Making the Plunge

[MojoGuzzi]

Almost six years ago, I almost bought a 2008 FJR. I rented one from the local (now-defunct) Eagle Riders frnachise and put 465 miles on it in a weekend--pretty good test ride (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mojohand/sets/72157603845561096/).

But I didn't pull the trigger. Instead, I decided to stay with Guzzi and go for a Norge. That was a 4-V Norge…in March 2012 I bought an 8V Norge from the great Rider's Hill in Dahlonega, GA.

After 10+ years of Guzzi ownership, though, I've had enough…my current Norge just blew its second oil pressure sensor, I've had the spark plug wires short out, and the forks are weeping oil at the top…and there's only about 17K miles on the clock. I've had to wait months for parts, I've had silly things happen to the bikes over the years that were stupid design issues, and, well, in short, I'm done.

Character, like chrome, don't get ya home.

So, I just sent a deposit check off for a new 2014 ES. Farkles to follow. Looking to fly-and-ride (fly to Chattanooga, drive down with my brother, ride around that area for a weekend to put 600 miles on it, let D&H do the first service, and ride home…reminiscent of AGirl's inspiring journey from the much-missed seizethejourney.com).

See ya's!

joe

 

[xcsp]

Congrats on the purchase of the 2014 FJR!! Were you given a tentative delivery date for the ES model?

 

[LKLD]

It was the red, wasn't it?

Congrats and welcome to the fold!

 

[MojoGuzzi]

Congrats on the purchase of the 2014 FJR!! Were you given a tentative delivery date for the ES model?

No specific date…a few weeks is what I think I remember

It doesn't really matter, since I need time to arrange to pick it up and such. I'm just grateful to have it locked it.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

All those pics in your opening post are pretty but they are NOT of a 2008 FJR. That is a 2007, probably the nicest color so far. Also one of the worst years regarding FI/throttle response issues.

If the only FJR you ever rode was that one, you are going to love the throttle control on your '14.

 

[HotRodZilla]

All those pics in your opening post are pretty but they are NOT of a 2008 FJR. That is a 2007, probably the nicest color so far. Also one of the worst years regarding FI/throttle response issues.
If the only FJR you ever rode was that one, you are going to love the throttle control on your '14.

Coughbullshitcough...

Enjoy your new FJR Mojo. You won't be sorry.

Funny thing is, I have always thought the Guzzi's were cool. I even liked the Norge, but saw how it got its butt kicked by the FJR, performance-wise, in every review I read. Have always thought some of the 8v models would be fun to own...Unless your experience is typical.

 

[bgross]

So, I just sent a deposit check off for a new 2014 ES. Farkles to follow. Looking to fly-and-ride (fly to Chattanooga, drive down with my brother, ride around that area for a weekend to put 600 miles on it, let D&H do the first service, and ride home…reminiscent of AGirl's inspiring journey from the much-missed seizethejourney.com).

See ya's!

joe

Congrats on the purchase!

May your first miles be filled with grins and thoughts of AGirl.

 

[dcarver]

Welcome back!

or Welcome, first time noobie!

 

[MojoGuzzi]

Make no mistake--I like the Norge lots…when it's running. I'm just done as far as the dealer support from Piaggio/Moto Guzzi. It's just gotten too difficult to deal with.

I like the fact that the Norge's ~50 pounds lighter, I love its torque, I find the stock seat comfortable and the addition of a Bead Rider even more so, and Ilove the character, history, and design. But all that doesn't matter when my local dealer is 50 miles away, when if a part isn't in the US they order it from Italy and wait till a shipping contianer is filled with parts and then ship that by sea, and when I get an average of 29 MPG…of 93 octane.

Oh, and yeah--it was the wonderful black cherry '07 that I rented in '08...

So, I just sent a deposit check off for a new 2014 ES. Farkles to follow. Looking to fly-and-ride (fly to Chattanooga, drive down with my brother, ride around that area for a weekend to put 600 miles on it, let D&H do the first service, and ride home…reminiscent of AGirl's inspiring journey from the much-missed seizethejourney.com).

See ya's!

joe

Congrats on the purchase!
May your first miles be filled with grins and thoughts of AGirl.

BTW, and as an aside…what's up with Alexis?

