Yamaha`s better kept secret

[canyonman]

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The dealer I bought from (Donnelson Cycles , St. Ann MO) has been in the area since I was in in grade school. (I'm 54 now) I bought my first Yamaha there, (a '78 RD400) and the salesman that sold me my 82 Seca 550 , back in 82, still worked there and sold me my 2006 FJR.

As for knowledge, he likely knows more about bikes than I do, but his biggest selling point (not that I needed one) was the fact that although he worked for a dealler that sold Hondas, Triumphs, Moto-guzzis,Ducatis, MVs and Yamahas..and he could have his pick of any bike to own himself...The bike he got for himself was a 05 FJR.

KM

Got mine from Val too. great guy. knows his shit.

When describing my ride to a non rider i just tell them it's a crotch rocket for old dudes (sit up straight, wind protection, luggage, etc.) that seems to put a good enough picture in their head.

I have also noticed that friends new to riding on the street can't understand the need for the FJR when I have a very nice HD sitting in the garage. Then after taking them across the country a couple times and them getting a some real miles under their belts then they understand the need or can at least appreciate what this bike is capable of.

It seems to depend on a riders overall motorcycling experience/knowledge and wether or not they have been wearing manufacturer blinders to be able to truly appreciate the absolute effectiveness of this bike.

and yes I wish they would put out a really cool commercial. just because. I still remember a honda st commercial that was out years ago.

 

[Bulldog9]

OK, OK, I have to tell this story as it is germaine to the topic.

Today in the chow hall sharing lunch with a very attractive female Navy officer, the topic of how long we have been here, things we are excited about when we get home, etc, and I tell her that I bought a new bike, and cant wait to get home and ride it. SHe of course asks "what did you buy?" So I tell her bracing myself for having to describe what an FJR1300 is and she without batting an eye says "Sport Tourer right?" VERY cool when that happens. SHe rides, has a small ninja or something, but one of her riding buddies back in the states has an FJR. Still, was an unexpected pleasent suprise not having to explain....

Sad that motorcycle sales people dont know what they sell. Same with cars. I imagine most of us know more about the vbehicles we buy than the sales person we have to deal with. I'm usually brutal and say "look pal, I just need you fo rthe test drive, so shut up and let me drive OK?" And dont waste my time, here is what I am paying take it or leave it......

RARE and pleasent and welcome is the sales person with knoweledge......

 

[wheatonFJR]

OK, OK, I have to tell this story as it is germaine to the topic.
Today in the chow hall sharing lunch with a very attractive female Navy officer, the topic of how long we have been here, things we are excited about when we get home, etc, and I tell her that I bought a new bike, and cant wait to get home and ride it. SHe of course asks "what did you buy?" So I tell her bracing myself for having to describe what an FJR1300 is and she without batting an eye says "Sport Tourer right?" VERY cool when that happens. SHe rides, has a small ninja or something, but one of her riding buddies back in the states has an FJR. Still, was an unexpected pleasent suprise not having to explain....

Sad that motorcycle sales people dont know what they sell. Same with cars. I imagine most of us know more about the vbehicles we buy than the sales person we have to deal with. I'm usually brutal and say "look pal, I just need you fo rthe test drive, so shut up and let me drive OK?" And dont waste my time, here is what I am paying take it or leave it......

RARE and pleasent and welcome is the sales person with knoweledge......

Great story...

How attractive and hawt is that...an attractive Naval Officer that knows her motorcycles? :clapping:

 

[canyonman]

Great story...How attractive and hawt is that...an attractive Naval Officer that knows her motorcycles? :clapping:

No shit! quick marry her before she gets away

 

[FJR-Voltron]

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KM

When describing my ride to a non rider i just tell them it's a crotch rocket for old dudes (sit up straight, wind protection, luggage, etc.) that seems to put a good enough picture in their head.

I have also noticed that friends new to riding on the street can't understand the need for the FJR when I have a very nice HD sitting in the garage.

Two excellent points.. That's the best description I can use when telling people as well..

Also, I can remember when I was 18 and I bought my first bike (ZX6).. I remember seeing bikes like the Katana1000 and FJ-1200's, and wondering why anyone would buy one of those beasts?!?!? I remember thinking how stupid that electric windscreen was on the Katana. :blink: <_<

 

[Steel]

Great story...How attractive and hawt is that...an attractive Naval Officer that knows her motorcycles? :clapping:

No shit! quick marry her before she gets away

Yep... time to close the deal on that one! My wife had a dirt bike as a kid and still loves bikes. You won't regret it!

 

[Nightshift]

i do like the fact that even people who seem to have a knowlege of bikes still have to ask, "what is it?" which leads me to a question, what does the beautiful logo stand for on the tank? it looks like tuning forks to me? (musical) sport touring seemed a logical step for me. i am thrilled to still be riding in dec. here in idaho!!!!!!

They are tuning forks.. Clicky They make top of the line sound equipment also.

I drive a 2004 Fjr and this bike is just cool. The quckness of this bike has saved me from rode kill and I am greatful. Had I been on a cruiser bike I would have bought it.

Michael

 

[Bulldog9]

Great story...How attractive and hawt is that...an attractive Naval Officer that knows her motorcycles? :clapping:

No shit! quick marry her before she gets away

Yep... time to close the deal on that one! My wife had a dirt bike as a kid and still loves bikes. You won't regret it!

