Hi ALL! Have wanted an FJR for a long time and ready to pull trigger, price check?

[SD1]

Yeah no doubt, I wonder what they think when they install those valves? I guess I should get one with a pigtail but a 90 degree valve makes sense.

And yes its VERY clean other than where old man river jacked it up. I took it to the shop where I had my 911 touched up and they told me $400 to repaint that cover and the hard bag. I doubt I will do it though.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Purdy...looks just like my first FJR 12 years ago!

You've got the blank canvas, now it's time to make it yours -- have fun!

--G

 

[HotRodZilla]

I like that first pic. Remember to only use the 90 degree stems that are really 88° but close enough. Alex at Bikeffects.com has them.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Yep!! I do like the blue better, buying a bike on the cheap made that decision irrelevant. By the way this is a non-ABS bike

That Cerulean Silver was by far the best Gen 1 color...better than the bland 03 Silver and the gay purply blue 05.

I liked the 04s so much, I had two of them...putting 120,000 vacation miles on them before getting a 13 and handing down the 04 to my son.

Congrats on getting the best bike ever...the FJR!

PS... tires on the FJR go fast...some get 3-5k miles, some get 10-12k miles, I get 7-8k...so get herself some new tires right away so you can really enjoy that bike. Tires make all the difference. Bridgestone T30 GT fronts and Michelin PR2s rear.

 

[SD1]

Its a beautiful bike, doesnt hurt that its in such good shape either. I wish I had the inclination to put on that kind of mileage on a bike but I do what I can. I logged 120m this morning and still made the football game.

Not that you need to hear it from me, but this is a supremely confident bike. I gave it a pretty solid shake down today. I had a couple of very minor complaints, the only one that actually bothers me is that it pumps heat on to my shins and feet. I had to systematically move my feet out to the tips of the pegs and move my knees out from the tank to get some relief from the heat. Also, motor chugs a lower R's in certain conditions and the throttle chops from small openings if you arent paying attention. I love the adjustable windscreen and found two sweet spots, one for around 50 where I get a nice amount of wind buffeting my face and then all up on the freeway where I can ride in a lot of comfort at 70-80.

As for the ride, it is very confidence inspiring, predictable and smooth. I had a sublime 15 mile segment down a country road at a near constant 50 mph weaving the bike through the curves using engine braking to set up turns and then powering out of them. Power delivery is smooth, linear and predictable with a wide flat torquey feel from 3500-7k and never NEEDED to give it much more throttle but I ran it up over a 100 on several occassions. Chassis was solid and smooth. The bike never got unbalanced although I did not push hard at all and only caught myself going ever so slightly hot into one curve late in the ride.

I saw another FJR (burgundy) turning onto to Old Julian Highway if by chance he is a member.

The bottom line is I took off for an hour ride and was gone for 3. I think that says it all.

 

[wheatonFJR]

There are some Gen 1 "heat related mods" in the Gen 1 archives somewhere. I also kept the gas level at 1/2 tank or more in hot weather. Believe it or not it can help with the legs against the tank thing.

 

[SD1]

The tank was fine, the ambient temp was in the low 70's but dropped to the high 50's low 60's as I climbed into the mountains. The heat issue was dumping right off the vents or out of the back of the fairing. Its annoying cause it so obvious and surprised it made it to production this way. Its very noticeable around town where I cant just roll on the throttle and turn up the "AC"

 

[yanktar]

Yep!! I do like the blue better, buying a bike on the cheap made that decision irrelevant. By the way this is a non-ABS bike

I've got the '04 Cerulian Silver, which is a LOT bluer than my Liquid Sliver '02 FZ1. But other than red, I like ALL the FJR colors.

One upgrade I never made on my ABS because it was too damn much trouble that I made on the non-ABS FZ1: Braided brake and clutch lines. Absolutely will give you a better, more positive and totally progressive brake response!

 

[Big Sky]

The heat "problem" is a blessing Sept.-May in these parts and a rare annoyance June-Aug. But do the mods noted here to at least keep the tank cooler. Good riding pants and tall boots mostly nullify the heat on shins. Now lessee... Bar risers, seat, windscreen, heated grips with Grip Buddies...that's about it, yer good for a 700-mile day or a 4,000-mile week. Keep watch for a Yamaha or Givi trunk with mounts if you plan to pack a passenger, do real long hauls or camp. And as other have said: just wait until you get new tires! Congrats and enjoy!

 

[Fred W]

This guy is right ^^^

It is somewhat astounding how much a difference a new set of good quality tires will make on a bike's handling, specially these heavy gurls.

And, now that I have my 3rd Gen with improved heat management, I'm not sure riding in sub-freezing temps will be nearly as comfy.

