Musings of an aging FJR rider

[kballowe]

We have a Gold Wing and an FJR. Our second Gold Wing and third FJR.

The Wife absolutely will not ride on back of the FJR. Darn ! That's too bad.

56 years old and not without some medical history. That Wing has traversed the Dragon, Back of the Dragon, The Snake, Devil's Triangle and every other damned steep curvy switchback that we could find, and did it two-up and loaded.

However, the FJR is so much more fun.

We have the Wing because the Wife can easily make 500+ mile days on the back, for a week or more at a time.

 

[302]

Wife from day one wanted the Gold Wing but it did not put a smile on my face so we got the FJR (grinning ear to ear). Since then I got her to sit on the K 1600 GTL Exclusive for a test ride and she like it, it also put a smile on my face so I am in the process of looking for one to make both of us happy. Gold wing just doesn't cut it for me the fun and power factor.

 

[Asahi Z]

The reason I chose the FJR is because it works for my wife and me both.

If I wanted a bike for "me" (been there, done that), I'd have a ZX14R.

If the bike is for "both" then get the one that works best for both.

 

[audiowize]

I share the same problem RFH - the only bike that really interests her is the K1600 GTL Exclusive. Love the bike but, can't see riding around with arm-rests and a top-case, the 98% of the time I'm 1 up. Still looking - she also kinda likes the new Harley Ultra Limited - but not enough fortunately

When the Harley/BMW break down on the two of you, she won't like them much anymore.

 

[ndivita]

As the original poster on this thread, allow me to sheepishly state that I have today sold my GL 1800. I'll soon be in the market for a replacement bike, and I am magnetically drawn to another FJR. Looking back on it, I can say that my arthritic hip, subsequent hip replacement surgery, and even more subsequent amazing recovery, has now inspired me to throw a leg over a sport touring machine for as long as I can. The wishful thinking about two up riding that caused me to purchase the Gold Wing is now realized and concluded. Let the hunt begin. Sorry for the emotional exhibitionism that characterized the original post.

 

[jmdaniel]

As the original poster on this thread, allow me to sheepishly state that I have today sold my GL 1800. I'll soon be in the market for a replacement bike, and I am magnetically drawn to another FJR. Looking back on it, I can say that my arthritic hip, subsequent hip replacement surgery, and even more subsequent amazing recovery, has now inspired me to throw a leg over a sport touring machine for as long as I can. The wishful thinking about two up riding that caused me to purchase the Gold Wing is now realized and concluded. Let the hunt begin. Sorry for the emotional exhibitionism that characterized the original post.

No apologies needed, you stirred up a great conversation!

 

[AHAMAY]

As the original poster on this thread, allow me to sheepishly state that I have today sold my GL 1800. I'll soon be in the market for a replacement bike, and I am magnetically drawn to another FJR. Looking back on it, I can say that my arthritic hip, subsequent hip replacement surgery, and even more subsequent amazing recovery, has now inspired me to throw a leg over a sport touring machine for as long as I can. The wishful thinking about two up riding that caused me to purchase the Gold Wing is now realized and concluded. Let the hunt begin. Sorry for the emotional exhibitionism that characterized the original post.

A very interesting read with a variety of opinions.

We've all wrestled with hard decisions, and often made the wrong choice. I applaud you on firstly starting the thread, and secondly coming back to us with your honestly.

 

[Uncle Hud]

Modern surgical techniques and physical therapy are amazing. Congrats on your recovery -- physically and psychologically.

 

[David Foley]

As the original poster on this thread, allow me to sheepishly state that I have today sold my GL 1800. I'll soon be in the market for a replacement bike, and I am magnetically drawn to another FJR. Looking back on it, I can say that my arthritic hip, subsequent hip replacement surgery, and even more subsequent amazing recovery, has now inspired me to throw a leg over a sport touring machine for as long as I can. The wishful thinking about two up riding that caused me to purchase the Gold Wing is now realized and concluded. Let the hunt begin. Sorry for the emotional exhibitionism that characterized the original post.

