FIrst Ride Impressions (New Member)

[GeorgiaRoller]

Only had time for a short 70 mile spin today but this was the first actual ride other than the test ride the other day when I bought my 2005 FJR. I've never ridden or owned a sport tourning bike or even a sportbike before. I've always ridden cruisers. I am coming off of a Suzuki 1800cc M109R muscle cruiser with a 250 rear tire.

My initial ride impression of the FJR in comparsion to the M109R is:

- Incredibly smooth bike in acceleration & shifting. (The M109R was very torquey and you had to shift like you meaned it with its clunky gearbox)

- Very agile in the curves & nimble and balanced at slow speeds. (Riding the FJR at 75mph in 45mph curves today and I wasn't even trying. This bike is just so easy to lay into the curves compared to my cruiser)

- The FJR weighs about 200lbs less than the M109R so it feels so much lighter.

- The FJR handlebars are much narrower and it's much easier to manuever in slow speed (parking lot) type situations.

- The acceleration of the FJR is again very smooth and the bike is deceivingly quick if you get on the throttle and get into the higher RPM's.

- You set higher in the saddle but I'm still just about flat footed at a stop (I'm about 5'-10"). I think the vision on the FJR is better because of the higher stance.

- The power adjustable windscreen is very nice and just moving it about 1" makes a big difference. I actually llke wind on my helmet so I keep it lower.

- The riding ergo's are very nice, my back is straight (It does have the 2.5" risers on it) and it should work nice on long 400+ mile dayrides.

- There is "some" heat from the motor (and it was over 90 degrees when I rode today) but it's not bad. My M109R didn't put out any heat whatsover. But a little heat once we get cooler weather will no doubt feel nice.

So far I'm very happy with the FJR!!!

I would like to know if there is an aftermarket highway peg setup I could get so that I could stretch my legs out forward on longer rides???

 

[exskibum]

Glad you like the new ride.

I would like to know if there is an aftermarket highway peg setup I could get so that I could stretch my legs out forward on longer rides???

I don't use them, but what you want is Wild Bill Highway pegs -- they seem to be what most FJR riders install for that purpose. Do a search on the forum for 'em; you might even find some used ones for sale.

 

[I'mTheGuy]

Hey GeorgiaRoller,

Welcome to the forum! For highway pegs check this link out ----> https://www.motorcyclelarry.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=267

I see you are the same height as I am. I weigh about 175#. Did you add the risers to your FJR or did it come with them? I ask because I wondered if you could give me a comparison of the ride comfort with and without the risers. I contemplated on getting the risers, but I wondered if it would improve comfort or not.

 

[GeorgiaRoller]

Glad you like the new ride.

I would like to know if there is an aftermarket highway peg setup I could get so that I could stretch my legs out forward on longer rides???

I don't use them, but what you want is Wild Bill Highway pegs -- they seem to be what most FJR riders install for that purpose. Do a search on the forum for 'em; you might even find some used ones for sale.

Thanks!!!

Hey GeorgiaRoller,

Welcome to the forum! For highway pegs check this link out ----> https://www.motorcyclelarry.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=267

I see you are the same height as I am. I weigh about 175#. Did you add the risers to your FJR or did it come with them? I ask because I wondered if you could give me a comparison of the ride comfort with and without the risers. I contemplated on getting the risers, but I wondered if it would improve comfort or not.

I'll check this link out as well. Thanks for the quick responses.

In answer to your question the bike came with 2-1/2" risers. I believe they give you 1" of additonal pullback as well. I sat on a 2011 FJR and my bike with the risers does allow me to set more vertically. My opninion is that if your on the fence about it I'd go ahead and get them. It's only going to make your ride position more comfortable. I don't think the stock setup is "uncomfortable" by any means, but my setup is even better IMO. I think if your 6'-2" with long arms you wouldn't need them however.

 

[carlson_mn]

I am 6'2 and tried some 1.25" risers and took them off after 20 miles. I like the ability to transfer some weight to my hands and the risers pretty much removed that ability. I'm glad I tried them as I was always curious, and sometimes my shoulders would get a little sore on longer rides from the reach. It's a tradeoff I guess. I'm going to keep them to try again soemtime on a long ride.

 

[ugar-6]

Congrats on the new bike!!! Glad you got it.

 

[FastSpy]

I went from a M109 also to and FJR.. you summed it up very close to what I would have said.. there is NO comparison between the two bikes.

 

[hppants]

Georgia Roller, we have a lot in common. I bought my FJR a week ago, and rode it for about 100 miles on Sunday for the first time. I too have never owned a sport tourer, nore a sportbike. All 5 of my previous street bikes were naked standards (750cc and below). As such, my impressions are slightly different:

1. At low speeds, this bike is heavier and less nimble. At speeds above 30, much better.

2. The hand riding position is a little forward for me. Luckily, the bike came with 1' bar risers, so I'm going to install them this weekend. I'm 6'0", 205#

3. Thanks for asking about hwy pegs. The link provided is great, $150.00 for this is outside of my budget, but Christmas is coming...

