WOO HOO!!! Getting an FJR!!!

[thompsonian]

Welp, as of this coming Sat morning, I will be the proud owner of an 06 FJR1300 ABS!!!!

If the SV does or doesn't go on Ebay,then it will still be going home with me! Not happy bout the high precentage of rain predicted for Sat, but I might pull it off the trailer at some point and ride it the rest of the way home.

I will be getting it from Rick Roush Motorsports in Medina, OH. It's an 06 ABS w/4,xxx miles. I'm pretty stoked and yet I feel a bit old as I will no longer be on a sportbike, but I think my riding style has changed a bit to where the FJR will be more along the lines of what and how I want to ride. Now, the only other thing to consider is what all I need to do it....hmmm....GPS, topbox, new seat with a backreast, maybe exhaust, I imagine the list is endless. But as soon as I get her home, some pics will be in order!

[Dr. Rich]

Congratulations... Enjoy your new bike and ride within your limits. It goes way fast! ... Rich

[RideAboutNow]

SWEET!

Time for Farkles!

[thompsonian]

SWEET!

Time for Farkles!

Umm... How bout a Hell NO!! to those at least...

[Karmak]

Welcome to FJR land

[Against The Wind]

Another old guy bike...........grumble grumble.......









Wanna trade?

[steve.ski]

Big thumbs up!!!  

Great bike. I'm also 6'4" and my VFR feels cramped now and then.

Please post photos when you get the bike!!!

[RideAboutNow]

Umm... How bout a Hell NO!! to those at least...

Some new riding gear, maybe?  

[chornbe]

I'm pretty stoked and yet I feel a bit old as I will no longer be on a sportbike,

Twist of the wrist, lean a bit, carve a curve or two, it's your discretion whether the FJR is a tourer or a sport bike.  

[davop]

Allright!! What color?  

[Zen Rider]

As a former owner of a '05 FJR (and '85 FJ), I say an major Congrats!!!

What a sweet bike!  

BTW: If you're not careful, you may find yourself getting to know your attorney on a "first name" basis.  

[thompsonian]

Thank you, thank you all!!! Now a few replies:

Karmak: Thank you. This was a pretty big decision for me to get a bike like this. I hope I will enjoy it!

Against the Wind: Trade? Hmmm....lemm think on that

RideAboutNow: You are one twisted, sick mined individual! We could become GREAT friends!!

daveop: it's Galaxy Blue. Looks good in the pics!!!

Zen Rider: I HOPE  I don't have that problem. I do believe my wife would kill me. Or at least  

[MrSnrub]

I will be getting it from Rick Roush Motorsports in Medina, OH. It's an 06 ABS w/4,xxx miles.

Sounds like a sweet ride, I love the FJR's. Actually, I was just up at Rick Roush a few weeks ago checking out bikes. I even sat on a used FJR, it might have been yours! Sorry about that scratch on the right side while I was dismounting.... J/K   Post up some pics when you get it.

[FJRmgm]

you won't like it.

Why, I could barely stand to ride my '05 FJR for the last 45,000 miles..  

I mean, all that weight, and all that unnecessary 145 HP and really, who can use 90 lb-ft of torque on a motorcycle anyway?

Now you need to visit www.fjrforum.com - lots of guys there who can assist you with how to spend your money on farkles..

[thompsonian]

I just signed up to FJRforum last night. I figure that's a good place to learn more about my new toy!!

[ol Rocket]

Nice choice, thomp.  I nearly pulled the trigger on one when I was making that same decision.  They are sweet bikes and XLR8 has one, so you know the cool guys ride 'em.

[mxvet57]

 

[ctfz1]

Desmo says fork springs and a Penske shock bring the sport back and make it feel lighter.

[November]

Woohoo! Congrats!  

Now remember we instantly need pics once it's home.    

[timmybob4]

Congrats. I have only ridden with one other person who owns an FJR and he loves it. Come to think of it I've only ridden with one other person who owns an ST1300 and that was someone I met about 600 miles from home. The FJR rider is a couple of hundred miles from here.

I guess there aren't too many pipe and slipper types in my neck of the woods.

[FJRmgm]

"Desmo says fork springs and a Penske shock bring the sport back and make it feel lighter."

I have the Wilburs springs and shock setup on my '05 and there is a world of difference between this setup and stock.  

[Scottyfizz]

You're gonna love the FJR!. I'm still getting to know mine. It's sneaky goddam fast.

[Stray Cat]

 but I might pull it off the trailer at some point and ride it the rest of the way home.

First, Congrats.
Second... trailer? WTF   The fact that you would even consider putting this on a trailer is one thing, but admitting it to this crowd is blasphemy! What, you think it's a cruiser or something? Ride the damn thing.  

[thompsonian]

First, Congrats.
Second... trailer? WTF   The fact that you would even consider putting this on a trailer is one thing, but admitting it to this crowd is blasphemy! What, you think it's a cruiser or something? Ride the damn thing.  

