The FJR is my dream bike.

[madmike2]

When I finally get the FJR home, I know I'm just going to stare at it and cry like I'm holding a new child.Not usually this Emo about stuff. More of a hard ***.

You'll know you have it bad when you still, after 4 years, open the garage door and have your heart skip a beat because YOUR FJR is in there.

Aaaannnddd, pictures??? When we were waiting for our bikes via the PDP program, I had pictures taped all over my home office, bedroom, refrigerator, etc., and as screensavers (I still have the screensavers!) Worse than any little kid I know!

You're going to fit right in..... :yahoo:

 

[jcolman]

Hanzo,

I am fortunate that I was able to buy my 06 FJR without going into alot of debt but I still know what you're going thru.

My dream vehicle had always been a 427 Shelby Cobra replica. I say replica for many reasons, but the primary one is that there is no way I could ever afford a real one. I was bitten by the snake hard back around 1996 but it wasn't until two years later that I could finally swing the deal, financially speaking. For those two years prior to buying one, I dreamed of nothing but that car. I poured over every stick of information available, visited nearly every dealer (and there aren't many) on the east coast and went to track events where these cars gathered. However, the funds just wern't there to justify me spending $30,000 on a toy. My wife kept saying; "wait until the kids are out of college then buy your car". My answer was that I don't know what life will be like for me then. Will I be in a position, both financally and physically, to own one? I finally came up with a compromise. I sold my daily driver (BMW) and bought a cheaper car. Then I borrowed funds from my home equity line of credit.

I searched and searched until I found my dream car for the price I could afford and bought it. I'll never forget the feeling that I had the night before my car was to be delivered. I was 8 years old again on Christmas eve! The next morning, I could hardly stand it. I was as excited as I've ever been, with the exception of the birth of my daughters. Finally, my car arrived in it's trailer and when I first heard the engine fire up I just about wet myself!

I enjoyed that car for over two years then sold it. That was part of my plan all along. I had two little girls that would be going into college soon and the money I used to buy my dream would help to fund their dreams.

I have no regrets at all. I would love to own another Cobra someday but at least I got to scratch the itch that I had for the car. Incidentally, I sold the car for more than I paid for it.

As others have said, enjoy the moment, live for the moment, but plan for the future.

I hope that soon you'll be able to ride off on your dream bike, just as I did on my dream car.

 

[Honzo]

Thank you all again. Keep em coming.

 

[wfooshee]

I bought mine with money from the sale of Mom's house when she passed. Not a lot of money, as there are 5 of us siblings, and the real estate market is so good right now, but still. It was almost 20 grand apiece that poofed up out of nowhere. A delicious irony in that she was as rabidly anti-motorcycle as anyone I ever knew. Never permitted to have one, never permitted to ride one, never permitted to even be around one. Obviously, my brother and I have been riding since high school.

And she paid for mine!

BWAAA-HAAAA-HAAAAA-HAAAA-HAAAAA!

(BTW, it needs explaining that I wasn't close to Mom since I became old enough to understand what the term lying whiney-***** meant.)

 

[Fred W]

I bought mine with money from the sale of Mom's house when she passed. Not a lot of money, as there are 5 of us siblings, and the real estate market is so good right now, but still. It was almost 20 grand apiece that poofed up out of nowhere. A delicious irony in that she was as rabidly anti-motorcycle as anyone I ever knew. Never permitted to have one, never permitted to ride one, never permitted to even be around one. Obviously, my brother and I have been riding since high school.
And she paid for mine!

BWAAA-HAAAA-HAAAAA-HAAAA-HAAAAA!

(BTW, it needs explaining that I wasn't close to Mom since I became old enough to understand what the term lying whiney-***** meant.)

I'm sorry that you feel that way.

 

[Honzo]

I bought mine with money from the sale of Mom's house when she passed. Not a lot of money, as there are 5 of us siblings, and the real estate market is so good right now, but still. It was almost 20 grand apiece that poofed up out of nowhere. A delicious irony in that she was as rabidly anti-motorcycle as anyone I ever knew. Never permitted to have one, never permitted to ride one, never permitted to even be around one. Obviously, my brother and I have been riding since high school.
And she paid for mine!

BWAAA-HAAAA-HAAAAA-HAAAA-HAAAAA!

(BTW, it needs explaining that I wasn't close to Mom since I became old enough to understand what the term lying whiney-***** meant.)

I'm sorry that you feel that way.

Well, he's not alone.

 

[Qwindelzorf]

I was first made aware of the FJR about a year and a half ago. At the time I wasn't even a rider. I just saw one on the road one day and it immediately caught my eye as I watched it go by the other direction. I had always thought of motorcycles in the abstract, as cruisers, crotch rockets, or dirt bikes, none of which appealed to me. I was vaguely aware that there were other types of bikes, but knew nothing of them. Seeing that FJR go by was the catalyst. I suddenly knew that there had to be options for people who wanted to travel on two wheels in comfort and style, as opposed to having your teeth vibrated out by a big loud v-twin or becoming a contortionist to ride a sport bike. The word "motorcycle" no longer meant a CPA pretending to be a tough guy by riding a Harley on the weekends. All from that one look at some anonymous person gracefully gliding past me along the interstate on an FJR.

I began looking at motorcycles. I would pay closer attention when I saw them on the road. I began to notice where the motorcycle dealers were in town. I began to research the world of motorcycles via the web and discovered all kinds of wonderful things. There were whole communities for whom riding was not about projecting an image, or even just for getting around. I started looking at motorcycling websites and finding out what had to be done to get that special "M" endorsement on my license. I got my learners permit and began to look in the classifieds for used bikes, finally purchasing a little 250 to learn on while still saving up for a "real" bike. I took it through the MSF basic course and rode around town for a year, until I felt that a larger bike would not result in my immediately becoming a statistic. I've known too many people who bought a Ninja or the like only to crash spectacularly doing something stupid, winding up in the hospital.

This past summer I sold my 250 and bought a used 2005 FJR via eBay.

I am still learning to ride proficiently. The chicken strips on my tires so wide that they could be called "ostrich strips". Nonetheless, it has been a great decision. It's a whole world of difference, and not just in terms of power. Riding behind a well designed faring makes even relatively high speeds pleasant. And there are little design touches that just make the thing a joy to ride. The bike just oozes quality and planning. The few things I would change on my bike have been changed in the Gen II versions. But those things (mpg tracking, heat shielding, etc...) are minor enough gripes to make buying a used Gen I a very viable option. I'm glad I did and encourage you to consider it.

 

[RadioHowie]

I bought mine with money from the sale of Mom's house when she passed. Not a lot of money, as there are 5 of us siblings, and the real estate market is so good right now, but still. It was almost 20 grand apiece that poofed up out of nowhere. A delicious irony in that she was as rabidly anti-motorcycle as anyone I ever knew. Never permitted to have one, never permitted to ride one, never permitted to even be around one. Obviously, my brother and I have been riding since high school.
And she paid for mine!

BWAAA-HAAAA-HAAAAA-HAAAA-HAAAAA!

(BTW, it needs explaining that I wasn't close to Mom since I became old enough to understand what the term lying whiney-***** meant.)

I'm sorry that you feel that way.

Well, he's not alone.

Yeah...add a +1 to the lying, whiney-etc. from Central Florida. People who claim "blood is thicker..." never had a substance abusing, manipulative, abusive parent.

Don't feel sorry for me or wfooshee or honzo. Sometimes you have to make your OWN karma, not get it from your parents.

