Thinking of new FJR

[71Fish]

Hey guys, first post.  Currently I'm riding a 2001 Road King.  For about the past year I have very seriously been considering selling my RK and getting a new(er) FJR.  My question is, I remember reading somewhere(?) about the 06's being powered down for some reason, probably EPA.  But I can not find that anywhere,so maybe I imagined it.  Did I imagine it, or is the 06 powered down?  

I haven't been on a FJR yet. But visually, and on paper, it looks very nice.

And just for a little intro; I have 2 HD's, and 1995 Sloptail and 2001 Road King.  I purchased the ST new while stationed in Germany and have put 130,000 miles on it.  After riding from South Dakota to Nova Scotia and back (low profile seat, ape hangers, you get the picture) and returning with a case of serious sore ass, I bought a used 2001  Road King Classic (95 c.u.) with only 8,000 miles.  I have 12+ years of seat time on my Softail and won't sell it, but I have no attachment to my RK.  It is a very sweet ride but I'm not in love with it.  I've kind of outgrown the "biker" thing too, not that there is anything wrong with it.

I'm also a serious mountain biker.  18 years in the Air Force and stationed in Korea for 3 more weeks.  My last assignment will be to Hill AFB in Utah.

[xcsp]

I am unaware of any "powering down" of the FJR engine.

Go ahead and see if you can take one for a demo ride.  

[FJRmgm]

No, all the FJR's have 145 hp and 90 lb-ft of torque.

The GenII's ('06 and up) have better heat management and air flow than the prior versions.

I have an '05 and it is a great machine.  You can eat miles with it in comfort and style.

[71Fish]

No, all the FJR's have 145 hp and 90 lb-ft of torque.

The GenII's ('06 and up) have better heat management and air flow than the prior versions.

I have an '05 and it is a great machine.  You can eat miles with it in comfort and style.

I must have confused what I read with something else.  Thanks for the replys.
Other than ABS and heat mgmnt, is that the basic difference in Gen I and Gen II?  Geometry the same?  2006 is the beginning of Gen II, correct?

[UFO]

Yeah, no powered down versions on the FJR.

I highly recommend a Gen II ('06+) version.  Lots of fixes for the early gen engine heat management.  Full instrument redesign and features (fuel usage updates, gear indicator, ambient temp, etc).  Plastic updated a bit.  New seat.  New mirrors.  Taller stock screen?  And I believe adjustable seat and bars.

Someone else may have a laundry list of the updates, but they weren't insignificant.

[Yankee Dog]

You really need to find a way to test drive that thing before you buy.  Not to discourage you but the seating position is SIGNIFIACANTLY different from what you are used to.  Lots of cruiser rides have a very hard time getting adjusted to the more forward position.  The power is nice without a doubt but not if you cant get comfortable.  

yankee Dog

[jude]

Only the French have the 'powered down' motors.  105 HP, IIRC.  Don't move to France.

[sprint_st]

If you are ridiing HD cruisers, not to be a wise guy but, I wouldn't be worried about any power difference in the Gen II FJR's.  Like yankee dog said, the riding position and style is the thing.  You CAN cruise an FJR but IMO, that isn't what an FJR does best nor does it come close to showing its capabilities.

[FJRmgm]

from '06 up ABS was standard and not an option.

Also, '06 and up have a longer wheelbase (swingarm) for better ride with taller 5th gear for lower rpms at highway speeds.  From a frontal view the bike looks sleeker because of a curved radiator instead of flat like my '05 has.

This were nice improvements to an already fine machine.  There are many 04's and '05's out there with surprisingly low mileage for sale.

[WBill]

Perhaps it would be worthwhile to wait till a few refinements have been applied to the Generation II FJR's.  Two I'm thinking about right now, and which should be subject to a recall, are:

1. The high elevation EFI fix.  Apparently, Yamaha made changes to the EFI computer, not realizing that many of us ride at elevations of over 6,000' regularly.

2. The ignition switch short-wiring problem.  Oh, please!

At least that's what I'm waiting for, before I trade in my '05.  They weren't broke, but they "fixed"  these things anyway.  The results were steps backward in manufacturing an otherwise excellent motorcycle.

[71Fish]

If you are ridiing HD cruisers, not to be a wise guy but, I wouldn't be worried about any power difference in the Gen II FJR's.  Like yankee dog said, the riding position and style is the thing.  You CAN cruise an FJR but IMO, that isn't what an FJR does best nor does it come close to showing its capabilities.

