My FJR might be short lived

[lacofdfireman]

While without a doubt the FJR is an amazing machine it might be short lived for me.. I have tried pretty much everything and spent a bunch of money to make my 08 1300AE comfy for me but after about 250 miles or so my back and neck are screaming at me. At 6'5 and 250lbs I just can't seem to make it work. I know there are lots of you out there that are similar in size to me and some actually a lot larger that love the ergos but for me I'm not loving it. I have MCL Bar risers, tried the MCL lowering brackets for footpegs and seat in high position. This is actually my 2nd FJR as I owned a 2007 new but only kept it for a short time also. Sold the KTM 04 950 Adventure to buy this FJR.

The FJR is actually the 4th bike I have bought this year. I've had a KTM 530XC-W, KLR 650, KTM 950 and now this FJR. If I do end up selling this bike I will be looking for a VStrom most likely. Seems to have a more upright riding position and better ergo's for me. I need to go find one to ride first though. There are a few at the local dealer that I went into yesterday and they told me I could come test ride one. Sitting on it though already felt more comfy than the FJR. To bad they are not shaft driven and have the motor to back it up like the FJR. The FJR is an incredible bike but might soon be in the For Sale section... Any of you own a Vstrom that could give me some insite into what I might be getting into?

 

[AVGeek]

I can't comment on the VStrom, but I also have an 08 FJR and a 12 Super Tenere. The first time I rode the FJR after bringing the Tenere home, the FJR felt much smaller than I remembered. I'm also a bit smaller than you at 5'9" and 215#, but I do find the Tenere much more comfortable for longer runs than the FJR.

 

[Fred W]

I can see your problem in your avatar. Body position.

Even in that tiny picture I can see that your back and shoulders are hunched forwards, and your arms almost straight, to reach the bars.

If you haven't heard of this before, try googling up "Master Yoda's Riding Position." It is a completely different way to sit on the bike involving using the large muscles in your legs and torso for support rather than your arms and wrist. Keeping a natural convex curve in your lower back makes all the difference for those long days in the saddle.

Yeah, you are a big guy. Me too (though not quite as big as you), so you may need to modify some things like bar and seat position, etc. But start out with learning the basics of body position and then modify the bike to suit you from there.

As for the 'Strom. Yes, I've got a Man-strom (i.e. the man sized V-stom, not the little girlie version 650) Yes it is a more upright riding position. Both of my bikes (FJR and Strom) have Russell Daylong seats. I can easily ride either bike all day. I still use the MYRP when riding the 'Strom. I love my old Vstrom (mine's an '04). If I never rode two up I would never have a need for the FJR and could live with just the DL1000.

 

[gixxerjasen]

Fred W has a good point. I had a similar problem when I first got mine in that for some reason the bike makes me want to slouch. About a week or so of practicing my posture on the bike and it's become automatic and been bliss ever since.

Sit more upright, push your shoulders back, see if that doesn't help a bit. There's been a few of us who've found this to be true, don't know what it is about the bike that makes this happen, but a little practice will overcome it. Plus, that's a free comfort farkle.

 

[lacofdfireman]

That photo was actually taken back in 08 at the Long Beach Motorcycle show when I test rode the 08. I remember back in 07 when I had my first FJR reading about the Master Yoda Position and have tried to emulate that stance on all my bikes. Rolling your hips forward and taking some of the weight off your seat and using your legs more. So far it just isn't working for me on this FJR. I have already bought and tried the MCL Risers, MCL lowering brackets, Custom Sargent seat in high and low positions and nothing so far. I've only done about 2k on the bike though so still giving it some time..

 

[builderwill]

I would agree with comments on riding position and also add to focus on your core while riding. Tighten your abs, use legs and glutes, etc.

But I also notice all the bikes you mention have very similar riding position. Have you tried riding on a sportier bike that puts less weight and stress on your back. I went to a zx 14 and loved the position. First ride was 300 miles and 5.5 hours. Was great and it took weight off my back and definitely off my ***. Even with a rock hard stock seat, my butt was not near as sore. The trade off is a little more weight on wrists if you don't use your core muscles as well as more bend at the legs. I thought I was going to have to lower the pegs as I struggled to find them at first and it really took effort to get my legs up on them. But I never noticed any discomfort once I was on them or after a long ride so I kept them stock.

Wrecked it last spring and went back to the FJR and felt like I was sitting completely upright in a chair. Instead of going more upright you may want to try going the other way.

 

[Fred W]

OK, good that you know about that. If you can post a more recent photo of you on the bike we might have more specific recommendations for modifications.

There is also a little web based utility here: Cycle-Ergo.com for calculating various body position parameters. It allows you to gauge these parameters on a bunch of different stock bikes, and then you can play with mods like bar risers, peg lowers, etc. and get an idea of what that would be like.

The last thing to keep in mind is that you really haven't really given it much of a chance yet. Sometimes it just takes a while for your body to adapt to the bike and strengthen some of the muscles that you haven't been using lately.

