New to me FJR

[bugboy]

I have owned a 2008 Suzuki Bandit for the last year and have been fairly happy with it. About the only thing I can think of that I didn't like was the "twitch/snatchy" throttle that made smooth riding more difficult.

Well, the wife decided she likes riding pillion all of the sudden and after carrying her around for a year on the Bandit, I decided I wanted a bike better suited to 2-up riding.

After some research and shopping around I ended up with a 2014 FJR1300ES. I am tickled pink. This bike is head and shoulders above the Bandit or any thing else I have had.  The sound from the stock exhausts is less than thrilling but it does kind of match the "electric motor" or "turbine" feel of the engine power. The cruise control is fantastic, the adjustable windshield (V stream shield came on it) is great on the highway and is OK around town at the lowest setting. More airflow would be nice around town but I don't want to give up the highway qualities so the V stream will stay. The electronic suspension feels much more compliant while "touring" and much more confidence inspiring while "sport" riding. The dual riding modes are nice as well. I didn't think I'd get much use out of "tour" mode but I find myself leaving it in "tour" most of the time while 2-up.

I haven't had much of a chance to do any solo sport riding yet but what little I have done I'd say the FJR is a quick/fast as the Bandit or more so. The FJR feels more planted in the corners.

[Sport-Touring]

[rajflyboy]

FJR appears to be the Happy bike

[Stormer]

Yeap, Bandit's are great basic bikes, but thats it, basic and now dated bikes.
Still great toy, but they cant match more modern and sofisticated options.
Enjoy the FJR, and ride safe.

[MadMax96]

I came off a '99 Bandit 1200 (owned since new) - now that thing was archaic in comparison.  Still a great bike, but I really enjoy the creature comforts and features of my FJR.  

Enjoy the new ride in arguably the best color.  

[aviationfred]

A natural progression, from a FJ1200 to a Bandit 1200 to FJR1300.  

Fred

[bergmen]

Best motorcycle I've ever owned in 56 years of motorcycling. 36,000+ miles on my 2014 A model. The day I picked mine up on 11-15-2013:



Dan

[naustin]

Just got at leftover '16 a few weeks ago.  Only 800 miles on it so far, but liking it a lot!  Except for the stock screen - VStream is in the mail...

[FTl900]

I sold my 2001 Bandit 1200 but kept the Shad box for my FJR.   The Bandit was great, but I wanted something a little more purpose-built.  Plus hard bags.