4. Like you, I was taking 40 mph curves at 80 on Sunday. Once I got the suspension adjusted to my liking, as you approach the curve, the chassis plants, and it stays rock solid. No rear end wiggle like some of my other bikes.

5. This bike has by far the best brakes I have ever ridden. I have no desire to do a "stoppie", but have no doubt that I could if I wanted to.

6. If I'm not careful, this bike is gonna cause me to loose my license. I could hold this baby at 100+ all day long. The torque of a F/I liter bike is fantastic compared to a 750 carbed bike. Forget the tranny, just put it in high gear and use the wrist to pass. The throttle response is much faster - this will take some getting used to.

7. While I wait for funds for a trunk, I'm perplexed as how I may strap my tourmaster tail bag without damaging paint for my anticipated long weekends.

8. Perhaps the single hardest maintenance item on the FJR will be getting the friggin plastic off. :blink:

Overall - I am extremely happy with the FJR. My first tour is Labor Day - about 1500 miles planned over the 4 day weekend. Arkansas Mountains. Before last week, I was taking the Nighthawk. Now, it's FEEJER time!!! Should be a blast.

 

[carlson_mn]

With a full exhaust 3rd gear from 60-105mph is a pretty fun passing gear! Glad you are enjoying the bike.

One thing you'll learn though is you're going to go through tires a lot more -especially in Arkansas, so save money for that!

 

[GeorgiaRoller]

Georgia Roller, we have a lot in common. I bought my FJR a week ago, and rode it for about 100 miles on Sunday for the first time. I too have never owned a sport tourer, nore a sportbike. All 5 of my previous street bikes were naked standards (750cc and below). As such, my impressions are slightly different:

I do find it interesting the different takes on the FJR depending on the riders previous bike riding experience and what types of bikes their coming from. It's all relative and a matter of perspective I guess. But we've all chosen the FJR for similar reasons it would appear. I tightened up the dampening, preload & rebound and it seems to really take the curves very, very well. So much easier to ride & handle than my old heavy cruiser that's for sure.

 

[fjrsochs]

(It does have the 2.5" risers on it) and it should work nice on long 400+ mile dayrides.

Any chance you know which risers those are?

 

[TwoWhldTerror]

I went from a M109 also to and FJR.. you summed it up very close to what I would have said.. there is NO comparison between the two bikes.

That is a beautiful cruiser!

 

[Scooper]

Only had time for a short 70 mile spin today but this was the first actual ride other than the test ride the other day when I bought my 2005 FJR. I've never ridden or owned a sport tourning bike or even a sportbike before. I've always ridden cruisers. I am coming off of a Suzuki 1800cc M109R muscle cruiser with a 250 rear tire.

My initial ride impression of the FJR in comparsion to the M109R is:

- Incredibly smooth bike in acceleration & shifting. (The M109R was very torquey and you had to shift like you meaned it with its clunky gearbox)

- Very agile in the curves & nimble and balanced at slow speeds. (Riding the FJR at 75mph in 45mph curves today and I wasn't even trying. This bike is just so easy to lay into the curves compared to my cruiser)

- The FJR weighs about 200lbs less than the M109R so it feels so much lighter.

- The FJR handlebars are much narrower and it's much easier to manuever in slow speed (parking lot) type situations.

- The acceleration of the FJR is again very smooth and the bike is deceivingly quick if you get on the throttle and get into the higher RPM's.

- You set higher in the saddle but I'm still just about flat footed at a stop (I'm about 5'-10"). I think the vision on the FJR is better because of the higher stance.

- The power adjustable windscreen is very nice and just moving it about 1" makes a big difference. I actually llke wind on my helmet so I keep it lower.

- The riding ergo's are very nice, my back is straight (It does have the 2.5" risers on it) and it should work nice on long 400+ mile dayrides.

- There is "some" heat from the motor (and it was over 90 degrees when I rode today) but it's not bad. My M109R didn't put out any heat whatsover. But a little heat once we get cooler weather will no doubt feel nice.

So far I'm very happy with the FJR!!!

I would like to know if there is an aftermarket highway peg setup I could get so that I could stretch my legs out forward on longer rides???

I can relate with you. I came from a Road Star and a Road Liner before that. Recently I traded the Road Star off on a Tenere but kept the FJR. Now I have the best of both worlds

Scooper

 

[Falko]

It is a perception thing, no doubt. I went from an Aprilia to the FJR and got what I expected. The bike has plenty of power but for handling, it does well, but I wouldn't call it sport bike handling. I finally just got the clutch issue sorted last week (2009 bike and had to do the clutch cleaning) now it is feeling much better for smoothness. When I first got it I thought it was the most unrefined bike I'd ever ridden having to bump the throttle before every shift to get the plates to loosen, I didn't know at the time there was a common issue. And of course on the flip side, the FJR has comfort in spades compared to the pasta machine, which is why I bought it. Overall the FJR is a great all around bike, no doubt (except off road, I wouldn't do that).