 

[painman]

I had been checking out the FJR ever since it came out and really started looking hard in 05 but really thought there was no way I could afford one as I am disabled and had not worked a real job for over 10 years. The first time I actually got to sit on one was at Infenion Raceway AMA races when a rider came into our Helmet & Gear check. He was from Canada and offered to let me try out his bike but I didn't want to chance wrecking it and just sat on it instead. That was a generous offer! That's just like the folks you find here. That really got me started and then my house was nearly paid off and I figured I would pay off some debt and get into a little more since I didn't really have the dough and refied and purchased a new 06 FJR about a year later. And besides I could write that off on taxes. I even got to keep my old Harley and things just had a way of working out. I don't regret any part of the purchase and even though I paid CA prices for the bike this has to be the most fun bike I ever rode or owned. I got the feaver so bad I'm now trying to go back to work through the gov't. and hopefully I can work part time to help suppliment this hobbie. It has helped me change direction in my life and the only thing I could imagine that could be any better would be working with and around bikes! Go figure. Honzo keep the faith baby, follow your dreams and don't give up, ever. It does help ease some pain. Painman. <>< :yahoo:

 

[RadioHowie]

I "discovered" the FJR during my first couple of years of ownership of my '02 ZRX. I used to hang out at the ZRXOA forum and whenever a "I want a touring bike" thread came up, the FJR always came up as the #1 suggestion. Guess the Feej comes closest to the type of power and visceral experience the ZRX serves up, so the guys who DID own a ZRX and a touring bike chose the FJR for the majority of multi-bike owners.

I studied, anguished, investigated, shopped, sampled and struggled for over a year before I bought my '04 FJR. The last thing I wanted was a regret for the decision. Guess that's what took me so long to decide.

But....after the buy...

Never looked back...never regretted the decision.

Still love my Kaw, but drive the Feej 10 to 1 now. I describe it as a ZRX in a tuxedo...all the power, poise and hooliganism of a ZRX, just dressed up for dinner.

 

[SR-71]

Wow, you are definitely head-over-heels about getting a FJR! I can't blame you. I was excited about getting my '05, then later my '07. Suggestion; a slight compromise - consider getting a well used, but well cared for FJR. There are several of them out there. And as your piloting salary eventually increases,... then move up to the newest model. Owning a FJR (even a used one) will help to make life more enjoyable. I'm in full agreement with the Sarge, do it - and do it NOW! :good:

 

[Fred W]

I bought mine with money from the sale of Mom's house when she passed. Not a lot of money, as there are 5 of us siblings, and the real estate market is so good right now, but still. It was almost 20 grand apiece that poofed up out of nowhere. A delicious irony in that she was as rabidly anti-motorcycle as anyone I ever knew. Never permitted to have one, never permitted to ride one, never permitted to even be around one. Obviously, my brother and I have been riding since high school.
And she paid for mine!

BWAAA-HAAAA-HAAAAA-HAAAA-HAAAAA!

(BTW, it needs explaining that I wasn't close to Mom since I became old enough to understand what the term lying whiney-***** meant.)

I'm sorry that you feel that way.

Well, he's not alone.

Why? You hate your mother too? Well that just makes me feel bad that you had that experience. Nobody should...

But at least you've found your way to a fine bike (getting back on topic).

 

[05fjrBluedevil]

Yeah,

I remember wanting to get a bike after a 11 year break....

last one I had was a 1400 intruder, dam i liked that bike, but was a new dad, so i got rid of it....

So as I am looking for a new ride, thinking I wanted to go camping etc etc, i started looking at the gs's from bmw.

I'm just searching the net and come across this picture of the FJR with the beach and sunset background.

My heart skipped a beat!

It was mine, had to be.... So I went out on the net and search the web sites until i found it....

A yamaha!!!! The last Yamaha i had, I called my Yamahahog! it was a limited edition 1986 Virago 1100.

So now i was older, wanted sometihng different, not a cruiser, like had in the past.... So i took off work the next day, and went looking for it, first dealer i went to didn't have any, so i went across the river and the dealer, said yeah i know what your talking about.. i just got two in, so i waited for him to wheel it around into the showroom.......

What a site to behold...... Bought it and have enjoyed it ever since.....