 

[Greb]

Congrats! Welcome aboard

 

[MartyO]

I put my deposit down for a 2014 ES also. Should arrive to the dealer in January. They have asked Yamaha to get them one sooner since they have a deposit. We'll see what happens. My 2006 is running great and I ride it daily. Just getting a little worried about it at 133,000+ miles. Oh, did you notice the 2014 is red with cool suspension. That might be part of my decision.

Mr Guzzi, I have original fork seals that don't leak, original plug wires and the only thing that ever broke on my 2006 is a charging stator at 110,000 miles. It's still a good bike. Good luck with your new FJR.

Anybody want to buy a slightly used 2006 Feejer?

 

[escapefjrtist]

Congrats on the pending '14ES...color me just a little jealous!

Of course, we expect a full report w/pics upon arrival. Enjoy the new bike!!

--G

 

[bgross]

BTW, and as an asidewhat's up with Alexis?

After several fruitless attempts over the last year to contact her or anyone who might know what's up with AGirl, I finally made contact with someone a month ago who could only tell me that Alexis is fine, and hinted that Alexis would like him to leave the response at that. He respects her and her wish for privacy.
Even with her website down, I still think of her often and value her frequent words of wisdom, like:

"Cost for this upcoming adventure? I'll say that the cost of NOT doing it is far greater and leave it at that. Do you have a guarantee of a tomorrow? The saddest words I hear from folks is "When I retire..." "

Whatever journey you are seizing, Alexis, I wish you the best!

 

[MojoGuzzi]

BTW, and as an asidewhat's up with Alexis?

After several fruitless attempts over the last year to contact her or anyone who might know what's up with AGirl, I finally made contact with someone a month ago who could only tell me that Alexis is fine, and hinted that Alexis would like him to leave the response at that. He respects her and her wish for privacy.
Even with her website down, I still think of her often and value her frequent words of wisdom, like:

"Cost for this upcoming adventure? I'll say that the cost of NOT doing it is far greater and leave it at that. Do you have a guarantee of a tomorrow? The saddest words I hear from folks is "When I retire..." "

Whatever journey you are seizing, Alexis, I wish you the best!

Thanks. Glad she's ok.

 

[hppants]

Welcome to reliable motorcycling. We're glad you found us.

I stopped at Rider's Hill for the first time during my Deal's Gap trip this year. I checked out the Norge and remember thinking that it's competitively priced with the FJR, but the maintenance will prolly kill ya. I also enjoyed walking around the dealership - they had some cool stuff in there.

 

[Fred W]

If you'll be trading in (or selling) the Norge, fix the weepy fork seals beforehand.

Buy or make one of these. SealMate. Works about 99% of the time to fix leaking fork seals, especially a bike with such relatively low miles.

Oh, and welcome to the FJRForum.

 

[jmgrif]

Interesting! I too have enjoyed following AGirl's adventures! When I first came across her I owned a Litre V-Strom and saw what the bike could do. Of course she added the FJR to her fleet, which may have had something to do with my getting one as well? Miss her, wishing her well here from Canada!

 

[MojoGuzzi]

If you'll be trading in (or selling) the Norge, fix the weepy fork seals beforehand.
Buy or make one of these. SealMate. Works about 99% of the time to fix leaking fork seals, especially a bike with such relatively low miles.

Oh, and welcome to the FJRForum.

Oh, I am. I dropped the bike off at the dealer on 7 Sept after the bike died en route to a photo shoot for MH Pierson. Had to tow home, then after the trip I had to tow it to the dealer. $500 later, they determined the spark plug boots/wires needed warrantied replacement...as did the front forks (I think it's a seal issue, but Guzzi said rebuild 'em). Unfortunately, Piaggio didn't have one of the fork sleeves in country...and said it'd be mind-November before they'd get it. I took the bike back in late October (dealer should have told me that earlier, but another long story). Sleeve came in last week. Oil pressure sensor crapped out on Saturday while I was going to get a replacement tire to repair my flat of last Sunday. And it's the 2nd oil pressure sensor to go in 17K miles / 18 months. Still under warranty.

Ugh and double-ugh! Will sell the bike outright after all is fixed.

 

[GeorgiaRoller]

This is why I have no desire to purchase any Ducati's, Moto Guzzi's, BMW...etc bikes. They look sexy on the showroom floor, but the initial cost & more importantly the reliability & repair/parts cost just don't make any sense to me. I've looked at all those Rider Hill bikes and always walk away thinking...I'll just keep my FJR. lol

Congrats on the 2014 Red Beast!