HELP!!! I think I am going to Kill myself

[uctofeej]

Art,

As others have already stated, and speaking from my own learning experience, you need to get to an empty lot and learn what it takes to get control over that bike! My early days scared me shitless at times, too. But, once you get into a lot and work on taking off, stopping, low speed circles and figure-eights, you'll master it in no time.

When you do get to an open practice space, work on maneuvers below 15 mph. It would be helpful if the lot has parking spaces marked so you can easily set "boundaries" for yourself to judge whether you're hitting your mark.

There are a couple things for the AE you need to be able to do:

Master the throttle control at the clutch engagement/disengagement points. It can be done with or without the G2. In open space, work on "crawling" along by finding that initial engagement point. Then work on holding the bike at the lowest speed possible while still maintaining balance in a straight line. With a little practice, you should be able to get your constant speed down to around 5 mph.

Trail the rear brake on slow speed maneuvers to help with stability. In other words, use your brakes normally to achieve the speed you want, then let go of the front brake while keeping some pressure on the rear. As you begin the manuever, gradually decrease the pressure until you've got your stability and desired speed, then let off completely.

Once you know your clutch engagement/disengagement points and know how to control the slow speed turns with the rear brake, you'll feel a lot more confident. Practice in a safe place is really what you need.

Good luck and ride safe!

 

[Art FJR]

Artie,
First of all you are doing the right thing by realizing that you could use some coaching to get a handle on the FJR. This board has an incredible network of assistance and I would bet that someone from here would would be glad to meet with you and help you out.

I would recommend giving out a general location and network with people here to get you started and help with the initial steps.

Not sure where you are at but I am in the Salt Lake City area.

Best Wishes!

Manassas, VA. Outside of DC (West).

Just some additional info. I did the Motorcycle Training class. I was perfect on the Rebel. I hadn't ridden in many years so I took the class as suggested by all. It was a good thing. I bought the 1975 Honda as my re-starter bike. I, of course, took the Honda to the same parking lot that we used for the class and did all the same things that we did in the class. I practiced low speed moves. I put about 2000 miles on the Honda.

I agree absolutely that I need time in an empty parking lot. But the route I rode yesterday is the route to the empty parking lot. And I started riding about 2pm on Sunday and I was going away from traffic. I didn't go to the empty / remote parking lot because of my fears of dropping the bike in a remote / empty parking lot (without any help). But without question, that is where I need to go. Perhaps I need a police escort to get there.

With the bike pointed in the right direction (the goes out direction), my start out was great. I was confident. The right turn onto the main road shook me up. Once I was moving, it was a piece of cake. My option was to get gas and go back home, or try again and I chose to try again. Except for the herky jerky, it was better.

But I absolutely agree that I don't have the low speed skills to be out in traffic.

Rear shock as soft as it can get. Front shock as soft as it can get. Bags off the bike to save the plastic. Skyway plastic sliders. G2 in the mail. Kouba links in hand. Grip puppies in hand also.

I thought about 20 lb weights in each saddlebag (keep the weight low). And I keep hearing "time in the saddle" but I really think it is time in the saddle in an empty parking lot all day with someone to help me pick the bike back up occasionally.

I read the forum for hours again yesterday about low speed moves with the AE. I did pick up the drag the rear brake strategy. I just need to live long enough to practice.

And note that I am thinking of cutting my losses too. I want the FJR to work out, but I am not stupid. I kinda wish I had a clutch on the left side at this point in time.

Thanks for all the input. I will re-read all the replies 50 times.

A budy bought an 04 Honda ST that is in Tennessee. He is picking it up next weekend. I wanted to get some seat time so I could meet him 1/2 way back and we could ride and get used to the bikes. I took Monday and Tuesday off in case we got lost. Needless to say, **** that. No way in hell.

Art

 

[SouthernCruizer]

That original post is scary on so many levels, it leaves me speechless.

Jay

'04 FJR 1300

 

[jesse]

That original post is scary on so many levels, it leaves me speechless.
Jay

'04 FJR 1300

not to get side tracked here, but speaking of scary...............where is your helmet?!

 

[lnewlf]

One word-scooter!

 

[wheatonFJR]

You need to buy a bike that you can pick up if you drop it. It will happen..sometime.

How can you have confidence in low speed maneuvers if you're going to be afraid of being stranded?

 

[NMRoadRunner]

Art, your right. You are going to kill yourself and probably someone else as well. :dribble: Sell the bike while it's still in one piece, and stick to watching motorcycles on TV. You have to be kidding us with that story, What were you thinking when you bought the FJR? It isn't an entry level bike, maybe a TW200 if you want to ride a Yamaha. That story scared the hell out of me, thinking you are on the same streets as I am.

