Thanks for the suspension tips. The front forks on the 2004 FJR we rented was already setup with 2 lines showing, so all I had to do was flip the lever to firm. We ended doing about 340 miles on the bike, and my only complaint was the stiff throttle making for a sore wrist(easy fix there unwinding the throttle return spring, or maybe a G2 throttle). Other than that the bike was just what I was looking for. The passing power on this bike is worlds ahead of my Triumph Speedmaster, which is a must have item for my next bike.
We got a good idea about the heat issue since it was 90 degrees when we left the rental place and headed towards the mountains. I noticed a difference compared to the 2008 I test rode a short distance. With the other improvements between the Gen I and Gen II, I'll definitely be looking for a 2006 or 2007. I stopped by the Ride Now dealer on Cave Creek Rd less than a mile away from the rental place, and was given an OTD quote of $16,800. I know I could do much better with haggling and a better dealer, but with low mile 2007s going for $10,000-12,000 I think I'd go that route instead. And if I get one from a private seller I won't have to pay sales tax.
After dropping my wife off at or overnite spot in Prescott, I made a solo run down 89A towards Yarnell. For those not familiar with Arizona, this is a great test for a twisty road...2nd only to the Devil's Highway. The FJR was a joy to ride. A bit heavy, but just a dip of the shoulder with a slight weight shift in the seat had the FJR cornering with smooth transitions. The next morning we slabbed it down I-17 to Phoenix hitting the sweepers at 85-90 mph, and the temps were in the low 40s leaving Prescott. Between the Joe Rocket Dry Tech liners under our Triumph mesh jackets, and the excellent wind protection of the FJR, we were comfortable all the way to Black Canyon City, where we took off the layers before going back into the Phoenix heat.
We're still waiting for a $500/month payment to get off the books in June to actively shop for a bike, but it looks like the FJR is at the top of the list. I wish I could rent an ST1300 to compare the 2 bikes, but whatever the comfort advantage the Honda has, I'm sure I could throw farkles at the FJR to compensate. It'd be much more expensive to try and wring more power and handling out of the ST1300 to get it inline with the FJR.
