Bryan
Member
Any suggestions regarding FJR test rides? I've taken out most of bikes I'm considering (and eliminated all but the K1200GT) but am really struggling with the idea of buying a bike without riding it...
FJR test rides
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chornbe
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I was fortunate enough to get a ride on an FJR owned by the guy who gave the Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic that I attended earlier this year. I don't think I'd have bought it without that test ride. Since getting mine I've let a few people ride it in an attempt to share the love
Warpdrv
Well-known member
I personally found that the FJR is my most favorite ride ever...
BMW's are just too much money...
Everyone here on this board pretty much has gone through what you are, and none of them
have been disappointed...
The only bike I have found better is this one...
BMW's are just too much money...
Everyone here on this board pretty much has gone through what you are, and none of them
have been disappointed...
The only bike I have found better is this one...
The K1200GT is a nice bike..... :blind:
Fill out your profile. If we know where you are located, perhaps someone will offer you a ride on theirs.
There are dealers with bikes on the floor, some used. You might just need to call a few more dealers, or check out Cycle Trader to look for a used FJR at a local to you dealer, then call and ask them if you can demo it because you're interested in that bike. At least try to sound interested in their bike, rather than telling them you just want to ride one before buying a new one from someone else.
Bryan
Member
Ya, my gut says that you are right. I own a couple of Geman cars (one newer and one older), am in a couple of car clubs, etc. and if the $$ were similar, would likely go with the BMW but I cannot seem to find the additional $6k+ in the GT...
Thanks. Updated profile.
No luck at local dealers... Dealer will sell me the bike and take it back after the initial ride (essentially a test ride). It's an option but less than ideal.
Les than Ideal! No kidding. I'd hate to take the depreciation hit on a test ride.
Go to the cycle trader site, go to advanced search. Don't put anything in except FJR in the Keyword area. Down below that, select your state, AZ. Search.
Two bikes located in AZ, an '03 in Scottsdale and an '05 in Goodyear.
2005 YAMAHA, FJR 1300, adult owned, mint cond, never raced, never dropped, fresh tuneup, too many extras to list, divorce forces sale, 26k mi, $9900, 623-521-5883, $9900.
Goodyear, AZ is 40 miles from Gilbert. Call the dude, check out his bike. For that price, if you don't have to have a '06, it's a pretty decent deal if it hasn't been dropped or otherwise abused. The mileage isn't anything to sweat, I have 60k on my '04 with zero issues. There are some 100k bikes too with no problems.
Hope that helps,
Oh yeah, ride there with all your gear on. Ask nice to take a test ride. You probably will get one. BE CAREFUL! ;-)
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I'll be going here for my first ride... https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=12709
:yahoo:
ViperDriver
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I sat on an FJR at a dealer, spent many hours on this and a couple of other forums, bought the first '06 I found, and am amazed at what a smart decision I made. There are a lot of good bikes out there, but only a few great ones. The FJR is one of the few. I can't imagine what I would get from a K1200GT that's worth the extra (approximately) $10K. Buy the FJR, put every farkle on it you can think of, and still have enough money left over to buy a diamond ring for your SO.
SkooterG
Purveyor of Crooked Facts
Bryan, I would be more than happy to let you take a ride on my 04 FJR. I live in Casa Grande, so depending on where you live in Gilbert, you are probably no more than 40 miles away.
While there are siginificant updates from the 03-05 FJR to the 06/07 models, they are inherently the same motorcycle, so whatever impressions you get riding one should be the same for the other. The only thing I will say is that mine is fairly heavily farkled.
I am suffering from a broken collarbone so won't be doing any riding for a while. But you are more than welcome to come down here and take mine for a ride. If you are interested, PM or email me (Go to my profile for that info).
While there are siginificant updates from the 03-05 FJR to the 06/07 models, they are inherently the same motorcycle, so whatever impressions you get riding one should be the same for the other. The only thing I will say is that mine is fairly heavily farkled.
I am suffering from a broken collarbone so won't be doing any riding for a while. But you are more than welcome to come down here and take mine for a ride. If you are interested, PM or email me (Go to my profile for that info).
