Why Buy an FJR?

[Bobcattoo]

I'd like to hear some of the reasons for choosing an FJR. For me it was the culmination of 35 yrs of riding less versatile and inferior handling machinery. I can go most anywhere in comfort and at a speed and a margin of safety that I appreciate, with as little or as much baggage as needed. Any other Bike at that time would have been inferior for my needs, IMHO. Yes, BMW was an option. An overpriced and very expensive to maintain option. Again, MHO.

But over the years, as I've met other owners and perused this Forum, I've learned that not everyone had the same thought about their choice. I'm certainly happy that so many chose this Model. The numbers are impressive whenever I ride to the more popular mountainous areas. And unless I am badly mistaken, most owners are utilizing their Bikes as the daily commuter as well. One thing I've learned over the years; there is no substitute for miles. You've got to spend time on a Bike to get good on that Bike.

Now if a poll were started, would anyone own up to main reason being status? Or impressing your neighbors, or the guys in your little Bike Club? Or thinking this Bike will magically make you a better rider? There's no doubt that Harley sales are influenced by the first couple of reasons.

Just thought I'd put that out there!

 

[Cdogman]

I'd like to hear some of the reasons for choosing an FJR. For me it was the culmination of 35 yrs of riding less versatile and inferior handling machinery. I can go most anywhere in comfort and at a speed and a margin of safety that I appreciate, with as little or as much baggage as needed. Any other Bike at that time would have been inferior for my needs, IMHO. Yes, BMW was an option. An overpriced and very expensive to maintain option. Again, MHO. But over the years, as I've met other owners and perused this Forum, I've learned that not everyone had the same thought about their choice. I'm certainly happy that so many chose this Model. The numbers are impressive whenever I ride to the more popular mountainous areas. And unless I am badly mistaken, most owners are utilizing their Bikes as the daily commuter as well. One thing I've learned over the years; there is no substitute for miles. You've got to spend time on a Bike to get good on that Bike.

Now if a poll were started, would anyone own up to main reason being status? Or impressing your neighbors, or the guys in your little Bike Club? Or thinking this Bike will magically make you a better rider? There's no doubt that Harley sales are influenced by the first couple of reasons.

Just thought I'd put that out there!

I can honestly tell you it is not status, neighbors, or any of that stuff... If that were the case and I was into sport bike.. Duc, Aprilla, and so on.. ST,, BMW

OH WAIT

Yes, Status,, MAKING A GOOD DECISION.. so means I was smart.. and not a crowd follower

Jes sayin

 

[FJRONAMISSION]

I'd like to hear some of the reasons for choosing an FJR. For me it was the culmination of 35 yrs of riding less versatile and inferior handling machinery. I can go most anywhere in comfort and at a speed and a margin of safety that I appreciate, with as little or as much baggage as needed. Any other Bike at that time would have been inferior for my needs, IMHO. Yes, BMW was an option. An overpriced and very expensive to maintain option. Again, MHO. But over the years, as I've met other owners and perused this Forum, I've learned that not everyone had the same thought about their choice. I'm certainly happy that so many chose this Model. The numbers are impressive whenever I ride to the more popular mountainous areas. And unless I am badly mistaken, most owners are utilizing their Bikes as the daily commuter as well. One thing I've learned over the years; there is no substitute for miles. You've got to spend time on a Bike to get good on that Bike.

Now if a poll were started, would anyone own up to main reason being status? Or impressing your neighbors, or the guys in your little Bike Club? Or thinking this Bike will magically make you a better rider? There's no doubt that Harley sales are influenced by the first couple of reasons.

Just thought I'd put that out there!

I can honestly tell you it is not status, neighbors, or any of that stuff... If that were the case and I was into sport bike.. Duc, Aprilla, and so on.. ST,, BMW

OH WAIT

Yes, Status,, MAKING A GOOD DECISION.. so means I was smart.. and not a crowd follower

======= OFF TOPIC....... ;> =========

CDOG......... where is your hair???.........

you use to have hair...... looks like some kind of rough landing strip now........... :lol: :yahoo: :yahoo:

B.....

Jes sayin

 

[Big Sky]

In a few words: versatility, reliability, affordability...funnability?

 

[Bobcattoo]

I guess I was naive enough to think anybody that shells out 14 grand for a Bike would either have the capability or learn to Ride the Bike near it's full potential and for most members on this Forum that is certainly the case. You can tell by the post/language, for the most part. But I've been amazed at the lack of skills and the under utilization of these exceptional machines by some owners I've met. They could have save 8-10 grand if they just wanted to putt. Frankly, I don't see how you PUTT on this Bike. Mine does not run well at all below 3,000 rpm(it seldom has to). I'll admit I haven't seen more than 120 on the speedometer. Think I've been faster several times but don't have time to look in the kind of terrain I'm runnin'.

And I have 1/4-1/2" chicken strips on the current rear tire. Previous got leaned over further. I've drug the pegs on both sides numerous times(on the previous tire). But I recognize that I'm not pushing the Bike to it's limits. That's one of the benefits of this machine. I can push near MY limits without getting close to Bike's limits.

And just as a reference, my last ST was a Ducati.

I figured that most of the respondents to my initial post would be hard-core riders that have gotten more than their money's worth outta their Bikes.

Funnability? Hadn't heard that term! But it certainly applies!

 

[roger dodger]

Biggest BANG for the BUCK! All bikes are good....this ones a f-ing just (great) ride

 

[johnny80s]

I just bought it because the chicks dig it.

