Your complaints aren't issues. The battery position maybe. The rest is personal preference. The auto windscreen is handy going from city to highway back and forth. The brakes are usually awesome. The issue in some years is ignition switch failure, covered by recalls for most years affected. The outer skins on the bags can de-laminate and all it needs is a re-glue. The bags are big enough to hold a helmet. There are signal lights, not buttons. The fuel gauge is to the right not left. Later years had adjustable seats, and more. I have an 05 and it's a badass on the highway and maneuvers like a lighter bike. Twist the throttle and hang on tight.
Thank you for sharing! I have a v-strom 650, coming from a gsx-f 750, but are now looking for something more exiting ( …the v-strom is to «sensible» for my taste). The FJR 1300 is a huge candidate! What is your thoughts after one year whith the FJR?
Note, the woman who won the Ironbutt 11,000 last year was riding her 2005 FJR that she has owned since new. Yes, she is a mechanic and owns her own shop.
Definatly too big and fast for a first bike. It's not a good beginner bike. The vstrom 650 is a great all arounder, and if you dont mind a tall bike it can be a great beginner bike. It has the motor of a sv650 so its known as a beginner motor. But i always felt it was a great bike for everything.
Your complaints aren't issues. The battery position maybe. The rest is personal preference. The auto windscreen is handy going from city to highway back and forth. The brakes are usually awesome. The issue in some years is ignition switch failure, covered by recalls for most years affected. The outer skins on the bags can de-laminate and all it needs is a re-glue. The bags are big enough to hold a helmet. There are signal lights, not buttons. The fuel gauge is to the right not left. Later years had adjustable seats, and more. I have an 05 and it's a badass on the highway and maneuvers like a lighter bike. Twist the throttle and hang on tight.
Thank you for sharing! I have a v-strom 650, coming from a gsx-f 750, but are now looking for something more exiting ( …the v-strom is to «sensible» for my taste). The FJR 1300 is a huge candidate! What is your thoughts after one year whith the FJR?
Dude i own now a gsxf 750 98 my next bike will be a fjr or kawa gtr
Note, the woman who won the Ironbutt 11,000 last year was riding her 2005 FJR that she has owned since new. Yes, she is a mechanic and owns her own shop.
Honestly, this guy makes great videos and I bought my vstrom which I loved but I'm looking for something that can handle the interstates better
I just got one a few months ago myself. Same yr but 42k miles. Great bike so far
I installed a steel strap on the positive battery post that goes down near the horn to boost it when needed
The only complaint that I see is relevant is the battery placement....everything else you mention is a plus, not a negative.
I didn't even know you had this bike , congratulation on your new buy !
Got it yesterday! So pretty fresh. Working on it, getting the fork seals done.
LOL! "My gift in life..."
Is FJR1300 too big and heavy for the first bike or should I go with V Strom 650? I have few years experience on 300cc bike, but haven't ride 11 years.
Definatly too big and fast for a first bike. It's not a good beginner bike. The vstrom 650 is a great all arounder, and if you dont mind a tall bike it can be a great beginner bike. It has the motor of a sv650 so its known as a beginner motor. But i always felt it was a great bike for everything.
@@motardsquid I'm 5'11 , so V Strom should be ok on hight perspective. Thank you for advice, I love how FJR looks and power.
FJR in candy red is the fastest, lol...seriously it is an awesome machine
I've always liked the silver ones myself. I wish i could swap the blue with someone that has silver. Anyone out there?!