3 years ago, I bought a 2003 FJR 1300 for $3600 and I love it. All these up grades that everyone talks about may be good but, not really needed. If the bike you are looking at is as good as mine was, with 12,000 miles on it, you will be fine. The upgrades may be great but, in my opion, if you know how to ride and ride carefully when needed, you need them all. My bike had very few added upgrades on it. Handle bar weights and a touring windshield, which I removed, was the only upgrades that it had or has now. I wanted a blue colored bike like you have in your picture, the 2003 only came in silver. I had it painted and showed a picture of it on here. I was called a lair and other things because it is a blue bike. So, take what you are being told about, how you should by a newer bike that has this or that on it with a grain of salt. I like the website and read on it a lot, These guys can be very very helpful buy also very closed minded. If you like this bike and you think it will do what you are looking for, then grab it. I love mine and will not part with it any time soon. It now has 37,000 miles and has given me NO problems!
Three things I want to focus on in this post.
1. "Upgrades not really needed". Almost every response we gave to the OP said exactly that. We all praised the '05 for the wonderful platform it still is. But, the FJR has evolved and improved. Pay more and get more. To imply that these upgrades are not worth the money is spoken from a position of ignorance. Have you ridden a Gen3? Have you ridden a Gen3 on an extended, multi day trip around the US?
I do not
need central heat, running water, inside plumbing, or electricity in my house. But all those are worthwhile "upgrades".
2. You were not called a "lair". You were not called a "liar" either. I can think of some very appropriate names for you though if that makes you feel better. "Liar" (or if you prefer
lair) would be one place to start.
3. We never said "should buy". We made a respectful attempt to educate the OP about what options are out there.
This forum is nice because it does not show any preference based on year model, money spent, or upgrades done. Respect is
given earned based on many factors. We are as quick to assist, inform, and praise a Gen1 owner as we would a Gen3 owner. We love these bikes. It sounds like you are the "close minded" one, not us.