 

[RaYzerman19]

Once you get to a certain age, status and all that stuff doesn't matter, but sure, I like my machine to look good. It's more about function and comfort. I had an ST1300, which overall is probably one of the best (yes, I know, you guys have opinions....) Then for a variety of reasons went to a GL1800 for my arthritic knees and the SO's back. Now that SO's back problems will never get better, I'm looking for sport touring, lighter than the ST, less top heavy, and less bulky than the GL. The ergos on the FJR seem to be reasonably good, although I'm not having much luck finding a demo ride (I should have been looking earlier in the season when all the factory rides were out). Wouldn't mind an ST1100, but don't want to go back that old. Don't want a BMW, too expensive to fix and no more reliable.

Side benefits - Did somebody say chick magnet? Nuthin' but trouble, LOL.... I know the bike is capable of more speed than necessary, and I tend to stay out of performance award range for the most part, but sure, we all cheat when we know it's safe to do so (or not so safe for those of you with awards).

Bottom line, I want the sport touring style of riding where I can load up and be gone for a week or two. I don't have an FJR yet, but I think a nice black cherry 2007 will work. I'm still looking for that good deal...........

 

[Bobcattoo]

Biggest BANG for the BUCK! All bikes are good....this ones a f-ing just (great) ride

Mine's a Fricken' Joy Ride

 

[Bobcattoo]

I just bought it because the chicks dig it.

Good Reason! Doesn't seem to work here. If it ain't a Harley, MOST Tenn girls aren't interested. Can you say uneducated!

 

[Cdogman]

Can you say uneducated!

Huh :dribble: umm no,, wassat mean??

 

[glory racing]

Status can't be an option because the majority of people, bike owners included, do not even know what an FJR is!!!

I decided to sell all the street bikes in the garage and try just one ride for a while. The FJR fit the bill of a comfortable ride with the ability to wick it up quite well in the twisties...If you are willing to throw it around. If the FJR was magically a couple hundred pounds lighter, thereby deleting the throw it around comment...it would be damn near perfect. Good dealer support was a plus.

 

[mutha1300]

[SIZE=12pt]Couple of years ago I had looked at the Kawa ZZR1200... At this time it was hard to find a Feej.... I didn't buy the bike, waited a few years, bought the Feej, and do love it... My back could use a little more comfort, especially after a 500 mile/day ride; or perhaps I need to pick up a pack of tampons!!???[/SIZE] :lol:

 

[just roy]

"multiple personalities" fast when i want to be, slow when i want. makes even a hack rider like me look good and keeps me out of trouble. not that it is wanted (its nice) but this bike attracts more female attention than any other bike i have owned. i rarely clean my bike but no matter who i ride with harleys, r1 types or gold wings people always comment on my bike first.

 

[Bogey907]

"i rarely clean my bike but no matter who i ride with harleys, r1 types or gold wings people always comment on my bike first."

Yeah, hehehe. I rode with a buddy who was on his near-new BMW K1200LT. At a couple of stops., people walked past and ignored it to ask about my Feej.

Heheheh.

 

[marcusorelius]

I want'a go fast, far, in comfort and look good do'n it!

 

[Rolavine]

It was the only bike that had everything from my wish list without much compromise.

Shaft drive, fuel injection, liquid cooled, fairing, storage, not too huge to hop on for a quick trip to the store, wouldn't be blown all over the road by wind and trucks, can go fast or slow with grace, reliable, strong, dependable, and capable of surviving past 100K.

I also just had a viceral reaction to it, practical cool is just my kind of thing.

I wish it was 100 pounds lighter and had self cancelling turn signals, pretty small list of complaints, since a diet and more attention would solve either of them.

 

[Knifemaker]

It was the only bike that had everything from my wish list without much compromise. Shaft drive, fuel injection, liquid cooled, fairing, storage, not too huge to hop on for a quick trip to the store, wouldn't be blown all over the road by wind and trucks, can go fast or slow with grace, reliable, strong, dependable, and capable of surviving past 100K.

I also just had a viceral reaction to it, practical cool is just my kind of thing.

I wish it was 100 pounds lighter and had self cancelling turn signals, pretty small list of complaints, since a diet and more attention would solve either of them.

My thoughts exactly. I made of list of all the aspects and strengths I wanted out of a motorcycle, and the FJR simply was the only bike that made the cut. The Honda ST lost because it was heavier and slower, and the BMW pretty lost out not just because of price, but because of the rarity of BMW dealers. And too finish them off, the FJR was just way better looking than either of those.

The FJR is the Uberbike. It can do more than anything else out there.

KM

 

[Gerry.GEG]

I'm here to tell ya, if I were out to impress anyone I'd have to buy a Harley or a BMW. Most people I know have no idea that my bike is special. I have to consistently explain what a sport tourer is, what an FJR looks like and how it differs from a cruiser.

IMHO, the FJR is a well priced technologically impressive motorcycle. Rock-solid reliability and a well handling ABS bike are paramount to me. I agree with your estimation of BMW's. Many are very nice bikes but not for those on a budget. I considered a one year old RT last year and it was $2K more than my brand new FJR. I have put money in my FJ but I probably would have done the same with the BMW.

One has to be ok with the fact that many will not know what you have. I like the fact that there are maybe less than 10 FJR's in all of Spokane County (400,000 pop). I like that exclusivity Vs. a Harley which I can be with my 2500 other friends. That's just my quirk.