So... I went and test-rode a new '09 AE today. I was a little tentative, given that an FJR1300 has 3X the horsepower of my current bike, but weighs only 10% more. That, and the various posts I've read about how the throttle is a bit abrupt at first, made me pretty wary at first, but the FJR is not a hard bike to ride, and ride smoothly. You can't be tentative with the auto-clutch, but rolling on the throttle gently let the bike take off in a very pleasant and controllable manner. The tires were brand-new and shiny so I didn't push the bike, but it felt like it corners well, and it is deceptively fast... it wasn't hard to get up to 80 mph without hardly trying, just rolling thru the gears... and it doesn't feel like 80 except you start realizing the car in front of you is getting closer quickly. The rider position is more aggressive than I'm used to, and I wonder how comfortable it would be for me on long distances, but I would want to ride it longer before putting on bar risers. I left the shop, but not before putting a down payment on it, to pick it up in a week. Now I get to order some farkles...
You're going to love the auto clutch, especially in stop and go traffic. For slow first gear maneuvers just apply a little back brake and it's not so jumpy.
you're gonna love it. Everytime I get in stop and go traffic I wish mine had the auto-clutch. The riding position is a bit more sporty than I am used to as well, but I am in no hurry to change it. I am getting used to it. A throttle lock is a tremendous help. I also put a slightly taller Cee Baileys wind screen on mine - other than that and the throttle lock and a givi trunk, it is stock. I have done a couple of 400+ mile days so far with no problem.
>"but I would want to ride it longer before putting on bar risers. " I'd guess about 10 minutes will do...
I was thinking just the opposite. I remember my '04 FJR having some good power but after riding my friend's C14.....now I'm not sure. It is not as sporty as the C14 but way easier to work on by far. Mine has a few farkles on it. All I really need on it now it a set of sportier tires and a better seat. The FJR really needs updated......bad.
Thanks to those who responded --- So .... it is now in my garage. See what you made me do ! ! ! -Glen
You asked. I deliver. I bought the Coocase thru Twisted Throttle. The case is the base model although they offer remote control locking, recharging for mp3 players, etc. After a 1,300-mile round trip in the past week, including some tough roads, it held up beautifully. My only complaint is the mounting hardware. Twisted Throttle shipped the SW Motech plate that fits onto the OEM luggage rack (worked just fine) and the Coocase comes supposedly with the proper accessory plate for the particular model you own that then mounts onto the SW Motech piece. I had to jury-rig mine quite a bit and, frankly, I'm still not pleased with it. However, it works ... so I can't complain about that. Of course, like so many other specialty items, the price adds up: the case itself was only about $150 but by the time you get the hardware and shipping (and I did buy the backrest for my wife), it doubles the cost. Nonetheless, I like the damn thing so far. It works and I think it looks pretty good too.
What have I done....I put my FJR up for sale on Craigslist. 33k miles, babied, kept indoors, been an awesome bike for me. My current bike A.D.D. and sore hips has me looking elsewhere. Bike sold within a week (also listed in the FM here) 28yo 'kid' shows up with payment for the asking price....then wants to know of a good place to get loud pipes, neon lighting kits, fender eliminator, and a good outdoor cover. I remind him it's a touring bike, not a 'busa, and that that stuff isn't really as easy to find for this bike. He doesn't care. What did I do to this?: He actually used the 'loud pipes save lives' line. I can only imagine the horrors that bike will have to suffer through.
The links are wonky but I still can get to the pixcs. It looks greaty (and the wife is also quite a catch) Dave