11-30-2015, 10:50 PM
In 2006 I took an extended test ride on the FJR with my wife. She loved it. Me not so much. I found it tall, top heavy, not confidence inspiring when entering a turn, the clutch was stiff, the throttle was stiff. I came back to the shop and said " order me an ST 1300". I didn't even test ride one...and loved it immediately on the ride home after picking it up. I've only grown more fond of the bike as it has carried me and my wife to every corner of this country and back, safely and comfortably. On this afternoon's ride it will turn over 64,000 miles.
In 2014 I again test rode a new FJR. This time the ES model with all the electronic features. It was ok, about the same as I remembered only the clutch and throttle issues had been resolved. Still when the test ride ended and I rode home on my ST 1300, I felt my current bike infinitly better.
This year a friend of mine bought a used FJR. On one of our rides we switched bikes for about an hour. Again I was not impressed and couldn't wait to get my ST back.
I think the FJR is a beautiful motorcycle.. Stunning looks. Plenty of power. Plenty of features. I love big I-4 engines, so this bike should suit me to a T. For some reason it just doesn't.
Btw my buddies FJR is now up for sale. He really likes the bike but says during the summer, the heat coming off the bike just cooks him. I didn't notice the heat when I rode it that I recall.
I know there has been a call from FJR owners for a 6 th gear in the trans. (although certainly not needed) Same call on the ST from owners..(not needed there either...just like our CB 1100s) so that should make FJR owners happy.
In 2014 I again test rode a new FJR. This time the ES model with all the electronic features. It was ok, about the same as I remembered only the clutch and throttle issues had been resolved. Still when the test ride ended and I rode home on my ST 1300, I felt my current bike infinitly better.
This year a friend of mine bought a used FJR. On one of our rides we switched bikes for about an hour. Again I was not impressed and couldn't wait to get my ST back.
I think the FJR is a beautiful motorcycle.. Stunning looks. Plenty of power. Plenty of features. I love big I-4 engines, so this bike should suit me to a T. For some reason it just doesn't.
Btw my buddies FJR is now up for sale. He really likes the bike but says during the summer, the heat coming off the bike just cooks him. I didn't notice the heat when I rode it that I recall.
I know there has been a call from FJR owners for a 6 th gear in the trans. (although certainly not needed) Same call on the ST from owners..(not needed there either...just like our CB 1100s) so that should make FJR owners happy.