Half this room seems filled with guys trying to convert this bike into a cruiser. Much less trying to make it a sport bike. Bottom line, cruiser ain't in the ID.
In your opinion. Another viewpoint might be that half of the this forum is occupied by riders over 50 who don't/can't bend/fold like they could before work related injuries or age. In that case, still having the desire to ride a bike that actually goes, stops and corners, they/we must modify this bike to fit our physical limitations.
If you don't like the sit, buy something else, or just keep droppin change to lift the forks, color it with farkes, lower it, etc. etc.
So what would you suggest we buy, since in your estimation we shouldn't own this bike? I ride with many owners who have done nothing to modify their FJR's, we just enjoy the riding. I also know 2 owners in the Sacramento area who are "inseam challenged", one having dropped his bike twice in parking lots. Are you suggesting that these and other owners (in particular a couple of lady owners) shouldn't lower their bikes?
Some of us ride almost year 'round, so that decision precludes any desire to NOT modify some things. For instance, I like the comfort of the foot guards and hand guards in the Winter. Having an oversized windshield for frigid riding is nearly a necessity, as is heated gear. The 35-40 degree temps and the rain are a bit uncomfortable without those mods.
I also particularly enjoy my aftermarket suspension (front and rear) as I can control the rear preload for travelling while loaded and the ability to adjust it for more spirited twisty roads . No more grinding peg feelers! The fork springs have all but eliminated the front "dive".
This bike is designed to be quick, fast, to carry your byatch AND her luggage for a night in the mountains.
Again, in your singular opinion and narrow view. For many of us, this bike is designed to be quick (Yes, I've redlined mine in all 5 gears just to
see what it would do...er, on a private closed course) and fast (though I rarely ride mine far above the posted speed limits...5-10 mph is enough...I hate speeding tickets. NO COMMENTS from those who were with us on US 89 in Wyoming!). Some of us actually like to ride ours for MORE than a night in the mountains. Sometimes its fun to ride 350-400 miles to a
different set of mountains, then ride for a day and return home on the 3rd day. I just returned from a 3700 mile vacation trip, to WFO-6 and back, and enjoyed every one of my "comfort farkles". :yahoo:
Modifying bikes is part of the mystique and joy of ownership. Where do you think "choppers" came from? Their roots are the "bobbers" of the 1930's and 40's. I've been changing things on my bikes since I started riding in 1964 because they don't make a bike I want to fit my size. And sometimes I change or add things just because....I can. :blink:
None of this makes either viewpoint right or wrong, we all come with a different set of expectations, needs and desires. I have a cruiser, well, a 1979 XS1100 w/ fairing and factory side cases. I ride my FJR with friends who own Harleys and metric cruisers and the FJR will NEVER be a cruiser. Sure, some of FJR owners are far into the touring side of the equation but don't want to ride a "whale". And, since many here are IBA competitors, they
require their bikes to be "all day (and all night) comfortable".
The "FJR tent" should be big enough for all who want to enjoy the capabilities of this machine, but it is just a platform to build on to fit each individuals taste.