Now,now....I'm not the biggest fan of riding in major rainstorms and there are a few predicted in my area that day. But as we all know, the weather can change at the drop of a hat! Anyways, I have already made my mind up to ride her home anyhow. Should take me about 4 - 5 hours to get her back to Parkersburg. I need to get to know here anyways  

[Stray Cat]

Now,now....I'm not the biggest fan of riding in major rainstorms and there are a few predicted in my area that day. But as we all know, the weather can change at the drop of a hat! Anyways, I have already made my mind up to ride her home anyhow. Should take me about 4 - 5 hours to get her back to Parkersburg. I need to get to know here anyways  

Being from Seattle I don't understand this not riding in the rain stuff  We spit in Rains face. And it spits back...

[thompsonian]

Yeah, well last year my father in law and I went on a trip with some of his friends and we were on Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway and it was raining so hard, all I could see was the yellow line to my immediate left and the white to my immediate right. I don't think I could see any farther than 3 feet in front of me! After that, rain doesn't bother me, but I prefer to ride in the dry. Especially on a new bike!

[XLR8]

Nice choice, thomp.  I nearly pulled the trigger on one when I was making that same decision.  They are sweet bikes and XLR8 has one, so you know the cool guys ride 'em.

 

Let me tell you a short story. Last year I had one of the fastest production sport bikes on the planet. Sure I loved it and it was mega fun. Somehow though, it was my FJR that I always ended up taking on my rides so I sold my sportbike. Every trip I take on my FJR I just kind of stare at it in wonderment of how it just gets er done.

Congrats. You'll love it.

Oh and the rain isn't going to bother that bike any. It loves rain.  

[thompsonian]

Then it's settled! She getting rode home! Only thing that was concerning me is that I have been reading about them having a tendancy to tip over/ be dropped quite easily. Something about the top heaviness of them. I'm 6'3 255# so I'm a fairly stout fellow and believe I will have no problems with this. I think alot of what those people are saying it has been caused by basically rider error. Anyone experienced this?

[Stray Cat]

When I had my FJR I think it rained on every trip I took! Except for day trips that is. Going to national this year it rained a couple of days. Rain is good. The FJR will do just fine.
The reason motorcycles fall over......


wait for it......






















is because they are two tired.....  

[thompsonian]

uggghhhh.....

[XLR8]

Then it's settled! She getting rode home! Only thing that was concerning me is that I have been reading about them having a tendancy to tip over/ be dropped quite easily. Something about the top heaviness of them. I'm 6'3 255# so I'm a fairly stout fellow and believe I will have no problems with this. I think alot of what those people are saying it has been caused by basically rider error. Anyone experienced this?

This is sometime true. Make sure that either direction you point it, you take the slack out of the drive shaft. I think the other thing people do is they don't get their side stand down all the way. Just give it an extra check to make sure it is all the way down. The side stand on the FJR seems to leave the bike more upright than others I've had.

But having said all that, I'm a big doofus and I've never tipped mine over.

[thompsonian]

This is sometime true. Make sure that either direction you point it, you take the slack out of the drive shaft.

I take it you mean to let the clutch out slowly? I've never owned anything but a chain drive so the whole shaft drive thing is new to me.

Now I have ridden my father in law's Kwacki Nomad 1600 and it never felt like it was going to tip or fall so it must be all mental.

[XLR8]

I take it you mean to let the clutch out slowly? I've never owned anything but a chain drive so the whole shaft drive thing is new to me.

Now I have ridden my father in law's Kwacki Nomad 1600 and it never felt like it was going to tip or fall so it must be all mental.

No, sorry I wasn't clear. I mean when parking. I always park in gear and never in neutral. It's possible on a slope for the FJR to roll forward as it takes the slack out of the drive train and then fall off the side stand. IMO, it's not bad at all but different from a chain drive bike. Just make a mental note of it and you'll be fine.

[Andrew]

Then it's settled! She getting rode home! Only thing that was concerning me is that I have been reading about them having a tendancy to tip over/ be dropped quite easily. Something about the top heaviness of them. I'm 6'3 255# so I'm a fairly stout fellow and believe I will have no problems with this. I think alot of what those people are saying it has been caused by basically rider error. Anyone experienced this?

 

Tip over    All I can say is remember to put out the kickstand while dismounting  .


Have a fun ride home,

O YA  

[thompsonian]

Yeah....I never park any of my bikes in neutral. Just a precaution.

And I PROMISE as soon as I get her home, I'll put some pics of her up!!

[Giaka]

Twist of the wrist, lean a bit, carve a curve or two, it's your discretion whether the FJR is a tourer or a sport bike.  

Its a weenie bike, ask any Concours 14 owner.      Oh and you guys are weenies for not riding hard in the rain.    j/k  Congrats on the new scoot.

[Raphy]

Congrats !   the FJR will probably be my next bike.... but not yet...not yet... I'm only just starting the "sample" the Bandit.... but in the future the FJR looks good in my books

Enjoy !!!

[BruceK]

Yee Doggie !!!!

