Any CO Gen-III FJR Riders Interested in the Ténéré?

[Vanderwho]

Here's why I ask:

I love my '14 Super Ténéré ES. But deep-down, I'm an inline-four kinda guy. And I've always loved the way the FJR looks. And the Super-T is a bit tall for my inseam. And it's a bit difficult for the wife to mount. And I never tackle anything more challenging than gentle gravel roads. (I could probably make up additional excuses, if I needed to.) But it's way comfortable, handles superbly and is very fuel-efficient.

Even though an FJR would be 60 pounds heavier, be slightly less comfortable and probably not handle as well, I'm drawn to the bike. I love the inline-four thrust, the sound, and the way it looks. And it's not nearly as tall.

Yeah, I had a used 2010 FJR for five months before I traded it on the Ténéré. Why did I get rid of my FJR? Despite spending considerable time on suspension adjustments, I could never get a tolerable ride out of it. Maybe it's the fact that I came to the FJR from a 2012 V-Strom 1000, but the FJR simply rode harshly. It didn't have cruise control (an absolute must for me). And the ergonomics weren't optimal for long-distance riding (not without lowering the pegs and compromising cornering clearance). In retrospect, I wonder whether a previous (maybe much heavier?) owner modified the suspension. I'm guessing the issue was way too much compression damping, but that's just a guess. In any event, facing the cost of adding an MCCruise, I bailed. I traded it on the Super-T.

After 20 months and 16k miles on the Ténéré, the FJR-lust is upon me once again. I need to determine whether the harsh ride I experienced on my FJR was just that bike, or something that's common to all FJRs. Maybe, just maybe, there's a Gen-III FJR owner in the Denver area (ideally, with an ES model) who is interested in acquiring a Super Ténéré, and would appreciate the opportunity to take a nice hour-or-two ride on one... with me tagging along on his FJR.

Anyone?
::017::

 

[AVGeek]

While there might be someone lurking here with an FJR looking to go to the ST, you might have better luck posting this request over at FJRForum.com.

I recently did a demo ride on a 2015 Gen 3 FJR, and the biggest thing that struck me was how small it felt, compared to the ST. I previously owned an 04 Gen 1 and an 08 Gen 2, and I remember how big it felt when I first got the 04. It's all about perspective, and for me, the ST is far more comfortable.

 

[Vanderwho]

While there might be someone lurking here with an FJR looking to go to the ST, you might have better luck posting this request over at FJRForum.com.

I recently did a demo ride on a 2015 Gen 3 FJR, and the biggest thing that struck me was how small it felt, compared to the ST. I previously owned an 04 Gen 1 and an 08 Gen 2, and I remember how big it felt when I first got the 04. It's all about perspective, and for me, the ST is far more comfortable.

Thanks for the suggestion. I actually posted over there first.

I remember my first time lifting an FJR off its sidestand. What a perception of density. It was low and smallish, but heavy!

As I find my interest in a lot of hard-core long-distance riding waning, I find the FJR more and more appealing. I think one would do what I want, and put a bigger grin on my face at the same time. Could be wrong, though... won't know until I find a way to ride one.

 

[Scubatech]

I just traded my 2007 FJR in for a 2016 S10. I find it's more comfortable and does everything as well or better than the FJR. I had two of them and they were excellent bikes. I needed more legroom as my 68 year old knees with too many training miles on them requested! The FJR was faster but the S10 has lots of power. Ever since I rode a GS in Europe I wanted an ADV Bike so i'm happy with what I did. I rode a Gen III FJR and they are a nicer more refined Bike than the Gen II. I see a lot more Motorcycles going back toward the original seating positions where it all started decades ago with the naked Bikes. There are a lot of Guys on fjrforum.com with both bikes and some who made the switch so you may find someone interested, good luck.

 

[RCinNC]

I fully empathize with FJR lust; I've had it for ages. I love the S10, and have put two years and 27,500 miles of happy riding on mine, but there's something about that sport tourer that calls to me. My girlfriend has always had a less than easy time getting on and off the S10, and since I'll never go back to cruisers, that limits my choices for a decent two-up long distance touring bike. I imagine there'll be an FJR in my future.

