Got on a FJR and took it for a spin...

[JamesRW]

Hey everyone, new member, second thread here. I've been looking around and settled on a FJR, so I joined this forum. Took a used '08 out for a while yesterday, nice! I know I made the right choice.

I come from a DL650, the 'Wee' Strom. Couple things I noticed... have to work a bit more to get it down in a corner, and that windshield sux. I've got a stock screen on a Strom and it's better. With it all the way down I got a nice steady blast of (really cold) air. As I was moving it up it felt like drumming all the way up my helmet until it felt like my head was being used as bongos... BTW I'm 6' with a 32" inseam.

I know there's no absolutes about this, but generally what I gather from reading the threads is:

OEM tall windshield is ok, especially for the price

Cee Baileys is pretty good

CalSci is about the same as the CB but there seems to be some evidence that it's better for the pillion

Rifle is somewhere between the OEM tall and CB

Vstream is a love or hate thing

Does that some it up or am way off base?

TIA,

James

BTW, I'm picking up a new '08 for 13k OTD thanks to some on this forum that helped me out. Thanks!

 

[Panman]

6'3" 4+4+ Flip C/B good sheild for most of the year where I live. I went south and it sucked so for Me I love my C/B but when I head south the stocker goes back on.

 

[happyPuppy]

Welcome James, I am pretty close at 5'11 " and 30" inseam, and with the stock I just make it under the air flow stream. I have used C Bailey in the past and liked them. BTW the DL650 is one of my all time favorites. Lots of Farkles, rugged and a solid machine.

 

[jjsC6]

I think the windshield issue has no right or wrong answers - different for everyone. And ear plugs are the easiest fix.

I started stock and thought it was great after my ST1300. But it didn't take long for me to not like it so much. So I ordered a CeeBailey -2". Then I ordered another CeeBailey -3". Then I cut it down another inch. It is now perfect for me at -4". I get clean air to my face (I wear a full face helmet year-around). After years of reading that everyone should wear ear plugs, I finally ordered an assortment from Rider Wearhouse and found a set I liked. I found the buffeting around my helmet was really just a noise issue. The earplugs fixed that.

 

[Gerry.GEG]

Hey everyone, new member, second thread here. I've been looking around and settled on a FJR, so I joined this forum. Took a used '08 out for a while yesterday, nice! I know I made the right choice.
I come from a DL650, the 'Wee' Strom. Couple things I noticed... have to work a bit more to get it down in a corner, and that windshield sux. I've got a stock screen on a Strom and it's better. With it all the way down I got a nice steady blast of (really cold) air. As I was moving it up it felt like drumming all the way up my helmet until it felt like my head was being used as bongos... BTW I'm 6' with a 32" inseam.

I know there's no absolutes about this, but generally what I gather from reading the threads is:

OEM tall windshield is ok, especially for the price

Cee Baileys is pretty good

CalSci is about the same as the CB but there seems to be some evidence that it's better for the pillion

Rifle is somewhere between the OEM tall and CB

Vstream is a love or hate thing

Does that some it up or am way off base?

TIA,

James

Welcome James,

I can speak to some of your concerns. I too came from a WeeStrom. I was just getting the hang of the Strom in the corners with a Superbrace at 4K miles. The FJR still feels quite different - duh! 200+ pounds heavier. Anyway, Feeling better heading toward 3K on my 08 FJR but still not as comfortable even with a Superbrace. So, more miles is my answer which will come next spring living in Spokane.

I have a CalSci windshield. At 6' it works much better than stock but I can't say it's the best. I'd try the Vstream first if I could do it again. I also had a hell of a time with my Wee and its POS windshield set up. Finally went with the Mastad brackets and a GIVI larger windshield which was just right.

Good luck on the windshield issue. It's a crap-shoot as some work great and some don't depending on a person's height.

Gerry

BTW, I'm picking up a new '08 for 13k OTD thanks to some on this forum that helped me out. Thanks!

 

[big ears]

Stock was fine for me. Ordered the yammie tall and just put it on for the winter. It is well worth the 90 bucks I spent on it. Quieter all the way up than stock. I usually ride with stock all the way down unless it is raining or real cold. I'm 6-2, mostly legs though.

 

[Knifemaker]

Got on a FJR and took it for a spin.....

A do ron ron ron a do ron ron....

KM

(I don't know....)

 

[FJReady]

Welcome to dysfunction junction. You'll love it here.

Windshields: I'm 6 ft 0 in, 33 inseam and find the CeeBailey's +4 height almost perfect. Some times I feel like I'd like another inch or two. (easy fellas) When I assume the 'Master Yoda' riding position to get weight off my wrists, I find too much of my helmet in the airflow. To avoid that I put the screen further up but that makes the buffeting worse. I assume that is caused by the near vertical windscreen position. I think that if the windscreen were longer I could keep if slanted toward me more (lower position) and all would be good. But I think that +4 is the tallest CB for Gen 1 FJR's.

Anyway, in these cooler temps (32 deg on the way to work today) I like all the windshield I can get. I took the stocker off 4 years ago and have been happy with the Cee Baileys.

Happy halloween!

 

[JamesRW]

Here I'm sitting planning farkles and my bike gets sold out from under me... so now I'm thinking I need to find a bike before I buy the CB. :angry2: Maybe I could just jog to work and hold the CB in front of me to see how it works.

James

 

[SilverHound]

Here I'm sitting planning farkles and my bike gets sold out from under me... so now I'm thinking I need to find a bike before I buy the CB. :angry2: Maybe I could just jog to work and hold the CB in front of me to see how it works.
James

Well that just sucks! How'd they sell it out from under you? Did you put a deposit down? The good news is there still seems to be a few '08s around. I'm picking up my new one tomorrow and already have my CB windshield, frame sliders and highway pegs on order. After I get it I'll be ordering a Russell seat. You'll find another one but I would seriously question the integrity of any dealer who sells a bike out from under you.

I'll be happy to sell you my Blackbird if you want.

 

[Lake Powell]

Windshields, after market seats.......

Blonds.....

Brunetts.....

Redheads.....

Everyone has their own likes, and you will have find yours. I tried 6 different windshields until I found what works for me. After 2 different Cee Baileys I found one I like for the winter riding and the large Yamaha for the summer.

Point is, what is good for somebody else isn't the best for you.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Step 1 Buy Bike

Step 2 Ride

Step 3 Buy aftermarket accessories if needed/wanted

 

[vroompuppy]

Step 1 Buy BikeStep 2 Ride

Step 3 Buy aftermarket accessories if needed/wanted

Rinse, lather, and repeat Steps 2 & 3 as necessary!

C'mon JamesRW, get out there and find ya 1 :wacko:

VP