First Test Ride on 2013

[Simo]

I had a test ride on a 2013 FJR today. I was very happy with the performance and the handling. I have just sold a 2012 Goldwing as I was never really happy with it. I used to ride a Honda st1300 and wanted to go back to a sports tourer.

The only thing I didn't like about the bike was the windscreen. I have been looking on the Cee Baileys web site for an after market windscreen.

After the test ride I bit the bullet and ordered the new 2014 model. The Australian 2014 model does not have the electronic suspension. The only difference I can see is the color change - "Midnight Black"

Any advice on the windscreen choice would be appreciated.

 

[JamesW]

Such an individual thing. I have just installed Yamahas sport touring windscreen on my 2013. Tis a bit wider and 4inches taller and looks like it belongs. I am 6ft tall with a 30 inch inseam. I have heard folks speak favorably of the V-Stream. New bike time might be time for a dealer special on accessories.

 

[Mihalis fjr]

The Laminar Lip on the stock windshield works great!

The best farkle where i have installed!

https://www.laminarlip.com/fjr13.php

https://www.laminarlip.com/australian.pdf

 

[Greg 03]

Mine came with a Givi touring screen and had the rifle tuning block installed as well as a huge rifle windscreen that I only put on in winter. The givi is pretty much perfect for me. The rifle is way too big but when it's 20 out I don't care.

 

[RaYzerman19]

Woo hoo, a new bike! I had an ST13 too once.... Just my windshield experience on the FJR Gen II.... Stock windshield poor. Anything that is wider at the top, and preferably tilted back so air gets under the back side (think Rifle tuning blocks), will result in a huge improvement in buffeting around your shoulders/helmet. V-Stream looks good, would like to try one even without the tuning blocks. Calsci way too narrow at the top, I hated it. I have a Rifle (+5 high, I'm 6' tall and like to look over it) which at first looks like a barn door, but it's the quietest to the point where you can ride without earplugs (don't) if you have the right helmet. The size doesn't really bother me, except when it's real hot out (30C or more). To get more air, install a set of Baker air wings, which when "closed" also double function as blocking cold air. I leave the Rifle on year round even if a little warm in the real hot weather. Note with the tuning blocks installed, the hole pattern is spread wider, so if you use a different windshield you'll have to drill new holes. I'd still like to try a V-stream....

 

[bgross]

Congrats on the new FJR - you're gonna love it!

My other bike is a Wingabago. Since adopting Lucille (FJR) last January, the Wing spends most to the time in the garage on the Battery Tender. When my bride rides with me, we take the Hondapotamus. Otherwise....

As mentioned above, aftermarket wind screens are like tires & oil - everyone has a favorite. For me, after spending 10 years behind the Barn Door that is the Wing screen & fairing, the small screen on the FJR is just fine - all the way down most of the time. (Easy since I don't have to deal with rain. Nor winter.)

Have fun deciding!

 

[beemerdons]

The Laminar Lip on the stock windshield works great!

The best farkle where i have installed!
https://www.laminarlip.com/fjr13.php

https://www.laminarlip.com/australian.pdf

+1, Gunny; I am running the Laminar Lip on my 2013, it works fantastic!

 

[Mihalis fjr]

The Laminar Lip on the stock windshield works great!

The best farkle where i have installed!
https://www.laminarlip.com/fjr13.php

https://www.laminarlip.com/australian.pdf

+1, Gunny; I am running the Laminar Lip on my 2013, it works fantastic!

Could you post a picture?I have never seen a Laminar Lip on a 2013..

 

[Simo]

Thanks guys for your input. Has anyone had any experience with the Cee Bailey windshield?

 

[FJR Bill]

Just want to chime in that I too thought the stock Yami windscreen on the Gen 2 is poor. Anything taller and wider will be an improvement and most are not too costly. I went for the Calisci mid size. While not perfect, its a huge improvement over stock. Good luck on you choice. Bill

 

[MCRIDER007]

Thanks guys for your input. Has anyone had any experience with the Cee Bailey windshield?

I've had 4 Cee Bailey windshields on other bikes and have ordered the 23" WS for the '13 FJR. I should get it in a couple of weeks but may have to wait until spring to give it a good test.

 

[rbentnail]

I have a Cee Bailey on mine. I went +2 +2 with the light gray tint and am perfectly happy with it.

 

[PhilJet09]

You guys get black over there in the Gen3?!!!! Now I'm jealous!

I use a Cal-sci screen on my '09 and am very happy with it.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Although not a GEN III, I run two different CB shields on my '09 year around. For summer, I use the +2/+2 and for winter I have a +4/+3, both reverse contour. Love the quality and fit of the CB shields...the big one works especially well in cold / wet weather!

--G

 

[Fred W]

I am 6'2" and sit pretty tall in the saddle with only 32" inseam legs. Have a Russell Daylong and Heli bar risers. Have owned a bunch of shields from many different manufacturers"

Stock OEM and Ahamay touring (+2")

Rifle sport (+2W-+2H) and full size barn door (+4W- +6H)

Cal Sci XL Tall (4"H)

Vstream (+4 1/2"H)

and finally a Cee Bailey standard contour (+2W +4H)

Also I have a Laminar Lip that I have tried on the Ahamay and Rifle Sport with some limited success.

The best all around setup, and the one I use for 90% of my riding is the convex Cee Bailey on the Rifle tuning block. Wonderfully quiet with no buffeting, but my head is up in the smooth wind, even with the shield raised fully. In cold weather (like right now in New England) I break down and put the Jumbo Rifle Touring shield on and crank that puppy up. It is so big it costs me a couple mpg to run with it on, but it is much more protective.

Finding a good shield setup on any bike is a ridiculously iterative process.

 

[Simo]

Thanks guys for your sharing your experience. I have now ordered the 23" Cee Bailey windscreen. I have also ordered the Canyon Cage and saddle bag guard. Looking forward to getting the bike - should have it in about 2 weeks.

I was nervous on the test ride as it was a brand new bike off the showroom floor. I had to sign a waiver to pay the first $2000 in case of an accident. I am not very tall and was worried about dropping it and damaging the fairing. Anyway all went well and I felt very comfortable on the bike. I thought my ST1300 was a great bike but I think I am going to like this one even more.

 

[RichDoyle]

Thanks guys for your sharing your experience. I have now ordered the 23" Cee Bailey windscreen. I have also ordered the Canyon Cage and saddle bag guard. Looking forward to getting the bike - should have it in about 2 weeks.
I was nervous on the test ride as it was a brand new bike off the showroom floor. I had to sign a waiver to pay the first $2000 in case of an accident. I am not very tall and was worried about dropping it and damaging the fairing. Anyway all went well and I felt very comfortable on the bike. I thought my ST1300 was a great bike but I think I am going to like this one even more.

I came from many years on ST1100's and ST1300's and like the FJR much more. Low speed handling feels much like the much lighter NT700 I had for a couple of years. And I knew instantly that the stock windshield had to go. Iterating my way along as I've done with my previous bikes. Cee Bailey queued up now. Given my physiology, the 21" should be fine.