 

[painman]

With all the different bikes out there for the life of me I can't figure why someone would find the FJR as an entry or re-entry bike especially if they are having real problems with reaching the ground. This is got to be one of the worse bikes for seat height. And the post put up by this guy has to be one of the scariest stories I've read. For God's sake man re-evaluate your situation. I'm praying for you. PM. <><

 

[FJRScorpion]

Art,

Regretfully, the FJR may not be the bike for you. It is top heavy and somewhat 'unsure' at slow speeds or any non-perfect smooth and level surfaces. I've read this and other forums for several years and you will find a sharp division of opinions about this subject. I have decided that the long legged folks cannot empathize with us short- legged riders. If you weighed more and had a longer inseam it would most likely be no concern at all. I've had my FJR for two seasons and it is by far the most difficult motorcycle that I have ever ridden, requiring full attention at every stop and every slow speed negotiation. I'm 180 and 5'7", been riding motorcycles for 35+ years and it it truely a handful, especially with the pillion on board. That said, it can be a very rewarding bike too. For me, though, it requires me to 'be on my toes' most of the time, consequently, for me, it is tiring to ride the FJR in a situation other than cruizing for any length of time.

 

[Flyguy]

Man, the cluctch is hard to modulate. Again I am jerking myself front and back trying to maintain a low speed.

Artie,

Either you meant the throttle or you don't have an AE.

As I see it you have 6 problems.

1 inexperience

2 big bike for your size

3 gravel driveway

4 touchy throttle (lean peaky)

5 excessive power (see 1)

6 too much traffic (Manassas)

Make sure dealer has the engine set up correctly. Many are not. Make sure idle is set correctly and clutch engagement point is set correctly. Favor a SLIGHTLY higher idle and lower engagement point.

Install G2 throttle cam. Remove center spring and ALL cable slack.

The 06-07 fuel systems are peaky as are most '08 compliant FI's. Get a PCIII. You may want to run it a bit rich at low R's while acclimating yourself. Big difference.

Use thick soled riding shoes if your inseam is less than 31"

Pave your driveway.

Move to Front Royal.

Seriously, in calm surrounding with these mods the AE is easy to master. Actually it's like riding a scooter. The A has a very stiff clutch and it's own learning curve.

Be careful, don't even THINK about left turns out for a while and let us know how it goes.

 

[artistonFJR]

Oh, that is a bit of a shaky start, and maybe the suggestions about a smaller bike (both because of your stature AND your current ability) are the best ideas given. My wife and daughter are out on the same roads you are travelling, and yours might be, as well. For ther sake, and yours, please learn wisely and quickly, preferrably in a lightly traveled area.

There is a link on this forum about pickin'up the beast when she's toppled, and the lady performing the task makes it look easy and relatively vertebre-popping free. Learn it, live it, and then have a sandwich or an extra slice of pizza to get that weight up.

You keep mentioning loading up weight (gas, saddlebags) to "help" you. I would say extra weight isn't going to help you learn to ride. The characteristics of the bike aren't at question here and changing them isn't the answer.

Incidently, I am meeting with my lawyers about possible name-infringement with this whole "Art FJR" thing... It might be confused with "ArtisonFJR" and should you ever be the focus of a paternity suit, tax evasion, or gender-reassignment there is the outside chance that I will be mistakenly spotlighted. This cannot be good. I weigh significantly more than you. Please consider a name change.

ArtistonFJR

 

[FJR@DTS]

Art, your the size of a wee girl :spruce_up: , get to the gym :weight_lift: , eat some protein, then you will be able to MAN handle that big FJR :bike: !!

 

[westtexasfjr1300]

I have to agree with most of the posts in this thread; it sounds like your first couple of rides on the FJR were a little spooky, but I think some of these comments may be a little harsh. As far as being shorter and riding an FJR I can't really comment because I'm 6'2" and weigh 250lbs, but as far as it not being a beginner bike I disagree with some of the earlier comments. The FJR is a lot of bike to learn on, but my 07 FJR is my first bike and I haven't really had any problems. I was out riding in traffic in a day or two. Powerful bikes are just like powerful cars they are only dangerous if you either don't know what you are doing or if you are irresponsible. That's just my 2 cents. I hope you have better luck with the bike shortly.

 

[Art FJR]

Art, your right. You are going to kill yourself and probably someone else as well. :dribble: Sell the bike while it's still in one piece, and stick to watching motorcycles on TV. You have to be kidding us with that story, What were you thinking when you bought the FJR? It isn't an entry level bike, maybe a TW200 if you want to ride a Yamaha. That story scared the hell out of me, thinking you are on the same streets as I am.

No ****. Can you imagine how I feel? I didn't want a cruiser. All other bikes are tall for me. I guess I have short legs and no ***. I don't want to go fast. I just wanted a reliable bike. I thought the AE was the ticket. All my friends agreed. I would get used to it. Can you possibly imagine that I wanted to commute on it?

There are really only two choices and you suggested one of them.

The other is get to a parking lot and practice. I can't figure out how to do that currently. I would need to drive to a parking lot and there will be low speed turns. Or get a buddy to drive the bike there (they don't have the AE so I can only assume that they will have the same issues I have with the feathering).

I agree with the guy who said if I can't pick it up, get another bike.

I agree with the guy who suggested a scooter.

I am a safe person and I want to be safe. My previous 6 miles going up and down our one lane road trying to get the hang of the clutchless shifting and having to do U-Turns in heavy gravel (the first 2 times successfully) and then doing U-Turns in my driveway (30' wide at the garage). Starting and stopping. Getting used to it. I THOUGHT I was ready. I didn't want to battle the gravel again. And the only way to get seat time is in the seat.

