Worth it to upgrade from 2003 to new model?

[Checkswrecks]

If it weren't for the stupid low fire-sale price by a kid over his head in debt, shedding miles, and ability to have ABS for the daily commute, I'd still be on my 2004 and happy, rather than on the 2007 that I'm still farkling to fit me.

If you don't have a specific reason to change like I did, I'd suggest keeping the '03 and just keep your eyes open.

 

[GPRIDER]

I'd still be riding my 04 if I hadn't wrecked it. I bought an 08 because im a little leary of buying used, although I've had pretty good luck buying used vehicles. I wouldn't expect a V-max engine in the 2010. It was born an inline 4 and will stay that way. Maybe more CCs. Heck, these guys still won't give us longer mirrors we've been bitching about since 03. I'm still looking at my fingers and elbows.

GP

 

[Bulldog9]

Only you can answer that question....

As far as power demands and concerns about stator output, in reality, how often will you really have ALL your gear powered up? Pretty rare in my opinion, and installing a small digtal voltmeter can help you to cycle/manage your use. Bottom line is you have that post deployment spending itch..... LOL :yahoo:

So now that we have that cleared up... There are some real differences between 03 and other models. Body work, Brakes, Heat Management, Seat/Handlebars, AE trans, and a bunch of other options. Do those changes matter to you? For me they dont, I got exactly what I wanted. I prefer 90% of the Gen I 03-05 bodywork over the 06+, with the exception of the front hangover. I like the way the way the headlight/front of the Fairing looks on the Gen II, but prefer the rest of the Gen I body work. I also prefer the Gen I instrument cluster, and NON ABS. Everybody makes noise about heat management between generations, but I dont see that as a huge issue, and there are mods for anything if it is.

I cant imagine owning a Wing type ride till I am well into my 60's, and expect my 05FJR to be my main ride for the next 10-15 years. If I were you, I'd be looking at a hooligan type bike like a Speed Triple, FZ1, Monster, VMAX for solo blasting around, and making a few Touring mods to the FJR. THough there have definately been improvements, I dont think your Stator concern is a real world practical problem, or reason to move away from the 03.... But thats just my .02.

 

[Gizmo]

There seems to be a high likelihood, although no guarantee, that the 2010s will be the next generation FJR. If it was me, I'd keep the '03. Ride it for another another year - don't put too much $$$ into it. Trade it in on the 2010 Gen 3.

Ride on brother... :clapping:

 

[MCRIDER007]

Ditch the '03 and get a GenII. Improvements make it a worthwhile swap.
--G

I agree -- especially since I have both a 05 and a 08 in my garage and sometimes ride them back to back. The 05 has a Wilbers shock, GP Suspension fork rebuild, and a Rich's Custom seat, the 08 has a stock seat and suspension and I think it is still a much better bike .... that doesn't need a bigger engine or a sixth gear.

 

[2006FJR]

There seems to be a high likelihood, although no guarantee, that the 2010s will be the next generation FJR. If it was me, I'd keep the '03. Ride it for another another year - don't put too much $$$ into it. Trade it in on the 2010 Gen 3.
Ride on brother... :clapping:

Agreed, leap-frog Gen II. :yahoo: