Author Topic: test ride-fj1300 (Read 2809 times)

smooth operator · « **on:** July 30, 2005, 08:05:10 AM »

A freind of mine just bought a fj1300 a few days ago. First thing he did was come to Erie, and let me take it for a ride.
At first it felt pretty comfortable,but as you ride for awhile you have to make sure you use your abs and legs to keep your hands loose. The seat does'nt slide you foward like the Bandit,but puts more weight on your wrist if you get lazy. I thought it was smooth as silk untill you get you about 5500 rpm, then the bars buzzed worse than the Bandit. They are solid,bolted on the tripple tree,so no bar snakes. I didn't want to get on it too hard to see what it had, because it didn't have any miles on her yet. I'll try it next time after he gets back. On his Maiden voyage, he drove up in the Andirondex(SP?) to visit a freind. That's all of 7-8 hrs one way. The FJ is a shaft drive and the handleing, although it went into corners with ease,was slow compaired to the Bandit. Seems like it resisted a little,perhaps it was the shaft. The one thing you couldn't help notice was the engine heat,there was lots of it on your legs. It would make a desent touring bike,has a nice luggage package with plenty of room. But certainly doesn't out perform the Bandit.My buddy Mike should be back in Erie today for the full update on his trip. Later, Dan

PeteSC · « **Reply #1 on:** July 30, 2005, 08:24:30 AM »

Cool! The few times I've been on full fairinged bike, I either found them cramped, and/or the added heat from the engine was annoying.
(I've got big feet, long legs...)
Now I don't don't lust after an FJR as much....

BTW
Adirondnacks ( i think!)

B6mick · « **Reply #2 on:** July 30, 2005, 08:30:29 AM »

I know what your saying bloke, I had the fj1200, it was a good long distance hauler, but the long wheel base, made for some interesting moments, strong as hell motors and should see well over 2 hundred thousand miles if serviced and looked after. And of course my pet hate shaft drives, thank god the old fj still had chain.

WEINERDOGBONE · « **Reply #3 on:** July 30, 2005, 11:50:39 AM »

Thanks for the review. I've always wanted an FJR myself.

smooth operator · « **Reply #4 on:** July 30, 2005, 11:27:32 PM »

OK Here's the update. I talked to my buddy tonight and he loves the bike!( You have to take in consideration that his other bike is a BEAUTIFULL Norton Camando that he did a frame up restoration and he didn't have to fix anything on the ride there or even back!) But it is a great bike. Did I forget to mention it needs a 6th gear? I thought the same thing on the Bandit before. But since added 3 to the rear. I know the shaft is no matenance/mess, but I like being able to change my gearing. I go to the track when I can afford the time/$, but if I wanted to do a long haul I could also gear up if I wanted to. I wanted so much to love the FJ after reading the write ups,but I lust no longer.Maybe after the next ride when I can get on it a little more, now that its broke in I'll like it more.Add I'll let Mike ride the Bandit.

solman · « **Reply #5 on:** July 31, 2005, 07:10:30 PM »

Quote

The one thing you couldn't help notice was the engine heat,there was lots of it on your legs

This is my first Summer on the Bandit and I've been noticing a lot of heat on my legs after riding a while.. Before my Bandit, I've only ever owned 70's and early '80's Hondas and never noticed this much heat before.