Thought about making an apple an orange, decided to buy an orange -ADDED PICTURE

[sfalexi]

Well my original post was here . . . . . http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,30317.0.html.  

Long story short, after seeing the costs for replacing the front cog, getting a full set of GIVI luggage, redoing the seat, getting a bigger windshield, and trying to somehow make the MAX LOAD on the bike enough to carry myself, my girlfriend, and enough clothes/items for a weekend away, I said, "Screw it" and looked around for buying a proper Sport Tourer.

So I stopped by a dealer today just inquiring about Yamaha FJRs (my bike of choice based solely on opinions from the internet and rugged good looks).  The owner of the yamaha dealership was selling his personal FJR used.  I asked the reason (since it seems like such low mileage), and he said he's had it long enough and he just preordered a VMAX.  So he's selling his FJR and fully toured out FZ1.  So I put a down payment to reserve the bike, and I should take delivery and finish up paperwork tomorrow.  I figure this bike was probably well-taken care of and all the services done on time.

It's a 2003 FJR with a top box as well, what looks to be a power socket for something? (not the car adapter that I'm used to . . . ), and 18000 miles.  Price will be 6800 OTD.  After my trade in of the 919, I'll owe 1000.  

I took it for a test ride today, and while nervous seeing as I only have 6 months of riding experience under me (about 5000 miles), I felt comfortable once I got it above about 10 MPH.  And I'll just have to get used to the heaviness at slow speeds (VERY carefully).

And yes, I'll do my best to put pics up by Friday/Saturday.  And I'm so friggin' excited!!!!  I can't wait to take it up to visit my girlfriend this weekend.  Now let's see how that 200 mile, 3.5 hour trip feels with a machine that was DESIGNED to do it.

Alexi

[EDIT] Some pics of the new ride. I was showing my happiness in the last one (hehehehe)

[kevin_stevens]

I'm hungry.

KeS

[ksann]

 

[Chick]

Alexi, post up pics when you get it.  
Since this is a new to you bike, and you don't have a kazillion miles, find an empty parking lot and work on your low speed maneuvers, and braking.  Remember, the lower the speed, the less front brake.  Use the rear in parking lot speeds and gas stations, and the tendency for the front to wash out goes way down.
Have fun, and keep us posted.

[DogBoy]

Apples. Oranges. Just stay away from the lemons.

Congratulations on the bike.  

[sfalexi]

Alexi, post up pics when you get it.  
Since this is a new to you bike, and you don't have a kazillion miles, find an empty parking lot and work on your low speed maneuvers, and braking.  Remember, the lower the speed, the less front brake.  Use the rear in parking lot speeds and gas stations, and the tendency for the front to wash out goes way down.
Have fun, and keep us posted.

Thanks for the reminder  I didn't think about it till now (stupid me).  But I did do this with my cruiser (first bike, bought used and cheap to learn on) for a few weeks and didn't do it on the 919 and seemed ok.  But I'm definitely wary of the FJR.  So this weekend while my woman is at work I'll be working on slowspeed maneuvers in some empty parking lot.  

I did take the basic MSF course and will basically practice what I was taught there.  Loved the test ride, and I'm sure I'll feel even better once I'm more comfortable with it's weight in slow speeds.

Alexi

[ksann]

You will not even notice the weight  after a bit, you got yourself a great machine there.



ken

[Hardware]

While I originally voted for keeping the 919, this is great too!  Congrats on the new (to you) bike!

[vulcanbill]

Thanks for the reminder  I didn't think about it till now (stupid me).  But I did do this with my cruiser (first bike, bought used and cheap to learn on) for a few weeks and didn't do it on the 919 and seemed ok.  But I'm definitely wary of the FJR.  So this weekend while my woman is at work I'll be working on slowspeed maneuvers in some empty parking lot.  

I did take the basic MSF course and will basically practice what I was taught there.  Loved the test ride, and I'm sure I'll feel even better once I'm more comfortable with it's weight in slow speeds.

Alexi

Congrats!  That's very exciting.  I would suggest that if she is willing, you include your girlfriend on your low speed maneuvers.  Carrying a passenger is challenging on its own.  Doing it on a new bike that you know will be heavier than you're used to will present even more.  If you can get her to the parking lot with you, you'll have a precious opportunity to remove the unknowns before they bite you...in the middle of a crowded intersection or gas station.    I'm jealous.

[ol Rocket]

You will not even notice the weight  after a bit, you got yourself a great machine there.

ken

This happens in wives and girlfriends, too.   (I can't believe I just said that )

[EricJ]

Congradulations! We look forward towards some pics posted!  
Eric

[Aviatorkev]

Hey, welcome to the club! I traded a Ninja 500R for my FJR. 330lbs to 598lbs was a huge jump for me, but after two months on it I can u-turn in just over my lane without taking my feet off the pegs. Once you get used to the weight, it really is pretty stable at slow speed. My GF loves the extra room.

  Enjoy the 200 mile trip! I have made some great 200-250 mile trips in a day from Knoxville. (Think GSMN, Clingman's dome, Cherokee, Maggie Valley, the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, Foothills Parkway, and this weekend will add the Blue Ridge Parkway!) I picked up the V-Stream windshield for cooler weather touring and the FJR is MADE for exploring. You will love it!

[squeezer]

(snip)
It's a 2003 FJR with a top box as well, what looks to be a power socket for something? (not the car adapter that I'm used to . . . ), and 18000 miles.  Price will be 6800 OTD.  After my trade in of the 919, I'll owe 1000.  

Congrats!  I ride an '03 and love it.

On that power socket...  the '03's didn't come stock with any power outlets, so that was added.  If it's not a standard car adapter, it's probably a BMW-style Powerlet socket.  A lot of heated gear, etc., comes with that type of plug.  It'll be handy.

[1moreroad]

I thought you bought a KTM with comments about oranges and all.

Congrats.

[motoguy128]

The power socket is either for a heated vest or GPS.  If your'e really into long distanec sport touring, you'll want to have both... especially the heated vest.

[leveredge]

That's why I have a Honda ST13. I didn't need such a big bike for just myself but it works for us and to take all our stuff. This bike works for our commute as well. I keep the top box on it all the time. Laptop fits in there nice. If you are going to ride or tour two-up much I think the FJR is probably going to work for you better in the long run.

[county]

You will not even notice the weight  after a bit...


ken

   Yeah, right.  It'll be like a SV650.

Seriously, do some practice with that big fcuker.  At slow speeds.  

[Liquidsilver]

I thought you bought a KTM with comments about oranges and all.

 
Exactly what I thought.  
 
 
 
Listen for a strange ticking sound in the valve train.   Some of the '03s were stricken with that.   Yamaha paid for everybody's I know of... but it'd probably be best to find out early.   The normal valve train has a lot of mechanical noise, but a ticker sounds like a clear tapping of a spoon inside the motor.
 
Phenominal bike though!  
 
It is a heat producer, and I found that smaller windshield in the summertime was the biggest cure.
 
Cheers!!  
 
 
 

[napper]

Seriously, do some practice with that big fcuker.  At slow speeds.  

This happens in wives and girlfriends, too.   (I can't believe I just said that )

[sfalexi]

Turns out the power supply is for a "widder" vest.  Which the previous owner strongly recommends.  Although I may do some cutting/soldering and see if I can wire it to a standard cigarette lighter.  Maybe see if I can mount it in the fairing.  I'll ask about it in the mods section.

Loving it BTW.