 

[timothy.davis]

I traded my 2009 KLR in on the 2012 S-10. The motivation for this trade was two up riding. I was looking at the 1200 GS when an friend suggested I look into the S-10 and have never regretted the choice made. I had some vertical impairment issues with the S-10 initially but have pretty much sorted through them. I still had a 1988 Harley FXR Super Glide that I had spent two years rebuilding from the frame up. After riding the 2012 S-10 with 2012 technology the 1988 completely rebuilt FXR with 1988 technology the FXR just didn't feel safe anymore. Not only did it not feel safe it was haunted in ways that tries a person's patience but that is another story. I traded the FXR in on a 2013 FJR and never regretted that decision. Having both bikes now I prefer the FJR for two up riding. It easier for my passenger to mount and dismount. It is easier on me riding two up with the lower profile, I can handle the additional weight with ease. For a long trip solo I prefer the S-10 hands down. It's just a great touring bike that gives you the possibilities of diversified terrain adventure. For me the FJR is great for that Saturday, Sunday morning get up and go to breakfast, two up, and not get home till dark. If I were to start using the FJR for long distance touring I would defiantly consider getting a Russell day long. My riding companion prefers the S-10 to the FJR except for mounting and dismounting. I think the back roads we venture on has something to do with this. She claims to prefer the KLR over the S-10 but I think if she was to get back on a KLR she might change her mind. Funny thing about the FXR, she never felt safe on it. Being fortunate is, having both the FJR and S-10.

 

[BadNews]

I still miss my Gen lll FJR. I traded it in for my 2015 ST, due to my 36" inseam and creaky knees. Both bikes are great, if I could afford it I would have one of each. Both bikes are great fun, but in different ways.

 

[Vanderwho]

Thanks for the continuing insights.

Still looking for a Gen-III FJR owner to swap saddles with for an hour or two...

 

[ST-venture]

Thanks for the continuing insights.

Still looking for a Gen-III FJR owner to swap saddles with for an hour or two...

There is a guy on the STOC forum (www.st-owners.com) named Chuck (user name ChucksKLRST) who has a 2014 FJR. He is in the Denver area and might be able to accommodate your request.

 

[Torque6988]

YES!!!!!! I have a 2014 FJR. Would rather have the S10. Enloyed it more. Are you looking to trade. What farkles do you have??

 

[Vanderwho]

YES!!!!!! I have a 2014 FJR. Would rather have the S10. Enloyed it more. Are you looking to trade. What farkles do you have??

Sorry for the slow reply... I'm not getting email notifications of new posts for some reason.

They didn't introduce the ES model FJR until 2015, no? I have ES on my S10, and wouldn't buy an FJR without it. For now, I'm just really looking to go for a ride with an (ES) FJR owner and swap bikes for a while.

Thanks, tho!

 

[Abercrombie tenere]

The FJR ES was introduced in 2014 in irresistible red. Between the ES suspension, improved cruise control, and the red paint I was lured away from my 2013 FJR A to the 2014 FJR ES.

 

[WJBertrand]

I think it might be a tough go to compare the ride of a sports tourer to an adventure tourer. I have a Honda ST1300 which is arguably similar to an FJR but by most reports more plush. Compared to my Super Tenere, the ST has a harsher ride. I think it's just a product of a street-only bike having less suspension travel, more than 2" less at each end. By necessity it needs to be set up stiffer to handle the additional weight and prevent bottoming with the shorter travel.

 

[Vanderwho]

I think it might be a tough go to compare the ride of a sports tourer to an adventure tourer. I have a Honda ST1300 which is arguably similar to an FJR but by most reports more plush. Compared to my Super Tenere, the ST has a harsher ride. I think it's just a product of a street-only bike having less suspension travel, more than 2" less at each end. By necessity it needs to be set up stiffer to handle the additional weight and prevent bottoming with the shorter travel.

That's my biggest fear... or maybe the saving grace... that I will eventually, somehow, ride an ES FJR and conclude I'm not willing to give up the Tenere's plush yet controlled ride for the FJR's looks and inline-four.

