I bought Yorksman's 2007 FJR this weekend and finally had a chance to put a few miles on it. It was a real pleasure to meet Yorksman and he patiently introduced me to the platform and clearly gave me a good deal on a well cared for machine.
The few miles I rode today were after a several practice runs rolling it into and out of the garage, and onto and off of the center stand. I'm a bit apprehensive about the weight and have only really ridden off-road and dual-sport/ADV in the past. Most recently a Versys-X 300 that I still adore and will probably remain my go to for commuting. But I'm blown around on it often enough to pucker levels to be uncomfortable taking on a really long trip.
I carefully studied what was available given a limited budget and probably questionably wise plan to ride from NC to Eastern OR this fall. This took me about a week going from Goldwing to Voyager to V-twin cruisers and ultimately deciding I'm just not cut-out for the big baggers. It might be vanity or maybe MX background but I can't reconcile real comfort (and a CB radio) with riding a motorcycle. Not to mention all that "stuff". It seems like cheating. But I may wish I would have cheated after making it to Pendleton, OR.
So this evening in a few miles I went from essentially being afraid of this beast to really enjoying having it pretty-much effortlessly doing what I want as long as I was moving.
There will continue to be a learning curve, but I can tell that I'm going to be right at home on the FJR and can't wait for the weekend to really ride it.
I do most vehicle maintenance myself and so will probably be back often looking for advice.
The few miles I rode today were after a several practice runs rolling it into and out of the garage, and onto and off of the center stand. I'm a bit apprehensive about the weight and have only really ridden off-road and dual-sport/ADV in the past. Most recently a Versys-X 300 that I still adore and will probably remain my go to for commuting. But I'm blown around on it often enough to pucker levels to be uncomfortable taking on a really long trip.
I carefully studied what was available given a limited budget and probably questionably wise plan to ride from NC to Eastern OR this fall. This took me about a week going from Goldwing to Voyager to V-twin cruisers and ultimately deciding I'm just not cut-out for the big baggers. It might be vanity or maybe MX background but I can't reconcile real comfort (and a CB radio) with riding a motorcycle. Not to mention all that "stuff". It seems like cheating. But I may wish I would have cheated after making it to Pendleton, OR.
So this evening in a few miles I went from essentially being afraid of this beast to really enjoying having it pretty-much effortlessly doing what I want as long as I was moving.
There will continue to be a learning curve, but I can tell that I'm going to be right at home on the FJR and can't wait for the weekend to really ride it.
I do most vehicle maintenance myself and so will probably be back often looking for advice.
