FJR Test Ride?

[paste007]

I've been seriously shopping (for over a year) for a new bike to replace my vererable '77 KZ1000 (with Windjammer fairing and Chase Harper bags). Although I've come to the conclusion that I actually need at least four bikes (a canyon carver (another Kaw?), a dual purpose offroad bike (KL5650?), a touring bike (Wing or Road King?) and a sport tourer (FJR), my real world finances limit me to a single bike. Therefore, the FJR sure looks like it covers the most bases and I'm going to Alice's on Saturday to take a look.

Now to my question. The local dealers that I visited (when the '05's were available) didn't permit a test ride. Does anyone know of a dealer where I can either test ride or rent an FJR? I feel a little uneasy about buying a new bike without knowing how it rides. I'm located in Bakersfield, CA., however, I don't mind riding 4-5 hours each way, to take such a test ride.

 

[twowheelnut]

Good luck! Your best bet is to hook up with an FJR owner, throw a bunch of cash at him in hopes that he'll let you ride it. The other side of the coin is; are you looking to buy an '05 or an '06? There'll be enough differences between them that would make me hesitant to ride and '05 and buy an '06 based on that ride...

 

[Ignacio]

I was lucky enough for a "test sit" on Warchild's '03 a year ago under his wary eye.

That was enough for me. I scoured the tri-state area and found one on the dealer's floor. I got to do the test ride after I paid for it.

....it was the happiest day of my life. I still cry about it.

Oh, and I'd let you test sit, but no test ridey........unless you have ten grand in cash as a deposit. Sorry.

That's the downer part about PDP.

 

[GunMD]

Buy one. If you don't like it I'm sure you can sell it. That's the UP side to the PDP.

 

[FJRottie]

The other side of the coin is; are you looking to buy an '05 or an '06? There'll be enough differences between them that would make me hesitant to ride and '05 and buy and '06 based on that ride...

:stupid:

Big difference between 05 and 06.

 

[zorkler]

in my garage there sits 1 1977 kz100. 1 1975 z1 900 1 2005 fjr 1300 . purchased the 05 in april . and now have 7400 miles on it . for the 77 and 75 i have not started them since april . And i really dont know how i rode the 2 bikes so long 11 years . lets put it this way a 77 kaw 1000 is like a 67 volkswagon beatle and the 2005 fjr is like a 2005 cadillac with a 600 h.p. engine . i purchased the 2005 with out a test ride and the first time i saw one in person was on the dealers floor. 99 percent of the information on the 1300 was from this site and the other 2 . people on this site will not steer you wrong . come to think of it spending 11 grand without riding it sounds kinda stupid . and i am 1 lucky stupid guy . i could be riding a 20 grand harley right now ( am i glad i did not buy that road glide ) . your going to LOVE the 1300 .

 

[SkooterG]

The other side of the coin is; are you looking to buy an '05 or an '06? There'll be enough differences between them that would make me hesitant to ride and '05 and buy and '06 based on that ride...

:stupid:

Big difference between 05 and 06.

Huh.

Do you really think so? I kind of feel the other way. That the changes were more an evolution, rather than an revolution. (Except for the E-shift)

My feeling is that the 06 FJR is not all that much different in the ways that count.

But that's me.

 

[Bostonfan2]

We put a deposit down sight unseen, the info from the FJR board was enough

to convince me i was making the right choice, and We couldnt be more pleased!

before ours came in a friend let me sit test his, a beautiful silver FJR that made the waiting all the more difficult! man its been a blast....

 

[twowheelnut]

The other side of the coin is; are you looking to buy an '05 or an '06? There'll be enough differences between them that would make me hesitant to ride and '05 and buy and '06 based on that ride...

:stupid:

Big difference between 05 and 06.

Huh.

Do you really think so? I kind of feel the other way. That the changes were more an evolution, rather than an revolution. (Except for the E-shift)

My feeling is that the 06 FJR is not all that much different in the ways that count.