After the turn onto the main road and my first encounter with the herky jerky throttle, I was spooked for sure. Needless to say, I didn't regain any confidence on that "ride".

I am trying to respond to others reply here also.

I live just north of the Manassas Battlefield (two sides of my property touches the Battlefield). I went north on Rt-234 away from the city. It is a two lane road. I took a left on Pageland Lane and did a U-Turn where they are building a new subdivision. And then back home.

As noted I drove the Honda for 2000 miles flawlessly even in the deep gravel at the end of the road 100's of times. And I got the FJR AE at the suggestion of friends after I went to the Bike show in DC and sat on all the bikes. I didn't want a cruiser and I didn't want a sport bike. And I don't want to go fast, I just want to be able to keep up with traffic on the interstates for safety reasons. And I don't even like to ride on the interstates but I wanted to be able to make road trips on the bike and my other choice was the V-Strom 650 and EVERYONE said I would regret the lack of power.

And EVERYONE said I would get used to it with practice.

And that is why I bought the FJR AE.

ArtistonFJR, how about "Art xFJR 75 Honda"?

And I don't think any of the posts were harsh. I unwittingly did a dumb thing.

There are only two choices, figure out how to practice in a parking lot or sell.

Art

 

[Murph]

Art-

Dealers have many used bikes that were purchased and then quickly traded in. There is no shame in swallowing some pride and trading in the bike on another. I'm thinking what might serve you well is a Yamaha FZ-6 outfitted with some sidecases and lowered (search on this or another forum on how to do this). Sure, your wallet will take a hit ... but I'd rather my wallet take the lumps now than my body getting even more injured.

Good luck.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Art-
Dealers have many used bikes that were purchased and then quickly traded in. There is no shame in swallowing some pride and trading in the bike on another. I'm thinking what might serve you well is a Yamaha FZ-6 outfitted with some sidecases and lowered (search on this or another forum on how to do this). Sure, your wallet will take a hit ... but I'd rather my wallet take the lumps now than my body getting even more injured.

Good luck.

Very good suggestion :clapping:

 

[OK Red]

Art, why don't you find another rider that you trust who could ride the bike to the parking lot for you? Follow him in your cage, practice in the lot, drive the cage back home...

That's what I did when I learned how to ride back in the day (before MSF, or at least before I knew about MSF).

BTW - I was off motorbikes for 20 years and went back with a VFR 800. It's a bit easier to manage for my size (5'8" 165 lbs). Have had that for 5 years and now am ready to move up to a larger, more sport TOURING bike which is why I have been lurking here.

 

[kid41]

I have to agree with most of the posts in this thread; it sounds like your first couple of rides on the FJR were a little spooky, but I think some of these comments may be a little harsh. As far as being shorter and riding an FJR I can't really comment because I'm 6'2" and weigh 250lbs, but as far as it not being a beginner bike I disagree with some of the earlier comments. The FJR is a lot of bike to learn on, but my 07 FJR is my first bike and I haven't really had any problems. I was out riding in traffic in a day or two. Powerful bikes are just like powerful cars they are only dangerous if you either don't know what you are doing or if you are irresponsible. That's just my 2 cents. I hope you have better luck with the bike shortly.

I agree with most of the posts in this thread also, ill speak for someone short i am 5'6 with 29 inseam , 175 lbs and i have no problem handling the bike, i think if one has experience and confidence the FJR is a nice ride.my .02 cents .

 

[Neil San Diego]

Art,

If you're 5'10", you should be able to flat foot the bike. The seat has two positions. Make sure that it is in the lower position, and you should be able to put both feet flat on the ground.

As far as picking up a dropped bike, several folks on this board are incapable of that by themsleves. Don't be embarrased to ask for help if you need it. Also, here is a technique for picking up a dropped bike. Note that this gal is shorter and lighter than you are, and still able to pick up that 600 pound beemer (ain't physics grand?):

https://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html

Having siad all that, maybe a FZ6 is a good learning bike for you? It would be a great second bike to keep in the garage with the FJR also, once you're up to speed. The clutchless feature of the AE sounds like it is only a small part of the problems that you're having.

 

[vandy]

After reading everything here it sounds like he still has both bikes but im not quite sure..

I think if you follow most of those suggestions that you will get the hang of this bike in no time at all.

With that gravel driveway I think one of the best suggestions is haveing a friend ride the bike to the good practice spot. Not only will you avoid the gravel but you will have someone to help pick it up if it falls.

Watch that vidio of how to pick up the bike.

Lay it down on a soft thik blanket with your friends help and then pick it up.

Try that a few times.

A riding boot with a thick sole and decent size heal will help your confidence starting and stopping, its like lowering the bike another inch.

Double check the seat hight.

Leave off the saddle bags for weight, and even ride with a half tank of gas for the weight and possible tip over.

A couple of hours of doing this in a large parking lot will do wonders all around.

One more thing that wasnt mentioned is that when you get to that parking lot look it over real good for any broken pavement or sandy spots.

Good luck and I bet you keep that bike.

Vandy