dcarver
Well-known member
In no particular order after 200+ miles on nothing but twisty, curvy bitchin' Central CA back roads..
1. Soft paint. Scratches easily. Wax early and often. Be careful of metal zippers on tank frontside if you have a belly on you..
Until I get something better, I made a template then applied blue masking tape to the area. My bomber jacket was doing bad deeds, the Stich is on order..
2. Bar shake at low speeds (<~40). Not threatening, but there. Metzler something or other tires running at max suggested psi.
3. Nice color. Deep metallic blue. Almost black when viewed in indirect sunlight. Metallic comes out when the sun spotlight is on. I like it.
4. ABS-Linked brakes; Very impressive. Tested them on my dirt road, even played with them on downhill off camber corners. Could not find any of the issues reported in earlier threads e.g. locking the front when applying rear when the front has limited traction due to slope, surface, etc. I tested in both hard DG and in some softer areas but not true mud/slop.
5. Throttle / Clutch control: I had difficulty making clean shifts for the first 100 or so miles. Drivetrain snatch is significant if throttle/clutch is not done *just* right. I removed my heavy winter gloves and rode with MX gloves that have better feel to get the idea then switched back to the winter gloves. You have to use finesse on the clutch/throttle/shift to make perfect up/down shifts. Once on lash backside, smooth throttle control is required to transition the load to the front side. For comparison, my 1979 KZ1300 has less lash than the FJR. Ditto a 1984 BMW R100T.
6. Throttle tension: Excessive. Causes some of the issues listed above. Too much pull required just off idle. This was supposedly fixed on the 06's but if so I can't imagine how the earlier models were.
7. Throttle transition: On mine, not as smooth as I hoped for from idle/<1200 rpm. It's almost like the map isn't quiet correct or is transitioning from one zone to another. Coupled with a light flywheel, it makes throttle management very important.
8. Power: Absolutely wonderful. Seamless. More than I ever hoped for. Slight tingle at 6-7k. It makes the 55 mph speed limit a farce.
9. Handling: First off, disclaimer... This is my first 'new' street bike since 1991. I am completely blown away. I have a 'track' in my local area.. 38 miles, all back roads.. no traffic, I know every ripple, undulation, paint stripe by name.. not even trying I was 20+ over in all normal corners. Nicely planted, firmly set.. Touched the toes twice today! Come visit and I'll show you nice roads in my backyard.
10. Suspension: hmm. Mixed emotions. Front is good, very good. Rear, it seems harsh, even set to soft. My dirtbike experience says wait for some time to pass, it will soften but for now irregular surfaces e.g. small pot holes, surface height differences get transmitted uhh, firmly to the posterior. I weigh 240, shock set at soft.
11. Ergos: I'm 6'0 with 32" inseam. I've broken many bones, tweaked ligaments/tendons and generally abused my body having excessive amounts of dirt bike fun. In the low seat height position, I found my left thigh cramping. The rear brake is too high for my right ankle/foot position. All adjustable stuff, just haven't gotten there yet. The bars are too far forward for long distance rides, also a bit low. I don't want a sit and beg HD position, but as is the lower back is squawking after 2 hours in the saddle. It took me 5 years to get my other LD ride perfect for me, the FJR will take much less time than that thanks to it being easir to adjust. Just now set the seat height to high and will report back if anyone cares.
12. Air Management: Coming from a long distance touring perspective, the windshield, in the full up position, is too low. As others have reported, earplugs are mandatory. Turbulence exists. My Arai XD will not work.. The bill is too large and catches waay to much air at speed. From a sport bike perspective, I like the lower position but I'm more Tourer guy than Sportie.
13. Heat Issues: Can't say. To date ambient temps have been high 50's low 60's. I thought I felt heat on the right side one time but it sure wasn't enough to keep me warm...
14. Computer Problem? I too only get 17 Mpg instantaneous. :blink:
15. Overall impressions? Awesome bike. A very good platform to build upon. I now see why high speed LD riders use this bike. I am incredibly happy with the power and brake relationship. The linked ABS brakes simply work and the HP is linear, smooth, and plentiful. The handling and suspension for a bike this large is truly amazing. I can hardly wait to customize the ergos and Farkelize this steed to truly make it mine...
Me thinks I'm going to really like this bike...
