Looking to join the club

[Bionicpork]

Hello Everyone,

I've already spent the day perusing the forum and have learned a lot. I definitely love the proper forum design far more than any of the modern social media pages or groups. Thanks so much for all of your contributions!

I'm hoping to join the FJR club in the near future. I currently have a Moto Guzzi V85TT that I love, but it is not quite right for the two-up touring my wife and I do frequently. I test rode a 2013 FJR ES a few weeks ago and am wondering how I've never been on one before! Unfortunately the one I test drove lives at a dealer I despise and since I'm planning on racking up the miles I'd prefer a new one anyway. I've put a deposit at my local dealer for them to try to find one for me and per the dealer when they searched for FJR's nationwide there are only 4 available in the dealer network... I sure hope I can actually get one before they are discontinued.

 

[Cycle]

Welcome. Hope you can get one! Can you update us when you get it?

 

[chazglenn3]

Welcome! The 2013 you rode was an "A" model. The "ES" didn't debut until 2014 on the red bikes. The 2022 that hopefully you will get will be Cobalt Blue...beautiful!

 

[Bionicpork]

Thanks! Yes, the one I rode was a 2016 not a 2013.

 

[Bionicpork]

Not good news from my dealer. The dealers that have the very few remaining new FJR's are unwilling to do any dealer transfers. My dealer also spoke with the regional Yamaha rep who is very certain there will be no more FJRs being made. This is pretty typical for me; I fall in love with something I can't have! I'm on the hunt now for a used one and found a likely candidate ~160 miles away. Wish me luck.

 

[RossKean]

Not good news from my dealer. The dealers that have the very few remaining new FJR's are unwilling to do any dealer transfers. My dealer also spoke with the regional Yamaha rep who is very certain there will be no more FJRs being made. This is pretty typical for me; I fall in love with something I can't have! I'm on the hunt now for a used one and found a likely candidate ~160 miles away. Wish me luck.

What year and how many miles? As you are likely aware, mileage (within reason) isn't an issue other than as a bargaining point as long as there is good evidence that the bike has been maintained properly. I wouldn't be so sure that there won't be another year in North America but the long-term future for production is certain unless they come out with a completely revamped FJR in a year or two. I wouldn't hold my breath because it seems the sport-touring market is continuing to lose ground to "Adventure" style bikes.

Good luck in your hunt!

 

[Bionicpork]

2019 Matte Phantom Blue with ~5200 miles. Love the matte finish but it does have some scuffs/scratches that won't be easily repairable (that I know of).
It seems like most dealers in my area can't (or won't) tell you anything about vehicle history. I've actually included a binder of maintenance records with a trade, then came back later as a 'buyer' and they told me they didn't have any history on it. Guess it ended up in file 13.

 

[RossKean]

2019 Matte Phantom Blue with ~5200 miles.

With 5200 miles, there hasn't been enough time for poor maintenance to have had a serious affect on the bike. If the first break-in oil change was done then there is nothing to worry about. If tires are original then they will need changing soon. As for the matte paint, you either love it or hate it but is will show neglect sooner than other glossy paint. I love the "liquid silver" on my current 2011 and the "black cherry" that was on my '07.

I would check it over very carefully. Check fasteners for tightness and/or proper torque, clean and lube everything (levers, brake pedal, shifter linkage etc.), flush brake and clutch hydraulics, change r drive fluid, change oil/filter and ride the crap out of it. Check the screws for the side bag locks and apply blue Loctite if it hasn't been done already. Might want to get an appropriate adapter and check steering head torque as well.

 

[Bionicpork]

Delivery today! Already missing my Guzzi when I took the FJR out around the neighborhood. The V85tt turns very gracefully at low speeds. The FJR not so much. I don’t recall having the same problem with low speed turning on the 2016 that I test rode, so I’m sure I just need to tweak the pressure and probably swap tires. (And retrain my riding style). The BT’s on there are definitely not new (even though the dealer said new tires are part of their reconditioning)

Definitely won’t be missing the Guzzi the first time the wife hops on the back or I’m on a high speed interstate!