 

[AVGeek]

That's my biggest fear... or maybe the saving grace... that I will eventually, somehow, ride an ES FJR and conclude I'm not willing to give up the Tenere's plush yet controlled ride for the FJR's looks and inline-four.

When I got my first FJR back in 03 (I was one of the early PDP participants), it was amazing how big it seemed, as I was coming from a Yamaha Radian. Fast forward to this years IMS, and I did the demo ride on the 15 FJR, and I was amazed at how small it seemed compared to the Tenere.

 

[Spork]

I have both and although the S10 can go to more places and do more things, the FJR is just so smooth and torquey. I mean you lay on the throttle in Sport mode and it's all smiles,it is a well polished bike, all it needed was a new seat and risers to make it very comfy. The S10 needs to be whipped a bit to get any kind of performance out of it, but that is understandable considering its purpose. Overall it's best to have both: a S10 for a daily driver and a FJR for touring and mild hooliganing.

 

[RicoChet]

You are not crazy.

about 3 years ago I did a trip to British Columbia with my wife and we rented a new FJR to go touring on. I was very excited about riding this sports touring bike. I can tell you from personal experience that I found the FJR to be buzzy, harsh, and out of all the other sport bikes / touring bikes it was also lacking in the power department a little.

The FJR to me, is more of a sports bike then a touring bike. It has bags and adjustable windshield, but I would say its for a person who likes to ride sports bikes but also wants to have extra luggage and a better seating position. I found that the screen did not even go high enough to prevent buffeting, it was very tall and heavy and yeah... the buzziness of that 4 cylinder engine was not the best.

If you are serious about a sport touring bike I would recommend anything else really. I know a Honda ST1300 may not be on your list but they can be had for super reasonable prices on the used market. Some people like the Concours C14, but I've never had the opportunity to try one. The BMW 1000XR is a beast of a motorcycle with the latest technology, but even my brother in law who owns one says that its "Too Perfect" and lacks personality... I agreed with him.

Good luck with your search!!

 

[Vanderwho]

I have both and although the S10 can go to more places and do more things, the FJR is just so smooth and torquey. I mean you lay on the throttle in Sport mode and it's all smiles,it is a well polished bike, all it needed was a new seat and risers to make it very comfy. The S10 needs to be whipped a bit to get any kind of performance out of it, but that is understandable considering its purpose. Overall it's best to have both: a S10 for a daily driver and a FJR for touring and mild hooliganing.

I wish two bikes was a reasonable idea. Not realistic for me.

You are not crazy.

about 3 years ago I did a trip to British Columbia with my wife and we rented a new FJR to go touring on. I was very excited about riding this sports touring bike. I can tell you from personal experience that I found the FJR to be buzzy, harsh, and out of all the other sport bikes / touring bikes it was also lacking in the power department a little.

The FJR to me, is more of a sports bike then a touring bike. It has bags and adjustable windshield, but I would say its for a person who likes to ride sports bikes but also wants to have extra luggage and a better seating position. I found that the screen did not even go high enough to prevent buffeting, it was very tall and heavy and yeah... the buzziness of that 4 cylinder engine was not the best.

If you are serious about a sport touring bike I would recommend anything else really. I know a Honda ST1300 may not be on your list but they can be had for super reasonable prices on the used market. Some people like the Concours C14, but I've never had the opportunity to try one. The BMW 1000XR is a beast of a motorcycle with the latest technology, but even my brother in law who owns one says that its "Too Perfect" and lacks personality... I agreed with him.

Good luck with your search!!

The FJR is the only bike I'm aware of that has (1.) shaft drive, (2.) cruise control, (3.) an inline- (or V-) four and (4.) YamaKawaHondaZuki reliability and dealer network. I actually owned one briefly; I had a 2010 for about five months -- long story -- and never found it wanting in the thrust department. (Read my original post for details.)

I remember the first time I ever lifted an FJR off its sidestand... what a sense of density. It wasn't that big, but it sure felt heavy.

My S-10 is one of the two best bikes currently on the market for me. I suspect the FJR is the other one. I'm in no big hurry to make a change, but I'd still like to find a 2014+ FJR1300ES owner who's interested in going for a ride together, on each other's bikes...