BTW, this incredibly well cared for bike will be for sale in 2008 for any of you who want in on the dcarver PDP :blink: :dribble: :haha:
1. Soft paint. Scratches easily. Wax early and often. Be careful of metal zippers on tank frontside if you have a belly on you..
Until I get something better, I made a template then applied blue masking tape to the area. My bomber jacket was doing bad deeds, the Stich is on order..2. Bar shake at low speeds (<~40). Not threatening, but there. Metzler something or other tires running at max suggested psi.
3. Nice color. Deep metallic blue. Almost black when viewed in indirect sunlight. Metallic comes out when the sun spotlight is on. I like it.
4. ABS-Linked brakes; Very impressive. Tested them on my dirt road, even played with them on downhill off camber corners. Could not find any of the issues reported in earlier threads e.g. locking the front when applying rear when the front has limited traction due to slope, surface, etc. I tested in both hard DG and in some softer areas but not true mud/slop.
5. Throttle / Clutch control: I had difficulty making clean shifts for the first 100 or so miles. Drivetrain snatch is significant if throttle/clutch is not done *just* right. I removed my heavy winter gloves and rode with MX gloves that have better feel to get the idea then switched back to the winter gloves. You have to use finesse on the clutch/throttle/shift to make perfect up/down shifts. Once on lash backside, smooth throttle control is required to transition the load to the front side. For comparison, my 1979 KZ1300 has less lash than the FJR. Ditto a 1984 BMW R100T.
6. Throttle tension: Excessive. Causes some of the issues listed above. Too much pull required just off idle. This was supposedly fixed on the 06's but if so I can't imagine how the earlier models were.
7. Throttle transition: On mine, not as smooth as I hoped for from idle/<1200 rpm. It's almost like the map isn't quiet correct or is transitioning from one zone to another. Coupled with a light flywheel, it makes throttle management very important.
8. Power: Absolutely wonderful. Seamless. More than I ever hoped for. Slight tingle at 6-7k. It makes the 55 mph speed limit a farce.
9. Handling: First off, disclaimer... This is my first 'new' street bike since 1991. I am completely blown away. I have a 'track' in my local area.. 38 miles, all back roads.. no traffic, I know every ripple, undulation, paint stripe by name.. not even trying I was 20+ over in all normal corners. Nicely planted, firmly set.. Touched the toes twice today!
Come visit and I'll show you nice roads in my backyard.10. Suspension: hmm. Mixed emotions. Front is good, very good. Rear, it seems harsh, even set to soft. My dirtbike experience says wait for some time to pass, it will soften but for now irregular surfaces e.g. small pot holes, surface height differences get transmitted uhh, firmly to the posterior. I weigh 240, shock set at soft.
11. Ergos: I'm 6'0 with 32" inseam. I've broken many bones, tweaked ligaments/tendons and generally abused my body having excessive amounts of dirt bike fun. In the low seat height position, I found my left thigh cramping. The rear brake is too high for my right ankle/foot position. All adjustable stuff, just haven't gotten there yet. The bars are too far forward for long distance rides, also a bit low. I don't want a sit and beg HD position, but as is the lower back is squawking after 2 hours in the saddle. It took me 5 years to get my other LD ride perfect for me, the FJR will take much less time than that thanks to it being easir to adjust. Just now set the seat height to high and will report back if anyone cares.
12. Air Management: Coming from a long distance touring perspective, the windshield, in the full up position, is too low. As others have reported, earplugs are mandatory. Turbulence exists. My Arai XD will not work.. The bill is too large and catches waay to much air at speed. From a sport bike perspective, I like the lower position but I'm more Tourer guy than Sportie.
13. Heat Issues: Can't say. To date ambient temps have been high 50's low 60's. I thought I felt heat on the right side one time but it sure wasn't enough to keep me warm...
14. Computer Problem? I too only get 17 Mpg instantaneous. :blink:
15. Overall impressions? Awesome bike. A very good platform to build upon. I now see why high speed LD riders use this bike. I am incredibly happy with the power and brake relationship. The linked ABS brakes simply work and the HP is linear, smooth, and plentiful. The handling and suspension for a bike this large is truly amazing. I can hardly wait to customize the ergos and Farkelize this steed to truly make it mine...
Me thinks I'm going to really like this bike...
BTW, this incredibly well cared for bike will be for sale in 2008 for any of you who want in on the dcarver PDP :blink: :dribble: :haha:
