New toy...

[Burger]

My new toy was delivered today...

http://www.dandmbr.co.uk/files/800w_fjrhome02.jpg

http://www.dandmbr.co.uk/files/800w_fjrhome03.jpg

Haven't been able to ride it yet... but tomorrow morning the sun's supposed to show :D

[thumperjdm]

Hey, they forgot to mount your tip-over wings!! Just kidding.

We'll be waiting for your opinion of the bike. Have fun.

[BigTom]

Well, how to be Dave! I see they remembered to put the clutch lever on yours aot my buddy, Ray. Pretty darn spectacular bike, that Fijjer. More oomph, better with the bags off than the ST, for sure. You are going to have some fun, I'm thinking...

[Blrfl]

Isn't owning an FJR grounds for loss of moderatory duties? :duck:

Enjoy your new bike, Dave! :D

--Mark

[Byron]

Dave,

Did you get the manual or auto? Good weather makes for better riding! :D

[John Anthony]

Dave,

Congrats! Great lookin' new ride.

John

[Burger]

Thanks all,

It's the fully manual version with a clutch lever. I tried the AE version but it just felt too odd to me. Clever, but odd.

As for the tip over wings, that is a problem with FJR's in that if they do fall over you do a lot of damage to the fairing. I have some bobbins on order that should help in that eventuality although I hope they're not needed.

I was kinda sorry to see the 'wing go but I'm sure this will suit my touring needs better.

Thanks again,

[HankSTer]

Really like the looks of the feej Dave. The 08 in the states is black, for us we have to go back to 05 to get silver if you want the manual clutch.

I've ridden an 07 and liked it quite a bit. Enjoy!

Regards,

[Burger]

Just a little update for anyone interested. After a few weeks of ownership this FJR is going back to the dealers and they're providing me with another new one. This one has the most intollerable vibration I've ever felt on any motorcycle. The dealer attempted to fix it but if you ask me it's something mechanical and not something that can be tuned out. Surprising in this day and age of robots building things and quality control, but I guess a bad component can get through or be installed incorrectly. Anyhow, expecting the new one either this week or next.

Regards,

[BigTom]

Wow, that's amazing, Dave. Ray's is really smooth, the smoothest inline 4 I've ever been on. I'm guessing a balance shaft gone bad or some such. Glad you are getting the new one...keep us informed...

[Burger]

Funny that Tom... my thoughts are also balance shafts as it even feels like it to me. Either one has not been manufactured to spec or is not fitted in sync. These vibes start at about 2000rpm which is about right for balance shaft issues and then just get worse as you rev more. Anyhow, the dealers handling this exactly the right way by providing another new one and so on that front I can't complain.

Regards,

[Mark]

Glad to hear your dealer is treating you right.
Let us know what you think of the new one...

Mark

[Burger]

Had the new FJR for just over a week now and it is a vast improvement over the first, just proving the first did have something seriously wrong. Sure there's a little tingling in the footpegs as around 4K rpm as with all in line 4's, but nothing that I wouldn't expect. Now thoroughly delighted with the bike although I have to go through the running in phase all over again lol.

http://www.dandmbr.co.uk/goldwing/wp-content/uploads/600w_fjrgarden01.jpg

http://www.dandmbr.co.uk/goldwing/wp-content/uploads/600w_fjrgarden03.jpg

Will post more of my impressions if anyone's really interested :)

Regards,

[Bones]

So does this mean the mods are getting FJRs now? I mean, congrats...go riding for hamburgers.

[BigTom]

That's a nice looking pair, Dave. Ought to be some serious fun, there!

[Burger]

Meike and I just returned from a little touring around mainland Europe on the FJR and I have to say it was the most uncomfortable bike I've ridden in recent years. Yep... you read that right.

This is the second brand new one I took of delivery of but this was the first real chance I'd had to do some steady highish speed motorway (freeway) riding. This thing has a buzzing vibration, not harsh, just there, that starts at around 4K and never goes away until you drop back down below those revs. This is the same 'fault' the first one had but it's nowhere near as harsh, just persistent and very uncomfortable. Now add into this the seat and screen and neither I or my wife can sit on this thing at motorway speeds for more than about 60 miles without needing a break.

