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

[forester]

Nice pics. With the exception of the last two, then yes, the FJR can do that.  As a former FJR and current DL1000 owner, I disagree with your assesment that the Strom is more capable on-road...could be riding style but one is obviously a dedicated S-T mount, and one a compromise/adventure motorcycle.

Baz....congrats on the new ride.  You're going to love it!  

Just to set the record straight, my point was that the V-strom is more capable on-road than off.

[sprint_st]

Check out what models are most commonly used for Iron butt tools  

Just for curiosity sake, I would like to check what those models are.  I tried on the IBA site but couldn't find anything.  

Just a comment:  If pumping out 1000+ miles in 24 hrs is your thing, absolutely wonderful.  For me, just because the engine is on and the wheels are tunin' doesn't mean you are "riding."  Again, purely IMO, IBA events are more an exercise in stamina or sleep deprivation than bike skills. My curiosity is from the point of view that it should have some indication of how tough the bike is rather than the rider.

[bluesurf]

Just for curiosity sake, I would like to check what those models are.  I tried on the IBA site but couldn't find anything.

2K5 IBA Results, including motorcycles:  http://www.ironbuttrally.com/IBR/2005/RiderScorecardsLeg3.cfm

[Mr.Awesome]

Holy smokes......check out #59 on a ninja 250 , tooo cool.  

[birdrunner]

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.

I've got the same problem.   I have a XL650 just waiting for me to take out somewhere nuts, but I'm a little leery of crashing it in the middle of nowhere without back up.

Come on BaZ,  you know you want one.

[Paul Barnard]

I have these two mounts on my short list as well, so let me thank everyone for their replies.  I sat on both of them yesterday.  They just happened to be side by side on the sales floor.  It is a tough decision.  I'm leaning toward trying to find a lightly used one for sale by an individual.  I hate paying taxes.

[Against The Wind]

 I'm a little leery of crashing it in the middle of nowhere without back up.

He prefers crashing in public view.

[veefer800canuck]

Baz: Why buy new when used will do?  


I saved a ton of cash buying my VFR 1 year old with 7,000km.


Plus I got a tankbag, a K&N filter, a Micron pipe, a barely used Shoei helmet, just my size, etc, etc.

16k is a lotta dosh. Think how many farkles you could buy if you picked up an '05 FJR with 10k on it for what? 11 grand, no tax? (guessing here)

[Dreadnought]

New bike smell alone is worth it in my eyes

[Baz]

Baz: Why buy new when used will do?  


I saved a ton of cash buying my VFR 1 year old with 7,000km.


Plus I got a tankbag, a K&N filter, a Micron pipe, a barely used Shoei helmet, just my size, etc, etc.

16k is a lotta dosh. Think how many farkles you could buy if you picked up an '05 FJR with 10k on it for what? 11 grand, no tax? (guessing here)

Hey Veefer:

I could not find a used one locally & they are giving me a fairly good trade on the Bandit. Anyway too late now, they have my money!

[veefer800canuck]

I see what you mean, I checked canadatrader.com and there's a buttload of them in Quebec but none in Alberta.


Couple in Surrey, but they're '03's and they still want nearly 13k for them!!!!

And they're listings from a Stealership, so add GST to that.  

[hig4s]

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...

And I think the DL (1000 or 650) is more comfortable for the passenger than the FJR,,, I love the FJR but seeing as my next bike needs to be more passenger friendly then my current bike it is no longer on my list.  I'll problable go with an ST1300.

[Baz]

And I think the DL (1000 or 650) is more comfortable for the passenger than the FJR,,, I love the FJR but seeing as my next bike needs to be more passenger friendly then my current bike it is no longer on my list.  I'll problable go with an ST1300.

I test rode a ST1300 and even though I would not consider myself an expert canyon carver, the ST really (how can I say this nicely?) bored me. I do have to say it seems much more plush than the FJR, but hey so is a Goldwing.

[hig4s]

I test rode a ST1300 and even though I would not consider myself an expert canyon carver, the ST really (how can I say this nicely?) bored me. I do have to say it seems much more plush than the FJR, but hey so is a Goldwing.

I can see how some might feel that way,, I personally find the ST to be about halfway between the FJR and the Gold Wing..   I was actually considering the Gold Wing, but I would have to keep my current street bike too, just too expensive. Actually in my view, if they added cruise control, stereo, and passenger intercom to the ST1300 it would be great.

 When I test rode the FJR I found my self (without thinking about it) hanging off and sticking my knee out. Great bike, but I would probably just get myself in trouble with it.. I have a motocross bike for when I feel like pushing the two wheel envelope.

[chornbe]

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.

Uhm... could you pick two less similar bikes? Maybe a 'Busa and a Springer, I suppose.

[Tropical FJR]

I owned a DL1000 for 12 months, and I now have a brand new FJR.

Congrats - you will love the FJR.

Just be careful with her at very slow speed - she is a big girl....

 

[feliz]

Congratulations..you'll love your FJR.

I recently traded an 05 DL for an 06 FJR, in my opinion two totally different bikes. The DL is a great bike (ever see a bad review?), very competent, reliable, CHEAP to buy and maintain (first service $100) etc but to me it lacked soul or character and I let her go after one year. Others mileage may vary!!

[Baz]

Congratulations..you'll love your FJR.

I recently traded an 05 DL for an 06 FJR, in my opinion two totally different bikes. The DL is a great bike (ever see a bad review?), very competent, reliable, CHEAP to buy and maintain (first service $100) etc but to me it lacked soul or character and I let her go after one year. Others mileage may vary!!

To tell you the truth Feliz, that is exactly what I was worried about.

[daddysbike]

Are you kidding??
FJR if you have the $$$, Vstrom if you don't
I had a 650 and 1000 Vstrom not to mention a ST1300, CBR600, ZRX1200 and just sold my 2nd 1800 Goldwing and have my '04 VFR for sale here and I can't wait to get my '06 or '07 FJR now that they finally fixed the heat and valve ticking.
The airflow sucks on the Vstrom but should be helped with an aftermarket windsreen (mpcycle design) Also those damn front shocks as bad as my KLR was. The Strom bounces up and down every time you squeeze the front brake, eerrrgghhh I hated that. Other than that I liked the 1000 Vstrom, large seat with luggage rack you can just strap on a $10 Walmart dufflebag and pack for a week or add hard/soft saddlebags, trunk etc. The 1000 has great power/pull and upright relaxed riding postion. I'm just used to fully faired bikes and like the electric adjustable windscreen, adjustable handlebars, seat and headlights on the FJR not to mention the gear indicator (nice), standard ABS, removeable hardbags (bike looks nice with 'em on or off) etc. The overall fit and build quality of the FJR totally outclasses the Vstrom. Two very different bikes. Ride each if you can and you'll find a way to get a FJR.

Steve

[lieu910]

I'll weigh in here.

I owned an ST1300, and then bought a DL1000. After about a year with it, I'm thinking of an FJR.

The DL is a hoot in the twisties. That bike handles as good or better than some "sport bikes" I've ridden. However, the FJR has better wind protection, shaft drive, etc. Also, the FJR can be farkled to be one outstanding long distance machine. What sealed it for me is a 600 mile trip I took where speeds averaged around 85-90 on the freeway. The wind literally licked my butt and the DL was out of it's element where a bike like the FJR will do that all day and not punish you.

I find the ST1300/FJR opinions a bit odd. The ergos on the ST and FJR are very comperable, so I don't quite the whole idea that the ST is MUCH more comfortable. About the only clear advantage the ST has over the FJR is 2 up riding, and better wind protection. However, throw a larger windshield on and it's an even playing field.