Well.... I think I had the same thought about our FJR when I sat on her at the dealer. Not too long after we bought ours, Andrew (OrangevaleFJR) and I took off on a road trip to visit family in Denver, CO. I think it was late July or early August 2005. This was my first experience of being a pillion for longer than 15 minutes - ever. Now, I have to admit, we went through some beautiful country that I had been through before (in a car) - but it was a lot different on a motorcycle and it was life changing for me, and I do mean that in a good way!
I have to be honest though - there were some long days with many miles (our longest on that trip was 864 miles in one day - after which I told my wonderful hubby that if he ever expected me to do that again, he better think again!)... on the stock seat. OUCH! And I wasn't the only one feeling the pain either. Not sure what year your FJR is, but ours is the 2005 model and apparently, Yamaha hadn't fixed some heat issues with the fuel tank, so Andrew was getting pretty darn hot in some uncomfortable places! Which brings up something that we have both noticed - the warmer the climate, the more uncomfortable your butt!
Not too long after that trip, we upgraded to a Corbin seat, with a back rest for me (ultra important because I have lower back pain issues - so this was an absolute must!) which kept us both more comfortable for a longer period of time. We also added pillion peg extenders that made my legs more comfortable. Last August, we upgraded again to a custom Bill Mayer saddle which they were nice enough to work with us to accommodate our Corbin back rest (YAY! Bill Mayer!). I have only rode on this seat once (the ride home from the custom fitting at Bill Mayer) simply because of schedules or back pain.... We are going to go on a day ride in Napa Valley this Saturday, 2/17/07, so I can report back to you then about the new (to me) seat's comfort level.
Things that I highly recommend as a pillion:
1. A back rest - either in the form of an actual back rest (like the Corbin) or having the back top case. I actually prefer to have both, because the Corbin back rest supports my lower back and the top case supports my upper back.
2. I appreciate the peg extenders for the fact that I don't have to worry about my boots melting on the exhaust pipes!
3. Stretch your legs out every 20 minutes or so! If you have an intercom system to speak with your partner, let them know that you need to stretch your legs, so they know what you are doing and it won't surprise them, or work out a hand signal if you don't have an intercom system. Stretch them BEFORE you start to feel the pain/cramping in your legs/knees/butt.
4. Take short breaks in your scheduled ride. Going too long without a break is tiring for everyone and your body will not let you forget it. ;-) Give yourself and your body a stretch break and you'll find yourself enjoying the entire thing all the more! Oh, yeah, and don't wear clothing that binds too tightly.
5. If you are comfortable enough and your partner is too, stand up on your pegs every once in a while, just for a few seconds or so.
6. Last, and most definitely not least: Whether you have an intercom system or not, find a way to listen to music while riding along. I don't know about you, but sometimes the scenery isn't enough to distract you from being uncomfortable, whether it's your butt that's sore, or that you are freezing - sometimes listening to your favorite music is enough to distract you, combined with the scenery and the fact that you are with your partner, enjoying your time together.
I hope this helps.
Any more questions, let me know.
Sherri
most of my long distance is two up. those of you who travel this way,,, what is your copilots opinion. my wife said fjr was comfortable ,,,, for five minutes in show room. we have done up to 680 in a day together on connie ... any copilot opinions out there.thanks Timalan
