FJR or DL-1000 (Help pick Baz's next bike)

[Baz]

Hi Everyone:

Well it is now just 3 weeks away before I must give my local stealer a deposit on an in crate 2006 FJR 1300A. I am hesitating a bit as the DL-1000 is also appealing to me (albeit for different reasons) This is sort of a repeat post by the way, but as I am struggling with the decision, I am in dire need of advice.

I think I would love the grunt of the FJR and of course will love the convenience of a ST mount (Currently ride a 2002 B-12). My 9 year old son has decided he will want to come along on rides with me this summer an the FJR equipped with a top box will accommodate a Little safety factor into him being on the back.

Most of my enjoyable rides are highway miles. (I do not use the bike for commuting) Now I love the Bandit's grunt but I am finding it a bit uncomfortable on long rides (leg room is the biggest complaint)

I have always liked the Strom, and on occasion I thought it would be nice to venture on a few gravel roads. A fellow at the dealer (who owns a DL-1000) told me they are quite a handfull on gravel, and he does not do much off pavement riding with his as a result. He loves his DL. but just advises that I would not like it much on gravel.

Here is the thing.

New FJR is $16000.00 with luggage. (Canadian bucks)

DL 1000 is $11000.00 no luggage. and the Suzuki bags are going to run me about 2000.00. I should add that the DL is also a 2006 model.

The price difference is not a big factor with me.

I have test rode a DL. I liked it, but did not love it if you know what I mean. I would sort of compare it to a minivan. It was OK, got me there, but I did not have a smile on my face. I am not really a fan of V-twins, and just found the DL, a little too utilitarian.

I have not rode an FJR but sitting on it, I sort of relate it to being a very luxury like Bandit. I know the weight of the FJR is considerably on the porky side, but like I say, most of my riding is highway, and weight does not concern me much.

I think both bikes would make an excellent highway bike, but feel the FJR might be a better way to see the sights.

[Jetpilot5]

I have test rode a DL. I liked it, but did not love it if you know what I mean. I would sort of compare it to a minivan. It was OK, got me there, but I did not have a smile on my face. I am not really a fan of V-twins, and just found the DL, a little too utilitarian.

Sounds like the FJR is the winner to me.  It would probably make you feel better about it if you could somehow score a test ride.

[sprint_st]

For about a year now I have been looking at ST1300's, R1200GS's, Triumph Tiger's, Multistrada's, and a multitude of others.  Of course I came to the obvious conclusion that one bike just doesn't do it.  Next Wednesday I'm picking up my 06 FJR but I will keep my 02 Triumph Sprint ST.  Probably won't ride the Sprint much but when I need a twisty fix, it should do the job.  To be as polite as possible, let me just say the DL's may be the best thing since buckwheat, BUT it AIN'T purdy.  Tell me the truth, in a beauty contest who would you vote for Woopie Goldberg (DL) or Jessica Simpson (FJR).  In my mind, the FJR is the best long distance touring package for the money currently available.  Maybe, and that's just a maybe the Concours 14 will give it a run for it's money but it still has to prove itself.  Aesthetics aside the only factor that could tighten the race would be what kind of rides do you take.  IMO, the longer the runs, the more the balance shifts to the FJR.  As far as gravel goes, all bikes suck on gravel, it's just how bad.

[mxvet57]

i vote FJR  

  but hey, I'm biased

[jude]

Ooooh, there's a poser, but I think you've answered you won question with your comments about V-2's and the utilitarian factor of the Strom.  Looks like you want the FJR and I can't argue having put more the 40K on mine.  I'll never give it up, but I do want to someday travel off road.  For that purpose, I'll simply get a KLR650 or a DR650 and beat the crap outta them without care.  You'll like the FJR and the kick you get from all that torque will keep you and your kid in giggles for a long time.

[Baz]

Ooooh, there's a poser, but I think you've answered you won question with your comments about V-2's and the utilitarian factor of the Strom.  Looks like you want the FJR and I can't argue having put more the 40K on mine.  I'll never give it up, but I do want to someday travel off road.  For that purpose, I'll simply get a KLR650 or a DR650 and beat the crap outta them without care.  You'll like the FJR and the kick you get from all that torque will keep you and your kid in giggles for a long time.

Poser? who you calling a poser? I ride a Bandit for God's sake!

I do appreciate the comments people!

[VAX]

I ride a Strom and it certainly puts a smile on my face, but it seems that an FJR is in your future.  In truth, these are both excellent choices.  Keep in mind that the Strom's gearing is very high but can easily be changed with a new front sprocket.  The bike has a whole different personality with this gearing change.  Stiffer fork springs are a big improvement too.

[Against The Wind]

Ooooh, there's a poser, but I think you've answered you won question with your comments about V-2's and the utilitarian factor of the Strom.  Looks like you want the FJR and I can't argue having put more the 40K on mine.  I'll never give it up, but I do want to someday travel off road.  For that purpose, I'll simply get a KLR650 or a DR650 and beat the crap outta them without care.  You'll like the FJR and the kick you get from all that torque will keep you and your kid in giggles for a long time.

 

[JimWilliamson]

Commit to the FJR....

....then start looking for a used DL-650 (slightly lighter weight for off-road stuff) to add to the mix - "for play" - yea, that's the ticket...

[Baz]

Commit to the FJR....

....then start looking for a used DL-650 (slightly lighter weight for off-road stuff) to add to the mix - "for play" - yea, that's the ticket...

