Misc. ramblings of a newbie....

[JDog]

Hi kids,

Now that I've spent some time breaking in the new FJR AE, I have to say.....I'm in love! Sure, compared to my Duc ST4 it is quite top heavy but I am soooo over that already. I can be a fairly aggresive rider and the FJR stock set up really gives me a perfect balance of a sporty riding position with the comfort to ride for hours.....far more comfort than I have ever had. I have totally adjusted to the AE system and I am very happy I made this decision. It is a (slight) compromise for me but it is a very minor one and now that I am used to it, I really don't even view it as such.

My first impression was that I needed to wrestle this beast into corners, however, now that I've got a few miles under my belt I found that it is not nearly as difficult as it was my first few outings. I actually touched down my footpeg feeler yesterday ( a bit creepy since I wasn't expecting it and I figure the pipes and bags must be close behind!) The sheer power and the high speed stability is just about the best I've ever encountered. I also found out that if the mood hits, I can do a nice little wheelie using nothing but raw power! (not that I make a habit of such things now that I'm a bit older and more "mature!")

Funny thing... I have put after market pipes on all but 1 bike out of my previous 9 street bikes....I don't like loud and obnoxious, I just like to hear the engine while at speed. For some reason, I really like the stealthy sound of the FJR and don't know if I'll change the exhaust. I would welcome thoughts and opinions on the subject.

Also tested out the ABS in a sandy parking lot. My K1200rs had ABS so it is not new to me but I was really impressed with how it worked in a mock panic stop on sand.

Really looking forward to putting on some miles and perhaps meeting some of you fine folks along the way!

 

[Bigbeavk]

Man it's so good to here you are enjoying the heck out of your new bike. I'm hoping for a trip up to Maine this year with a stop on the way back in Fairhaven on West Island. Unfortunately I don't see hardly any easy way to get there without hitting some highway. I don't mind highway but my wife doesn't like the boxed in feeling with heavy traffic. We will see what I can work out if you have any suggestions. Check your suspension settings by using the thread listed in my signature line. They tend to come from the factory set up on the soft side. It makes a world of difference and only takes a few minutes.

Have fun :yahoo:

 

[nik.hisham]

JDog,

I'm with you on the pipes. When I first got mine (in fact, even before I took delivery of it) some friends were saying that the first thing I should do was swap em with a Yoshi or something. I find that I really like the sound as it is.

Nik

 

[Burnspot]

I rather prefer the turbo-like sound of the engine over the bark of an aftermarket exhaust....which every other bike in town has. I guess it comes down to whatever floats your boat. I've yet to meet another FJR rider who had aftermarket cans on so perhaps my opinion might change, but for now, farkle money goes elsewhere.

 

[JDog]

Bigbeavk--I tweaked the suspension a bit after my very first ride and tweaked it a bit more after that.... I will probably make a few more slight adjustments but I am close to where I like it.

Nik- Yeah, I don't know what it is but I am certainly hesitant to change the exhaust at this point....maybe that will change in the future but I am ok with it right now.

 

[dustyrains]

The longer you have the AE, the more funner it gets. What is your favorite aspect of shift by wire?

 

[fjrchooser]

The only reason I've been tempted to change the exhaust was for looks, the only reason I haven't was because of the stealth. Just can't bring myself to change to something louder on this bike even if it's prettier. Even with a drop at stop marred muffler I can't muster the effort.

Gotta be the total package thing going on here, it's the only bike I've ever managed that with.

 

[SVTNate]

I like the sound of my Holeshot cans, and they're black to match my wheels and paint. I also have a dark tinted OEM sized windscreen from Cee Bailey's and black ASV levers with black adjuster knobs (they come with red ones, for some reason). I love it. It's an I-4 sound, which IMO is not as cool as a triple or v twin, but since it's such a big bore I4 the sound is nice and deep, not annoying like a 600cc. It's not stealthy like stock, but it's not overly loud and on the freeway you'll hardly notice them in fifth gear.