Someone over on the New Members forum asked me for my comparison on my 2003 Connie and my FJR and also between my FJR A and my AE model. Here is my thoughts
The Connie reminded me of my Ninja I used to have, it handled like a dream in town and in and out of small places.
It was a little bottom heavy so it was rather easy to come up to a stoplight and stop and start without dropping my feet.
The gear box was like butter. Man I loved changing gears on that bike because it made me feel like a professional
My Connie was only a 1000 so at highway speeds I always felt like it needed one more gear. (We have a toll road here that I travel each day and its 85 mph posted)
I did have quite a bit of heat coming up around the gas tank and on the legs. I did have the deflectors installed, but an unscheduled trip thru the corn field on an oops curve took them away from me.
My bike had a pretty loud engine tick that I found annoying. Not sure if anyone else has noticed that.
FJR 1300A
Well, not a lot to say about the FJR, except I love it. For the weight it actually handles very well. It is a little top heavy so I have not perfected the stop and go yet.
I don’t seem to have any heat problems, even through the summer here in Texas.
Transmission is a little clunky.
I am surprised but 5 speeds suits this bike fine for me, some people I hear say they wished it had a 6th gear like the Concours.
Ugh…. I absolutely hate the seat and am in the market for a new one. I don’t like the idea of giving up my seat so I am not sure if I will do a Russell. It any one lives around North Austin /Georgetown area and has an aftermarket seat I would love to try it.
FJR1300AE
Ok let me set some opinions to rest on this bike… Don’t knock it until you tried it. I was a little skeptical at first but after a 1 hour test drive I really liked it. It might not be for everyone just as some people like manual cars v/s automatic.
It was not difficult to ride and it switches gears very smooth. There were no problems maneuvering around slow speed and i have never had to drag the rear brake as I have seen some people mention.
The only down side is this:
Let’s say you’re in a parking lot and your bike is facing up hill. There are a couple of nice ladies standing close by (yah know…good looking ladies) and they are kind of admiring you and this sweet looking bike you have.
When you take off (because your bike is pointing uphill) the computer controlled clutch it kinda makes it sound like you don’t know how to drive and are letting the clutch slip ALOT.
Of course I found a Solution: If any pretty girls are standing around.........Take off down hill
Over all I have enjoyed the AE and would not be objected to buying another one. I really like being able to come to a stop light and leave it in 1st and let both hands rest, then if the light changes a little faster than expected then just hit the gas and go. No more oops starts.
Thanks
Big D
The Connie reminded me of my Ninja I used to have, it handled like a dream in town and in and out of small places.
It was a little bottom heavy so it was rather easy to come up to a stoplight and stop and start without dropping my feet.
The gear box was like butter. Man I loved changing gears on that bike because it made me feel like a professional
My Connie was only a 1000 so at highway speeds I always felt like it needed one more gear. (We have a toll road here that I travel each day and its 85 mph posted)
I did have quite a bit of heat coming up around the gas tank and on the legs. I did have the deflectors installed, but an unscheduled trip thru the corn field on an oops curve took them away from me.
My bike had a pretty loud engine tick that I found annoying. Not sure if anyone else has noticed that.
FJR 1300A
Well, not a lot to say about the FJR, except I love it. For the weight it actually handles very well. It is a little top heavy so I have not perfected the stop and go yet.
I don’t seem to have any heat problems, even through the summer here in Texas.
Transmission is a little clunky.
I am surprised but 5 speeds suits this bike fine for me, some people I hear say they wished it had a 6th gear like the Concours.
Ugh…. I absolutely hate the seat and am in the market for a new one. I don’t like the idea of giving up my seat so I am not sure if I will do a Russell. It any one lives around North Austin /Georgetown area and has an aftermarket seat I would love to try it.
FJR1300AE
Ok let me set some opinions to rest on this bike… Don’t knock it until you tried it. I was a little skeptical at first but after a 1 hour test drive I really liked it. It might not be for everyone just as some people like manual cars v/s automatic.
It was not difficult to ride and it switches gears very smooth. There were no problems maneuvering around slow speed and i have never had to drag the rear brake as I have seen some people mention.
The only down side is this:
Let’s say you’re in a parking lot and your bike is facing up hill. There are a couple of nice ladies standing close by (yah know…good looking ladies) and they are kind of admiring you and this sweet looking bike you have.
When you take off (because your bike is pointing uphill) the computer controlled clutch it kinda makes it sound like you don’t know how to drive and are letting the clutch slip ALOT.
Of course I found a Solution: If any pretty girls are standing around.........Take off down hill
Over all I have enjoyed the AE and would not be objected to buying another one. I really like being able to come to a stop light and leave it in 1st and let both hands rest, then if the light changes a little faster than expected then just hit the gas and go. No more oops starts.
Thanks
Big D