Sat on an '06 FJR

FJRMGM · Nov 14, 2005

went to the Cycle World International show this last Saturday in Houston and got to look at and sit on both new models of FJR and here are my observations.

1) the new windscreen does not look any larger or wider than what came on my '05, which I thought it was supposed to be. The vent below the instrument pod should help.

2) the stepped seat - wonder if you taller guys will like being told you can't slide back further because of it?

3) the redesigned tank with the silver plastic wrap (heat shield?) looks funky and cheap to me.

4) the rear luggage rack area is different and looks more functional.

5) sitting on the bike, on either side of the tank the lower fairing has adjustments to allow more or less air flow between frame rails and fairing

6) on the lower left side fairing you can now see the white coolant overflow resevoir when looking at the bike from the side and it really shows against that dark blue.

7) mirror stalks are redesigned - more futuristic.

8) instrument cluster - much different but since I didn't get to start it can't really tell.

9) I like the new color - but not as well as the '05.

The AE model with no clutch lever sure caused a lot of discussion. Most didn't notice it didn't have a clutch lever. I would have to ride it before I could pass judgement on it.

Overall I don't care for the looks of the new bike but I'm tainted because I really like my '05 FJr and I don't like two-tone colors on vehicles and that silver plastic around the tank just doesn't do it for me.

I believe the functional improvements will make the '06 a better bike all-around even if I don't care for the '06 look.

Just for kicks I sat on a new Harly V-Rod. Man, the clutch pull on the FJR is easy compared to that bike. YIKES..

Your roving reporter,

Mike

TheBlueStreak · Nov 14, 2005

Hi Mike,

I'm going to the MC show when it comes to NY in January, can't wait. I rode an 05' at Lake George for the Amercade Rally and it was sweet for me except for the heat coming off the engine and the not so great wind coverage from the screen. If they "fix" those issues for me in the 06' I'm looking to get one in the Spring.

Anyway, a couple of questions:

Did you see on the AE model where the heated grip switch is located?

Did you see on either the A or AE model where the hazard switch is located?

Thanks, enjoyed the comments.

Rob

SkooterG · Nov 14, 2005

Hi Mike,
I'm going to the MC show when it comes to NY in January, can't wait. I rode an 05' at Lake George for the Amercade Rally and it was sweet for me except for the heat coming off the engine and the not so great wind coverage from the screen. If they "fix" those issues for me in the 06' I'm looking to get one in the Spring.

Anyway, a couple of questions:

Did you see on the AE model where the heated grip switch is located?

Did you see on either the A or AE model where the hazard switch is located?

Thanks, enjoyed the comments.

Rob

Dude! You haven't seen any of the piccies?

IIRC, heated grip control is on left hanldebar, near area of clutch resevoir. Hazard lights control is now a switch on the right handlebar switch block near the starter button.

TheBlueStreak · Nov 14, 2005

SkooterG,

I did see a pic of the AE left switch assembly but wasn't sure what the round button was for since it wasn't marked as the heated grip switch. I haven't seen a close up pic of the right switch assembly in pics either.

Thanks! for the info.

radman · Nov 14, 2005

Something that has really bothered me about Frank has been the archaic look of the mirror stalks. I pray to God the 06's are backwards compatible. Please, let it be so!!