Long trip? Large cruiser or FJR?

[Barry5k]

I recently bought my 05 FJR and am planning a long trip next summer. I also have a Vulcan 1500 Classic. It's really comfortable. Maybe I have to get used to the riding position of the FJR, but what bike would be more comfortable on a multi-day ride? A back rest and highway pegs make the cruiser pretty comfortable, but the FJR is, well, fun!!!!! We should all have such dire dilemmas!

 

[Ignacio]

4 of the top 10 finishers in the 2007 Iron Butt Rally were FJR riders. I only see one cruiser on that list. The FJR must be a reasonably comfortable "supersport touring" bike to ride for 11 days. That and the Archive of Wisdom helps more than any specific bike would for riding long distances.

 

[HotRodZilla]

I traded in my VTX1800R for my FJR. Part of the concern I had was the different riding position and whether or not I would be able to ride the FJR comfortably for distance. My concers were immediatly alleviated. Initially, there was some soreness in the shoulders and back due to using different muscles to ride the bike, but once I was broken in, it all went away. The FJR is great for all day riding. The other day I rode one of my friend's cruisers, and now I don't remember how/why I ever did it. Try it; most likely, you'll like it.

 

[madmike2]

Hmmmmm! I've only done a few extended vacations on my FJR.

Moscow, Idaho (3 days there, 2 days riding, 2 days home).

Skagit, WA: 3 days riding there (Peak to Peak ride: Donner, Lassen, Shasta, Mt. Hood, Mt. Saint Helens, Mt. Ranier) and riding to the Canadian Border to Mt. Baker and Whidby Island. 2 days home.

A couple of longer vacation rides, of over 3500 miles, to Park City, UT (via Idaho, Sawtooth Mountains, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons. Home the same way except Hells Canyon to Bend Or, then home) and then to Golden, CO.

In this mix were a few 500-600 mile days.

But then, I've never taken a cruiser on long distances. And the Russell seat and travel footpegs do help immensely.

Aaaannnndddd....there are a number of owners here who've done these types of rides 2-up. From the local area: Bluestreeks, uberkuls, Highlanders, Ric-in-Sacs, Hycles & Rogdebs, most of whom were on our little Jan 3rd ride.

The best advice is to plan some 3-day weekend trips and see what you might need to modify for comfort. Then load the FJR and enjoy your trip!

 

[myzen]

I have both a Harley and an FJR. This past summer, I took the Harley on a 3300 mile trip. I liked it but saw a lot of sport tourers on the trip. After the trip, I came home and bought the FJR and set it up to my liking. Recently, I did a 3 day ride in Arkansas (800 miles) and a trip to Houston (1250 miles round trip) and find the FJR more comfortable and more enjoyable. To me, the only thing the Harley has over the FJR is carrying capacity. I am planning my vacations for this upcoming year, and my steed of choice will be the FJR.

Yesterday I went for a ride with a group of friends and I rode the Harley. Although the trip was great (any trip in January is great) I missed the FJR.

 

[fjrb0]

I also have the '04 FJR and a H-D Road King. Why I ever bought the RK is besides me, but it is very comfortable riding, and we use it for two up riding. When I ride alone, I ride the FJR. Last year that was a 4,000 mile trip and a 2,000 mile trip. Working on a Garauld back rest for the wife, and passenger lowering pegs. Once I get Liz comfortable on the back, the RK goes on the sell list. Figuring I can buy a Wee Strom with that money....or two four wheelers...or...work on the Stang in the shop...

 

[Dusty]

I find riding all day on the FJR much MUCH better than the same trip on my ol Road Star. Tried everything to make both bikes comfortable, but just couldn't stop my lower back from complaining on the Road Star. The only complaint with the FJR can be sore knees, but highway pegs help by alternating positions every 1/2 hr or so.

 

[motorgod]

I rode 2k miles in 2 days on an Iron Butt ride last year on my '05.....farkeled with a +3/+4 Cee Bailey; Audiovox CC; Rick Maier seat; 2730 Garmin for directions and tunes; Hi-way pegs;....