait for the VFR-1000 to come out....

 

[Big Sky]

The FJR, with suspension set up properly (and rear shock not worn out) and with the right tires in a fairly fresh state, should have cornered like it was on rails. I'd suspect poor suspension set up, worn out shock, poor tire choice or worn tires. I just mounted a set of Avons and it's like night and day between these new skins and the old, worn-flat Michelin Pilot Roads, which I detest and which made the bike steer like a truck, fighting back all the time. I also own a Blackbird and, yes, it is an exceptionally fine motorcycle but is not superior to the FJR in the handling department, other than it will go to considerably harder lean before touching the pavement feelers.

IMHO, you got a bum test ride.

Also, no motorcycle is perfect for everyone, but the FJR is relatively easy to modify for your own most particular needs and desires. Change the exhaust note to suit; in factory state, it is designed most for EPA compliance.

 

[mikerider]

The CBR-1100XX is also 100+ lbs less than the FJR.

 

[GunMD]

I've had my 05 since August of 2004 and my appreciation for continues to increase. Perhaps 30 minutes isn't enough time to develop a good appreciation for the bike.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Sounds to me like you'd be super happy with a FZ-1. Blackbirds are great bikes, certainly not apple to apples comparison. We have a blackbird and FJR owner on line and his remarks are similar to your findings and he uses the bikes to compliment each other. He has said that if he could only have one, it would be the FJR.

 

[05fjrBluedevil]

Well maybe it isn't the bike for you!

make sure you get what you will be happy with, if you are only a short commuter type, a smaller more nimble bike might be the way to go, so what you have is already the bike for you!!!!!

 

[Randy]

It's not for everyone. There have been some (not many) that try it and don't like it. Nothing wrong with you - it's just your taste. It's something you will have to live with, so, if you don't like, we can't convince you to buy it.

Sure, there are many things that could have been wrong that were previously mentioned by Big Sky, but, even with a well set-up suspension and fresh skins, there's still a chance that you're just not gonna like it.

 

[Scab]

I bought mine without benefit of a test ride. On the first ride, for a brief moment, I thought perhaps I had made a mistake. Those thoughts soon disappeared. Each bike has it's own personallity, gives you something different, makes different demands. Each bike I have ever ridden required an 'adjustment' period that lasted days. Rarely have I ever ridden a bike for the first time and loved everything about it. No, on second thought, that would be never. Perhaps another ride on a different FJR. Perhaps the feej doesn't fit. No crime, it's not for everyone. Try em all and ride what fits you best.

 

[Silent]

I bought mine without benefit of a test ride. On the first ride, for a brief moment, I thought perhaps I had made a mistake. Those thoughts soon disappeared.

+1

It's a great bike, but it isn't for everyone.

 

[Flyguy]

I would try another FJR to make sure you have a good comparison, not commenting or knowing the one you rode. May have been a fair representation, then again maybe not. You did not give us the run down on the details - tires, shocks, milage etc. Did you check the air pressure? That can make a HUGE difference in this bike. Also you may want to try an 06 -07 as there were numerous significant upgrades, from suspension to gears. If it had OE shocks and 25k miles - oh well. Or the wrong tires, etc. I just rode a 06 FJR with an Ohlin suspension and I was impressed, and I own one! I think it was as much the fact that the owner had taken the time and done his homework on setup as much as the upgrade in parts, But WOW!

It's like dating sisters. Might come from the same family but . . .

 

[exskibum]

Sounds to me like you'd be super happy with a FZ-1. Blackbirds are great bikes, certainly not apple to apples comparison. We have a blackbird and FJR owner on line and his remarks are similar to your findings and he uses the bikes to compliment each other. He has said that if he could only have one, it would be the FJR.

Glad you, too, are back in Orangevale safe from the southern part of the state! :clapping:

And you must be talking about me, though I'm one of a few I know of on the site who own both Blackbirds and FJRs.

Both my bikes have aftermarket suspensions and some farkles aimed at performance; my XX also has lighter aftermarket wheels and Micron pipe with CF can (haven't yet installed the Muzzy full system on the FJR).

The XX is lighter than the FJR -- probably a little under 100 lbs with the mods I have, and with them similarly loaded or unloaded with luggage. It does have more horseponies than the FJR, though less grunt in the mid range. It won't keep up with a modern liter sport bike in the top end HP department, but it sure does have the full powerband, esp. with a pipe.

