How to change a buddy`s mind to buy an FJR

[Roadstar]

As the title say`s , i have been trying to get my buddy to buy a new FJR over a 2010 concours14. I have since i bought my 07 brag about how great the bike is & almost had him convinced , then Kawasaki throws out this new & improved Connie14 in the mix :angry2: & now it looks like i`m just wasting my breath. :glare: He has owned his 93 K1100LT for a long time & figure now is the time to go newer & i`m shocked he not looking at a BMW. So help me figure out what to say too him to sway him over. (i remember awhile back someone showed a post of how much stuff you had to take off the Connie to work on the valve adjustment (anyone)

 

[FJReady]

Look at the bright side, You can swap bikes once in a while. My longtime riding buddy bought a C14. I ride it every chance I get. The motor and transmission are so sweet. Would I trade my FJR for it? No. That doesn't mean I don't like it. If it had longer fuel range, more acceptable service intervals and burned regular gas, I'd consider one. Its a great bike. But for my needs the FJR is better.

Don't worry, be happy. Ride.

btw, nice avatar.

 

[Roadstar]

Look at the bright side, You can swap bikes once in a while. My longtime riding buddy bought a C14. I ride it every chance I get. The motor and transmission are so sweet. Would I trade my FJR for it? No. That doesn't mean I don't like it. If it had longer fuel range, more acceptable service intervals and burned regular gas, I'd consider one. Its a great bike. But for my needs the FJR is better.
Don't worry, be happy. Ride.

btw, nice avatar.

Thanks on the avatar (when i first seen it i had to have it) Big problem is he lives 3-4 hours away from me (depending how fast i ride) I told him to really look at the c14 & the FJR before he jumps right in. I said he should also talk to the service guys & get there output first on maintanning either one. 2 years ago he had his LT in for a intermittant missing problem & full going over before spring time & he almost hit the floor when the dealer handed him a $2,500.00 dollar bill for fixing it, so i guess either bike wouldn`t scare him away for the valve adjustment.

 

[wfooshee]

This process won't be any different on the '10 compared to earlier bikes . . . . . Way the $*#& more hassle than I'd want to got through, and I've torn my Feej down to throttle-bodies-off just to change an o-ring. And gas for it will be 20 to 40 cents a gallon more than on the Feej.

 

[happyPuppy]

The thing that scares me away for Kawasaki are the number of recalls that they have had in the past. They just recalled the Ninja 250 for a fuel leak. I just feel that the QC is a bit below that of the other Japanese bike manufacturers.

 

[road runner]

He's had Kawi before, so he may be a little loyal, and you may be waisting you breath. It's a good bike, and if he gets it you may be able to ride it some. Also if he gets the FJR and doesn't like 1 thing about it you may never hear the end of it. So I say don't push to hard and let him get what he wants.

 

[madmike2]

So I say don't push to hard and let him get what he wants.

Yep!!!!

He should buy the bike that makes his heart sing. Good, bad or indifferent....he'll live with the decision he makes and you'll never be the one who "convinced" him.

Just ride and smile.

 

[Roadstar]

Thanks for the link & the K- bike he has was a BMW K1100LT (one of the best IBA bikes from years gone by) & believe it, as he was a tried & true HD rider before the BMW . (but that bike sure changed his mind on riding)

 

[Wanderer]

I'm in a bit of a flippant mood tonight so I'll be gentle here playing Devil's Advocate...

Why does he need convincing? Hes a big boy, let him buy what makes him happy. It isn't your Benjamins gettin tossed down on the counter.

Were he legitimately soliciting your opinions comparing the two, I could give him several reasons why the FJR is a better buy IN MY MIND. Consciously steering him toward YOUR choice of bike, because it's your choice of bike is, IMO :thumbsdownsmiley:

Really wanna sell him on an FJR? Have him ride it... I've sold 2 FJRs that way. no joke. Both my father and my Uncle bought FJR's after riding mine for 50-odd miles.

 

[BikerGeek99]

Kick him in the daddy-parts.

:dribble:

THAT'LL teach him.

:blink:

 

[Roadstar]

(Why does he need convincing? Hes a big boy, let him buy what makes him happy. It isn't your Benjamins gettin tossed down on the counter.

)

Great way of thinking about it & never really put thought in it until you said it (thanks) I know he normally works on his own bike (unless it has to be put on any kind of machine for a problem) A little while back he infact was asking me alot of questions about the FJR & was asking about an 05 then an 06 (get where i`m getting at , as he likes blue bikes) So he actually started it , i`m just trying to steer him in the right direction with the better bike & don`t buy it just because it has that nice blue color (even though it is a real nice color , but not thrilled with the looks though) I`m an ex-concours owner (86 & 05) & i actually came off an 04 Roadstar to the FJR was a big step for me (with F.i. & ABS) but the new Kawi with all it`s gagets i`m looking down the road with many problems with stuff going bad. (i know you can buy a lemon with any bike)

 

[Aasland]

So help me figure out what to say too him to sway him over.

MPG ? DUnno what the new FJR gets, but I recall the new C14 was in the low 30's. If he's a LD rider the range of fuel on a tank might be an issue.

Funny how the ST1300 isn't even viable anymore, and nobody is waiting for a possible $20k ST1200.

 

[smokeFJR06]

I would encourage him to ride both......stock versions, that usually tells the story. You really don't want to talk him into something that he would regret buying later. Let him make the best or worst decision on his own.

But seriously, go to an event where they are offering demo rides on both models.

 

[Aasland]

I realize I'm probably beating a dead horse .. but maybe I get off on that ?!?!

If your friend chooses a C14, that is not an indictment against your choice of an FJR. Likewise, were he to choose an FJR, that is not an endorsement of your decision to buy an FJR. I wish we could get away from this "I bought brand XYZ and if you don't, I'll assume you think I'm stupid for not making the same decision".

Just be happy that you both have the freedom to buy and enjoy the bike that meets your individual needs best.

(for the record .. I would probably have purchased a C14 over the FJR had there been any used ones on the market in 2007).

 

[glide99]

Honestly I think at this time the C14 is a better bike and has more to offer than the FJR. Are you listening Yamaha? I personally think the FJR needs some updating. Look at the upgrades most have done. To each his own - thats why we have all this variety in life.

 

[Roadstar]

The C14 is a great new techno bike & the thing that pushed me away from it is it`s getting worse . Remember the old attage (the more crap you put into it, the more crap you will have to fix later) Kawi couldn`t even get the tire alert system right & now traction control (geeze & good luck) & i hope Yamaha is watching & doesn`t go that route.

 

[deagle]

In my opinion the 2010 C14 is now the better bike.

But the low maintenance and proven reliability will keep me on the FJR. Extended valve adjustments and ease of maintenance are big selling points when the dealerships around here are a little sketchy on service.

I can see how people would like either one. I love my FJR, and the C14 is proving to be a great ride.

 

[reecebike]

IF you ride that connie you will change your mind!!!

 

[Roadstar]

Years ago i worked for a place where there were alot of very high class & priced cars that i got to drive , & at the end of the day i drove home in my 86 V8 mustang that i built up & once i got inside the drivers seat , i never even thought about owning one of them. Thats how i feel about the FJR (just like my old stang)