TANSTAAFL

 

[Redfish Hunter]

If the heat is your only major complaint then you must keep in mind that you are riding an 11 year old bike that has gone through two major and a few minor refinements since yours was built. It was at least as good, in some ways much better than its competition was at that time. Yamaha has listened to our complaints and has steadily improved that platform. The fact that the Gen1 is still relevant speaks volumes. The Gen 1 is still an awesome machine.

If you like the bike but still want more:

The gear ratios have changed so 5th gear RPMs are lower on Gen2 and Gen3 models. The suspension has improved and is even electronically adjustable on some Gen3s. The felt heat is almost gone. The airflow has been improved and refined (you can change your OEM shield and make improvements also). Gen3s even have Cruise Control.

Others have said it, I will repeat it. You NEED to check the date code on your tires. I would be very hesitant to push a bike that heavy with that much torque through the twisties on old tires. New tires are going to make a huge difference in traction and handling. Cheap insurance.

 

[SD1]

I think I have bar risers. Looks stock but the bars mount to blocks that are maybe 2" tall? I will check the dates on the tires, the front has lots of tread, no visible degradation and wearing evenly. The back is a bit worn, and flat in the center of the tread.

I do miss cruise and the "flash to pass" button on the BMW.

This bike is pretty damn good. I could not justify spending 3-4x as much for a newer model. Sure its improved, but I will have to take your word for it.

 

[gixxerjasen]

Don't listen to Redfish Hunter. Sure his dad has a Gen II FJR that he rides occasionally, but he moved up from an ST1300 to the Gen III FJR, so of course he's pleased as punch. Heck, moving to a rock would have been an upgrade, but he went all the way. Enjoy your bike, put many miles on it, and keep grinning.

Oh yea, sounds like you have risers, and get the tires checked out!

 

[Redfish Hunter]

Don't listen to Redfish Hunter. moved up from an ST1300 to the Gen III FJR, so of course he's pleased as punch. Heck, moving to a rock would have been an upgrade, but he went all the way.

Say what you will Mr. Meanness but that ST1300 was a wonderful bike. I still love the big Honda. It was the fact that Honda will not listen to its customers and Yamaha does that drove me to the FJR. I could still be completely happy riding the ST1300, a Gen 1 FJR, or a Gen 2 FJR.

I am happier with the Gen 3 FJR than I can ever explain. The complete goodness of the FJR ES platform is greater than the sum of its parts.

FWIW, even with me riding mostly in "Touring" engine mode and with the Traction Control light flashing occasionally in the dash, Scar has no trouble overwhelming his back tire. I would definitely not want to be learning my limits with questionable tires. I know for a fact that a forum member who purchased a used, very low mileage Gen 1 learned his limits on old tires and the result was not pretty. New tires would come right after the first tank of gas for me. YMMV.

 

[gixxerjasen]

FWIW, even with me riding mostly in "Touring" engine mode and with the Traction Control light flashing occasionally in the dash, Scar has no trouble overwhelming his back tire. I would definitely not want to be learning my limits with questionable tires. I know for a fact that a forum member who purchased a used, very low mileage Gen 1 learned his limits on old tires and the result was not pretty. New tires would come right after the first tank of gas for me. YMMV.

Of course, one should also be cautious of testing brand new 22 mile old tires too, right?

 

[SD1]

Tires are from 3Q of 2012. I could make a case to replace the back tire but it still has most of the tread. Sometimes when you ride the bike straight up and down all the time or are hard on the throttle and it wears flatly you can feel it rolling onto the shoulder created by the wear pattern. I am not feeling that transition on the tire. I feel comfortable that the tires are fine and safe at this time but new tires are ALWAYS GOOD and it will keep it in mind. I dont plan on doing anything else so tires will likely be my first priority.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Being that new, your tires are fine SD...they won't last that long anyway. Keep them pumped up good and tight [FJRs don't like low tire pressures] and enjoy!

--G

 

[Warpdrv]

This guy is right ^^^
It is somewhat astounding how much a difference a new set of good quality tires will make on a bike's handling, specially these heavy gurls.

And, now that I have my 3rd Gen with improved heat management, I'm not sure riding in sub-freezing temps will be nearly as comfy.

TANSTAAFL

But that is easily fixable - the new Gen 3 tank insulation is easily removed, and will get you that same GEN 1 tank heat you came to love and cherish.... I've already removed mine for the fall winter months....

Only a moment of time for your experience level Fred !!!

 

[SD1]

I didnt think the tank got all that hot, I was more aware of the heat dump onto my shins and feet. I think I set my tire pressure at 40 with a recommended cold max pressure of 42

 

[Uncle Hud]

I only feel the Gen3 engine heat when I ride with shortie socks. So I don't do that any more.