A smoother 4 cyl. engine you will not find than on the XX.

They are both sport touring bikes, but the XX is closer to the sport side of the compromise and the FJR closer to the touring side. Neither is a full sport bike.

I mostly use the XX as a one up, full day, mountain passes and twisties mount. I use the FJR mostly for two up riding, and long distance trips (have done same on XX, but nowhere near as comfortable). On either bike, most of my riding is in twisties (blessed to live where I do), and the FJR does a great job there within its limits. I'm sure that on the XX I could beat myself on the FJR through the twisties, but would probably scare the shit out of myself and I doing it -- they're both good enough and quick enough to be able to go too fast in that kind of an ignorant competition.

I LOVE both bikes and cannot imagine selling either (this is my second XX), BUT . . .

IF I had to get down to one bike, it'd be the FJR. It is simply the better all around bike. It does nothing the best, but as a platform of compromises, it is unequalled in my opinion. Set up the suspension right, and it will do an admirable job in the twisties as long as you aren't trying to race it.

If I had the SV650, I'd feel the need for more of a tourer to keep it company in the garage. It's just a question of degree. Hard to argue against an XX for me, but FOR ME, the FJR gets the most use and works the best for the range of riding I do -- esp. for taking the GF along -- and she LOVES riding**.

**She's now got the hots (and oil company motivation) to take the MSF course and buy a Kwak 650R Ninja -- the 2 cylinder in candy blue. She sat on one last Thursday and fell in love. (Edit to note: went home for lunch today and see the Kawasaki brochure out on the counter and a Post-it note with an arrow pointing to the full page picture of the blue 650R leaned over in a curve and the note: "My Bike!!!" LOL -- and then I found two print outs of glowing magazine reviews with specs -- open on the coffee table.)

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

FJRs do tend to react big time to suspension set ups. Riding an FJR can be very different from one bike to another. TwoWheelNut rode mine on Saturday and he found the front end to feel very light and skittish. He felt more weight should be on the forks. Maybe I have the ride height too low in the back, but I never had a problem with it...I suppose if I had a pro set-up my suspension, I might be in shock...

 

[Captain B]

The easy answer is there are enough differences between the '03 and the '07 that might answer many of your particular issues. The hard part is finding someone that will let you test ride one.

 

[exskibum]

FJRs do tend to react big time to suspension set ups. Riding an FJR can be very different from one bike to another. TwoWheelNut rode mine on Saturday and he found the front end to feel very light and skittish. He felt more weight should be on the forks. Maybe I have the ride height too low in the back, but I never had a problem with it...I suppose if I had a pro set-up my suspension, I might be in shock...

You let a known CRASHER ride your bike?? And HE was complaining about YOUR set up?!?!?!? :blink:

 

[BuilderBob]

IF I had to get down to one bike, it'd be the FJR. It is simply the better all around bike. It does nothing the best, but as a platform of compromises, it is unequalled in my opinion. Set up the suspension right, and it will do an admirable job in the twisties as long as you aren't trying to race it.

Agree 100%

I've owned a few bikes, including cruisers and a Hayabusa. None did so many things so well as my 07 FJR. I have owned multiple bikes at the same time, but now that I'm down to one, I'm glad it's the FJR.

 

[drjfjr]

I had the FJR before I purchased the SV650. I really do love the SV but I haven't gotten the suspension bits yet and it is a little squirrly when I am pushing it. I had similar problems on the FJR but then I installed an aftermarket shock, new springs and raised the rear a little and that bike actually is on rails through a turn. The SV is lighter steering and much better in the tight stuff but if I could have only one bike it would be the FJR at this time.

 

[Orient_Express]

It's not for everyone. There have been some (not many) that try it and don't like it. Nothing wrong with you - it's just your taste. It's something you will have to live with, so, if you don't like, we can't convince you to buy it.Sure, there are many things that could have been wrong that were previously mentioned by Big Sky, but, even with a well set-up suspension and fresh skins, there's still a chance that you're just not gonna like it.

Yep - which is why some people drive Fords, some Chevys, some Dodges, some Buicks, some Toyotas, ....etc, etc.

I have yet to ride one motorcycle that does it all - it's a matter of personal taste and opinion. IMHO - the FJR is a s close as I've ever come to the perfect machine.

I still love my old Triumphs and really enjoy riding them as well...

 

[JohnB]

How about a new Bandit 1250S.