What Is It About FJR's

[slapnpop]

Did learn one lesson. I always ride with two fingers on the clutch. When the left grip hit the ground the clutch lever pinched the hell out of my knuckle on my ring finger that was still gripping the grip. Got to remember to let go sooner.

I do the same thing with the brake, and when that s10 ran me over, it broke my right ring knuckle. *bill clinton voice* I feel your pain.

 

[Windjammer]

For awhile I was confused as to why so many people drop this bike, which to me seems truly nimble at slow speeds and on tricky surfaces compared to the Concours I used to ride. Talk about a top heavy bike! Anyway, after much thought and thorough research, I'm revealing this list of most common reasons for dropping the FJR:

1. Your legs are too short. Lower the seat/suspension or use some prosthesis to extend your legs.

2. You're old. People get more clumsy as they age due to inner ear congestion mucking up their sense of balance. Be prepared and get yourself a LifeAlert pendant (help, I've fallen and I can't get up).

3. You're daydreaming. Pull your head out of your *** and ride the motorcycle.

4. You're not wearing the right boots. Make sure your riding boots have oil-resistant soles with decent tread. Not a cure all but it helps.

5. Put the ****** little Jap bike sidestand down ALL THE WAY when parking.

6. Never let your wife/girlfriend within 500 feet of of your FJR when they are parking/backing a vehicle. Use common sense!

7. Riding a big streetbike on wet grass where a hill is present should be avoided if possible. If your daily path to your parking area crosses such an area, try paving it.

Please note: the above list is presented in a playful spirit of good humor. Please do not take offense if you are a short old stupid daydreamer with ****** boots and a grass driveway.

 

[XJRGUY]

you forgot to add the part about immediately installing TOG's the minute you buy them.

 

[madmike2]

Perhaps the thread should be retitled:

Why do so many FJR owners drop their bikes?

My FJR is a machine, it doesn't feel, think, decide or choose the road, curbside, route or surface I ride on. Therefore, it would be my fault, yes? (And yep, I've dropped mine---my fault for not identifying an off-camber road shoulder and allowing the bike to tip to the "low" side. Dumb owner!)

 

[FtLFjr]

They are gravity magnets, I swear, with all the reports of dropped bikes.

The FJR is absolutely top heavy and awkward to handle at low speeds. I've dropped mine three times while attempting to make a very slow left hand U-turn with both feet on the pegs.

When the bike starts to go over it happens too fast to catch without wrenching your back.

And to add insult to injury, on Labor Day I went for a little spin down to Miami to take my buddy some DVD's. It had rained earlier in the day but it seemed to be pretty well dried up by the time I went for the ride.

I delivered the DVDs and was on my way back to Weston doing about 80 on I-75 north. I was about 2 miles from my exit and rolled the throttle on up to bout a buck 20 and backed off and sanely got off at my exit.

When I rolled up to Weston Rd. the right turn arrow was green for my lane and I made what I thought was a beautifully executed right turn. As I gently rolled the throttle on I hear the RPM's go up and the next thing I know I'm sliding on my back and right butt cheek watching in slow-motion my FJR slide away from me tail first.

The ***** came around on me.

Not realizing that I was still sliding myself I sat up and that began the tumbling ****. When I stopped I jumped up and looked around and ran for the bike. I couldn't lift it by myself so a couple witnesses helped me get her up and off to the side of the road.

I still haven't figured out exactly what happened, whether the road was damp (it wasn't wet), I ran over the painted crosswalk stripes whatever broke the rear wheel loose I don't know but it was the surprise of my life.

Here's what happened to "Blue Bell".

I remember seeing the FJR sliding away from me tail first on it's right side. The saddlebag and the MOKO was doing a grand job of protecting the rest of the bike. However when I got to the bike I found that it was on it's left side the windscreen gone the left Top Gun barend ripped out of the handlebar, the left footpeg broken off and the left saddlebag trashed as bad as the right. What I think happen was the right side "Wild Bill" hiway peg dug in and flipped the bike over on the left side because it was trashed as well.

What I am glad about is 1.) that I was wearing my full coverage helmet because the visor is scratched to **** and that could have just as easily been my face. 2.) I was wearing my FirstGear Mesh II jacket and the armour reduced some bumps and bruises. 3.) I was wearing my Cruiserworks boots because I definately felt an impact on my ankle but no injury.

After taking inventory and finding all missing parts I got on her and rode the final 2 miles home with no further incidents. I have since ordered replacement parts from Gary (actually Mike) at University Motors and am waiting delivery next week.

Total cost of the damage about $1500 most of which is a complete set of new saddlebags and a Cee Bailey +4+3 windshield, left handlebar, left footpeg, windshield mounting hardware, two MOKO mushrooms and new "Wild Bill" hiway pegs.

Lesson learned: Even when you think your doing things well... **** happens! :dribble: :dribble: :dribble:

 

[XJRGUY]

Wow,

that really sucks the big ballsac.

Glad you are ok.

I can't believe 3 times though. DAYUM!

 

[BruceTheBaldGuy]

I don't feel so bad now,I must have lost mine at least 5 times now...putting it on the side stand of course and when I was making a tight slow u turn or moving around in the garage.I'm 6'1 240 lbs,I'm strong..the frigging thing is heavy..if I didn't have the bags on I don't think I would be able to get it back on two wheels..I've been riding a while..I was just to embarrassed to tell ya..