First Impressions

[icedog75]

Did the Atlanta-Miami run with my new (to me) 2003. 650 miles give or take. These are my first impressions (coming from a couple years on 93 HD Dyna):

:thumbsupsmileyanim: Brakes...omigod I can stop. I mean I can really stop.

Roll-on power...way nice.

Like the foot position though I still keep reaching for forward controls...and keep missing the pegs but I'll learn.

Hand/wrist position (stock bars) OK for the first 90 minutes or so...then feels like carpal tunnel sets in...but I've been riding mini-apes so I'll give it some time or I'll try some aftermarket risers. Feels a bit low to me but time will tell. Throttlemeister helped.

Love the adjustable +4 screen. Rode in light rain through Valdosta and never really got damp.

You can roast weinies on your calves when the air temp moves into the 80's. But I don't really think it's any worse than the hibachi I was riding.

Did I mention I love the brakes?

I need a jacket with less black and more mesh...really roasted through central Fla.

I need a helmet with better ventilation than doesn't weight 15 pounds.

Mirrors are rock steady up to 90 mph...maybe higher I just didn't go any faster this trip.

Don't think I like the Russell Day-Long saddle...looks like it belongs on a John Deere lawn tractor and I felt like it was shoving me into the tank. That seems to be an issue with several other aftermarket saddles. Old Navy loose fit denims are a poor excuse for riding attire.

Need better boots...HD boot toes don't fit too well under the shifter.

Trans seemed a bit "clunky" but that might be technique...see previous ride.

I need a Sirius receiver.

All things considered the ride was a success. I love the riding position, the power, the brakes, the comfort...I love it all. :biggrinsmiley:

John

aka: icedog75 :nhl2:

 

[Shinden]

Welcome

I am another "cruiser convert" with a new (to me) 2003.

I have discovered "my bike", seems like they made this design for me.

I am lucky, the riding position suits me, probably due to a number of factors which will vary from person to person.

Enjoy!!!!

 

[Ari Rankum]

Hand/wrist position (stock bars) OK for the first 90 minutes or so...then feels like carpal tunnel sets in...but I've been riding mini-apes so I'll give it some time or I'll try some aftermarket risers. Feels a bit low to me but time will tell. Throttlemeister helped.

You've got the right idea. Give it a month before you decide the weight on the palms/wrists is a problem. I wouldn't be surprised to hear you've adapted and actually like the position after that - especially if you have some moderately twisty roads nearby.

Nice post. Welcome aboard.

 

[paste007]

I'm finding myself riding with a more relaxed grip and not leaning on the bars at all, subsequently, no wrist pain.

 

[Ari Rankum]

I'm finding myself riding with a more relaxed grip and not leaning on the bars at all, subsequently, no wrist pain.

Yes. The FJR riding position is only barely forward. If you learn to squeeze the tank with your thighs and use your lower back muscles to hold yourself in the natural position, given the reach to the bars, you'll find a number of benefits. Chief among them is that you can ride with almost no weight on the bars. Minimal weight on the bars will improve your ability to sense the road through the bars, as well as make more precise inputs. Secondarily, if you, like me, have lower back issues, you'll find using your lower back to support your torso weight on the FJR will give you both a stretch and a mild lower back workout. As a result, over time, you'll become more resistant to lower back injury. Lastly, if you augment your upper body with your lower back while riding, you'll have more upper body available when you need it. If you're really working it on the FJR, you'll feel it the next day, but in a good way.