FJR or RT 1200 msrp?

[OkieBikerDude]

bes,

I just purchased a new, still in the crate '07 FJR in Jan. of this year after 10 years on BMW's. I rode the "K" model four cylinder bikes and seriously considered a new K1200GT before paying $11,999 for the FJR. In addition to the $6 - $8,000 savings I gained tremendous dealer support. In Tulsa, OK the only BMW dealer is 100 miles away and most Western states have only 1 or 2 dealers. I have 3 Yamaha dealers within 10 miles of my home.

I too take longer rides (IBA member) and have been very pleased with the stock FJR seat. I go about 6ft & 220lbs and was very surprised at the smoothness of the FJR suspension. The power was expected, but the great brakes and ride were big improvements over the BMW's. Even with the farkles I've added to my scooter like: hyperlites, fenda-extenda, throttlemeister, cee-bailey, etc. and still feel like I've saved well over $5,000 had don't have to put up the attitude that comes with a lot of BMW dealers. One exception to that is the BMW dealer in Boise, Big Twin Motorsports who are a great bunch of folks.

Okie

 

[bes]

Thanks Guys, should have a Raven in my garage this weekend. I really appreciate the input.

 

[TahoeBound]

I owned an '01 RT1100. Did not like it & sold it with ~2K miles. Thankfully I did not have to experience the maintenance costs or rear-end failures that many complain about. However, after taking many demo rides on the new RT1200 over the past few months, IMO it is a substantially improved, and overall awesome ride. IMO the engine is fast enough. I felt that it could easily replace my '04 FJR (~47K miles) and '07 Wing ABS (sold <3K miles).

All that said, my new '08 FJR should be here next week!! :yahoo:

 

[rfespinosa]

I had an '04 R1150 RT that I put 12k miles on it. I just sold an '04 K1200 RS with 24k miles on it. ==> not enough BMW dealers, dealer quality is unacceptable in my area, prices are high. So I bid adieu to BMW.

I got a new '08 four weeks ago for $1,000 below MSRP, in retrospect, I think I could have gotten it even lower.

But you have decided to go with the FJR, so enough about BMW, let me give you some farkles suggestions that make the FJR more like a BMW.

1. Powerlet makes an FJR specific BMW accessory plug that mounts by either the left or right rear pegs. Great if you already have BMW type connections accessories like heated vests, etc.

2. Get the Yamaha heated grips specially as part of the purchase. They list for $380 and I guesstimate 2 hours installation time. Negotiate for $250 installed. These are made specifically for the FJR and the control rheostat has a pre determined mounting spot on the fairing. Neat.

3. There is an outfit in Australia that makes an electronic cruise control and they make kits specific to specific models. They make one for the FJR, it's $850, not cheap, but it begins to explain some of the difference in price to the BMW's. I don't have one yet, but a friend of mine has one on his FJR and he says it flat out works. Google "motorcycle cruise control"

4. The seat is a personal preference. I hate the texture of the seat, I can't move at all, I am planted in one spot. I don't like that. I haven't had it long enough to judge the padding. I got a sheepskin cover to solve the short term problem.

Enjoy the ride, the FJR is a great bike.

Ron

 

[TahoeBound]

3. There is an outfit in Australia that makes an electronic cruise control and they make kits specific to specific models. They make one for the FJR, it's $850, not cheap, but it begins to explain some of the difference in price to the BMW's. I don't have one yet, but a friend of mine has one on his FJR and he says it flat out works. Google "motorcycle cruise control"

MCCruise. Best mod on my '04 & my '08 will have one.

 

[FuzzyRider]

Thanks Guys, should have a Raven in my garage this weekend. I really appreciate the input.

So, it's the weekend...where's the Raven?

 

[rfespinosa]

3. There is an outfit in Australia that makes an electronic cruise control and they make kits specific to specific models. They make one for the FJR, it's $850, not cheap, but it begins to explain some of the difference in price to the BMW's. I don't have one yet, but a friend of mine has one on his FJR and he says it flat out works. Google "motorcycle cruise control"

MCCruise. Best mod on my '04 & my '08 will have one.

TahoeBound,

Where did you mount the vacuum servo on your '04? The instructions for the '08 mount the servo under the seat in the storage compartment. When do you plan to make the installation on your '08?

