Long Rides?

[Shane Stump]

I am going to be riding to Hill Country on Sunday now as I have to finish getting some work done tomorrow before a trip down to New Orleans late next week.

I am definitely looking forward to adding the FRJ1300AE to my garage!

Best Regards,

Shane

 

[Shane Stump]

I am going to be riding to Hill Country on Sunday now as I have to finish getting some work done tomorrow before a trip down to New Orleans late next week.

I am definitely looking forward to adding the FRJ1300AE to my garage!

Best Regards,

Shane

 

[RadioHowie]

You go, Shane.

A man of conviction.

:drinks:

 

[penguin1300]

I consider 500mi/day to be a "good" ride on the FJR.

 

[wheatonFJR]

I rented a GL1800 for a trip a few years ago before I got back into MCY ownership. I too was surprised at how well it handled.

I am not an IRON BUTT rider - but if you check out the IB rally site - you can tell that the FJR is definitely fit for LD duty.

However, this board is filled with ALL types of riders. As you get acquainted with the threads and membership, you will notice that some hardcore sportbike rider/owners also own an FJR.

That ought to tell you a little about the versatility of the FJR. It is a great bike - that can do MANY things well. It can do LD rides one day...and carve up a canyon road the next.

I have observed that on an FJR group ride that there is a wide variance in ride styles, capabilities. I think SOME of that is because of its appeal to so many different types of riders.

I for an am a sports-TOURER, others I have met are definitely SPORTS-tourers!

So some people here will laugh at your idea that the bike isn't good if you don't travel 1000 miles at a crack...they don't care about that.

Many different riders - one GREAT bike.

 

[Shane Stump]

I haven't done any Iron Butt rides (not really interested), but I do a lot of long day trips and I have been riding my GL1800 for most of my business trips to New Orleans.

I am really looking forward to the FJR1300AE. I am expecting it to be a blast to ride and to be a lot CHEAPER than the GL1800 because I doubt I will get carried away with addons like I have with the GL1800.

To see what I mean, here are two reports on my GL1800 rides and all the MUST have accessories I added to my GL1800:

Accessories:

www.StumpWare.com/SerpentSlayerAccessoriesDetail.pdf

Trips (via DL's Expense Report):

www.StumpWare.com/SerpentSlayerTripExpenses.pdf

Any how, thanks for all the replies - really appreciated.

Best Regards,

Shane

 

[Claymore]

Shane - I just did 8 days and 80 hours on the stock seat - no issues. One big tip I picked up from this forum was to use the spandex, padded bicycle shorts under your riding pants - no seams, very comfy.

 

[Yambone]

The FJR comes out of the crate waiting for each individual to tweak the ergos. You see a lot of posts on custom windshields, handlebar risers, seats and cruise control to gain additional rider comfort for the long haul.

It sounds to me like Yamaha is addressing all of these (except maybe the cruise?) with the 2006 model. No doubt the individual mods and tweaks will continue as it is tough for one size to fit all.

 

[Just Plain Dave]

Shane - I just did 8 days and 80 hours on the stock seat - no issues. One big tip I picked up from this forum was to use the spandex, padded bicycle shorts under your riding pants - no seams, very comfy.

8 days and 80 hours??? Ain't that the same as 11 days and 8 hours?

 

[Claymore]

Doh! That would be: 8 days, averaging 10 hours per day..... :dribble:

 

[bluedevil]

I have broke 1000 miles more than once, the single most in one ride was 1728 miles from Larado to Canada in one ride, only stopping for gas.

it was the iron butt border to border the first of Sept.

 

[Just Plain Dave]

Doh!  That would be: 8 days, averaging 10 hours per day..... :dribble:

Sorry, I couldn't resist. It reminded me of a time I was in line at Home Depot to get a piece of lumber cut and the lady in front of me told the guy running the saw to cut a 6' 2X4 to 3' 18" long. He didn't question her at all, he cut cut it to 4' 6" and she was on her way. I asked if I heard her right and he said, "Yeah, I get weird requests like that quite often from ladies who measure things with yardsticks." :blink:

 

[Claymore]

I have broke 1000 miles more than once, the single most in one ride was 1728 miles from Larado to Canada in one ride, only stopping for gas.

1728 Miles???? :clap: Did you ride the next day? :dribble:

 

[OhioFJR1300]

Shane,

I too have a 2003 GL1800 and a 2005 FJR. I did 1150 mile day coming home from Sturgis SD on the Gold wing a few weeks ago, no problem. I have yet to put any big miles on the FJR as I am still getting all my "stuff" mounted on it. I finished most of that today and will do a 300-400 mile ride tomorrow, and in a few weeks I plan to try a much longer ride on the FJR. I have tha stock seat and do not find it all that bad. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Rick M

 

[Shane Stump]

Rick,

I don't know if you got it yet, but I have a Scheduled Maintenance Profile for the FJR1300 for Drivers Log - let me know if you need it.

I am looking forward to getting the FJR1300AE - I wish I didn't have to wait until next May!

Oh well, I do have a Wing and will enjoy riding it - going on my 800 mile BBQ ride to Hill Country tomorrow.

Best Regards,

Shane

 

[OhioFJR1300]

Shane, yes I do have the FJR files. I was the one that asked you about it before you did it. Thansk for setting it up. It works great. You'll love the FJR

 

[Shane Stump]

Rick,

I didn't remember who asked for it !

Let me know if you come up with any reports you would like to see comparing the bikes.

Since I only have the Serpent Slayer for now, I can't think of any!

Best Regards,

Shane

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

I am not expecting it to be as comfortable as my GL1800/A, but I just wanted to make sure 300 miles wasn't considered far.
I live in East Texas and I am going to ride to West Texas tomorrow to meet a friend for some BBQ and then ride home. With a litte excursion through the Texas Hill Country, I will probably do about 800 miles and for me that isn't to atypical of a ride.

I am expecting the FJR1300 to handle better than the GL1800 because of its size. If you have NEVER ridden a GL1800, I believe most of you would be EXTREMELY surprised on how well it handles.

Best Regards,

Shane

I know in that thread I mentioned 300 or 400 miles not meaning that as a long day, but long enough to reach discomfort with the stock seat.

On the stock seat I have done 800+ days. In comfort? No. My butt and balls were sore. The Corbin seat makes a positive difference, but I sure wouldn't put an FJR against a GL1800 for comfort over the long haul. To do so would be, well, ignorant.

However, I feel with a few comfort items, the FJR can be plenty comfy for 800 mile days. However, you may find yourself pushing a bit harder in the turns and you might tire out faster...depends on your style.

 

[Shane Stump]

My style depends on what tunes I am listening too :clap: !

I have a Corbin seat on my GL1800/A but I will NEVER purchase another Corbin product. Their lack of quality control and their NON-EXISTENT customer support has already burned me once.

Best Regards,

Shane

 

[OhioFJR1300]

Shane,

I'm back for a great ride of 300 miles. I can say that at least for me.... :huh: the stock seat works well. I wear an Aerostich one piece suit so that may have something to do with it, but all in all, I was not at all bothered by the seat. FYI I am 5'7" 200 lbs and our route was on twistie roads.Outside Temp was 55 degrees when we started and ended up being 80 several hours later. Hope that helps.