This is something I have really considered. A DL 650 or KLR. There is just one problem. The beging, pleading I have had to go through to convince my better half that I really need the FJR, is not something I dare repeat in the next couple of years!

Another thing that comes into the equation is that I do not know anyone that I ride with on a regular occasion that has a dual purpose bike, so I would probably not use the off road capabilities very much.

[Barabus]

FJR all the way.  Be prepared to fall in love.

[Against The Wind]

Though I haven't ever done 1,000 miles in a day, the closest I came was ride from Halifax to Ottawa in one day about 1,480 km approx.  

Nice ride eh? I did Fredericton to Ottawa on a DT-250 in the rain in November of 77. My fingers thawed out in the summer of 78.

PS. I want a KLR as a 2nd bike too.

[ChrisZRX]

Re-read your own post.    For you the FJR is the best choice, particularly when you said the DL just doesn't do it for you.

However, I thought the DL was fine on gravel roads.  

A LOT better than a ZRX1200.  

[Canuck]

I've been riding a 2002 DL 1000 for a few years now and really like the bike. My dream bike though was the FJR, and I was pretty certain it would be my next bike. Then the guy I ride with the most bought an 05 FJR. We do at least one trip a summer together, and switch bikes a lot, so I've spent lots of miles riding both bikes. I'm now not so sure whether I will switch to the FJR. I'm thinking of getting another V-Strom when this one gets tired enough. However, if I went for a V-Strom instead of the FJR, I'd fully outfit it from the beginning with all the little extras I've added gradually to the current machine.  I do appreciate the v-twin, and I just love the way the bike handles. The FJR is great too, but I think I'm leaning more to the V-Strom right now. Ask me in a year, and I might have changed my mind again. These are two wonderful bikes, so you can't go wrong with either one. The biggest advantage of the V-Strom is price.

Somebody else mentioned the Givi bags for the V-Strom. There's also a great quick release mounting rack for the Givi bags made by SW-Motech. You can find these at twistedthrottle.com. I think they are the only North American distributor of the SW-Motech stuff, at least they were a couple of years ago. With the SW-Motech racks, you can remove the racks in just a few minutes when riding without bags.

[Baz]

You guys are not making this easy. I can't find either a Strom or an FJR owner who would not buy another.

This may come down to the enie menie moe thing.

[jude]

Let further your confusion...  Shhhhh, but I've been eyeballin' this Wee Strom that a neighbor has up for sale.  Might be just the perfect stablemate for the FJR.  

[sprint_st]

You guys are not making this easy. I can't find either a Strom or an FJR owner who would not buy another.

This may come down to the enie menie moe thing.

Whatever you do, DON'T ride an FJR for more than hour!   If you do you'll be addicted for life.  I went for my first "real" ride yesterday.  I do love my Sprint, but it's going to sitting in the garage A LOT!!!  Seriously, go for a ride on an FJR, and the DL if you can.  "enie menie" will be a thing of the past.

[Bounce]

With the caviets you listed, it would seem that the FJR would be the better solution. You will be amazed at what the FJR brings to the table at the entry price. It's like 2 bikes. Below 5000 rpm it's very tractable and well behaved. Crank it up over 5 grand and the engine wakes up and growls as it jumps, willingly, toward red line.  A very controllable bike at all speeds.  Lots of after market support if you decide to do any fine tuning for personal taste.  Respected by those who expect to put a lot of miles on their bikes without serious down time.

Another thing that comes into the equation is that I do not know anyone that I ride with on a regular occasion that has a dual purpose bike, so I would probably not use the off road capabilities very much.

Then, after the FJR is lassoed, look for a used, beater dirt bike. Look for something mechanically-sound but cosmetically-challenged. Pay bottom dollar for it and beat the hell out of it. You'll get your dirt fix and not worry about the equity loss because someone else already took the hit on that.

If you go with the Strom, I know quite a few folks that moved from the DL1000 to the DL650 and have been glad they did. One thing to consider for bags are the Jesse bags. A bit more expensive but hell-for-stout and become some additional crash protect for when you eventually take a tumble while off road.

[Baz]

Whatever you do, DON'T ride an FJR for more than hour!   If you do you'll be addicted for life.  I went for my first "real" ride yesterday.  I do love my Sprint, but it's going to sitting in the garage A LOT!!!  Seriously, go for a ride on an FJR, and the DL if you can.  "enie menie" will be a thing of the past.

Hey Sprint:

The ST was actually my 2ND choice as a Sport Tourer, but unfortunately, the Triumph dealer sucks in my town. It was interesting to hear though that you like the FJR better.

It's about 2 weeks away from making that 20 year old FJR salesman smile, and so far I am leaning towards the FJR in a big way. The bike show comes to my town on Jan. 12th & I thought I might wait until then to make my final decision. It will give me a chance to sit on pretty much anything available.

As for the dirt option, my 9 year old is very interested in a Yamaha 90 that my boss is putting up for sale, so I may just pick up a second "all dirt" bike for weekend outings with him.

[sprint_st]

Baz,
My Sprint is an 02.  Although the 1050 engined Sprints are excellent, for someone who is actually more tour than sport I prefer the 955 Sprints.  With Triumph, it is an absolute MUST to have a good dealer close and I would never buy one from a dealer that didn't have a super reputation because dealers are everything if you have a problem with a Triumph.

I know I said it before, once you ride the FJR all doubt will go away.
Rod