I'm buying a 2005 FJR this weekend!

[Grove Rat]

With my '05 I only noticed the heat when setting still at a red light. You said the forks were rebuilt. I'd really consider a Penske (among others) rear shock. You'll love the bike whether its twisties or mile munching trips. Also not as heavy as the Gen 2's. Congrats

[Harryhat]

  Well the time has come. Sold my R1100S for a more comfy FJR, got it this weekend in PA 2008/$9000/4000miles. I have been looking for a while, just couldn’t make up my mind what bike. C14 Kawasaki, Tiger or FJR.  I’m pretty happy with my choice…



  

[sfalexi]

Congrats Harryhat.  I bought mine after reading reviews and never having ridden a sport-tourer.  I went from a honda 919 and was looking for something to do longer rides, with luggage and better load capacity (according to stats, myself and my fiance together would overload the 919).  

Been lovin' the FJR since.

Alexi

[SVTNate]

Congrats!  I love my '09.  A couple things...

Heat.  I don't get it.  It's supposed to be worse on the Gen I bikes, but it's a non-issue on my '09.  I have done triple-digit temps, and it's just plain freakin' HOT.  The fairing/screen blocks wind very very well, which is great except when it's smoldering outside.  I will admit I've been on my FJR in anything from short athletic socks and Chuck Taylors to tall socks and proper motorcycle boots, and never feel heat on my ankles unless the bike temp rises in heavy traffic.

Wind..... I'm 5'10" and the stock screen offers plenty of wind protection well above 100mph for me with zero buffeting.  Even the mirrors are clear... although I've got wide shoulders so I have to lift an arm to really see behind me unless I just want to look at the left/right lanes and my elbow armor!  I'm running a dark smoked Cee Bailey's screen that's OEM size.

I doubt this is an issue for most people, but IMO the stock clutch lever doesn't adjust inward (toward your hand) enough.  I like an "on/off" clutch with minimal travel.  ASV levers solved that for me.  Stock brake lever was okay, but of course I replaced that as well.

I've only done one 200 mile day so far (just got the bike a couple months ago), but the stock seat is fine for me and I'm a heavy guy.

Suspension... check the big suspension thread in the general FJR section of FJR Forum for settings.  I dialed mine in and it makes a big difference.  On a Gen I it's a bit different... you'll want to stiffen up shock rebound a bit, whereas on a Gen II most guys leave it at full soft.  

Most guys say the suspension is ready for a rebuild after about 15k miles, so consider that.  Others just stiffen it up some more and say it's fine beyond 20k miles.  I guess it depends on weight and what sort of riding you plan to do.