Had my FJR1300 knocked out from under me. Replaced it with a ST1300.
My 2005 Yamaha FJR1300 is toast. I'll buy another this fall at end-of-year prices but am interested in suggestions if other make/models get a passionate recommendation from you fanatics. Looks like I'm on the WR250 for the duration.
The FJR was great at holding all my tree work gear so side hard bags and top trunk are wanted.
It was also my wife's preferred ride. We spent a few years each on a Honda ST1100 and a Triumph Trophy 900 but she likes the FJR over them for back seat comfort. If you have a reason I should buy something else let me know but for now, I think the replacement will be another FJR.
Now for a little motorcycle philosophy...stop reading if not interested...
I've been riding for about 30 years and raced bikes for about 10. I've been tossed down the road or track many times (a quick memory search comes up with at least 20 but I'm sure the number is higher) and all but 3, now 4, were my own fault as I pushed past the limits of traction or abilities or simply made a stupid decision. I love riding bikes and enjoy the risks associated. I enjoy the risks more when my real life video game comes out with me winning the battle and ending a thrilling ride safe at home or work or back in the paddoc but I still enjoy the risks when I loose; because without the risks, there wouldn't be anything to win.
Yesterday I lost and legally I was not to blame but my own personal philosophy is that if I ever allow another driver to take me out, it is my own fault because I didn't assure that their stupidity or inattentiveness couldn't harm me. Yesterday I failed and it cost me a 2005 Yamaha FJR1300 and some pain and suffering.
How did it happen? Riding at dusk (highest risk time outside of the hour after bar closing) I was Northwest bound on West Broadway going through green lighted intersections. Four intersections to get through then I'm on highway 94 and safe from turning traffic. intersection One and cars wait for me before turning left (I give them a wave "thanks for seeing me" like I habitually do). Same at intersection Two. Just after crossing number Three, a car turns left mid-block across my path to get to a parking lot and I have to slow and swerve left-right to avoid plowing into his right side rear.
"***", I think glancing back for a second. Looking back ahead the light turns yellow just before I enter the intersection of pain in the rightmost of three lanes. I registered the little car turning left late. Cut to the right to give more room. Accelerated to try to get past but knew I needed her to see me and brake or I wouldn't make it. She didn't brake and I didn't make it. Her middle front got me square mid-bike and I was rag-dolling across 5 lanes getting honked at for coming too close to cars waiting for the green on the cross street (Washington Avenue).
Her fault for not yielding to my right of way. (She was even given a ticket). My fault for having my head too stuck on that last idiot when I needed my head busy searching for the next one. Another hard earned lesson.
Remember, when you are riding, ride like they CAN see you, they HATE you and want to take you out. Then, don't give them the opportunity.
Later,
Kent Larson recovering in Woodbury
My 2005 Yamaha FJR1300 is toast. I'll buy another this fall at end-of-year prices but am interested in suggestions if other make/models get a passionate recommendation from you fanatics. Looks like I'm on the WR250 for the duration.
The FJR was great at holding all my tree work gear so side hard bags and top trunk are wanted.
It was also my wife's preferred ride. We spent a few years each on a Honda ST1100 and a Triumph Trophy 900 but she likes the FJR over them for back seat comfort. If you have a reason I should buy something else let me know but for now, I think the replacement will be another FJR.
Now for a little motorcycle philosophy...stop reading if not interested...
I've been riding for about 30 years and raced bikes for about 10. I've been tossed down the road or track many times (a quick memory search comes up with at least 20 but I'm sure the number is higher) and all but 3, now 4, were my own fault as I pushed past the limits of traction or abilities or simply made a stupid decision. I love riding bikes and enjoy the risks associated. I enjoy the risks more when my real life video game comes out with me winning the battle and ending a thrilling ride safe at home or work or back in the paddoc but I still enjoy the risks when I loose; because without the risks, there wouldn't be anything to win.
Yesterday I lost and legally I was not to blame but my own personal philosophy is that if I ever allow another driver to take me out, it is my own fault because I didn't assure that their stupidity or inattentiveness couldn't harm me. Yesterday I failed and it cost me a 2005 Yamaha FJR1300 and some pain and suffering.
How did it happen? Riding at dusk (highest risk time outside of the hour after bar closing) I was Northwest bound on West Broadway going through green lighted intersections. Four intersections to get through then I'm on highway 94 and safe from turning traffic. intersection One and cars wait for me before turning left (I give them a wave "thanks for seeing me" like I habitually do). Same at intersection Two. Just after crossing number Three, a car turns left mid-block across my path to get to a parking lot and I have to slow and swerve left-right to avoid plowing into his right side rear.
"***", I think glancing back for a second. Looking back ahead the light turns yellow just before I enter the intersection of pain in the rightmost of three lanes. I registered the little car turning left late. Cut to the right to give more room. Accelerated to try to get past but knew I needed her to see me and brake or I wouldn't make it. She didn't brake and I didn't make it. Her middle front got me square mid-bike and I was rag-dolling across 5 lanes getting honked at for coming too close to cars waiting for the green on the cross street (Washington Avenue).
Her fault for not yielding to my right of way. (She was even given a ticket). My fault for having my head too stuck on that last idiot when I needed my head busy searching for the next one. Another hard earned lesson.
Remember, when you are riding, ride like they CAN see you, they HATE you and want to take you out. Then, don't give them the opportunity.
Later,
Kent Larson recovering in Woodbury
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