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Rode an FJR today at Yamaha Demo truck

7K views 52 replies 14 participants last post by  FX4 
#1 · (Edited)
Can't wipe the grin off my face :grin2:

I also rode a Bolt (standard), FJ-09 and the only bike I was really interested in before I rode the FJR, the Vstar 1300 Deluxe.

Vstar 1300 Deluxe: The Deluxe was the 1st bike I rode. Very easy to ride. Foot position is a little higher than the Vol. I kept hitting the side of the floorboard from a stop. The only thing I disliked about the bike was the gearing was a little strange. I could have done the entire demo ride in 3rd gear other than one stretch where I would have hit 4th. 5th is strictly a highway gear. I did like it better than the Nomad I just sold. It's over 100 lbs lighter.



FJR1300: OMG. I loved it. I might be a convert to the Sport Touring tribe. It was smooth as silk. Buttery smooth. Very quiet. Height fit me well. Handling was effortless. I wish I'd have tried one sooner.



FJ-09: Not my thing. Too light, rough ride. Too little wind protection. Very buzzy.



Bolt: Reminded me most of the Vol, but lower to the ground and foot pegs were too tight for me. Felt like I was bent in half riding it. Ride was OK.



I never would have imagined how much I would have liked the FJR. I'm just blown away. It was such a relaxing ride. I would need some risers to get me a little more upright, but other than that, it was awesome.
 
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#2 ·
The FJR is a fantastic bike, most owners replace them with another FJR (after many miles). I met an owner from Ohio who had 395,000 miles on his, these are known for lasting 250,000+ miles.

FJRForum.com is the best online resource, plenty of good info.
 
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#5 · (Edited)
We're the same height. I have a 32" inseam. I could almost flat foot it. It's tall, but it's narrow. 31.7" according to specs at the low height. The seat height is actually adjustable.
 
#11 ·
I really love the look of the Bolt and have sat on many but never ridden one. I prefer the R spec to the C but I'm not big on the cafe racer style. The one thing I don't like is the digital speedometer. I don't think it fits with the overall look of the bike. I've also heard they can be tough to read in sunlight.
 
#12 ·
The one thing I don't like is the digital speedometer. I don't think it fits with the overall look of the bike. I've also heard they can be tough to read in sunlight.
I agree with what you've heard. It was hard to read in direct sunlight.
 
#15 ·
Once you start riding a bike with power and unlimited handling, you dont really go back from there. The cruiser comes out on Sunny days for show.


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#16 ·
I spent 10 years in on cruisers before joining the Sport Tour Tribe. The only question I keep asking myself is "That took me so long?"
 
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#18 ·
Exactly. Instead of the Sport Tourer crouch, i sit up, legs forward like a cruiser. But the handling is unlike any cruiser I've owned. Ask Ron (FX4) about the difference in how I ride... Night and day better!
 
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#19 ·
Upright, cruiser riding position, yet plenty of ground clearance for aggressive riding. Handles like a dream, even with a 200mm rear tire. The linked ABS brakes are just icing on the cake!

 
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#29 ·
#23 ·
It is crazy, 36 years, and I never thought of one because they are gawdawful ugly. Now I have one and wont ever own another bike without.


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#24 ·
It is crazy, 36 years, and I never thought of one because they are gawdawful ugly. Now I have one and wont ever own another bike without.

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Luckily for you its REALLY hard to make your GS any more ugly!
 
#25 ·
It is approaching FJR ugly... But has not yet reached the full potential of ugly only the Japanese can master.


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#26 ·
I'm looking aftermarket now with a 4000 mile trip looming in 4 weeks. MrE is the seat beneficiary of me upgrading bikes. But I know any other aftermarket I get will likely pale in comparison to a RDL. Over the winter, my seat will likely go in for the treatment.
 
