First Ride on the FJR 1300

[1962siia]

Hey all:

Just picked up a 2003 fjr1300 a week or so ago and took it out today for the first real ride. Did a 60 mile loop in western Sonoma Co.

I've never ridden a sport touring bike before (closest thing would be an older vfr750 or maybe an even older suzuki gs1100). Man this is really a great bike. I wasn't sure at first but I'm going to love this thing. Smooth, stable, comfy, fast, and that adjustable windscreen so you can get the wind just perfect is amazing. Now I'm going to start scheming up fun rides in N Ca. before the winter hits. Looking forward to seeing folks out there! :ride

 

[dravnx]

Lemme know if you want to go for a ride or have a tech day
Fellow FJR owner in Santa Rosa

 

[budman]

Barf rally baby!! :ride arty :ride arty :ride

 

[1962siia]

Lemme know if you want to go for a ride or have a tech day
Fellow FJR owner in Santa Rosa

Hey Jeff- definitely. Maybe I’ll make it to another of the thurs evening hangouts if those are still happening. Thanks!

Barf rally baby!! :ride arty :ride arty :ride

Definitely this for sure. Missing the rally’s was a major motivator in buying this bike. Thanks!

 

[budman]

Right on Daniel.

Jeff will likely be there too. :teeth

 

[Mr. BR]

Welcome to the club.... I've had my '05 FJR for almost 4 yrs now.... still love it as my daily driver, rain or shine, year 'round. Be sure to stop in at http://www.fjrforum.com/forum/ and introduce your self if you haven't already. Tons of knowledge and info there.
Regards,
Mr. BR
San Jose, CA

 

[dravnx]

Thursday evening Bike Night still happening. We had a pretty good turn out last Thursday.
6:00-
Starbucks in front of Costco on Santa Rosa Ave.
Come on by and we'll feed you BS and solve all your problems.

 

[dravnx]

The FJR is checking all my boxes. Flickable enough for the twisties and sit in the saddle all day long comfortable. I did a 3300 mi ride after the Carson City gathering and the only thing that stopped me was real life intruded. She dances really well for a 650 lb lady.

 

[1962siia]

Ok once the ash settles I'll swing by for a Thurs night hang out. Hope you are safe and well. :thumbup

 

[Lunch Box]

Glad to hear you’re enjoying the new sled, Daniel. :thumbup

 

[HadesOmega]

I rode last years model it was super comfy and easy to ride. All the gizmos and gadgets on it were awesome. I'm surprised it doesn't park itself. The front was kinda slippery though, I noticed a couple times the front sliding.

 

[1962siia]

Mine's the first year model, so not many bells and whistles, but in the few miles I've clocked (around 100 so far) I'm really digging it.

 

[bergmen]

I rode last years model it was super comfy and easy to ride. All the gizmos and gadgets on it were awesome. I'm surprised it doesn't park itself. The front was kinda slippery though, I noticed a couple times the front sliding.

Most likely due to tire or road conditions. The FJR handles as if on rails with good tires and clean pavement.

38,000 miles on my 2014 over nearly four years and this is the finest motorcycle I've ever owned in my 56 years of riding.

Congrats OP, you have good taste in motorcycles.

Dan

 

[avu3]

The ST segment is really underappreciated for the kind of riding so many of us do. I commuted on my Trophy and I commute on my RT. I've also commuted on my Legend and a standard is just... not the right tool. I love hooning around locally on it, or short rides of an hour or so - but for any distance I'm grabbing something with a full fairing and bags.

Glad you found it and you're enjoying it!

 

[CAADet]

Is your 2003 hot?
My 2005 was but I plugged it up and wrapped the engine.

Otherwise the FJR totally is the one that satisfies every need.
I have a Suzuki S1000 as well but it just doesnt do me well like the FJR.

I will pull the trigger on the 2018 model next year.

 

[dangerzone02]

FJR 1300 vs FJ-09 ...?

 

[bergmen]

FJR 1300 vs FJ-09 ...?

Shaft vs chain.

Dan

 

[HadesOmega]

FJR 1300 vs FJ-09 ...?

no cruise control on the FJ and no electronic windscreen. it won't make you a cup of coffee also. Not sure if you can get factory heated grips on the FJ. I like the sound of the 09 better the FJR sounds like a spaceship

Oh yeah I made a demo ride video of the 2016 FJR1300ES I rode, you can tell the bike kept me thoroughly entertained the whole demo ride. With what does this button do and OH IT CAN DO THAT?!

youtu.be/9I5qW6gro9M

But I'll tell you this the MT-09 Tracer GT is gonna be pimp! It's gonna have the same dash as the R1, heated grips standard, cruise control, quick shifter, adjustable traction control, improved ergos, improved suspension....

 

[Hooli]

But I'll tell you this the MT-09 Tracer GT is gonna be pimp! It's gonna have the same dash as the R1, heated grips standard, cruise control, quick shifter, adjustable traction control, improved ergos, improved suspension....

Based on the FZ-09? :dunno

For 2018 I was hoping to see something based on the MT-10/FZ-10 platform. That wonderful crossplance four combined with more fuel capacity, better wind protection, hard luggage, heated grips, etc.

I would be sorely tempted to give up my MTS1200 for that if it were a reality...

 

[Rumbo Sur]

no cruise control on the FJ and no electronic windscreen. it won't make you a cup of coffee also. Not sure if you can get factory heated grips on the FJ. I like the sound of the 09 better the FJR sounds like a spaceship

The GT should be a nice up grade to the FJ-09. Handling was not confidence inspiring ... they need work in that area.

I rode a first year FJR1300: fast smooth, handles pretty well. Did drag hard parts on tight, technical roads leaning it over ... and you really feel the BIG weight coming downhill into hairpins. This ain't no light weight dual sport bike! :wow

A major complaint from owners of early FJR's was HEAT on riders leg ... and the big one ... LACK OF LEG ROOM. I even noticed this on long rides and I'm only 5'6".

Taller friends who owned the FJR sold them within a year due to too cramped position. Could not stretch out. Most were former GS riders. :teeth

I liked the power the and brakes. All good. But prefer something like the FJ-09, lighter feeling, more nimble.

But NEITHER compare to my Ducati HyperStrada ... which is a bike that does not fit many, but has terrific handling.

When is the GT coming out? Or is it a Japan Only bike?