What to do when I come back from deployment . . .

[DELETE-PLEASE]

Alright. Here's the lowdown. I love my FJR. I'm a new rider (little less than a year and a little less than 10k miles), and from the various bikes I've ridden, the FJR is great.

HOWEVER . . . it's missing a lot of convienience/comfort features that I really want. Primarily, heated seats for myself and my girlfriend, heated hand grips, GPS, radio/cb/intercom/aux input, cruise control, I'd like a little better wind protection, and an outlet to charge a cellphone or something like that.

Well the main thing I'm worried about is overloading my system and not having enough output to run all this stuff, and not knowing what the best setup for all this would be (brand names, how to save wattage, etc. etc.)

I test rode a goldwing two days ago. It was pretty awesome, and came with everything I mentioned above and then some. However after getting back on the FJR, I just felt like I was home.

So if all this stuff CANNOT be done to my FJR (can it?), I'll probably buy a goldwing when I get back. My girlfriend of course loved the passenger seat of the goldwing, but when I asked her about it, she said she didn't find anything wrong with the FJR seat, and she'd be fine riding that too. So with a russell heated seat I'm sure she'd be fine with that.

So can the FJR guys help me out? I don't mind switching bikes and getting a gl1800 as it was very impressive and comfy, but this FJR sure feels like home.

Alexi

PS - $$$ will not be a factor for this as I'll have my deployment money and no bills when I return to worry about. I'm just wondering if I can keep the FJR and somehow get all those accessories up and running. THanks in advance for all your ideas and help.

 

[phil]

I've toured on both the FJR and the Gold Wing. Although I am an old fart, I still prefer the FJR, at least after adding the Russell, a wider windshield, and cruise control. The GL may carry more stuff, and is definitely more comfy for the passenger. But if you are touring alone, think of the FJR as a cross-country sport bike. You can really put the miles behind you in a hurry. And the fuel economy is better than on the Gold Wing.

 

[MojaveFJR]

Since money is not an issue, keep the feej for playtime and get the gl for those long two up days. Really seems like a no brainer there.

 

[ShawnKing]

I'm just wondering if I can keep the FJR and somehow get all those accessories up and running.

You certainly can. Many FJR riders have the options installed you are looking for. It's just a matter of time, money and energy in getting it all on the bike and working the way you wan it to.

But, if money is no object, it might just be simpler to keep the FJR and buy the Goldwing and ride it when the situation dictates.

 

[RAVENRIDER]

This may not be a consideration for you, but I plan to hold off on the GW until Honda gives it an electronically adjustable windshield like the ST and our own FJR.

I find myself adjusting the FJR's every so often as the wind and my speed changes. I just love that feature. While the present model GW has manually adjustable vents, it's just on the same as electronically on the fly - especially for some large $$$.

 

[Lake Powell]

Alexi,

I've installed all of the items you have mentioned with the exception of a passenger heated seat, I ride alone. My electrical system holds up fine. I've ridden my friends GL's and they are just too big for my purpose. Best of luck with your decision.

Also, my thanks for your service and dedication to our country.

 

[fjrboomer]

Alexi this is one of those decisions which only you cam make. It sounds like your lady friend will be happy with whatever decision you make. I have ridden GL's and currently have an 07 FJR. The GL is a great distance rider and has all the comfort you are going to find on a M/C. I am 5'9'' 168 with a 32" inseam. I had no problem on the road but did have a parking lot drop with each of the GL's I had (3). So far have not had one with the FJR. The FJR is a lot more fun to ride especially in the curves. I cannot stay on it quite as long as on the GL but I get at least 3 hours in before feeling the need for a break. I do not have any electronics on the FJR so I cannot address that issue but from one of the other posts it does not sound like a problem.

Good luck with your decision and thanks for your service.

 

[DELETE-PLEASE]

I've decided to go the route that Mojave and a few others have suggested, and I'll be purchasing a Goldwing when I come back. So it'll be goldwing for rides with the girlfriend (I anticipate every saturday, and I anticipate taking vacations on it), or for multi-day trips, and I'll be using my FJR probably more for day to day commuting, twisty roads just to have fun with on my own, or situations where I won't need vast amount of luggage (although it already has a topcase and the sidecases of course).

I came about it figuring that I really didn't want to mess with the FJR that much for fear of doing some wiring all jacked up, or spending money on it only to have old age start to wear it down (it's low mileage, but getting old). Also, even if I had messed with it and put in a new stator, with the goldwing, if I so choose I can have a full plug-in outfit for myself AND my girlfriend and use it no matter what the temperature. Plus it'll have the communication and everything else all with a 7 year warranty (definitly getting extended warranty). I didn't want to spend thousands on the FJR only to be worrying about getting the use out of it without something busting or STILL not being comfortable enough for my girlfriend to ride often with me.

Also, this way, I can justify to my girlfriend having TWO bikes! And when one breaks down or is in the shop for some sort of service, I still have one to ride. Thanks for all the points here and I'm planning a good 1/2 country ride next year so I'll be seeing if anyone knows any good eateries on my path and wants to meet up/guide me to one. I'll be picking up the goldwing in PA, riding to NJ to visit the family for a few days, and then riding from there to TX where I'm stationed.

Then when I PCS to another place, I'll take about two weeks and ride to CA and back. So we'll see what's going on there too. Thanks for all the advice and I'll be lurking around for ideas for my FJR.

Alexi

 

[bikesniffer]

You lucky son of a gun...have fun and happy to see that you are back in one piece from deployment...

Alfred

 

[DELETE-PLEASE]

You lucky son of a gun...have fun and happy to see that you are back in one piece from deployment...
Alfred

Before anyone jumps the gun, I'm not back yet. I LEAVE for deployment on Monday. But I've made the decision and now know what to save up for.
Alexi

 

[Bluegrass FJR]

Wishing you all the best while deployed. Been there, done that - I know it ain't easy.

I went looking at Wings the other day. Heritage Honda, in Maysville, has 10 or 11 on the floor.

I think you're making a great decision. The FJR is never going to be a Gold Wing, but at the same time the Gold Wing will never be an FJR. Each has very desirable characteristics. Neither can ever fully do what the other does.

 

[Fred W]

Alright. Here's the lowdown. I love my FJR. I'm a new rider (little less than a year and a little less than 10k miles), and from the various bikes I've ridden, the FJR is great.
HOWEVER . . . it's missing a lot of convienience/comfort features that I really want. Primarily, heated seats for myself and my girlfriend, heated hand grips, GPS, radio/cb/intercom/aux input, cruise control, I'd like a little better wind protection, and an outlet to charge a cellphone or something like that.

...I'm just wondering if I can keep the FJR and somehow get all those accessories up and running. THanks in advance for all your ideas and help.

I have all of the things that you listed (plus a few more) on my 1st gen FJR and there is enough juice without having to do anything to the alternator. That said, if you wanted to add even more goodies beyond those listed, it is fairly cheap to put an aftermarket stator in for additional capacity.