Having a personal relationship with a motorcycle dealer exec is the only way I've been able to get new bike test rides. The owner of Huntington Beach Honda lets me ride anything in the showroom 'cuz I've bought several bikes from him over the years. (Interestingly, my disappointing ride on a new ST1300 :stink: is one reason I became an FJR owner.)
All Yammy dealers I contacted while searching for my '06 said, "Test ride?! Yeah, right. We haven't even put fluids in the showroom FJR yet."
All Yammy dealers I contacted while searching for my '06 said, "Test ride?! Yeah, right. We haven't even put fluids in the showroom FJR yet."
cougar8000
Well-known member
Hmm, maybe it is worth a shot. I have a friend with an 05, but considering that 06 is different would be cool if someone would have let me take a spin on the lot on the 06. Any givers?
If not, here is a question. I am 5' 6" and 165, anyone with those dimentions can shine in on the reach to the bars factor?
cougar8000
Well-known member
Never mind on the test ride. Just found a local dealer who has a used 06 that I can probably test ride.
I still would like to hear from those who are under 5' 7"
I still would like to hear from those who are under 5' 7"
Bryan
Member
Local dealer has a list of the bikes Yamaha will have for demo at the show and they said tht an FJR is not on the list... You wouldn't think that a dealer would tell a story?
Thanks. Of course, I'll now have to ensure the wife doesn't see this thread.
BTW, late last year, I moved from Colorado Springs to Gilbert (Phoenix). I sure miss riding in the Rockies!
Outstanding. Thanks for the offer! I'll shoot you a message.
The 03-05 vs 06-07 was a related question. Living in AZ, the heat issue alone would keep me from buying (and would be misleading to test ride a private owner for sale bike) an earlier version but if it's representative of the current version, a ride would provide the inforation I am seeking.
chornbe
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I'm 5'6" and wear shirts that are 17/34-35. I have no trouble at all with the reach and find the FJR very comfortable - the most comfy of the ST style bikes I rode and test sat.
madmike2
Shtirrenuppenmeister
You might also want to PM the lady riders on the "Forum". I'm assuming (And that's trouble, I know) that most of them are more dimunitive than some of us, er, uhm, more robust members.
Try "Silver Penguin" or "fjrchik", for example, and perhaps "MsLilly" (who has been pretty active posting lately). Granny ("Kasey") had her seat cut down to help her put her feet on the ground when stopped, so there are ways to make the bike "fit" you.
cougar8000
Well-known member
Thanks. That is exactly what I was looking for.
Thank you. I am not worry about flat footing. As long as I can tip toe I am all good and I do not think that will be the problem. I rode my friend 05 and was fine there.
The reach is my concern. I want to be comfy. If I wanted to lean forward I would have bought an R1
I am coming off an 02 FZ1 and wife said no to the new FZ due to her not been comfy on it. So, FJR is the next best thing.
SMC
Well-known member
:blink: Hello Cougar,
In answer to your reply I am only 5'6" on a good day and like you weigh about 165-170.
I have owned an '05 FJR and presently own an '06 FJR A.
The movable handlebars and seat on the '06 where an improvement for us vertically challenged individuals, but not as much of an improvement as I could of used.
The riding position is no problem and I have taken a number of 1,000 or 2,000 mile rides on both bikes. Presently in the planning stages of a 5,000 to 6,000 mile ride in June of '07.
Reach to handlebars is no problem, reach to ground was tippy toes, but with Corbin seat I purchased it's more like the balls of my feet now.
As this is not a cruiser the barco-lounger sitting position is not present.
As it is a sport tourer it is more a neutral to slightly forward position which I find fairly comfortable for extended rides (nine to thirteen hours in the saddle).
cougar8000
Well-known member
Good info SMC. Thank you
Bryan
Member
Thanks Greg for letting me take your bike out! It's a great testament to the FJR community that it's members are willing to do things like this. I also really enjoyed our conversation. Hope you get back to riding soon.
What an outstanding bike. There is no doubt that I'm considering the correct type of bike for me.