Alas, I am already married, to a smokin hot lady (1/2 japanese/ 1/2 Mexican) who doesnt know a thing about motorcycles, but LOVES to ride with me, wouldnt trade her for the world. This young merely attractive Naval female officer was on a scale of 1-10 about an 8, and that is with deployment goggles (far more powerful than beer goggles) . Still, a pretty face is a nice thing to look at.... and the main theme was that she knew what an FJR was. You guys want me to get her ## for you? LOL.

 

[canyonman]

Great story...How attractive and hawt is that...an attractive Naval Officer that knows her motorcycles? :clapping:

No shit! quick marry her before she gets away

Yep... time to close the deal on that one! My wife had a dirt bike as a kid and still loves bikes. You won't regret it!

Alas, I am already married, to a smokin hot lady (1/2 japanese/ 1/2 Mexican) who doesnt know a thing about motorcycles, but LOVES to ride with me, wouldnt trade her for the world. This young merely attractive Naval female officer was on a scale of 1-10 about an 8, and that is with deployment goggles (far more powerful than beer goggles) . Still, a pretty face is a nice thing to look at.... and the main theme was that she knew what an FJR was. You guys want me to get her ## for you? LOL.

I asked the wife, she said even though it is christmas I still can't have her :sadsmiley02: dang it !

 

[Steel]

Great story...How attractive and hawt is that...an attractive Naval Officer that knows her motorcycles? :clapping:

No shit! quick marry her before she gets away

Yep... time to close the deal on that one! My wife had a dirt bike as a kid and still loves bikes. You won't regret it!

Alas, I am already married, to a smokin hot lady (1/2 japanese/ 1/2 Mexican) who doesnt know a thing about motorcycles, but LOVES to ride with me, wouldnt trade her for the world. This young merely attractive Naval female officer was on a scale of 1-10 about an 8, and that is with deployment goggles (far more powerful than beer goggles) . Still, a pretty face is a nice thing to look at.... and the main theme was that she knew what an FJR was. You guys want me to get her ## for you? LOL.

I asked the wife, she said even though it is christmas I still can't have her :sadsmiley02: dang it !

I asked my Mrs. also.... dental appointment at 3:00.

 

[FJR-Voltron]

This young merely attractive Naval female officer was on a scale of 1-10 about an 8, and that is with deployment goggles (far more powerful than beer goggles) .

So, in-port she's a 4.. Underway, she's an 8, huh?

 

[DarkSpirit]

I am so surprised how Yamaha has kept the FJR a secret to most people. When i was looking at first replacing my trusty Roadstar , i was looking at getting a Venture. When most of the people i know ask what bike i`m looking at i told them a Venture & they say , isn`t that the bike touring bike that kind of looks like a Harley . But now that i bought the 07 FJR , friends & family ask what type of bike did you buy & i tell them an FJR & they say (WHAT IS THAT) :blink: I try to explain it to them & then they say (ISN`T THAT ONE OF THEM SPORT BIKES) :angry2: I tell them it`s a sport tourer & then they ask if it hurts my back riding leaned over for a long time , & of course i tell them it`s better on my back than the Roadstar since my spine isn`t getting pounded while sitting straight up or leaned back a little. It could be good or bad that Yamaha doesn`t push or advertise the FJR like there other bikes.
(sorry to rant)

When they ask you what it is tell them that it's a vastly improved Beemer! https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//style_emoti...fault/yahoo.gif

 

[jride]

It would be easy for all the manufactures to increase sales of sport touring bikes if they would enact a campaign like the hd demo rides going from dealer to dealer all summer long offering demo rides. HD management really hit a home run with that marketing technique

 

[Fred W]

It would be easy for all the manufactures to increase sales of sport touring bikes if they would enact a campaign like the hd demo rides going from dealer to dealer all summer long offering demo rides. HD management really hit a home run with that marketing technique

You know, jride, I think you are right. Every one that gets around to riding one, thinks they are crazy good.

Maybe Mamma Yamma is missing the (gravy) boat on this one... ?

 

[nofreeride]

I drive a 2004 Fjr and this bike is just cool. The quckness of this bike has saved me from rode kill and I am greatful. Had I been on a cruiser bike I would have bought it.

Michael

Wow, I wish I could drive a bike that would save me from rode kill.

(Are FNG's like me allowed to do this on Friday?)

 

[radman]

I tend to prefer sales folks who know their product. And my bike is whatever the person I'm talking to wants it to be. They either get it, or they don't, and I've given up on any attempts at edication. So one time it was an Ariel Square Four, the next a Henderson. I think today I'll ride the Lada.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

I think today I'll ride the Lada.

Riva or Niva? :huh:

 

[DBinSJ]

:rofl: That's too funny...I just checked. Yamaha makes only 8 different models. Star makes 10 more. So this superstud salesman didn't know about one of only 18 models they sell.

Well it's partly my fault as I should have known better. This dealership has established a consistant pattern of being dumbasses. I went in there once to check prices on tires. I wanted a new Pilot Road 2 for the Blackbird and he could only find the Pilot Road in the catalog but he said he was sure that if he ordered the Pilot Road they would send him the latest tire . I said that I was sure they wouldn't and if he sold me the PR for the same prices as the PR2 his boss would probably be pretty pissed.

I ended up getting the PR2 at Cycle gear for 45% less than this guy finally quoted me (after he called the distributor).

Anyhow not to completely hi-jack this thread, I agree that Sport Touring is but a small niche of the US motorcycle market. I have yet to meet another FJR rider in PA in person but in my VTX regional group just for Eastern PA we have over 150 members and have assembled up to 70 at one time for local meet & greets. There are far more cruisers than sport tourers around these parts.