Unfortunately, I am house bound with a serious lower back pain. No riding, not going to work, it's a real bummer. Otherwise I would be ready to order one and install it. I am looking for tips, some idea on difficulty, how long does it take, etc.

Ron

 

[TahoeBound]

TahoeBound,
Where did you mount the vacuum servo on your '04? The instructions for the '08 mount the servo under the seat in the storage compartment. When do you plan to make the installation on your '08?

Unfortunately, I am house bound with a serious lower back pain. No riding, not going to work, it's a real bummer. Otherwise I would be ready to order one and install it. I am looking for tips, some idea on difficulty, how long does it take, etc.

Ron

Hey Ron, sorry to hear your house bound - that sucks.

Took me about 10-12 hours to do the install on my '04. Its plug-n-play, but I am slow & methodical. Mounted it behind the right side panel (non-ABS). Yes, I've talked to MCCruise about the mounting under seat for the '08 (not a good location IMO). You can order the AE kit & specify the left handle bar control. The AE kit mounts it behind the radiator & right side fairing; much better IMO & frees up the underseat. For me, that's where I'll put the StarCom1.

Difficulty-wise, maybe a 6 or 7 for this home mechanic. Its actually very straight-forward & excellent instructions. The hardest part was removing/installing the throttle-cable. I understand they now include a special tool to assist.

 

[rfespinosa]

TahoeBound,
Where did you mount the vacuum servo on your '04? The instructions for the '08 mount the servo under the seat in the storage compartment. When do you plan to make the installation on your '08?

Unfortunately, I am house bound with a serious lower back pain. No riding, not going to work, it's a real bummer. Otherwise I would be ready to order one and install it. I am looking for tips, some idea on difficulty, how long does it take, etc.

Ron

Hey Ron, sorry to hear your house bound - that sucks.

Took me about 10-12 hours to do the install on my '04. Its plug-n-play, but I am slow & methodical. Mounted it behind the right side panel (non-ABS). Yes, I've talked to MCCruise about the mounting under seat for the '08 (not a good location IMO). You can order the AE kit & specify the left handle bar control. The AE kit mounts it behind the radiator & right side fairing; much better IMO & frees up the underseat. For me, that's where I'll put the StarCom1.

Difficulty-wise, maybe a 6 or 7 for this home mechanic. Its actually very straight-forward & excellent instructions. The hardest part was removing/installing the throttle-cable. I understand they now include a special tool to assist.

TahoeBound,

Thanks for the info, specially the tip about the AE option for mounting behind the right side fairing. I would like to preserve the under seat space for other things.

Knowing that this accessory was available was a big factor in letting go of my BMW KRS for the FJR.

Ron

 

[wyowags]

Met a guy today in Denver on a new "08". Said he gave 12,200 out the door. I think he got a few goodies also.

 

[Mackeroni]

Hi guys, had an empty garage for the past year and hate it. Last bike was an 02 1150 RT. She was a great ride but prone to some maintenance issues--mapping problem, and the preference for the rear end to self destruct. No issues on my specific bike, but not what I wanted to develop a lasting relationship with. I also wanted a bit more, attitude....but I felt very connected with the RT it made me a way better rider ( meaning--corrected my stupidity more than once). Anyone have any time on the new RT? I've found an 08 FJ and am very close to pulling the trigger. I'm not going to quibble over a $200 bill with the dealer who uncrates and assembles my bike, but is paying retail the norm? Should I be charged an assembly charge besides msrp? How's the standard seat, the standard seat on my RT was pathetic.
BTW---most of my riding is leaving Vegas---300+ mile days the norm. I'm 6'1 260, like cats and rainy days........

Really excited about having a get out of town missile in the garage, just wanted some experienced input.

This should answer all concerns... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukAhlxl4hmM

Hee hee...

 

[Jbrewton45]

This should answer all concerns... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukAhlxl4hmM
Hee hee...

Wow.....now that was funny

 

[fattymoon]

Real funny! (I have that movie. And I owned a VFR.)

 

[slowpoke]

When I was looking for a touring bike, I was really considering the RT1200. I got a buddy that works at the BMW dealership and HE even told me to pass on the RT. Still too many gremlins and it's overpriced. He told me to look at the FJR. I'm glad I got my 06 FJR-AE!