Let us know how the Ride goes. I fly out next thursday to NC to pickup my 2006 FJR. 870 miles back to MA, rain or shine. My we can compare notes when we get back.


- Bruce

[thompsonian]

Well....after 2 full days of ownership of the 2006 FJR1300A I only have one thing to say....WHY THE HELL DIDN'T I BUY ONE SOONER?!?!?!?!? Oh man....this thing is fantastic!! So I'll begin my story from the arrival to the dealership.


My buddy and I arrive at Rick Roush Motorsports around noon. I am greeted by some employee the minute I walk in with a friendly " Hello, welcome to Roush Motorsports! How can I help you? " So I proceeded to tell them who I was looking for and they said they would track him down to please make myself at home. So we looked around a bit and I noticed they had a pool table there for customer who were either waiting for service or whatever. That is one thing you don't see in many dealerships, at least in my neck of the woods!   So he shows up and we take care of the business end of thigns and then takes me outside to go over the workings of the bike. As he was showing me how to change the seat height, he noticed something under the driver seat that he did not know was there. A Power Commander USB!!! Talk about lady luck smiling on a poor bastard!! So he finishes his schpiel and hooks me up with a temp tag and away I go.

First thing I notice, is that the clutch engages WAY sooner than it did on the SV. It takes a few stops and starts to get used to, but within a few stoplights I get the hang of it! The ride home was great aside from a couple of things:

1. Do NOT take directions from anyone that says " Oh sure..it's EASY!! " I followed exactley what he said to do and the next thing you know I pass the sign telling me I'm entereing the next county. No mind you I haven't found the road I'm looking for yet either So I pull a U-turn and head back towards town to only find I have missed my turn by having gone 1 block shy of making an initial turn I was told to.

2. No matter how often you check The Weather Channell and it shows NO precipitation, be prepared anyway! I ran into a couple of light showers, but luckily nothing major. Even if I had, I packed my rainsuit just in case.

Anywho, during most of the ride home I had the roads all to myself which was great since I had to learn how to ride this damn thing. I didn't really notice the extra size until after a few turn realizing I need to start my turns a bit sooner than before. I have fallen in love with the FJR after only 30 minutes on her My only gripe about the bike itself, is that it has the big foam grips which I did not care for since it felt like my gloves were sliding on them. Minor problem that can/will be easily fixed ! Also, I found out the even though the stock seat is nice, it WILL be replaced before long. Not too sure which one yet, but I will replace it soon.

After it has been home for these past couple of days, I have already put almost 400 miles on her just out trying to get the hang of the bigger bike. I took the wife out for a little jaunt around town and she is in love with it also. She feels so much more confortable on it than ever. I'll throw in these pics I took today of her sans bags from the Fort Boreman Park which overlooks Parkersburg/Belpre area. What can I say but,.....why didn't I get one sooner!!!

[thompsonian]

Man... I suck at uploading pics!!! I've got to figure this stuff out...

Here...y'all can go to my myspace page and check them out.. http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=97564522&albumId=1182775

[burnergold2B]

 Congrats!! I'm on my way to getting one too! Can't wait...

[Karmak]

This is sometime true. Make sure that either direction you point it, you take the slack out of the drive shaft. I think the other thing people do is they don't get their side stand down all the way. Just give it an extra check to make sure it is all the way down. The side stand on the FJR seems to leave the bike more upright than others I've had.

But having said all that, I'm a big doofus and I've never tipped mine over.

As part of the farkling process, you take your Dremmel with the cutting wheel and carve out a bit where the kick stand rests and voila!  You get more of an angle!!

[RideAboutNow]

Wow! Nice bike Thomp! Congrats, I'm glad you're enjoying it so much.

Getting a new is so much fun...doncha just love that honeymoon phase, where you get to taste a bit of the excitement you felt when you first started riding.

[ctfz1]

Meyer saddle, Rick or Bill(Rocky?).

[BruceK]

Congrats on the Bike!!  How many miles do you have on her now?


-BruceK

[thompsonian]

Well, after almost a month of ownership, she has gotten a little over 1000 miles from me on her. Now most of those were done a couple of weeks ago when my Dad had to have quadruple bypass surgery in Charleston so I just rode the FJR down I-77. Got a lot better gas mpg than I would have in the car so I took it. Man, she can eat the highway miles with ease!! I haven't had her on too many twisties yet, but the few I have I keep dragging my toes and I'm not used to that just yet. I haven't gotten to add any farkles to her yet, but they are in the planning process as we speak. I have taken the wife for a couple of jaunts around town and she loves it also, so I think this one is a keeper

HOPEFULLY....here in the next year or so I might try to get ahold of a Gixxer 750 for the track or maybe a 600RR. Not sure yet. Once the wife graduates from college is when I can start thinking of other toys!!

[BruceK]

My wife loves the bike too!   We just went on a 900 mile Blue Ridge Parkway Trip. plus the 1000 miles I drove her home. I'd like to do another trip this fall if I get the chance. The 2006 FJR is a keeper!!!


-BruceK