   No kidding, I'm lucky if I have over 80 hp on my Road King.  I'm not overly concerned about hp. I'll have to ride one and see. Like I said, on paper it looks great, and people love them.  It's one of the only bikes people buy that I don't read a bunch of bitching about.  
I may get back home in a few weeks and hop on my Road King and fall in love again.  Who knows?

[Ears]

with regards to seating position...
Cruisers - you're sitting back onto your tailbone.
FJR - more forward, lots less tailbone.

I was always a 'standard' type, but rode a cruiser a few times...didn't enjoy the tailbone action.
I love my 06 FJR. Even with the fact it ruined the end of my vacation this year with a bad ignition switch. I'm working on getting even by just riding it every chance I get.

[Snowbird]

71Fish, one thing you're going to miss over your Harley is the finish on the FJR. It's the softest finish I've ever seen. Last night I strapped a bag of dog food onto the back of my FJR and rode about 20 miles home. When I arrived, the passenger grab rail where the bag had rested was abraded to the point where I think it'll always look damaged; I don't think it'll buff out.     The windshield is also looking bad, with fine scratches. My six year old Aprilia's windshield looks better than the one year old FJR's does.

Harleys, on the other hand, have lots of clearcoat. Fine scratching will buff right out.   

[71Fish]

HD really has the best paint program in the industry.  I forget which plant does the paint, but they don't show the process on the tours.  I have a quick release sissy bar/rack that sits high off the fender, so I don't worry about scratching it.  It always makes me feel better to get that first scratch.  Then I can stop worrying about it.

[Bounce]

HD really has the best paint program in the industry.

yep. ya gotta play to your stengths. HD's is definitely in the appearance area. but, when you're not distracted with things like tech advancement, you can focus better on other things and refine them a lot over 100 years.

[squeezer]

   Bounce, don't be mean.

Definitely try the test ride, Fish.  No bike fits everyone.  But you'll find it's not a real aggressive riding position.  There's more balance across the butt, hands, and feet than on a typical cruiser, but the FJR seating position is really designed for the long haul not the track.

I'm absolutely in love with my '03.  It was pretty comfortable when stock.  A few farkles have made it perfect.

[Snowbird]

yep. ya gotta play to your stengths. HD's is definitely in the appearance area. but, when you're not distracted with things like tech advancement, you can focus better on other things and refine them a lot over 100 years.

Let me tell you that a Harley 96 inch engine will keep you and your FJR on your toes if ridden by someone who knows what they're doing.... except when the road tightens, giving the FJR's shorter wheelbase an insurmountable advantage. You know... just like when you try to keep up with a sportbike with a yet shorter wheelbase and the road tightens and the FJR is left in the dust.  

[sprint_st]

Let me tell you that a Harley 96 inch engine will keep you and your FJR on your toes if ridden by someone who knows what they're doing.... except when the road tightens, giving the FJR's shorter wheelbase an insurmountable advantage. You know... just like when you try to keep up with a sportbike with a yet shorter wheelbase and the road tightens and the FJR is left in the dust.  

Hey Snowbird, where are these "riders who know what they are doing" on HD's?    Got to remember these are the same guys that give you "loud pipes save lives" and "never use the front brakes on a HD". They are also the ones who are jacking up the fatality numbers in the 40+ crowd.  The wheelbase is a contributing factor but ground clearance is the killer on an HD, literally.  FJR's don't have loads of it but at least the peg feelers will provide some indication.  HD guys go into major scrape of body parts on kiddy turns.  There are numerous photos of HD's levering up the front wheel and separating bike and rider on the web and one of the major cycle mags not too long ago.

[Baz]

Hey Fish:

The 06-07 FJR's were not powered down but have taller gearing, and I can tell you that heat issues have been resolved. I love my 06 to death & would recommend one in a second.

Do not let those who think a 96 inch equipped Harley of any kind will keep up to an FJR in any instance. (I have rode both) I am sorry, but not even close, especially in let's say a 80 mph roll on. The FJR will cruise at the top end of a 96 inch Harley's top speed all day long with two up.

I am not joking when I say this, but my FJR starts to feel really good at 160 kph. I have got near there on a Road King once, and it scared the bejesus out of me. There were more harmonic vibrations going on than what you would find at the Playboy mansion on a Sat. night.