 

[RossKean]

I don’t recall having the same problem with low speed turning on the 2016 that I test rode, so I’m sure I just need to tweak the pressure and probably swap tires.

FJR handling is very fussy about tire pressures. There is some variation, of course, but most people seem to be happy with around 40 Front and 42 Rear.
It is no lightweight and tends to be a bit top-heavy so it does take some getting used to it.

Very nice looking bike!

 

[roger dodger]

Congrats on your new ride!!!

Pump up the tires (or replace them) , practice feathering the clutch, and look where you want to go.

The FJR will do everything you want it too, just not the same as the MG. Take 1000 miles to get into the new ride before forming an opinion.

 

[fastpappy]

Congrats on your new ride. Enjoy!

 

[Cycle]

Nice looking bike. Congratulations! Any updates on turning at low speeds?

 

[Bionicpork]

Nice looking bike. Congratulations! Any updates on turning at low speeds?

Thanks! I've put ~300 miles on it since Thursday and am getting used to the way it behaves. Most of it is just me learning the bike. It definitely takes more effort to move around under 10 mph, and the steering lock is more limited than I'm used to. I also have to learn the feel of the engine; the MG's are...lively... and let you know your RPM's straight through your tail bone. The FJR is so darn smooth I'm not sure it's running when I've my ear plugs in.

All in all I'm loving it, and more importantly my wife is too! She actually nodded off for a moment on Saturday, so clearly she's comfortable.

I've only identified 3 minor things I'm considering changing.

1. The side bags don't fit my laptop, so I'm forced to wear a backpack while commuting. I have a Yamaha 50L top case on order which will resolve that issue
2. The grips are somewhat narrow for my massive hands. Considering grip puppies or similar to beef it up.
3. At 6' 5" the stock windscreen in the highest position puts a turbulence pocket right at the top of my helmet causing some very uncomfortable shaking. If I hunch down a couple of inches it's calm and quiet. Not sure what I'm going to do about that (if anything) yet. With it still being warm in SC I'm enjoying it in the lowest position anyway.

 

[Bionicpork]

As a final update:

• Regarding the turn in at low speed, I replaced the worn battleax tires with some new PR6's and it made a world of difference. Low speed handling is greatly improved and at speed turn in is much more predictable.
• The 50L top case is great, easily fits my commute needs, provides a backrest for the wife, and provides a secure place for two helmets when exploring.
• Still haven't found a good source for grip puppies. Hasn't been a killer but I still think I'd be more comfortable with thicker grips
• The largest and widest Calsci provides excellent wind protection. While in the rain through the mountains over Halloween I barely got wet and never got cold. Buffeting and noise are at a minimum. For the summer it will definitely be too hot though and I'll be switching back and forth for the seasons.

All-in-all I'm very happy with the FJR. Versatile, comfortable, and hopefully reliable for a long time to come.

 

[RossKean]

Regarding the turn in at low speed, I replaced the worn battleax tires with some new PR6's and it made a world of difference. Low speed handling is greatly improved and at speed turn in is much more predictable.

Great - as mentioned, tires (and inflation pressure) make a big difference.

Still haven't found a good source for grip puppies. Hasn't been a killer but I still think I'd be more comfortable with thicker grips

I also have large (and slightly arthritic) hands. I have no problem with the stock grips although I found them a little strange at first after using thick Kuyrakyn Iso Grips on a previous bike. (I have almost 300,000 miles on two FJRs with nothing but stock grips.)

Any grip covering will inhibit the effectiveness of the grip heaters, if you rely on those. Grip Puppies are available on Amazon (and elsewhere). Another one to consider is "Beemer Buddies". Available in regular and a thinner "lite" version which may transmit heat better. Apparently not prone to soaking up water and are held on using something like Velcro rather than slipping over the grip.

Beemer Buddies - Link