Previous Bike

[JRO]

Merely curious...

If you're on an FJR now, what was your last bike, and why did you switch?

I was on a Triumph Tiger. I had more fun with my previous bike, but it developed problems. My FJR is a much better motorcycle, and I expect time & miles will make me even more fond of it, than I am now (for one thing, it hasn't failed me since Aug 31, 07).

 

[rushes]

A Concours. Needed to upgrade. And I thought I was going to buy the new 14. Until a friend who works at the local Yamaha shop got me a deal that was too good to pass up.

I'm very happy.

 

[Capt. Bob]

91 FJ1200.

Just getting a little long in the tooth.

 

[Harald]

My 97 CBR1100XX was an awesome bike, but I was looking for a more comfortable riding position and better wind protection. A side benefit is that I'm not as insane on the FJR. There's something about laying across the tank of a rocketship that make me want to go real fast (not that the FJR is a slouch, but it's a more sedate riding position).

 

[Richouse]

Yamaha RoadStar Warrior. I really like it, had tons of torque. It just got uncomfortable after a while and I wanted something I could load up and go off on for a while and still be sporty and fun to ride.

 

[FuzzyRider]

'04 FZ1 - I still miss that bike. Why I switched? I wanted something with a more relaxed riding position that I could take out on a 4,000 mile trip with my friends. The FJR is the perfect bike for me.

 

[Auburn]

99 ZRX1100. Needed something with a little more room for two up riding. Wanted the hard bags. Couldn't believe the perfomance increase going to the FJR.

 

[keithaba]

04 Vstar 1100 Silverado.

Tried the Cruiser thing for a while for 2-up and touring capabilities.

Liked the bike but, man it was boring compared to the sporty bikes I was used to. The S.O. loved it, because it was so boring....

Only had it for about a year before I went to the FJR!

 

[FJRandy]

I actually had two I sold to buy the FJR. Only way the wife would agree on the purchase.

1983 XJ900R SECA and a 1985 V-Max. The Seca gave me the sport touring bug, so the timing was right to put money down and wait for the '03 FJR to come out. Well worth the wait, obviously.

Sure wish I coulda kept the Seca though...real clean bike for it's age.

The V-Max was just high octane insanity with worked heads, pipe, etc etc. I was going through too much underwear so it had to go before I did.

 

[BernieB]

Triumph Tiger. Well built, and super fun to ride. I liked the 955i too. Mine was totalled by a driver when I was parked. The FJR offerred the automatic clutch and a riding position that was about 2" lower allowing me to flat foot the bike at stops. I like both those features for the riding I do. It also had an adjustable windscreen and abs, and came with the side luggage, shaft drive and great ergos(for me.) I had a short season with the FJR last year. I am really looking forward to riding this Spring, if it ever gets here, especially with the new farkles.

 

[LAroo]

Ducati 999. I loved that bike but my back didn't!! Anyway it wasn't a bike you could go touring with and that is something that I want to do as the kids are getting older.

 

[luvtoride]

'94 Kawasaki EX500... the really mini Ninja. That bike got to feelin' like I was maneuvering a bicycle after riding it for a couple of years. When I first bought the FJR, I tried slow speed maneuvers like I'd do on the Kaw... almost dumped it (but didn't) the 2nd time that I rode it.

It didn't take long to gain respect for the FJR's top heaviness.

 

[sonicspeed]

2000 vz800 marauder

do you even need to ask?

 

[ynotride]

I had a 2001 Kawasaki Ninja ZX600 sold it for the FJR. I wanted something more comfortable and newer. I still have my dirt bikes 03 Honda XR400, 02 Yamaha TTR125 (wife), and a 04 ktm pro senior 65 (son).

 

[S76]

81 GS Suzuki. Getting back into riding after many years I bought it and did a frame off restoration. Really enjoyed it, to the point I wanted to start riding longer distance. So I ended up with the FJR due to the recomendations on this forum. Glad I did.

Going from the old Suzuki to the FJR was like getting out of a Dodge Dart and climbing into an M3.

Awesome!

 

[eeksnake]

2002 Honda VFR 800 Interceptor.

Got sick and tired of spending my weekends fixing it instead of riding.

Nothing wrong with the breed, just my copy of it.

 

[Big Sky]

I rode a '97 CBRXX Blackbird for four years before the '03 FJR I'm still riding and enjoying (44K miles). The Blackbird is an exceptional MC with tons of balls (saw 155 on the speedo once) but I rode two-up a lot and sport-toured a lot, so wanted more amenities and comforts. Besides, the ergos of the XX, even with bar risers, and wind blast were killing me as I developed arthritis in neck vertebrae which caused the nerve to the left arm to pinch which caused awful numbness and pain. It had to go. No such problems with the Feej. I did just buy a 750 Gixxer for a little occasional craziness and the occasional track day. Incidentally, the guy who bought my 'Bird died (of other causes) and I bought it back from the estate, then sold it to my nephew last year; just keeping it in the family ya understand...

 

[Motorad]

2007 Moto Guzzi Norge

I purchased the Norge in June of 07. Had final drive bearing failure at 4500 miles. Got it fixed but the seal still leaked oil. Right before I sold it I got the entire final drive replaced but by then, I had spent sleepless nights regretting my purchase (Why, Why, Why! What was I thinking?). There were several other niggly things about it that really disappointed me. It was top heavy and the handling always felt twitchy, even in a straight line. I liked the motor but it pinged really bad which spoiled the fun factor.

During my season of buyers remorse I test rode the FJR two times. After the second test ride I knew I wanted one. The FJR has a lower center of gravity and handles like a dream comparitively. I welcomed the extra power. The overall fit and finish of the FJR is excellent.

Sold the Norge in October and purchased a new 07 FJR in December. It's a reliable proven platform, and it's screwed together pretty darn good. I did all the throttle mods and added a PCIII and the bike is just superb

 

[squeezer]

A Concours. Needed to upgrade. (snip)I'm very happy.

Sums it up for me.