Very disappointing after all the money I've spent on this thing. Considering that all the tips to reduce vibration have been carried out (more than once) and I've fitted a PCIII to smooth out the fuel delivery, I'm totally convinced this is not a problem that can be tuned out. I have video bullet cams mounted front and rear on the bike and any video shot from the front cam is absolutely unusable because of the vibration. At least that proves it is vibrating and that it's not in my head.

So... this is either a mechanical problem exclusive to two brand new FJR's delivered to me from the same dealer but weeks apart (very unlikely) or it's a problem inherent in the 2008 bikes. I have to say this because I've ridden pre 2008 FJR's that are much smoother.

Bottom line... I've had it with it and I don't want it any more. I don't have any of these problems with my 1250 bandit that cost half what this did. So I'm going to swallow the $6000+ I've spent on it so far and go looking for something much better that I can be happy with and keep. Something that's great for rideouts with friends and once a year we can do some serious mile crunching on.

Last weekend I test rode a BMW K1200GT and was amazed to find it about as uncomfortable as the FJR. That too had an almost constant vibration in the footpegs and bars and awful turbulence from the screen that made me feel sick.

I then tried a BMW K1200S thinking there's no way I'm going to like the more sports bike stance of this and as it's the same engine (although tuned differently) I felt I would probably experience the same feelings. Wrong... what an incredible piece of machinery. Certainly at low speeds it put more weight on my hands and wrists, but at motorway cruising speeds it was sublimely comfortable. The real clincher though was when we got back and Meike got off the back with a huge smile on her face and said it was the most comfortable pillion seat she'd sat in and was almost on a par with the Goldwing!!!! Unbelievable I know, but true.

Anyhow, I'm not rushing any decisions at all and still have to sort out what can be done with the FJR but this coming Saturday we're off to spend another 2 hours with the K1200S. This time I'm going to take more rural routes to make sure it's as good at low speed etc. If it is... I might be placing an order lol.

So, in my experience and opinion, the ST remains a much better bike than the FJR. If only they could make the ST handle as well as the FJR does... I'd have no dilema.

Regards,

[tommyboy]

Wow! sorry the FJR has not worked out. It was my second choice when I bought my ST. I have had to eat the $(sorry, my keyboard doesn't have the sign for GBP) in the past over a purchase that just didn't work out. Kudos for knowing when to move on.

[Mellow]

Sorry to hear that Dave... Maybe you can sell some of the improvements and get some of your $$ back before selling the bike. Not sure if there are any things left to do that might change your mind but it sure sounds like that's not gonna happen.

The good thing is there are so many different bikes out there, too bad the bandit doesn't come in more of a touring version..

[BigTom]

That's a pretty grim prognosis, Dave.

My buddy Ray freely admits that the ST is a better bike in everything but one. The big right hand response. He is a perfect sized rider, can ride his 10,000 miles in a month, which he does once a year. HIs is an '07 AE, has a little buzz at speed, but not much. Just the well known I-4 buzz at certain RPMs.

Otherwise, he rides his Bandit:)

Good grief. Wish I knew an answer for you, I just don't.

Didn't Yamaha change the primary gear ration for '08? You suppose that might be the culprit?

[Burger]

To be honest Tom, in real life there isn't a great deal of difference in the straight line take off and speed of the ST and FJR. In fact I'd say with it's lower down torque the ST would probably get off the line first. It might be passed by the FJR but this is all drag strip stuff and not real world at all. The FJR has two advantages over the ST in purely my own experience... Firstly it handles much better with much greater predictability and secondly it looks as good with its bags off as on.

They did change something in the gearing for 2008 and I guess yes, that could be the culprit. Like I say it's not a harsh vibration, it's more a buzzing resonance, but it's the fact you can't ride through it, like you could on a normal I4 that I find most irritating. It makes for a very uncomfortable long distance ride. All I4's vibrate no matter how many balance shafts they have etc. My Bandit does... but it's predictable and only occurs in set rev ranges. I find these normal I4 vibrations somewhat reassuring and they help you get a good feel for the bike. The FJR's vibes are nothing like this and are very irritating.