But that's me.

At this point in time I do. I think there is enough change to make some difference... Course we're gonna hafta wait until March (chiyah, right!) to find out. Meanwhile, Cypress is looking in laughing their ***** off at all these comments...

 

[SkooterG]

Meanwhile, Cypress is looking in laughing their ***** off at all these comments...

Now on that my psychotic friend, you are 100% correct.

:clap:

 

[twowheelnut]

Meanwhile, Cypress is looking in laughing their ***** off at all these comments...

Now on that my psychotic friend, you are 100% correct.

:clap:

Who you callin' 'friend'? :blink:

 

[wheatonFJR]

I got an FJR brochure from a dealer in 2002. Dreamed about it for a year...inquired on Friday, October 3rd, 2004 at one dealer - no FJR present...inquired October 4th, 2003 at another dealer - one present - PURCHASED SAME DAY. No test ride - HAPPY rider, best bike I've ever had.

Found fjroa in Jan of '04 - good site, Found FJRFORUM June of 2005 - same great guys with new additions - and great sitework.

NO TEST RIDE REQUIRED - BUY IT AND RIDE IT.

 

[FJRZON]

Wheaton is right. Just buy it! That’s what probably 99 percent of us did. The bike is not perfect at any one thing just great at all of them. What bike gives you integrated bags, adjustable windscreen, ABS, long 26,000 mile valve adjustment intervals & a pretty good rompn’ inline-4 for approx $11-12K? It has been my experience that this bike seems to grow more on me day-to-day and the utility is unlike any other bike out there. Enjoy. Life's too short. Ride.

 

[catiadan]

I sat on a 2004 FJR March 1, 2003 at Daytona Beach Bike Week, came back home to California, ordered my 2004, got it Aug 2003 and have loved this bike ever since. Never rode one, just sat on it, and the ride exceeded my expectations....so JUST DO IT!

 

[dcarver]

Paste007--

You are not alone. I'm going on blind faith too. I'm even thinning the herd to make room.. the 91 Flhtcu and 84 R100T are asta la vista, baaaby. And for the record, I love both these bikes, for different reasons. They each scratch a certain itch...

My local dealer has an 05' on the floor. I told myself to just keep walking, just keep going.. got all the way outside, sat in the truck for 10 minutes.... then some force of nature made me get out, walk back in, sit on the FJ.. then put a deposit on an 06.

Sure, I'd read this board cover to cover, talked to other owners.. and have wanted one since the original FJ in 1984... and now the itch is for a bike that has state-of-the-art ponies, brakes, suspension, comfort.. with bags!

So, WTF, I'm in.

Anybody want to buy a mint, single-owner flhtcu? HAH! On THIS board?? :haha:

 

[Toecutter]

Therefore, the FJR sure looks like it covers the most bases and I'm going to Alice's on Saturday to take a look.

So, will you be the guy on the KZ1000? Or, just the guy hanging around the FJR's drooling? Be sure and introduce yourself.

 

[Bike Effects]

You are a California guy, so be advised that California model for '06 will not be available until May '06. Other states will get thiers in March. Go figure!

 

[SilveradoSlick]

I was one of the few who got to take a test ride at Capitol Yamaha in Sacramento. Actually two; one with SWMBO and one without. I don't know if they have a bike the'll let people ride now or not. I think the test ride is more of a check for any glaring faults. It took several hundred miles for me to fully appreciate the bike.

Judging by the FJR forums, better than 95% of the FJR owners love these bikes. Some people add risers or aftermarket saddles or windscreens. It seems to be a matter of personal choice.

The FJR has won numerous comparos, not by being the most comfortable or the fastest or the best handling, but by being good at everything. If that's what you want then go for it.

 

[GalaxyBlue]

There'll be enough differences between them that would make me hesitant to ride and '05 and buy an '06 based on that ride...

Yeah, Especially with the new modifications to the motor.... I hear they are detuned down to 130HP...... Hmmm :haha: