Quote from: Paul.1478 on October 17, 2018, 02:48:03 PM
Man I just don't know why these bikes are SOO cheep.
I lived in Manteca (next to Tracy) and currently in Atlanta. I also have a JF small world. too bad you cannot keep it, would have a local FJ friend I could ride with...
Paul, they're getting inexpensive because many of them are 30 years old. Only us fanatics are willing to lay out long green for such a vintage machine. I think most buyers in the used bike market would prefer something more modern, like fuel injection, modern tire choices, newer electronics, etc. That's the reason I was able to afford my FJ. It was advertised at $1600 and since no one looked at it, I was able to negotiate the price to $1400. Of course by the time I am done with RPM, it will have cost me closer to $4k.
Joe
Joe, true, we spend some coin on our bikes, but look at it this way: How much would you spend on a new bike?
Remembering, it's not just the price difference at time of sale (non-recurring cost) but the recurring costs that will get ya...
My FJ saves me money every time I work on her. Our FJ's are pretty damn simple. Yes, the carbs are fussy but you'll learn..
Want to spend $480+ with a dealer just to adjust your valves? Buy a new bike with shim under bucket.
Quote from: RPM - Robert on October 17, 2018, 04:27:11 PM
Used to be just a hop, skip, and a jump from RPM headquarters too. When your bike is ready for a spa day you can make a trip out of it to visit your old stomping grounds.
well it in part is at RPM on a spa day. You have my carbs. And your going to get my forks over the winter.
I will tell you, even my wife was surprised about the questions you sent me regarding elevation, humid, weight and riding style for carb rebuild. Shows you are not just going to dunk them to "clean" them but really work on them, fix them and send back a set of carbs I will be able to bolt back on and ride.
Quote from: Tuned forks on October 17, 2018, 05:31:29 PM
Quote from: Paul.1478 on October 17, 2018, 02:48:03 PM
Man I just don't know why these bikes are SOO cheep.
I lived in Manteca (next to Tracy) and currently in Atlanta. I also have a JF small world. too bad you cannot keep it, would have a local FJ friend I could ride with...
Paul, they're getting inexpensive because many of them are 30 years old. Only us fanatics are willing to lay out long green for such a vintage machine. I think most buyers in the used bike market would prefer something more modern, like fuel injection, modern tire choices, newer electronics, etc. That's the reason I was able to afford my FJ. It was advertised at $1600 and since no one looked at it, I was able to negotiate the price to $1400. Of course by the time I am done with RPM, it will have cost me closer to $4k.
Joe
Yea, I guess your correct. I have already spent in my mind over 3K on it and that is not all I can think of.
I also have a 76 RD400. I got it for about 3K and just put 3600 into the motor 3 weeks ago. it worth about 3K. For me it is not about the value or how much I can make. I love that bike and I love my FJ. My wife keeps asking me why don't you just buy a new bike. good question but I have no good answer. You just love what you love.
Wow, a RD400. What a widowmaker.
Pat and Paul, my main point was not to emphasize that we put money into our FJ's. Although that is true, my main point is that the bikes are relatively cheap to purchase because the main stream used motorcycle buyer would not be interested in our older machines.
I do agree that investing in our motorcycle platforms can be a relatively less expensive investment than buying a newer motorcycle because our FJ's can do nearly anything a newer bike can do...except pass modern emissions. For me, it's a mostly emotional attachment. Like many boomers that could not afford their dream machine while they were young men, I couldn't afford a FJ when they were new but find that I can live my dream now.
Joe
Quote from: Tuned forks on October 18, 2018, 08:44:12 PM
Wow, a RD400. What a widowmaker.
Pat and Paul, my main point was not to emphasize that we put money into our FJ's. Although that is true, my main point is that the bikes are relatively cheap to purchase because the main stream used motorcycle buyer would not be interested in our older machines.
I do agree that investing in our motorcycle platforms can be a relatively less expensive investment than buying a newer motorcycle because our FJ's can do nearly anything a newer bike can do...except pass modern emissions. For me, it's a mostly emotional attachment. Like many boomers that could not afford their dream machine while they were young men, I couldn't afford a FJ when they were new but find that I can live my dream now.
Joe
It's funny Joe, but I have a different attachment to my FJ - and my ownership experience is the opposite of yours in some respects.
In early 1986, I was promoted at work and got my first ever company car. That meant I could sell my own car and buy the first new bike I'd ever bought on my own. With my savings and the money from the sale of the car, I went to the largest bike dealer around (Queens Park Motors, in Manchester) and asked them what was the biggest, fastest bike available at that time - they pointed me to the FJ 1200 (I already figured that's what they'd point me to) and I bought it there and then (for £3,200 in cash - I could have had a VF 1000 F for £100 less, but they only had the half faired version).
In 1989, I got another promotion and my boss asked if I'd sell him my FJ - about this time I was really fancying the 3CV model, so I jumped at the chance and did the deals.
I've still got the 3CV - I fell in love with my 1TX, but really gelled with the 3CV and have never, ever, considered selling it.
The FJ did get relegated to the back of the garage when I went through my mid-life crisis and got my Aprilia RSV Mille and seriously got into track riding (I had annual passes for the Nurburgring Nordschleife and have done a LOT of miles/laps there), but I always intended to "modernise" the FJ, it just took me a long time to get around to it.
Now that it's finished and I'm riding it again, the love has gotten even deeper - but mainly because right now, the bike seems to be absolutely perfect for me.
If I had unlimited cash, yes I'd have a big bore engine, Ohlins suspension, brembo radial brakes etc.....but, do you know what, I just don't feel the need for that stuff right now. And, outside of an Aprilia Tuono 1100, there's nothing else in today's new bikes that I'd consider buying - the FJ is still (after all these years) the best and best value, all-round big bike IMO, by far.
Quote from: Tuned forks on October 18, 2018, 08:44:12 PM
....Like many boomers that could not afford their dream machine while they were young men, I couldn't afford a FJ when they were new but find that I can live my dream now.....
I hear ya Joe. In '84 couldn't afford mine either and I had no business buying it....but I did anyway (glad I did)
I just didn't know how to tell SWMBO.
FJ's are good value bikes.
This thread has gotten pretty far off topic and I'm about to take it even farther. Pat and Dean, I'm really envious that you've been able to enjoy over 30 years of FJ goodness.
Dean, know what I was doing before checking the forum...watching Isle of Man video from this year. Sooooo, I gotta ask. How's the ride from Suffolk to Liverpool? Can a person catch a train from London to Suffolk?
Joe the Curious
Quote from: Tuned forks on October 18, 2018, 11:11:00 PM
This thread has gotten pretty far off topic and I'm about to take it even farther. Pat and Dean, I'm really envious that you've been able to enjoy over 30 years of FJ goodness.
Dean, know what I was doing before checking the forum...watching Isle of Man video from this year. Sooooo, I gotta ask. How's the ride from Suffolk to Liverpool? Can a person catch a train from London to Suffolk?
Joe the Curious
Hi Joe - I'm not certain where exactly you'll be travelling to in Suffolk (there are some pretty small places that don't have easy access to a train station), but there are regular of trains from London to the towns in Suffolk every day and it's a pretty short journey time.
Regarding travelling to Liverpool by road, it can be a bit of a lottery. The easy route is straight across the A11/A14 to join the M6 at Rugby (where I live). It's not very interesting, but only takes about 2 and 1/2 hours to get to the M6 (from Ipswich area). From there it's straight along the M6 (there is an alternative toll route around Birmingham, which is expensive, but it's worth it) until you get to the M62 and from there it's straight into Liverpool and follow signs to the Docks and ferry terminal. The M6 section can be / is a nightmare. On a good run it takes 2 and 1/2 hours from Rugby. The last time I went to the IoM (2013) it took us 6 hours to get to the ferry terminal from Rugby because of traffic on the M6 - it's an absolute lottery !
There are cross-country alternatives, but they'd make it a 2 day journey if you wanted to enjoy the journey (happy to put you up overnight if you wanted to do that).
Hope this helps - but catch up nearer the time and we've can review again
Thanks Dean. Seeing the IOM is becoming a bucket list item. I was informed last week that I qualify for retirement now so I'm mentally making post-employment plans. One shipping carrier I searched uses Suffolk for their England destination. I would not be surprised if other shippers used closer ports. Sending my machine over just seems like a cool idea instead of buying or renting a bike while in country. Yes, when I am months away from pulling the trigger I will make a post seeking help from my British buddies. If I was to ride cross country though, the scenic route would probably be more interesting and full of local color.
The reason I asked about London to Suffolk was due to an interest to visit your War Museum in London. I've been told it's a fascinating museum and could take weeks or more to see.
Joe
I bought my first bike. An 86 fj1200 brand new in 86. I lived on a mattress on the floor of a hallway (that had doors on both ends) in a house that 3 of my buddies rented. But I had my Fj. Put 14,000 miles on it. In 2 1/2 months totalled it. Moved on to other bikes came back to fj's a few years ago. And now have 5 of them. Could buy any bike I want. But because they are cheap to buy. And cheap to mess with. I have an 86 1350. A 2up/touring 89. And an 86 getting total custom and a turbo. For about the price of a new bike
Value for the price because they are 30+ years old. But still do more than most.
Quote from: Tuned forks on October 19, 2018, 06:48:13 PM
Thanks Dean. Seeing the IOM is becoming a bucket list item. I was informed last week that I qualify for retirement now so I'm mentally making post-employment plans. One shipping carrier I searched uses Suffolk for their England destination. I would not be surprised if other shippers used closer ports. Sending my machine over just seems like a cool idea instead of buying or renting a bike while in country. Yes, when I am months away from pulling the trigger I will make a post seeking help from my British buddies. If I was to ride cross country though, the scenic route would probably be more interesting and full of local color.
The reason I asked about London to Suffolk was due to an interest to visit your War Museum in London. I've been told it's a fascinating museum and could take weeks or more to see.
Joe
Our museum scene here is like a black-hole - once you get caught up in it, you can be there for months. And the Imperial War Museum is fantastic (and I also love The Royal Armouries, in Leeds) :yes:
Shipping your bike over is an interesting option, but to be honest, just IMO, Suffolk (presumablybecause the port is either Ipswich, Felixstowe, or Harwich) is about the worst place to come from if you're riding a bike - once you're a couple of miles from the coast it's flat and featureless (although there are some quaint little villages). If you can find another port - the further north the better - you'll have a much better journey to get anywhere. My neighbour brings bikes to the UK regularly from the USA - I'll find out who he uses and where they come in.
London is easy to get to by train from just about anywhere in England - it's just mega expensive if you travel during the commuter periods.
I suppose I'm biased, having travelled a hell of a lot for work in the south east of England, but believe me, it's not the part of the country you'd want to travel in by road (even on a bike) - absolute traffic nightmare. The best countryside and what I would call "The Real England" is a long way from London (to the West or further North). There are some super routes to Liverpool from the East and the South West, the only issue you'll have is how long you want to spend getting there. I'd also caution you about booking early if you're going to see the TT races - the ferries and the accommodation get booked up very quickly - don't leave it until February or March to book everything otherwise you'll struggle.
Liz and I will happily help any way we can, once you have an idea what your time-frame and wish-list are (we're both retired, so have no real time restraints on our forward plans).
Imperial War Museum is awesome. I'm not much of a fan of London in general, but there are so many must see things there for when you finally tear yourself away from IWM. IOM is on my list as well.
My bro first introduced me to his first FJ in 87. I had been drooling over a GPZ900 since seeing one in Top Gun (I'm being embarrassingly honest now). The FJ changed my mind, plus I couldn't afford the 900, so it was quite convenient. My bro still has his original FJ & we've swapped it a couple of times (I broke it most). That bike has over 700,000k's on the crank. He did a bunch of go-fast mods in the 80's like a JMC IOM swingarm, carbies, bored out head (can't remember to what), modded the CDI, brakes, suspension, electrics, other bits on the motor (especially the wild cams!!!), all on a station hand salary, with most of the wrenching done by him!!!! The bike already had more performance than I had ability before all the mods.
I eventually bought my own FJ, an 85 1100. Rode it across Australia & unfortunately was taken out by a car at a set of lights. Total write-off, the car bent or broke just about everything. That put me off bikes as I lived in the city and just didn't want to ride in traffic.
After a long hiatus I recently got back into bikes. Now I'm older and wealthier (not wiser :sarcastic:) and just like giantkiller, I can choose any bike I like. Long story short, by a twist of fate it was back to the FJ.
Now I have four, with two rebuilt (one of them twice :blush:), a nice little parts collection, three daily rides. I've no need for a super sports bike as I simply don't have the balls or skill to use it properly. This all for less than one of the new bikes I was looking at.
On top of value for money, I found the FJ community, my bro and I thought we were alone in our preference for it until I came across the forum, which has lead to some great mates. This is probably the best benefit of the FJ. So few dickheads is such a rare thing.
Long Live the Mighty FJ (ambo's rule!) :good2: :drinks:
:drinks:Unfortunately we are talking about three completely different concepts.
What a bike is worth = what someone is willing to pay for it
What a bike cost = how much you have spent on it.
Whats it's Value = how much it means to you
My bike is probably worth about $2000 - 2500
I have spent $14000 to $16000 on it (lost count)
Its value to me is priceless.
How do you spent so much =impatience, mistakes, stuff ups, falls and farlkes.
Quote from: Urban_Legend on October 19, 2018, 10:36:54 PM
:drinks:
Its value to me is priceless.
How do you spent so much =impatience, mistakes, stuff ups, falls and farlkes.
You sure you don't work for MasterCard? :sarcastic:
I should with a promotion like that.... And I am a valued customer. They keep telling me that evertime they want me to increase the card limit. :biggrin:
Quote from: Urban_Legend on October 19, 2018, 10:46:05 PM
They keep telling me that evertime they want me to increase the card limit. :biggrin:
They want your House or FJ, whichever is of greater value :mocking:
I am relatively new to FJ's but not to bikes.
Rode a couple of hours today on my FJ and loved every minute of it. Would have loved to keep going but it was getting dark.
Handling, comfort, grunt, fun factor. It has it all.
I have owned and ridden a lot of bikes and can say the FJ is great VALUE at a low COST.
Frank Moore the owner and builder of one of the first big bore FJ's he calls "Brutus" had this term he used in comparing his FJ to other bikes.
He called it the RDF stands for the Relative Duplication Factor. With our modified FJ's we have a unique bike with a low RDF.
In a parking lot full of fancy store bought motorcycles, which bike do people stop and look at?
....and if you happen to have USD's on your FJ, the chicks get moist.
Quote from: Pat Conlon on October 20, 2018, 11:47:59 AM
Frank Moore the owner and builder of one of the first big bore FJ's he calls "Brutus" had this term he used in comparing his FJ to other bikes.
He called it the RDF stands for the Relative Duplication Factor. With our modified FJ's we have a unique bike with a low RDF.
In a parking lot full of fancy store bought motorcycles, which bike do people stop and look at?
....and if you happen to have USD's on your FJ, the chicks get moist.
Oh Crap ! I think Liz might make me take my USD's off then Pat, and put the original's back on !!!!!
Best compliment I've gotten on my fjr1350. Was when I put it in the rockerbox show( vintage bike show). And one guy said to his buddy very loudly so I could hear it."I hate it when somebody goes down to the dealer buy's a new bike and then puts it in a show!"
And the chick's do like it inverted.
Quote from: Troyskie on October 19, 2018, 10:19:34 PM
On top of value for money, I found the FJ community, my bro and I thought we were alone in our preference for it until I came across the forum, which has lead to some great mates. This is probably the best benefit of the FJ. So few dickheads is such a rare thing.
Long Live the Mighty FJ (ambo's rule!) :good2: :drinks:
As Troyskie stated, the FJ community and this forum add tremendous value to FJ ownership. Without the good people in this community owning one of these bikes wouldn't be nearly as fun.
Joe
Quote from: Tuned forks on October 20, 2018, 08:24:31 PM
Quote from: Troyskie on October 19, 2018, 10:19:34 PM
I found the FJ community .... which has lead to some great mates. This is probably the best benefit of the FJ. So few dickheads is such a rare thing.
As Troyskie stated, the FJ community and this forum add tremendous value to FJ ownership. Without the good people in this community owning one of these bikes wouldn't be nearly as fun.
Joe
Yes, this is very true and has been my experience also.
Just think about the fantastic hospitality Doug (the General) enjoyed from forum members all over the US and Canada recently, all folks he had only ever "met" on this forum, rock star treatment everywhere he went. I too have had many generous offers of hospitality should I get to the US.
Rallies, mansheds, catch-ups and coffees, all great fun with a great bunch of blokes.
Noel
Hmmm, I have to be in the US (LA, NY) then Germany (Frankfurt) causing me to miss the Aussie rally in March. Perhaps I should reach out.... (popcorn)
The FJ was a bike ahead of its time then, now its still a good bike. A great engine and looks [84-85].
Suspension is the weak point and well worth the upgrade.
Another bike at excellent value right now is the Kawasaki ZR1200 [2000-2008]. This is a another superbike with 175 mph top end.
A 25-30,000 mi bike can be had for $3500.
But my FJ always has a place in my garage. Cannot ever imagine getting rid of it.
Another great value for the money bike is a first gen FZ1. Very FJ-like in ergos and performance.
I owned 2 FJs at one time and they are great bikes, but I now have 3 first gen FZ1s. I still have my '85 FJ
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on October 26, 2018, 09:53:04 PM
Another great value for the money bike is a first gen FZ1. Very FJ-like in ergos and performance.
I owned 2 FJs at one time and they are great value bikes, but I now have 3 first gen FZ1s. I still have my '85 FJ
Definitely agree, the FZ1's are great bikes - we have had both the FJ and FZ1 for the last 16 years - but of the two, I still prefer the FJ, mainly for comfort (both rider and passenger).
Both bikes are still more than capable of keeping up with today's machines in any road-riding situation and still leave friends with more modern bikes jealous of both their all-round ability and their timeless appeal.
Quote from: Tuned forks on October 18, 2018, 08:44:12 PM
I do agree that investing in our motorcycle platforms can be a relatively less expensive investment than buying a newer motorcycle because our FJ's can do nearly anything a newer bike can do...
Joe
Gentlemen,
Quite true in many repects. Below is a slightly edited post from several years ago when this topic was mentioned.
Other than an electrical problem in Colorado when on a subsequent Western State sojourn (thanks to Alan & Chris - review my "Accolades" post) the "old FJ" has been reliable, comfortable & competitive when compared to a variety of modern motorcycles, for many tens of thousands of miles.
Ride safe!
A Paean to a Sport Tourer
Good evening gentlemen,
After reading the various comments re: The Best Sport-Touring Bike, it may be true that the "Sport" part of sport touring has been diminished. Large heavyweight motorcycles are for "Touring"; however despite claims to the contrary, they seem to be lacking in the "Sport" department; and while there are true "Sport" motorcycles on the market, they seem to be lacking from the "Touring" aspect. No doubt there are exceptions to the rule; however they seem to be few and far between.
As it pertains to a combination of over the road and sport riding the FJ performs exceptionally well. While the design may be old, with the modern updates (suspension, tires, and brakes et al) it is anything but old, and all for much less than the cost of a new motorcycle. While 100 hp may be modest by today's standard, it remains in and of itself a considerable amount of hp. It remains competitive with both long distance and sport motorcycles.
Long service intervals are more than an advantage, they are a necessity. Hoping not to jinx myself or other owners, the overall reliability of the FJ seems to be quite good and well founded. As my over the road rides are usually unaccompanied, often fast paced and frequently in desolate and isolated surroundings, it is an important aspect which is appreciated.
There is also an auxiliary fuel tank utilized because often stops are few and far between; throughout the Western States there are still remnants of small town America left to explore and the extra range is needed during late or all night excursions. On other occasions mere curiosity gives rise to a desire to explore an intoxicating and beautiful, seemingly unending and almost overwhelming landscape.
Over the road journeys are exceptionally comfortable; yet should a situation arise where the "sport" aspect is encountered, to date the FJ has held its own against other motorcycles and the occasional encounter with an automobile; typically without regard to ambient conditions and at a moment's notice without fiddling with power modes or on the fly suspension changes. Especially at night when traveling at speed, unseen and potentially dangerous road surfaces are regularly encountered that simply do not allow time for 'on the fly" adjustments.
"... below is a video that emphasizes both aspects of Sport and Tourer; it is a compilation of rides in 2014. From November, some high desert footage (while perhaps foreboding I have never found it to be boring) traveling into a beautiful, almost intoxicating, painted sky; when after having left the far northern mountains of California, I ventured south to Texas, then traveled north through the Rockies on the way to Idaho before returning to California. Almost no traffic so late in the year, a most delightful ride. There is a clip of a storm front I was heading into, taken when I stopped to change my visor from tint to clear. Once in Idaho increased rain and a considerable amount of off road mud was encountered. When there is a discussion about dual sport riding, if tooling along is not your cup of tea, simply be judicious with the throttle and you will not tear up the tires nor fall off the 'edge' of the earth.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAObr8z9Vr0&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAObr8z9Vr0&feature=youtu.be)
Listen to the GOAT.
Quote from: Mike Ramos on November 28, 2018, 09:30:25 PM
.....typically without regard to ambient conditions and at a moment's notice without fiddling with power modes or on the fly suspension changes. Especially at night when traveling at speed, unseen and potentially dangerous road surfaces are regularly encountered that simply do not allow time for 'on the fly" adjustments.
Mike, I love my FJ and agree with everything you say about them and especially how well, with a few mods, they still stack up against modern bikes, quite a feat considering the age gap. I have done hundreds of thousands of km's of every sort of riding imaginable and loved every one of them. But I appreciate it for what it is and do not pretend it's something else or delude myself that it's actually
better than a modern bike. It might be more fun to ride, it might give me more enjoyment modifying it, it definitely punches above it's weight as a competent all rounder and if I could only own one bike, it would be the FJ for sure (it owes me $20k!) but one can't deny the wonders of modern technology and just how they enhance the riding experience.
The scenario you describe above it not how it works, get Frank to explain it to you, he has several bikes fitted with this tech.
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on December 01, 2018, 07:05:30 AM
Quote from: Mike Ramos on November 28, 2018, 09:30:25 PM
.....typically without regard to ambient conditions and at a moment's notice without fiddling with power modes or on the fly suspension changes. Especially at night when traveling at speed, unseen and potentially dangerous road surfaces are regularly encountered that simply do not allow time for 'on the fly" adjustments.
Mike, I love my FJ and agree with everything you say about them and especially how well, with a few mods, they still stack up against modern bikes, quite a feat considering the age gap. I have done hundreds of thousands of km's of every sort of riding imaginable and loved every one of them. But I appreciate it for what it is and do not pretend it's something else or delude myself that it's actually better than a modern bike. It might be more fun to ride, it might give me more enjoyment modifying it, it definitely punches above it's weight as a competent all rounder and if I could only own one bike, it would be the FJ for sure (it owes me $20k!) but one can't deny the wonders of modern technology and just how they enhance the riding experience.
The scenario you describe above it not how it works, get Frank to explain it to you, he has several bikes fitted with this tech.
Noel
I really only know the BMW systems and they're very transparent. You set preload while stopped (solo, solo+luggage, or pillion aboard) and that's the only adjustment that takes a few presses of one button and some attention to the display. All the other stuff (traction control, lean angle sensitive ABS, suspension adaptation to road conditions, etc) happens automatically unless you make the effort to defeat those systems. I think Mikey knows this stuff and was looking for chains to pull.
I also have some without these advanced gizmos... 2 FJ's, RD400, '08 Duc Hyper... and find I like both the talent and attention required to ride the older bikes smooth and fast as well as the safety and confidence offered by the high tech bikes. As long as I'm riding I'm pretty happy!
Frank
Quote from: Flynt on December 01, 2018, 09:28:30 AM
Quote from: ribbert on December 01, 2018, 07:05:30 AM
Quote from: Mike Ramos on November 28, 2018, 09:30:25 PM
.....typically without regard to ambient conditions and at a moment's notice without fiddling with power modes or on the fly suspension changes. Especially at night when traveling at speed, unseen and potentially dangerous road surfaces are regularly encountered that simply do not allow time for 'on the fly" adjustments.
Mike, I love my FJ and agree with everything you say about them and especially how well, with a few mods, they still stack up against modern bikes, quite a feat considering the age gap. I have done hundreds of thousands of km's of every sort of riding imaginable and loved every one of them. But I appreciate it for what it is and do not pretend it's something else or delude myself that it's actually better than a modern bike. It might be more fun to ride, it might give me more enjoyment modifying it, it definitely punches above it's weight as a competent all rounder and if I could only own one bike, it would be the FJ for sure (it owes me $20k!) but one can't deny the wonders of modern technology and just how they enhance the riding experience.
The scenario you describe above it not how it works, get Frank to explain it to you, he has several bikes fitted with this tech.
Noel
I think Mikey knows this stuff and was looking for chains to pull.
Frank
It's like shooting fish in a barrel with Noel...
Quote from: ZOA NOM on December 01, 2018, 03:04:24 PM
Quote from: Flynt on December 01, 2018, 09:28:30 AM
Quote from: ribbert on December 01, 2018, 07:05:30 AM
Quote from: Mike Ramos on November 28, 2018, 09:30:25 PM
.....typically without regard to ambient conditions and at a moment's notice without fiddling with power modes or on the fly suspension changes. Especially at night when traveling at speed, unseen and potentially dangerous road surfaces are regularly encountered that simply do not allow time for 'on the fly" adjustments.
Mike, I love my FJ and agree with everything you say about them and especially how well, with a few mods, they still stack up against modern bikes, quite a feat considering the age gap. I have done hundreds of thousands of km's of every sort of riding imaginable and loved every one of them. But I appreciate it for what it is and do not pretend it's something else or delude myself that it's actually better than a modern bike. It might be more fun to ride, it might give me more enjoyment modifying it, it definitely punches above it's weight as a competent all rounder and if I could only own one bike, it would be the FJ for sure (it owes me $20k!) but one can't deny the wonders of modern technology and just how they enhance the riding experience.
The scenario you describe above it not how it works, get Frank to explain it to you, he has several bikes fitted with this tech.
Noel
I think Mikey knows this stuff and was looking for chains to pull.
Frank
It's like shooting fish in a barrel with Noel...
:rofl2:
Quote from: ribbert on December 01, 2018, 07:05:30 AM
Quote from: Mike Ramos on November 28, 2018, 09:30:25 PM
But I appreciate it for what it is and do not pretend it's something else or delude myself that it's actually better than a modern bike.
The scenario you describe above it not how it works, get Frank to explain it to you, he has several bikes fitted with this tech.
Noel
Holy Toledo Noel!
To equate the claim of self-delusional grandeur with the simple observation, which is true, as it pertains to the FJ is quite a stretch!
What I said, and it is a correct... "It remains competitive with both long distance and sport motorcycles."
A good portion of the post (in this edited version) was an effort to convey the variety of roads & the weather conditions one encounters on a typical cross country journey. It was an enjoyable multi-day cross country, nothing more & nothing less.
By the way, several years ago, prior to my riding and possible purchase of the BMW K1300 I did ask of Frank about the pros & cons. His advice was concise & appreciated.
Below is another post from some years ago without little mention of the FJ which you may find more to your liking. And while in part it is a testimonial of the ride itself – it is in fact a compliment to those whom one is fortunate enough to know are his friends; including many on this Forum.
As often is the case, perhaps you will find something to cloud the issue; and yet by your doing so, one is left to wonder who is delusional... :biggrin:(!)
An Excellent Ride
Enjoying an early morning respite and reveling in the quiet and solitude of the country; sitting in the easy chair, relaxing and warming my feet in front the wood stove. I am reading an interesting and intriguing book. Life is good.
The phone rings. A friend asks if I would like to come for dinner. Several mutual friends will be there as well. It has been quite a while since we have been together. Enticingly, there is a break in the usual seasonal weather. Well sure, a good ride sounds delightful.
So I go out to the shop and the Sport Touring FJ. As I put on the riding gear, I think it is good being so short, it is not too far of a reach to lace the boots. I place my rotund self upon on the trusty old FJ and we are ready.
I am on the road by 8 o'clock, hoping to make the dinner engagement by 6:00 in the evening. Although not overly familiar with the roads ahead, I have traveled this route several times before, knowing it entails well over 700 miles of splendid, unsurpassed mountain and high desert riding.
East and North is the direction I must travel.
