First 500 miles.

[kxb44]

Picked up my new 07 A model in Ely, NV on saturday. Rode the 280 miles back to Salt Lake which gave me ample time to form some good first impressions. Overall I'm very pleased with my purchase. Some things were better than expected, some not quite as good as I hoped, for but good none the less.

POWER: Good, but not quite what I was expecting. I'm coming off a VTX 1800 which is no slouch in the power department. The FJR is definately quicker, just not as much as I was hoping for. I'm thinking after break-in when I can explore the upper rpm range is when the bike will really come to life.

COMFORT: Pleasant suprise. I was a little apprehensive about the riding position vs the cruiser. My initial ride on the FJR was a 160 mile non stop stretch. First of all, this wouldn't have been possible on the VTX as I would of had to stop for gas at 120 miles. I wanted to move around sooner on the FJR than I would on the VTX , but because is is easier to move and shift your weight around, I actually had less butt burn than on the VTX which had a custom $500.00 Corbin seat. I usually get a pain between my shoulders on the VTX. Pain free on the FJR!! The throttle spring tension on the FJR was a non-issue. The windshield is a little short for me at 6'1" so I will upgrade that.

HANDLING: Good as expected. Much easier to move than the VTX. Will only get better as I become more familiar with the bike.

IMMEDIATE FARKLES (already ordered):

* CalSci XL windshield. Stocker is not quite big enough. Get a fair amount off buffeting with shield fully extended.

* Wild Bill's highway peg mounts with Kuryakyn offset mounts and pegs. Just need to stretch occasionally.

* Skyway Sliders. Gotta have protection.

* Gerauld's backrest and luggage rack. Don't care for the trunk look and need to pack for long trips.

* Madco throttle lock. Had one on the VTX and loved it. Nice to be able to shake out the right arm from time to time.

I'm very happy with my new bike. I wish I could have kept the VTX. I had it all customized to my liking and was kind of attached to it. I'm sure the FJR will make me miss the VTX a little less every day. I have a Kawasaki KLR 650 I use for the dirt and the wife has imposed a 2 bike limit. Now if winter would just get over so I can rack up some serious miles.

 

[madmike2]

Welcome to the collective. You HAVE been assimilated.

 

[TruWrecks]

Congrats! Glad you like it. I will have mine very soon!

 

[LSUBOY]

Congrats on your new bike and bee careful on that booger.

 

[C&C]

Fairly good torque down low, but she really shines above 5,000 rpm; I'm guessing you'll be more than happy when you go there.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Fairly good torque down low, but she really shines above 5,000 rpm; I'm guessing you'll be more than happy when you go there.

+1

The VTX has mad torque then drops whent the FJR picks up. 5500 RPM is square in the power band. Be careful the first time you roll into 5500 RPM in first or second gear. If you abruptly roll on the throttle there, you'll take off faster than you think and the front wheel is likely to come up.

 

[MVF]

Fairly good torque down low, but she really shines above 5,000 rpm; I'm guessing you'll be more than happy when you go there.

+1

Be careful the first time you roll into 5500 RPM in first or second gear. If you abruptly roll on the throttle there, you'll take off faster than you think and the front wheel is likely to come up.

Such a wonderful thing!

 

[FJRottie]

.........5500 RPM in first or second gear. If you abruptly roll on the throttle there, you'll take off faster than you think and the front wheel is likely to come up.

That is the fun part. The FJR runs real sweet above 5000.

 

[roadlizard]

The odometer just rolled past 1000 miles on my 2007 FJR. I also made the transition to the FJR from a VTX 1800 C. At first you don't notice the difference in acceleration between the two bikes, but as the brake-in takes place and you start allowing the engine to rev past 7,000 rpm you will feel the difference. The VTX was begining to flat line beyond 125 mph and the FJR is just asking for more. Don't know what this bike will do on top end but it passes the VTX without breathing hard. It also brings you into corners much faster than you ever approached them on the VTX. Be careful and don't let this bike slip up on you. Best of luck with your new ride. I will never look back.

 

[Keone]

Congrats on the on the new Bike... probably the one I was going to buy.... I came off a VTX1300 it was any awesome bike but I bought it before I realized what kind of rider I wanted to be. I got my FJR last Saturday from a dealer in St George, so far I am very happy, 250miles and I only scared myself twice....

Congrats on the new bike

Keone

 

[keithaba]

I think the consensus on power is correct. If it is new, you shouldn't be running it up to redline yet. Once you get past those initial 600 miles and start to get into the higher rpm range I think you'll change your mind on power. I mean it's no cbr 1000 rr, but I think the powerband is very different than the VTX and that will take some getting used to.