In being presented with this latest problem it's made me give some serious though to my motorcycling wants and needs and truth be told I don't need a full blown tourer. We only go touring once or maybe twice a year and the rest of the time enjoy day trips with friends.

They do make touring kit for the bandit 1250 but it just doesn't look right to my eyes. It looks like a disjointed pile of add on goodies which is exactly what it is. The saddlebag frames are ugly and they make the bags stick out far wider than they should need to etc. The Bandit is a great fun bike for the day trips, but I wouldn't want to take it on a long distance. I know some people do but it wouldn't be the right bike for me.

From last weeks experience the K1200S is currently top of my list but I am also going to consider the GTR1400 (Concours) and maybe some others, although the frame problems on the 1400 concern me a little. The K1200S has some pretty neat expandable saddle bags and at 167HP has awesome performance (0-60 in 2.8 seconds etc.). I can imagine having loads of fun on one and from last weekends test also going touring on one in comfort. I may also try a Hyabusa but I'm not overly struck on their style.

Regards,

[sherob]

From what I hear about the K12S... a sleeper :p: That Pashnit dude loved riding the new one... not willing to give up his older one though :rolleyes:

I'm sure McCruise has a CC ready for it by now too ;)

Let me know how you like it when you get it :bow1:

[BigTom]

Is no doubt about the "bags off bags on" look. FJR wins. I am mystified about the vibration you describe. I've had lots of I-4 bikes, and you can ride through it all the time. My 1200 Bandit was a great example...And Ray's '07 FJR doesn't vibrate all through the rev range, just a couple of specific bands.

Speaking of the 'BUS, Ray has his in Phoenix today getting the Power Commander put on. He is going to try to get a 200mph pass in on the Salt Flats this year, if he can get there in time (10 days left). He got a 4 x 1 header (Yosh) and built a collector. Boy, does that sound good!

THere is a Maniac high mileage tourer guy in California that rides a 'bus as his camera and touring bike. pashinit.com if you are interested.

I have talked to a guy in (from) Phoenix with a Connie 14, he loves it. Last time I saw him was 250 miles from Phoenix on a hot (115º) day, and he still liked it:)

What ever you end up with, Dave, I hope it suits you well....

[jhsenior]

Good looking ride but too bad about the vibration.
Bummer it doesn't have adjustable counterbalancers like the ST!:06biker:
Good luck with the new one!

[Burger]

You can adjust the counter balancers on an FJR in exactly the same way you can on an ST. In other words you can adjust the gear meshing and back lash. You cannot adjust the phasing of the counter balancers on either bike.

The busa is interesting but like I said I'm not really struck on the style. I am going to be very careful in my choice but I'm also very wary. I test rode a 2007 FJR before buying a 2008. The 2007 was just fine... so it proves to me you can't always rely on the bike you buy being just like the one you test ride. Perhaps this is a great argument for buying pre-owned because then you get to test the bike you'll ride. If I do buy a K12S I will most likely buy new again as I want a 2008 but whatever bike I buy I hope it will be as good or better than the one I test. I'd like to find a bike to be happy with for a few years... constant changing is no good for the wallet :D

Regards,

[Capt_Gruuvy]

Is that a scooter ? Can you ride that on the freeway ?

[Coop]

Now I know why Europe is such a big market for bikes!! Dave lives there!! LOL!!

[Burger]

Well, I did it... but what else would you expect lol.

Test rode the K1200S for another 2 hours at the weekend with Farkle on the back and it was a resounding yes from both of us. So deposit down and delivery expected on 20th Sep. Would have been sooner except I'll be in the USA on business until the 19th. Grand Rapids, MI.

Anyhow, roll on the 20th...

http://www.dandmbr.co.uk/files/bmwk1200s.jpg

This is a pic of their test bike but I've ordered the same colours. Will run it in with the standard exhaust on but have also ordered a titanium Akropovic can as I loved the noise the one on the demo bike made.

FJR is now back at the dealers and for sale.

Regards,

[Byron]

Well Dave, congratulations on the new bike again. :)


That is one SWEET looking machine. :bow1:

[uptoblackwood]

Dave,

Sorry that the FJR didn't work out. Good luck on the newest bike. LOL

Forest