However, the local winding roads are shaded, full of leaves and pine needles and still damp in parts, so instead of heading due East, I first head to the valley floor and North for a short while. Eventually turning East into the morning sun, up into the high desert, meandering through several small towns and motoring absolutely unchecked through unshaded, beautiful high speed sweepers. In due course turning North across the wide open spaces; leaving the state I live in, eventually passing by a huge, salted lake and through a canyon and mountain pass, all with countless high speed sweepers. This state is soon crossed and left behind.
Then the terrain becomes heavily forested, just wonderful country. Speeds are less robust yet still spirited; traffic has been almost inconsequential because of the off season. Interestingly, my destination looks similar to where I began, mountainous and forested.
Arriving just as the guests are sitting down to dinner, it is an exceptionally enjoyable evening. There is great food, much laughter, and fond remembrances. Ah yes, nothing like good company following a fine ride.
Seemingly all too soon it is time to rest, and it is a sound, peaceful sleep. Awaking before dawn, I am on the road in the direction of home; another 700 plus miles of crisp, clean and carefree, trouble free riding. I arrive home before dark; adding wood to the few embers that remain in the wood stove, the warmth is all encompassing.
Watching the night descend and reveling in the quiet and solitude of the country, I sit in the easy chair, relaxing and warming my feet in front the wood stove. I am reading an interesting and intriguing book. Life is good.
Ride safe,
Midget
Didn't I say listen to the GOAT?
One day in the distant future, when I can no longer lift my leg high enough to climb aboard the FJ, I'll tell my grandchildren about the GOAT. The dark rider, alone on the endless highway, with only the fuel supply to limit him. His rides were legendary, without peer, and epic in their itinerary. The continent was his neighborhood, with an afternoon jaunt across the state merely to have a beer with a friend no different than a seven-day circle including Texas, Tennessee, Colorado and Idaho... I'll tell them that I rode with the GOAT in short, blistering sprints, in his back yard, and shared the magic of the FJ.
Didn't I say listen to the GOAT?
One day in the distant future, when I can no longer lift my leg high enough to climb aboard the FJ, I'll tell my grandchildren about the GOAT. The dark rider, alone on the endless highway, with only the fuel supply to limit him. His rides were legendary, without peer, and epic in their itinerary. The continent was his neighborhood, with an afternoon jaunt across the state merely to have a beer with a friend no different than a seven-day circle including Texas, Tennessee, Colorado and Idaho... I'll tell them that I rode with the GOAT in short, blistering sprints, in his back yard, and shared the magic of the FJ, and I'll be smiling when I do...
Quote from: Mike Ramos on December 01, 2018, 10:00:50 PM
Quote from: ZOA NOM on December 01, 2018, 03:04:24 PM
Quote from: Flynt on December 01, 2018, 09:28:30 AM
I think Mikey knows this stuff and was looking for chains to pull.
Frank
It's like shooting fish in a barrel with Noel...
:rofl2:
[/quote]
Frank, thanks but I know that, it was just a bit of fun, that post has history (I wasn't expecting anyone to respond), something Rick appears unacquainted with.
Rick, the fact you missed it in
my post makes the irony of yours all the sweeter. :lol: Keep trying, you might land a punch one day but today is not your day (again). :lol:
Mike, that was a great account of your trip, I can relate to that, why spoil it with your petty sniping, you've been carrying on with it for years now.
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on December 02, 2018, 06:53:00 AM
Quote from: Mike Ramos on December 01, 2018, 10:00:50 PM
Quote from: ZOA NOM on December 01, 2018, 03:04:24 PM
Quote from: Flynt on December 01, 2018, 09:28:30 AM
I think Mikey knows this stuff and was looking for chains to pull.
Frank
It's like shooting fish in a barrel with Noel...
:rofl2:
Mike, that was a great account of your trip, I can relate to that, why spoil it with your petty sniping, you've been carrying on with it for years now.
Noel
[/quote]
Noel,
To respond to your statement that a particular point of view is delusional is not "petty sniping" - the very reason the post was edited was to address the issue at hand & keep it focused.
This is a Forum of motorcycles, don't take the personal aspect so hard!
Get a grip, take a deep breath & relax!
Switch over to P.M. for further comment - this nonsense is unbecoming someone of your stature...
Ride safe
Okay, maybe it's as easy as taking candy from a baby...
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