I have no idea what kind of shape you are in, but most of us could stand to build up better core strengths, which does translate into more comfort during riding. "Back in the day" I was a hundred+ mile a week bicycle rider. An all day ride on the little skinny seat and completely leaned over position was no problem then. But I was in great physical shape then not to mention weighing 50-60 lbs less. Now an hour on the bicycle seat is pretty torturous, but the MC riding muscles are in pretty good shape.

 

[lacofdfireman]

OK, good that you know about that. If you can post a more recent photo of you on the bike we might have more specific recommendations for modifications.
There is also a little web based utility here: Cycle-Ergo.com for calculating various body position parameters. It allows you to gauge these parameters on a bunch of different stock bikes, and then you can play with mods like bar risers, peg lowers, etc. and get an idea of what that would be like.

The last thing to keep in mind is that you really haven't really given it much of a chance yet. Sometimes it just takes a while for your body to adapt to the bike and strengthen some of the muscles that you haven't been using lately.

I have no idea what kind of shape you are in, but most of us could stand to build up better core strengths, which does translate into more comfort during riding. "Back in the day" I was a hundred+ mile a week bicycle rider. An all day ride on the little skinny seat and completely leaned over position was no problem then. But I was in great physical shape then not to mention weighing 50-60 lbs less. Now an hour on the bicycle seat is pretty torturous, but the MC riding muscles are in pretty good shape.

I'm a cyclist myself and still to this day average 80 plus miles per week normally. I'm a big dude no doubt and for sure could stand to lose a few lbs.. I'm not giving up just yet. I plan on doing around 1k on the bike this week and then will have a better idea of what my plan will be for this bike... I will try and get a photo of better riding position. The knee bend is one of the biggies for me. I have developed some bad knees over the past 5 years that I may have to have surgery on soon. That is on of the most uncomfortable parts for me. The most comfy bike I have ever owned is an 08 BMW GSA. That bike was pure heaven but I not in that price range anymore. I am more into the pay cash type of riding now. No more financing for me...

 

[leclairk]

Having just come for a V-strom I can comment on egos. WAY more room on a V-strom. I'm 6'3" and the FJR is tight compared to a Strom. It's not unreasonable but it is tight. I bought the FJR because I wanted a sportier bike and that's exactly what I got. I love it! But I do miss the comfort of the strom. Throw on highway pegs, a new seat, backrest, and you are riding in serious comfort.

 

[jmgrif]

I traded my litre V-strom for the FJR! I'm 5'9" and too heavy! The buffeting while on the strom was totally unacceptable! The FJR fits like a glove? Maybe a motorcycle will never fit your particular needs? I'm 63 yrs old with many of the sore parts that come with my age but I find riding for long periods not beyond my pain threshold? I have a riding buddy who has tried many different bikes in vain to try and compensate for his particular hip problem? Sold his last bike which may be his last!

 

[SkooterG]

Sounds like a Super Tenere or BMW R1200GSA is in your future.

 

[lacofdfireman]

Sounds like a Super Tenere or BMW R1200GSA is in your future.

If I could find one for under $7k I would be all over it. But that isn't gonna happen..

 

[nankoweap]

Any of you own a Vstrom that could give me some insite into what I might be getting into?

I've owned a DL1K. Great bike. No ABS. Chain wasn't a big issue, but shaft is better IMO. I have a Super Tenere now. Excellent bike. I'd buy another one no question about it and wouldn't even consider a strom. If you haven't considered a Tenere, do yourself a favor and try to find one to test ride before making a decision.

 

[Brodie]

If you have a throttle lock, or better yet a cruise control installed then take your hands off the bars entirely when out on the open road. Just have a seat and place both hands on the aft end of the fuel tank. Steer with your hips, you will be surprised how well the bike behaves. No more numbness in your throttle hand, and you will not be reaching toward the bars. I've put over 140K between my 2 FJRs and I would have to say that a good 60 percent of that time was with my hands free - lots of freeway (s)miles.

Brodie

 

[Hertz]

Throttle lock and highway pegs fixed it for me. With throttle lock, I can sit all the way back and "hold on" with the fingertips of one hand. Highway pegs were a no-brainer.

 

[Fred W]

The Vstrom is 75 lbs lighter than a Super Tenare and 150 lbs lighter than an FJR. It can also be had for a lot less money. Since the DL1000 has not changed from 2004 through 2012 (possibly a new model releasing this year), buying a low mile, used DL1K can be very cost effective.

 

[Blind Squirrel]

Find a BMW dealer and test ride a R1200RT. IMO much better ergonomics.

 

[Fred W]

You know, with the new pricing for the FJR1300ES, the BMW isn't all that much higher any more.

 

[RaYzerman19]

New man-Strom for 2014............. let the drooling begin.

https://www.motorcycledaily.com/2013/09/suzuki-unveils-production-2014-v-strom-1000-abs-full-specs-and-interactive-brochure/comment-page-1/#comment-194218

https://www.mcnews.com.au/2014_Bikes/Suzuki/DL1000/Suzuki_DL1000_2014_Images/index.html#prettyPhoto

https://www.mcnews.com.au/2014_Bikes/Suzuki/DL1000/Intro1.htm