My FJR is the first bike I've actually owned. I've always had access to my brother's bike (until he moved out of town) or my son's, or my brother-in-law's, or my roommate's when I was in school, or something. When I wanted my own bike I was thinking Wing, because I knew I had to be able to carry my wife, and I knew that wouldn't be a GSX-R or something. I'm too old for that tank-hugging ride, and I DO NOT want a cruiser.
I'd seen the FJR on the web, but never in person. Took Jan to the Yamaha place after hours, there were 2 visible through the window. She was impressed enough with the look of it to tell me flat out not to bother finding a Gold Wing.
Now that we have it, I couldn't be happier. We're both heavier than we ought to be, and without loading up we're right at the bike's stated load limit. Hell, I had to aim the lights down to ride by myself! Nevertheless, I have no trouble with her on it at all. She's taken to it like a duck to water. She leans with me, looks with me, and doesn't fight the bike at all. There's more weight back there, but nothing else. She knows to wait for me to let her on, and to let her off. She knows to check the pegs down before trying to get on, and we carry a hairbrush in the Givi for her! She knows how to hold on to me, or the grab rails, or just to lean back against the top case. She anticipates well with traffic. No idea how she's learned all this, because she's never been on a motorcycle before.
I can't compare it 2-up to anything else, because it's the ONLY bike I've ridden 2-up. Jan says she's comfortable, has plenty of room, and she really doesn't like the look of the Wing. She thinks the FJR is flashier and more worthy of being seen on!
As for her comfort and durability, we've not been on the bike together more than an hour at a time yet, but (weather permitting) we're goin' on a day trip Saturday, and we'll see how she is. Going from here in Panama City to at least Cape San Blas and the state park out there, and maybe as far as St. George Island just beyond Apalachicola. Forecast looks good, so watch the Ride Reports section for us.
fred jr
