happy (and envious in a good way)

[rdsmith3]

My brother-in-law, friend, and riding buddy just got a brand spanking new black FJR 1300. He was on the list; they called last week. The dealer basically says take it now or it goes to the next person on the list. So he sold his old Honda ST1100 and bought the new Yamaha all in the same day. It's great when things work out like that.

I ogled it on Saturday. Mmmm ... it is a nice looking bike. There is a lot to like on that bike.

I am happy for him, but I am also happy because it means we will be riding more this year. Our wives are sisters, so at least we will be in the dog house together.

[mnnden]

Bob, (just curious) Are the FJR1300 hard to find in your area?. I stopped at a couple of shops here in MN this past weekend and there are no shortage of them here. I looked at several, I really like them, I can't wait for someone I know to purchase one so I can get a good evaluation, (and maybe a ride) Den

[rdsmith3]

The last time I went "shopping" for one (a few years ago) the dealers did not have any. You had to put down a deposit and buy it without trying one. My understanding from my brother-in-law is that the situation is still the same. He got a call on, say, Monday that three were coming in. They asked if he wanted it. He was next on the list. If he did not take it, they already had someone else willing to buy it. So his bike sat in the dealers showroom for just a few days with a sign on it "Sold, do not sit on bike."

[jfslater98]

What are the specs on BIL's old ST? Year, mileage? I have been toying with the idea of a "winter" bike that has more wind protection, but don't want to drop a lot of cash if the experiment doesn't take.

[mnnden]

Yes different areas I am sure, get preference, I am sure he will like the bike, everything I have read it is a great performer, about the only complant I have ever heard is that it can get a little warm, I personaly am a big fan of the Honda ST, and today I looked at a Kawasaki Concours that really knocked me for a loop!!!! That is a machine that deserves a good look, if you have time stop in and take a look at one, I put in for a test ride, but being well below zero here in mn it will be a couple of months, Thanks for the info. Den

[rdsmith3]

What are the specs on BIL's old ST? Year, mileage? I have been toying with the idea of a "winter" bike that has more wind protection, but don't want to drop a lot of cash if the experiment doesn't take.

He already sold it. It had about 30K miles.

[bcbit01]

I live in Topeka, KS and my father-in-law bought the only FJR1300 in town last year. The salesmen were ticked because they never got a chance to ride it before it was gone. He loves it. Smooth, predictable, lots of power where it counts. I was a newbie at the time ( and the bike had 12 miles on it) so, when he offered me a ride, I took it really easy; but it was evident there was tons of power lurking in the upper revs. No opinion on the ABS. He's a purist and he hasn't whined about it, so I assume its pretty unobtrusive. Great bike IMHO.

Brett

[garylspolar]

A "little" warm? I often thought about putting an ice pack between my testicles and the gas tank. It was that hot. It also seemed heavier, and less of a handler than the R1150R I had before and after it. I had no passion for it. That being said, maybe it was just too much bike for me? I could not push it as hard, as a result? Don't know for sure.

I hear the new ones have less of a heat issue. Avoid that automatic transmission.... boring.

Congrats!

[Graf]

automatic transmission????????????????....never heard of a bike that had one.....

[boxermania]

Graf

Piaggio, in the US, just introduced the Gilera Mana a 75 hp, 830 cc engine bike with a CVT (continuous variable transmission) tranny that you can leave in auto or shift through 5 or 6 gears......that is the new thing, most of the scooters (Honda Siverwing, Suzuki Burgman have them) and Honda is fixing to come out with a new model.......