Need Help Picking an FJR

[audiowize]

Hello All,

I currently have my 1971 BMW R50/5 and 2008 Kawaski Versys up for sale, and I'd like to use the proceeds to fund the purchase of an FJR. I have some unusual needs, and was hoping to tap the resources available here.

One thing that I have determine that I can't live without is a rain-proof glovebox with a 12V outlet. If some years of these bikes don't have the outlet, I'm up for adding it, but it'd be cool to know beforehand. I also would like to prioritize weather protection. I could really care less about a warm engine under my butt/legs, a short ride on my Airhead would season most riders sufficiently to ignore this on the FJR I'm sure.

I ride 2000-5000 miles per year, and I do all my own maintenance. I have just about every tool needed, and don't care about buying tools I don't have. If one particular year is easier to work on than others, that's lovely. It would not bother me to have to replace valve guides on a ticking gen 1 bike, especially if I could save on the purchase price.

My current local choices in my price range are low mileage (under 20,000) generation 1 bikes, or gen 2 bikes with moderate mileage (20,000-50,000).

Most of my riding is 1 up, and I commute via the ferries here in WA, so ample storage is helpful.

I'm looking forward to having the experts weigh in.

 

[SacramentoMike]

Well, as an expert . . .

OK, as an FJR owner, I'll say I'd never make a buying choice based on a little thing you could easily install yourself. And there's a nice looking '07 with very low mileage here, for example (it's in the "For Sale" section that I don't think somebody with just two posts can access yet). That's just an example, since I don't know the seller or have a stake in it. Point is, don't limit your choices till you see what's out there. And consider a "fly and ride" purchase, if you can come to terms long distance. Maybe you could get somebody nearby to check out an out of state bike for you first. Good luck.

 

[ahchiu]

If you can make our PNW tech meet this Saturday you will learn a lot about the FJR.

 

[101stpathfinder]

I have gen 1&2. I have top cases on both, so my solution for outlets has been POWERLET outlets.

The gen 2 has an outlet, but the dog - gone lap top doesn't fit. It is easy to electrify your trunk or smuggler or tank bag...

As said, you can adapt the bike you choose to whatever personal features you want. If it can be done to an FJR, most likely has been done by someone on this forum. Phone charging mounts in the glove box... You name (Search) it- it has been done.

 

[garyahouse]

I'd be more concerned about getting the ABS than any of that other stuff. Electrical outlets are sooooo easy to install, I wouldn't even think about making that a factor in what I bought. The glove box comes standard on all but the earliest FJR's. I know it's standard on my 05 Gen 1. FWIW, the 04 and 05 Gen 1's had optional ABS. Mine has it. It's standard on all ll Gen 2's.

Gary

darksider #44

 

[Fontanaman]

If you get a Gen II I suggest an 09 or later as there an abrupt throttle issue in early Gen II's and a stiff throttle issue as well. I have an 09 with nearly 50k miles. FJRs are very reliable.

Some here believe the 2005 is the best FJR available, it has a bit more horsepower, shorter wheel base.

Check out the bin of facts and here is a model comparo.

 

[PhilJet09]

Let's get down to the important stuff...'09s are the best looking FJRs ever made, find one. Standard ABS, better charging system than gen I, black wheels, tamer throttle response compared to other GenIIs. There's a ground harness recall on GenII bikes, so check on that if you're looking at one.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Definitely stop by the PNW Tech Meet Saturday if you can swing it. Chance to see 30 - 40 FJRs in every way, shape and form and meet some of the locals.

FWIW, I'd hunt for a low mile, well maintained '08 or newer FJR...and yes, the '09s are the best!

--G

 

[Panman]

Let's get down to the important stuff...'09s are the best looking FJRs ever made, find one. Standard ABS, better charging system than gen I, black wheels, tamer throttle response compared to other GenIIs. There's a ground harness recall on GenII bikes, so check on that if you're looking at one.

No, and just no again! The Black Cherry 07 is the best looking to date, maybe not the smoothest but best looking buy far.

 

[audiowize]

Definitely stop by the PNW Tech Meet Saturday if you can swing it. Chance to see 30 - 40 FJRs in every way, shape and form and meet some of the locals.
FWIW, I'd hunt for a low mile, well maintained '08 or newer FJR...and yes, the '09s are the best!

--G

Do you have a link to info? I'd love to stop by, I actually was planning to go look at one FJR, so if I can look at 20, that would be awesome!

(Google didn't provide any info on this meet)

 

[Fontanaman]

Definitely stop by the PNW Tech Meet Saturday if you can swing it. Chance to see 30 - 40 FJRs in every way, shape and form and meet some of the locals.
FWIW, I'd hunt for a low mile, well maintained '08 or newer FJR...and yes, the '09s are the best!

--G

Do you have a link to info? I'd love to stop by, I actually was planning to go look at one FJR, so if I can look at 20, that would be awesome!

(Google didn't provide any info on this meet)

The meeting is in Auburn Wa and starts at 9:00am and run till about 5:00pm. Here is the link.

 

[escapefjrtist]

See ^^^^ Fontanamans linky...it's always a great turnout and good folks.

--G

 

[amboman]

IMHO just as long as it's an FJR it don't really matter what year it is. Lowest milage for your buck is always a good starting point. I am new to a 2010 model and it fits like a glove.

 

[JimNtexas]

The FJR's glove box power outlet is pretty sweet. It's on all Gen2's and 3's, I'm not sure about Gen 1.

You should know that the glove box outlet has a 3 amp fuse, and there's not an easy way to run anything but a very thin wire out of the box.

But it's super easy to add outlets to any generation of FJR, so I wouldn't let that be a factor in your purchase decision.