Goodbye FJR. Time to move on.

[Silver Penguin]

It is with mixed feelings that I bid my beloved 2003 FJR goodbye. With help from Fairlaner, the bike is going to make Julie (Mrs DJ Bill) very happy.

Over the last 35k miles, my FJR and I have have had some great times. We've seen most of the Western US in most weather conditions. I've ridden the bike with and without the lowering links. Without the links it handles a lot better but I'm scared of dropping it. I felt more confident with the links but they compromised the perfect design of the bike. Goth boots helped but they killed my knees on a long ride.

My recent get-off (which totaled a different bike) gave me a lot to think about. Insurance paid me well for the little GS but it's still a jump to buy a new bike and start again with the farkles. I'm also dealing with some weakness and pain in the leg that took the hit when I went down. Holding a 600lb beast on the tips of my toes just doesn't sound like fun anymore.

So, the new era begins. The FJR has found a new home and in about a month, I will take delivery of a 2013 BMW F700GS. It's a 798 cc twin with half as much HP again as the 650 single that I killed. Not in the same league as an FJR but it comes with a low frame, weighs just over 400lbs and carries its weight low. I've ordered crash bars, bash plate, tall screen, bags and auxiliary lighting. The tips of my toes will touch the ground on this bike. On both sides at the same time.

My new Roadcrafter arrived last week. I have a new helmet. I've ridden a dirt bike. It's time to get back on the road.

 

[kamal]

If things didn't change now and then it would make life really boring. Glad to hear you are not giving up.

One of my riding buddies bought an F800GS last year - he loves it! The 700 will be a great bike for you.

Al

 

[Redfish Hunter]

While I am sorry you are bidding farewell to your FJR I am extremely happy that you are still with us and still riding. I remember all too well the thread announcing your crash, I remember how wonderful it was to see your own thread on the subject letting us know you were healing. Enjoy your new BMW, I hope it serves you well. You deserve to be happy and comfortable on your motorcycle.

 

[Fairlaner]

And it is all nice and clean right now and running good with some air in the tires......

R

 

[escapefjrtist]

Good luck with the new ride 'Penguin!

Enjoy the heck outta that Beemer!!

--G

 

[majicmaker]

I'm Happy for you Silver. This is a Most Excellent move for you. I'm like you, I wouldn't know what I'd do without a bike waiting for me in the garage at the ready! Enjoy!!

 

[SeattleTy]

Good luck on your transition, lets us know how you like the new bike

 

[Bustanut joker]

Ah these transitional times..................

I Also sold my much unused fjr. between me busted back and the never-ending merciless harassment for my "below" average mileage.

I admit... I'm gonna love a wing.

Crap I had to come back and add the ROTF thingama bob... Sometimes the lag here bites Odies ***.

 

[Silver Penguin]

Believe me, it wasn't an easy decision. Like most everyone here, I'm addicted to that throttle that just keeps on giving. But realistically the bike is too tall and too heavy for me. I can have a lot more fun with a lot more confidence on a smaller bike. And I can take it ff road. And it doesn't mind falling over in the dirt.

 

[Niehart]

Don't be trying to sneak out of here. Don't have to own that FJR to stay here.

 

[Usul]

Fjr...gs...Zx...fat whatever...it doesn't really matter does it? Pick something you like and enjoy yourself. I'll wave at ya.

 

[Silver Penguin]

Don't be trying to sneak out of here. Don't have to own that FJR to stay here. unk:

Thanks Niehart. For some strange reason, I'm rather fond of some of the folks I've met here..

 

[majicmaker]

Believe me, it wasn't an easy decision. Like most everyone here, I'm addicted to that throttle that just keeps on giving. But realistically the bike is too tall and too heavy for me. I can have a lot more fun with a lot more confidence on a smaller bike. And I can take it ff road. And it doesn't mind falling over in the dirt.

That attitude right there says it all Missy. Life is short. He who leaves with the most/best memories WINS!!!! )

 

[ahchiu]

Don't be trying to sneak out of here. Don't have to own that FJR to stay here.

Thanks Niehart. For some strange reason, I'm rather fond of some of the folks I've met here..

+1, once you check in you can never check out, congrats on your new bike.

 

[Surly]

Hi Silver Penguin,

Hope to see you active around here.

Best regards

Surly(Steve)

 

[SacramentoMike]

What Surly said. Here on the forum and at some of the gatherings too. I'd hate to think you wouldn't be around anymore. Ever.

Enjoy the new GS. I liked the one I rented this summer a lot. Seat wasn't all that comfortable for a man, but you should have better luck. Hope to see you around, Jill.

 

[garyahouse]

Funny thing about some of those "lesser" machines out there. They can still be a hoot to ride. Not quite the same blast as the FJR when ya twist the throttle, but a well designed machine can certainly give all the thrills ya need.

Consider this

We ride an amazing machine. But none would disagree that it's acceleration is weak compared to something like a new ZX14R. It's handling is limited compared to a new crotch rocket (just pick the maker, there are so many lightweight machines with stellar handling). It's wind protection is meager through the eyes of Goldwingers. I could go on. BUT THE POINT IS, though the FJR isn't the best of all worlds, it's all the thrill I could ever want... every time I get on it. I appreciate what it DOES so much that I don't find myself concerned about what it DOESN'T do. We all ride and enjoy this machine knowing these things.

What cher gettin'

For those of you who are curious, here's a link to a 3 minute slide show of the 2013 BMW F700GS on youtube:

It's a lot more machine than the 650 for sure. I like the fact that it's got standard ABS. Reading a couple online reviews revealed that BMW has done their homework on this machine. Just like so many of their other recent creations, the GS is a well thought out machine. There's a lot to love.

What cher not gettin'

We've all had to deal with the FJR at walking speeds. Many times I've struggled with all my strength to pull them handlebars back up when I made a stupid mistake and my 600 pound buddy wants to lie down on it's side. I'm usually pretty careful, but it happens to all of us. You won't have to deal with THAT any more. But the extra level of confidence you'll enjoy with the Beem is priceless. You've got ABS, lighter weight, lower seat height, off road capability along WITH a great road bike (within limits) as well.

Your gonna do just fine and we wish you all the best.

Gary

darksider #44

 

[Fred W]

FJR was (is) a great bike, but contrary to local opinion, it's not the only great bike, and in fact it isn't even the best bike for some kinds of riding and some kinds of people. The new Beemer should be a lot of fun, and maybe that will be the best bike for you and your riding? Only one way to find out.

Best of luck there.

Also, FWIW, the F700GS is pretty much the same as the prior F650GS. Both are actually a detuned version of the F800GS, so the are 800cc twins with 6 speed transmissions (regardless of their model numbers). The G650GS is a 650cc thumper with a 5 speed. It is what the very old F650 Funduro morphed into. I'm sure that this has cleared up all of the propeller head model number nomenclature completely.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Congrats Jill.

I've heard from somewhere that sometimes its really fun to really thrash a slower lighter bike. Go on the tighter twistier roads up to the top and around some of the mountains...your new bike should really shine as you wail on that thing.

Have a fun time on your new bike...glad you are sticking around with us lowlifes...we would miss you otherwise.