Momma del'd a Jr! ...to my household (garage)

[Top_Speed1]

I've been shopping for awhile now. I took my 17yr old son (and yes, Steamer lol) to the IMS in Cleveland back in Feb in hopes to close on the newest member of my family. My considerations were that I wanted a Sport Bike, to be able to have some lightweight fun and be different than my ST bike(s). I also had in my head that Jr. (my son Kris) was chomping at the bit for a piece of this as well.

So... Sport for me, that was kinda easy, but I also wanted something lightweight (but not so sporty) that also my son could go along with me on some ST rides. So lightweight and versatile w some touring is what I was shopping for. We looked at everything at the IMS show from Indian right down to all the Japanese bikes. Kris favored the Ninja 650, I wasn't sold on the ability of that going long enough distances (possibility w myself anyway). I also wanted something that I wanted to drive as my lightweight road bike that liked twisty's but still held some comfort.

Well, I took Kris w me to my Beemer dealer when I picked up my K16. Art (simply the most awesome dealer I've ever dealt with in any product sales) took him around the showroom. As I was sitting down signing paperwork on my K16, I hear this "Dad! You gotta come check out this bike!" I did after my run through with the K16 and I was totally impressed from top to bottom. The biggie however (at least with this brand)... what was the bottom line? Well it was loaded, all optional packages incl ABS & TC along with ESA (that's ES for you Yami guys). So we finally agreed to a deal at just under $11K (booked for almost $14K).

I've had my new "Jr" aka F800-GT out twice so far. Man, it is a blast and a half to ride, the belt drive is super quiet and smooth, lightweight and it just wants to dive right into turns with ease. For myself and my 2nd ST need/situation, it is the perfect bike for my "Jr" ST bike.

 

[HotRodZilla]

I rode an 800 when it was the F800ST. It was a cool little bike. It would have been a perfect short fast trip kind of ride. This one looks just as cool. Congrats!

 

[El Toro Joe]

Bastard!

 

[Top_Speed1]

Some Pro's and Con's vs. the '14 FJR (which I favored for my son, but wouldn't have been versatile as a lightweight 2nd ST machine.

Cons (this is a Yami site so I should start off here, right!?)

-No electric up/down windshield (I really wanted this option!) argh! This is a big Con but almost the only one.

-Related to above, less wind protection. I notice this in this weather 4 sure!

-Torque. This bike does have 90hp, but I can feel the lack of torque that the FJR has (let alone the 6 cyl Torque Monster I'm now use to!) Huge difference

-Dash on the new '14 FJR is nicer. This one is more comparable to my Gen2 POS.

-Brakes are not linked, sure liking this on my K16.

-Many things are the same as the FJR like Tire size etc. / ... a wash most everywhere.

Pros

-Lightweight fun! ...at 450lbs, you can sure feel the difference.

-6 Speed. The 6th gear isn't shifted into until at least 55mph, making it a nice overdrive.

-Balance, Top Heavy/Parade Speeds are not in the dictionary anymore. Everything is centered with heavy item placement in mind. (gas tank is under seat).

-Mileage. Rated at 69mi/highway. I can see this, the gauge has 2/10 bars down at just over 100mi. so far

-No driveline lag/lash anywhere, anytime, on or off throttle.

-3 Year Warranty

That's about it in a nutshell. It's not competition nor a replacement to either my FJR or K16. More so, a lightweight ST fix for those days you just wanna feel like you're on a diet.

Cheers, and I can't get enough, I wanna ride!

-KJ

 

[beemerdons]

Congratulations KJ, you will love it! I have the same engine in my GS Beemer and it has served me well for 30K, have fun Brother! jes' sayin' and nuff said!

 

[Bugnatr]

Speedy, your drinking way too muck koolaid, should have bought him the FZ9 and saved some real bucks for the adult beverage fund.

Nice bike, reminds me of my FZ1 from the side picture

 

[Top_Speed1]

Thanks Guys

Speedy, your drinking way too muck koolaid, should have bought him the FZ9 and saved some real bucks for the adult beverage fund.


Nice bike, reminds me of my FZ1 from the side picture

Ahhh, tastes so friggen good! And ya know you get your choice of GreyGoose or Kettle One mixed with it!. Love the way they think!

The FZ9 is even more Nakkid!? Plus (to me) it looks too small(ish) and an upright of a ride. Remember, my 6-4 frame will be the one who rides it mostly (unless Kris really takes off in this sport)?

 

[Bugnatr]

I hope he rides more with you. My son Joe and I have fun on the dualsports when we can get out together- he seems to have a life of his own too.

 

[beemerdons]

I hope he rides more with you. My son Joe and I have fun on the dualsports when we can get out together- he seems to have a life of his own too.

If my Dad had ridden a Honda Gold Wing instead of an Indian Chief 74, I would not have wanted to ride with him either Doug! Just kidding, Dog Pile Friday!