The FJR doesn't particularly excel at (relatively) slow riding in traffic. Add the anxiety of riding in a group to the mix and it won't be a great experience. No matter what, the FJR is heavier and less flickable than your current ride. You really need to get it up to highway speed and allow it to rev a bit to get a real feeling for the machine. If you have a chance, check the tire pressure on any bike you demo. If too low, the FJR handles like a garbage truck - preferred seems to be around 40F, 42R.
If all of my riding was relatively local and urban commuting in a "non-sporty" setting, the FJR certainly would NOT be my first choice in motorcycles. Similarly, it isn't a spectacular rough road bike. The FJR is, however, a superb (sport)-touring machine capable of providing enormous fun and all-day comfort eating miles on the slab at whatever speed you want, running mountain twisties quite competently, providing quite reasonable protection from the elements and blowing away almost anything but a sport bike in any situation. It is also one of the most mechanically reliable bikes out there; especially important if you intend to ride a lot and keep it for a long time.
Its not a full-on sport bike and its certainly not a cruiser. I would say that its not the BEST at anything but is the best all-around machine I have owned for the multiple riding missions I typically undertake. Perhaps it isn't right for you but I think you need to get another ride under a different set of conditions before you can make a decision.
Good luck with it!
This is about as good an overview of the GenIII one could give. If you want a bike capable of providing a sporty combination of commuting and touring at a reasonable cost, this is the bike. I've owned cruisers and two Genii's. My 2014ES is hands down the best bike I have ever owned. Give it another more relaxed test ride!!!
