Yamaha FJR

[RocketDaryl]

Thunder Beach (Panama City Beach) is this week. I rode over with one of my friend's (remember him) Dad and Brother-in-law today. Yamaha had their demo truck there. I took the FJR on a demo ride. It's been awhile since I'd been around one. It's a pretty nice bike. My Tiger handles much better, however. All of the Japanese S/Ts are skewed more toward the touring part of "Sport Touring". Triumph's Tiger and Sprint are skewed in the other direction; more toward Sport. The FJR handled good, just required more work than the Sprint or Tiger; required quite a bit of push to get it going in the corners. Once the bike was set in the corner it tracked pretty well. The only thing only thing I really did NOT like was the very noticeable amount of heat on my shins. It was only 71 degrees today. I'd hate to feel the heat off that thing if it were 90. Overall, a nice bike, but I like the Honda ST1300 and Kawasaki Councours better.

 

[Hero Blob]

I had one for 25,000 miles. The heat wasn't bad as everyone made it out to be. And I had a 2005. My Sprint ST 1050 was worse.

The FJR was an awesome bike though. I rode it everywhere.

 

[RocketDaryl]

I'd hop on my Tiger and take off on a 1000 mile trip without hesitation. That said, the Japanese S/Ts (FJR, ST 1300 & Concours) are actually better suited for any trip that requires much of the dreaded interstate riding. The Sprint ST and the Tiger 1050 are probably a bit more fun taking the twisty backroads; definitely what they're more designed to do.

I'll say this, a body could get spoiled pretty quick with that electric windshield. No biggy when pedaling about at 60 mph or so, but at 75 and 80 it's nice to be able to push a button and raise the shield up a few inches; makes a big difference.

 

[scot in exile]

Daryl I went over to ThunderBeach yesterday(Thursday) and rode a Road Star the thing handled like ****, sounded like ****, and vibrated better than a whores dildo.
I told the demo guy that the bike felt like it was missing and he took it for a ride, came back and said that it was fine and that someone had told him it was meant to be like that for they are trying to copy HD I told him get rid of the plastic chrome, do a whole lot better on your finish for it to be like a HD but I did tell him you have the vibration part down and the bike runs like **** so you are half way to your goal.

 

[RocketDaryl]

Dave,

I came *this* close to calling you, but got a call from one of my friends about riding over with his Dad and BIL. I didn't check out any of the cruisers. I *almost* rode the VMax, but was more interested in checking out the FJR.

p.s. Thanks for calling me, you Lug!

 

[scot in exile]

Check your e-mails you thong wearing freak the Sanddollar club sent out an e-mail with the time and place for each day that the club members were going to TB, I was leading the Thursday group (three of us)

 

[RocketDaryl]

I didn't see any emails about TB. The last one I got was from JoeJoe regarding the Yamaha Open House, but it didn't say anything about anyone going over.

 

[budman]

..thanks for the review..I put more stock in what actual riders have to say about bikes then the flowery reviews magazines that are paid to do by the manufacturer..

 

[IMFASTTOO]

Thunder Beach (Panama City Beach) is this week. I rode over with one of my friend's (remember him) Dad and Brother-in-law today. Yamaha had their demo truck there. I took the FJR on a demo ride. It's been awhile since I'd been around one. It's a pretty nice bike. My Tiger handles much better, however. All of the Japanese S/Ts are skewed more toward the touring part of "Sport Touring". Triumph's Tiger and Sprint are skewed in the other direction; more toward Sport. The FJR handled good, just required more work than the Sprint or Tiger; required quite a bit of push to get it going in the corners. Once the bike was set in the corner it tracked pretty well. The only thing only thing I really did NOT like was the very noticeable amount of heat on my shins. It was only 71 degrees today. I'd hate to feel the heat off that thing if it were 90. Overall, a nice bike, but I like the Honda ST1300 and Kawasaki Councours better.

YES HEAT I have a freind that bought one and took it back HE couldnt stand the heat and ended up buying a VMAX and is very happy

 

[RocketDaryl]

I started to ride the VMax, but I'd never buy one so there was not much point to it. I may, at some point, buy a Japanese Sport Tourer if Triumph doesn't come up with one. I'd much prefer to stay with Triumph as I love the brand and there's nothing in this world like a Triple.