 

[Honzo]

I'm glad I'm not alone in this passion. I've actually gone through some severe anger over the inability to purshase. In fact a colleague of mine was telling me about how he and his wife wanted a cruiser a couple weeks back. I go into work the other day and see a brand new Katana 600 in the parking lot. Cooincidentally that same collegue walks by my office an hour later with a shiny new helmet. I said, "Hey is that your Katana?"

"Yep!"

"Looks brand new."

"It is. Got it last night."

"Weren't you looking at a cruiser?"

"Yeah that's my wifes."

"???"

"We went in to buy it and came out with both."

"We- <swallow> (lump in my throat and damn near wanted to cry) Well, Congratulations. Thats pretty nice. I was admiring it on my way in. Have fun, man. Keep the rubber side down."

He's an air traffic controller and can afford to buy two bikes on a whim. I'm just one of those people that is forced to be patient. It'll happen.

 

[Huck Fonda]

This is now my unofficial favorite thread. This is where the glory of what we all feel comes to the front and gets recognized and expressed.

Dreams are fleeting glimpses of what may be, or what may have been. The essential, cornerstone desire to obtain and use a motorcycle says a lot about a person. That your target is an FJR means (to me) that you have a keen eye for what motorcycling is really all about. You want to RIDE.

But dreams are soft. Your goal should be fed by the fuel of your waking hours. Kind of like the difference between faith and confidence. Faith being a belief in somethig intangible, and confidence being belief in something real and measureable.

To dream of the FJR is inspirational, and can be correlated to having faith that one day you'll have one. But to make progress on a daily basis, by way of saving a little at a time, and doing the research that you are, makes me personally feel confident that you will own one.

Grab the dream and bring it into your daily life, and you'll be rewarded with the reality of enjoying what I feel is an awesome machine. When used properly, it is soul satisfying.

Not going to wish you best of luck, but will wish you speedy progress toward your goal. You will achieve it.

 

[Honzo]

This is now my unofficial favorite thread. This is where the glory of what we all feel comes to the front and gets recognized and expressed.
Dreams are fleeting glimpses of what may be, or what may have been. The essential, cornerstone desire to obtain and use a motorcycle says a lot about a person. That your target is an FJR means (to me) that you have a keen eye for what motorcycling is really all about. You want to RIDE.

But dreams are soft. Your goal should be fed by the fuel of your waking hours. Kind of like the difference between faith and confidence. Faith being a belief in somethig intangible, and confidence being belief in something real and measureable.

To dream of the FJR is inspirational, and can be correlated to having faith that one day you'll have one. But to make progress on a daily basis, by way of saving a little at a time, and doing the research that you are, makes me personally feel confident that you will own one.

Grab the dream and bring it into your daily life, and you'll be rewarded with the reality of enjoying what I feel is an awesome machine. When used properly, it is soul satisfying.

Not going to wish you best of luck, but will wish you speedy progress toward your goal. You will achieve it.

Targetting June-July for the purchase. The rules for this time are simple. 1)Clear certain debts (be responsible) that should not have existed in the first place. 2) Stave off my wife from replacing another car (Satisfaction with a car lasts about two months for her). 3)Come up with at least 50% down for the bike. If conditions are right, I could pay it off within three months.

Trouble right now is my "new job" is on hold. I'm supposed to be hauling engineers around the sky to perform radio frequency testing (not at liberty to divulge details). The company is in a legal battle to test within a band that is close to that which another company uses for it's product. Might cause problems on some level so here I sit tallying this event on my list of things that keep going wrong. I despirately NEED this job to happen, regardless of wanting a bike.

OK, back on the subject.

[SIZE=14pt]The FJR is my dream bike!!!!![/SIZE]

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

When I low sided my bike, one of the first things I thought was, "I'm glad that wasn't my FJR!"

Then I got mad because I just low sided my 2 day old DRZ400SM. Still...glad it wasn't my FJR!!!