First Impressions > 06 FJR A

[jlee]

Hi, I'm new in this forum. I ordered a new 06 FJR A in July and picker her up last week :yahoo: ; have done about 800 miles...

My previous bike was a BMW 650 GS, an excellent bike but for short distances IMO. However, I was looking for more power, comfort, wife needed more space, etc...

Brakes: Well, what can I say, very effective... simply amazing!!!

Vibrations/Buzziness: Smooth as silk (my previous bike was a single cilindered Beemer however). Have read something about a buzz in left footpeg, grips and handlebar, haven’t noticed any of that, although I must admit that over about 70 mph the right mirror has a slight vibration but nothing serious.

Heat: Can't say much about the heat issue... I haven't tried previous models, but nothing unbearable on this model. It was over 100ºF in Madrid when I picked her up and got caught in really bad traffic. When the vent kicks in, most of the heat goes to my left ankle though. I can't complain; it doesn't bother me.

Weight and stability: The FJR is pretty heavy considering my previous bike, but manageable and once in movement no problems whatsoever. The weight seems to be very low which makes the bike very stable. No problems getting through traffic.

Sound: just perfect, not too loud not too quiet; just right.

Wind Screen: Not bad, although when up to its highest position, it feels like someone is pushing you forward from behind (when riding alone). My inmediate reaction was to bend forward but noticed I was applying to much weight and pressure on both my hands and wrists and caused some pain. After my first 100 miles or so I managed to find a confortable position. It's all about getting used to the bike and finding the position that suits you best. I'm not thinking of changing th windscreen at this stage.

Confort: I don't have to get off in every corner to rest like I used to on my "X". I did 250 miles non stop last weekend and no problem at all, the seat is good IMO. The engine is very smooth and shifts smoothly, again, compared to the beemer. However, when downshifting, I usually slightly raise rpm from idle for smooth shifting but in some occasions the engine "died out" on me. Maybe the solution is to raise idle slightly to about 1100 rpm. Has anyone got a solution to this?

Suspension: Suspension is great. Also, excellent bike for 2 up riding... my wife is impressed... very comfy and good visibility.

Dashboard: I think yamaha got a nice design on the dashboard. However, when riding with the sun behind you, it makes it hard to read some of the panels, but hey, nothing's perfect in life.

If I would have to buy a bike today, would get a feejer without a doubt. Overall, it’s an amazing machine.

By the way, here in Spain there is a comparison of the feejer, the beemer (GT) and the honda (ST).. check it out...

Abbreviations:

CIU: City

TUR: Touring comfort

SPO: Sport performance

PAS: Passenger comfort

EQU: Luggage/storage space

Now, a couple of questions:

1- Does anyone know if it's possible to get the heated grips the way yamaha has done with the AS model (on the left sideboard rather than on the handlebar)???

2- I have a PDA with Tom Tom Navigator software installed. I have seen quite a few GPS mounts for the feejer around but haven’t found a mount for a PDA... Anyone know where I can get one on the web???

Thanks for the help and hope my first impressions are useful for those of you taking decisions.

B)

 

[designeraccd]

Yes indeed, the '06 FJR is a gr8 all around motorcycle. Don't think you will have any heat issues: I've ridden mine in lo 90s (F) with humidity to match and while I wasn't cool it was NOT because of the bike. Enjoy! DFO

 

[SMC]

Thanks for the post and welcome aboard Jlee. It's nice to see the write-ups from the other side of the pond.

I find myself in a position where I come to appreciate and admire my FJR more and more everyday that I ride it.

It just does everything so well that I want to do.

 

[madmike2]

1- Does anyone know if it's possible to get the heated grips the way yamaha has done with the AS model (on the left sideboard rather than on the handlebar)???
2- I have a PDA with Tom Tom Navigator software installed. I have seen quite a few GPS mounts for the feejer around but haven’t found a mount for a PDA... Anyone know where I can get one on the web???

Thanks for the help and hope my first impressions are useful for those of you taking decisions.

B)

jlee, welcome to the wacky world of FJR ownership.

Many here in the "States" use aftermarked grip heaters by like these that come with a 2 position toggle switch, for "Low" or "High", the owner can mount wherever you want (thus it usually gets mounted on one of the left side panels). I've no idea where they might be available in Europe, but there must be aftermarket on-line stores on that side of the Atlantic.

I've seen discussions on the Forum about mounts, but I can't find them now. You might try this place (scroll down to PDA's) to see what's available for your particular brand,. That would give you a start, then you can look around Europe for availability.

 

[TheAxeman]

Check out this thread concerning heated grips for your '06. I installed them today and it worked out perfectly. They look like the original equipment and fit into the cut out on the left side panel. I think they cost me $65.00.

Heated Grips