I really felt for you when I originally read this thread. Glad things have taken a turn for the better health wise - and welcome back to the FJR!

 

[Pterodactyl]

You know of course, that the proper motorcycle can be the fountain of youth, the equivilent of ten Viagra pills and heal almost all ailments... almost.

 

[ndivita]

I went to the dealer this morning and sat on the 2015 FJR. Nice. So nice. But any Gen III with low miles will likely ring my chimes. The Peaches and Herb 70s one hit wonder "Reunited" is playing in my mind.

 

[Patent1]

Before you buy another FJR, think outside the box and consider two possible alternatives:

Alternative I - Polaris Slingshot. Not quite a bike, not quite a car. Cost less than a Wing, and looks like a lot more fun.

Alternative II - 2015 Corvette LT2 with Z51 package and magnetic suspension. You wanna pass 6 cars without breaking a sweat? This is your rocketship. You wanna generate over 1 g cornering force and survive? This is your ride.

 

[Uncle Hud]

Magnetic suspension, eh? A Mag-Lev mobile ... like the bullet train ... except not on rails ... OK, enough pondering. Rather have a motorcycle. Besides, I don't have enough gold chains to own a Vette.

 

[jmdaniel]

Corvettes have had that type of suspension for awhile, it was an option on my '05.

I chuckle at folks that make the gold chains comments; I imagine the same comment could be made about middle age dudes driving a crotch rocket with bags. Like, I don't know... an FJR?

 

[Fred W]

Big difference.

Corvette owner:

Typical Sport Touring motorcycle owners / riders

And of course, the big FJR attracts a "special" crowd...

 

[jmdaniel]

I guess I didn't fit the stereotype.

 

[Fred W]

Who are you trying to kid? That's you in my last picture on the FJR!!

But you are right: You don't look like you fit into either stereotypical category. Too young for an FJR and not Guido enough for a 'Vette.

 

[jmdaniel]

Who are you trying to kid? That's you in my last picture on the FJR!!

But you are right: You don't look like you fit into either stereotypical category. Too young for an FJR and not Guido enough for a 'Vette.

Thanks, Fred. It was 8 years ago, but I have managed to refrain from the gold chains and fake tan. I actually sold the car about 5 years ago; it was fun, but I scratched the itch and replaced it with a 1977 Toyota LandCruiser.

 

[Fred W]

Even 8 years after the above picture, I'd say you are probably still on the "young" side of this forum's average demographics.

I nearly bought an F40 a few decades ago. Actually had a deposit on it until I thought better of it. As you probably know, they do not fare very well in the salty winter conditions of Northern New England. This one was no exception with a good start towards the terminal cancer that many experience up here. Old Jeeps do the same, but I've still owned a few and managed to unload them before the frame goes.

BTW - These are definite musing of one FJR rider (this one), and we are all aging (gracefully or otherwise) so technically we are still right on topic. Even on a Friday afternoon!

 

[jmdaniel]

Even 8 years after the above picture, I'd say you are probably still on the "young" side of this forum's average demographics.
I nearly bought an F40 a few decades ago. Actually had a deposit on it until I thought better of it. As you probably know, they do not fare very well in the salty winter conditions of Northern New England. This one was no exception with a good start towards the terminal cancer that many experience up here. Old Jeeps do the same, but I've still owned a few and managed to unload them before the frame goes.

BTW - These are definite musing of one FJR rider (this one), and we are all aging (gracefully or otherwise) so technically we are still right on topic. Even on a Friday afternoon!

46 then, 54 now. Probably somewhere in the demo, but without some of the baggage, (see license plate).

Here's a pic of my 40. No salt in Central Texas, obviously, and with an Aqualu (aluminum) 3/4 tub and front fenders, it wouldn't be a huge issue. Of course, it was a frame off restore in 2000, and only has 5400 miles on it since then, so really the only salt that might get on it in the cozy confines of the garage is if I get too close with a margarita! Have a great weekend!