What is the Gen I vs. Gen II debate about ?

[pcarrick]

As I lurk here learning about the general aspects of these bikes I see that there is a following for generation 1 bikes. I presume that they just keep getting better, but apparently some owners don't agree. What sets the two generations apart aside from ABS and heated grips. Will anybody care to enlighten a neophyte . I'm riding a 1983 BMW r65 while learning and building experience. My bike is fine, a bit dated and seems even to me to be a bit on the slow side. I know that's good for learning but it is also a handicap in some situations.

 

[wfooshee]

There's a whole section in the FAQ pages outlining the differences, but basically whichever one somebody owns is obviously the best. 90% of the "this is best" stuff around here is ribbing each other about it, anyway. If you were to ride one or the other blindfolded (not smart, but work with me here) you'd be very hard pressed to tell the difference.

Gen-II's are "newer" and to some folks that means "better" by default. Gen-II's have an electrical issue that's rearedup recently with the grounding system used in their wiring harness, that's different from Gen-I. Gen-I seems to have had issues with valve guide early on, and then cam chain tensioners. The CCT issue may not be a Gen issue at all, but merely the fact that Gen-I's were the only ones old enough to be affected when the problem appeared.

Some parts are more expensive for Gen-II bikes, like front brake pads, aftermarket handlebar risers, etc.

 

[Ken45]

One other thing is that "the heat issue" was fixed with Gen II bikes.

Ken

 

[ionbeam]

The non subjective answers have been conveniently compiled, organized and professionally presented HERE

 

[Ignacio]

I'm riding a 1983 BMW r65 while learning and building experience. My bike is fine, a bit dated and seems even to me to be a bit on the slow side.

A man, Joel Rappaport, was an original owner on a 70's R60 with over 400,000 miles and decided it was finally time for a new bike. He chose an FJR which speaks volumes. He researched this forum heavily including the NEPRT area before posting himself...and announced he got a Gen 2 because of a deal he was offered.

He noted in Utah, "The FJR is a great bike....like 112 more horsepower than mine....and it doesn't require planning a pass 2 miles in advance. You just think it and it happens."

Welcome to NEPRT land. While you're here...check the New Owners FAQ and Best of NEPRT.

 

[Bustanut joker]

Gen II riders tend to have mental health issues :dribble: Thinking those are the best uns.

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

I wish you posted this on a Friday.

What Bust said. Just listen to the little voice in your head and you'll get a GEN II

 

[SkooterG]

I wish you posted this on a Friday.

What Bust said. Just listen to the little voice in your head and you'll get a GEN II

Dude! That avatar is killin me!

Oh, and Gen Is are the most bestest. For a variety of reasons including their owners are the most bestest.

 

[beemerdons]

I wish you posted this on a Friday.

What Bust said. Just listen to the little voice in your head and you'll get a GEN II One! ******* 'A' Fixed!

Dude! That avatar is killin me!

Oh, and Gen Is are the most bestest. For a variety of reasons including their owners are the most bestest.

+1, Gunny; for both of you, Greg and Michael! Friends don't let Friends ride Gen II's and anyone that rides a Gen II could not really have had much of a Mother! jes' sayin' and nuff' said!

 

[FargoFeej]

And don't buy an AE, even if you get the best deal EVER, unless you have very very thick skin.

 

[Mike-H]

Weren't Gen II's built with longer swing arms because their riders are afraid of wheelies :blink: .....

 

[someguy]

spent a bunch of time on both before buying.

i loved em both. (also several days on an AE, which for commuting in traffic, makes life sweet)

that said, for me at least, the heat coming off the GenI didn't make me love it.

i'm told it's an issue that can be resolved.

Bought the GenII (2010 model, with the manual clutch) for two reasons primarily:

1. the heat issues are generally resolved. (though sometimes while commuting in winter, the heat would be a welcome friend)

2. it was a screaming deal.

3. (also a few more watts of power from the alternator, and in talking to a knowlegable dealer mechanic, he pulled out the new wiring/ground harness and showed it to me. he is very confident it will resolve the spider bite issues... only time will tell.

there are similar screaming deals on both GenI's and GenII's out there... and if the deal was right, i wouldn't pass up a Gen1... and i'd still be one one of the best bikes out there.

I know that doesn't help much, but i know you are trying to gain knowlege here.

the Gen1 vs. GenII debate will never end... and each group will always think theirs is superior.

I,for one, don't agree. i think they are just different, in subtle ways... IMHO, both are superior to 99% of the competition (having spent time on the competition as well)

good luck in your search for wisdom....

BTW, mine wheelies just fine.

and if you were closer, you could take mine out for a day... that might help. but... you are a damn long way west of here...

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Dude! That avatar is killin me!

I pull it out every Christmas!

Bwaaaaa

 

[pcarrick]

:huh: :huh: :huh: Uh, O.K.

Thanks for the education.

Life is too short (now!) to do 400,000 miles on a r65!!

I'm going back to my corner now.

 

[FJRBluesman]

Gen II riders tend to have mental health issues :dribble: Thinking those are the best uns.

Gunny!
I posted, and now can't find for nothin', a thread about why Gen1 and Gen2 owners preferred their bikes. I wanted to hear what was better with the bike and pros/cons. I got some great replies but can't find it now. I googled the crap out of it and searched here, no luck. No it's not the "which one is scarier" thread, it asked specifically what was better with a Gen bike Vs the other. I also asked for inputs by those that owned or rode both. The bottom line was heat.

Which Gen is scarier thread.

 

[wheatonFJR]

:huh: :huh: :huh: Uh, O.K.

Thanks for the education.

Life is too short (now!) to do 400,000 miles on a r65!!

I'm going back to my corner now.

Just great....you guys scared him off.

Just so you know pcarrick...the anonymity of online forums bring out the uncensored versions of the forum members.

They generally censor themselves pretty good at FJR gatherings...most aren't near as scary as their "online version" of themselves.

(Notice I used terms like "generally" and "most".)

 

[beemerdons]

:huh: :huh: :huh: Uh, O.K.

Thanks for the education.

Life is too short (now!) to do 400,000 miles on a r65!!

I'm going back to my corner now.

Just great....you guys scared him off.

Just so you know pcarrick...the anonymity of online forums bring out the uncensored versions of the forum members.

They generally censor themselves pretty good at FJR gatherings...most aren't near as scary as their "online version" of themselves.

(Notice I used terms like "generally" and "most".)

Anonymous, my big fat Irish Ass! pcarrick, you can't go wrong with either generation of FJR! I've ridden over 500,000 miles on BMW Boxer Twins and while I have loved Beemers since 3/1969:

FJR is the best machine for the overall monies invested! I'm still a BMW Kool-Aid Guzzler, recently purchased "Gisele" my 2012 K1600GT and I love her dearly! FJR is best bang for the bucks!

 

[pcarrick]

Thanks for all the amusing and good-natured answers and provocations! Appreciate the passion and enthusiasm!

I've spending too much time here and loving it. I got a lot to learn

 

[phroenips]

Thanks for all the amusing and good-natured answers and provocations! Appreciate the passion and enthusiasm!

I've spending too much time here and loving it. I got a lot to learn

I'm just shocked he wasn't scared away by that picture!