#30 ·
I think it's much ado over nothing... I've put nearly 10k miles on the bike since I got it last June and I've NEVER felt like the suspension was underdamped or anything of the sort. If someone is used to something like a Goldwing, yeah, they're going to think it a bit harsh. But coming from my C50 which had basically no suspension, just gummy rubber bands in the fork legs to soak up the bumps, to the Vulcan and now the CTX, the difference is night and day. If I don't like it, I can always put on an aftermarket shock.
 
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#31 ·
I have a test ride on a demo CTX1300 scheduled next week, weather permitting. The same dealer has a Red Deluxe they're asking 10.6k for. Not the color I wanted, but the price is right. Especially for a Deluxe.

I also found a Blue standard model for 7995.00, would prefer the Deluxe though.
 
#32 ·
The Deluxe is the way to go. The ABS alone is worth the price premium. The stereo is descent, but with the stock windscreen, you can't hear it over 65 mph. Plan on replacing said windscreen with the touring windscreen ($135) or an aftermarket like a Cee Bailey or the like. Makes a HUGE difference. No buffeting, good all weather protection.

My one complaint (which is minor) is the position of the mirrors. They are low and take a while to get used to. But they offer good rearward and side vision once you get them where you like them. In mine, I keep them positioned where I can see my hands just in the top inside corner...

I have the suspension in the factory position (3 i think) and am still riding on the stock saddle. the only thing I added for creature comfort is a GPS mount, a USB plug (got it from West Marine) and the under-seat 12v plug (I have a cable that goes from there to my saddle bag so I can charge electronics while I ride).

In all, I am completely satisfied with the bike. It meets and exceeds all of my needs, in a comfortable and stylish package.
 
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#33 ·
The Deluxe is the way to go. The ABS alone is worth the price premium. The stereo is descent, but with the stock windscreen, you can't hear it over 65 mph. Plan on replacing said windscreen with the touring windscreen ($135) or an aftermarket like a Cee Bailey or the like. Makes a HUGE difference. No buffeting, good all weather protection.
Test ride went well today. Rode a Black standard model with the tall Honda windshield, which worked well for me. Was able to take it on the slab for some 80 mph riding. It was very smooth at that speed. It would work well for me.

The dealer offered the Red deluxe model to me at 13,400 with my bike as a trade. I laughed at him. He wouldn't budge on the price either. I think I can do a lot better. He was only offering me 800.00 for trade on my Vol. That was a shock.

I've seen them going for 10600 OTD for deluxe models over on the CTX1300 forum. I know I can get one below 10k if I hold out.
 
#34 ·
I paid $10,500 for mine, but I got $4500 in trade for my Vulcan. Their price is not that far off for the Deluxe. I believe the $10,600 OTD is for the standard, not the deluxe. I could be wrong though.

Isn't it a wonderful bike on the interstate?? I've never ridden anything more comfortable in my life!
 
#42 ·
So, I rode a Victory Cross Roads today. I loved the handling and power. Very comfortable for me with pull back bars already installed. 2013 model. My only concern was the engine noise. It was really, really loud. Louder than the exhaust loud. Is that normal?
 
#43 ·
If you noticed the bike being quite loud in certain gears -- 4th in particular -- then yes, in my experience it's normal. The Cross bikes have very loud trannies. And in case you wondered, they all go 'clunk' quite loudly when you shift.

Amazing handling motorcycle, isn't it? Once you get it under the slightest bit of power, it's easy to forget it's 800 pounds.

.
 
#44 ·
Also rode on a whim an Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally ! All I can say is WOW! It was awesome! Wish the seat was a little lower. The standard Cap is lower, but doesn't look as good.

You can see the Cross Roads I rode in the background on the left.
 

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#47 ·
Also rode on a whim an Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally ! All I can say is WOW! It was awesome! Wish the seat was a little lower. The standard Cap is lower, but doesn't look as good.



You can see the Cross Roads I rode in the background on the left.

Now there's a bike. A friend of mine has a Tuono, tempermental... But good lord, thats a motorcycle.


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#52 ·
Indian is a BEAUTIFUL motorcycle. But it is most definitely a luxury item. That doesn't mean less expensive bikes can't keep up or deliver as much long distance comfort.
 
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