Cruisers are, for well cruising. FJR's are for going really fast in comfort.

[Snowbird]

I sed:

a Harley 96 inch engine will keep you and your FJR on your toes if ridden by someone who knows what they're doing....

Did I say: "will keep up to an FJR"?

No.

Just setting the record straight.  

[arktazz]

I have made the switch from the cruiser style to the 07 FJR   Best move I have made.  

[mxvet57]

I have made the switch from the cruiser style to the 07 FJR   Best move I have made.  

  like going from a wet sponge   to a 44 magnum

[71Fish]

I have made the switch from the cruiser style to the 07 FJR   Best move I have made.  

Come on, don't just throw that carrot out there.  Elaborate a little  

[arktazz]

I have made the switch from the cruiser style to the 07 FJR   Best move I have made.  

Sorry 'bout the dangle.
I have back and knee probs and after rides on the cruiser I had a sore back & a very sore arse. Now with the FJR I can go 200+ miles and not be sore. I have yet to have an issue with the FJR, but its relatively new (3900K).

[burnergold2B]

 Utah NEEDS another feejer owner. Go for it!    

[Calabash]

I switched from a cruiser (Honda ACE 750) to a FJR 06.  Like someone said it takes a while to get used to the different seating. I used to slow down for corners because of scraping pegs, now I lean into corners without slowing down. I used to follow behind cars in front of me that were doing 60mph or more, now I wait for an opening to zip past cars in front of me going 60mph or more. The FJR is a whole different animal than the cruiser I had.

[BruceK]

I had both a Kawasaki Vulcan, and a Triumph Sprint. I loved the Sprint, but it was backache city for me. I can lean forward, straight up, or backward for riding position changes on the Vulcan, and the same for the FJR.
I did 425 miles the second day after buying my 06 FJR with no problem ( just a little butt burn).

One thing about FJR's though, they do eat up the miles. I've ridden 2600 miles in 4 weeks. (not allot for you hard core dudes, but allot for me).

I bought the 06 because of the price difference from new to used, and the genII upgrades.

Fantastic bike!!!!

-Brucek

[Melcontent]

I just returned from a 6K, 11 day trip on my '06 FJR.  And I ran the f*ck out of it.  90+ (and more) for hours on end. Full days of shifting and braking and "wicking it up".  Yes, my behind ached a bit on the higher mileage days (840 on the final day-hurrying home), but this motorcycle is a fantastic piece of work.  Not a hiccup during the whole trip.  From sea level to 10,000 plus.  Heavy rain to near 100 in the desert.  Admittedly, I'm a bit emotional about it right now (as I parked it when the trip was over, I sat quietly beside it in the dark for awhile, almost misty eyed), but I think you'll enjoy owning this bike.
      Yeah, get one for yourself.  It will exceed all expectations.
Note:  Yes, I'm putting together a trip report-sorting photos and notes.

[JGreb]

I am in the same boat here,  a that boat rocks back and forth, One day I want the new C-14, the next the FJR. I can't decide, but the heat issue on the C-14 is definetely swaying me toward the FJR . Please talk me out of the FJR. This is a very hard choice to make.

I also am currently on a HD, an 06 street Glide, but I have owned sport bikes such as the R1, GSXR, and CBR. I am not a loyalist, I will ride what is best. I just can't take the lack of power anymore on the HD. I can't even pass safely, I miss the effortless power the sport bikes had.

[sprint_st]

The C14 looks really good and I doubt weather you would be disappointed with either it or the FJR.  Right now there are more farkles available for FJR's but that will change with time.  In observing bikes for 40 years, I believe that Yamaha builds bulletproof engines.  Kawasaki does cut corners.  I didn't see it in my Z1 back in 1975 but I did see it in the old Connie's. (I've probably got a couple of COG hit men after me now  )  That C14 does have the bells and whistles doesn't it?  Like they say though, give it a year or so for any bugs to appear and get fixed.  I love my 06 FJR.  It may not be the absolute best but it's mine and it does everything I ask of it.

[rauchman]

  like going from a wet sponge   to a 44 magnum

Errr perhaps a better analogy would be going from Rosie O'Donnell to Jessica Alba

[Melcontent]

Errr perhaps a better analogy would be going from Rosie O'Donnell to Jessica Alba

I didn't start this but, -----from Margaret Thatcher to Charlize Theron.