New Bike Roaming

[SlowOldGuy]

It was a nice day so I decided to stir up the oil in a few of my garage queens.

I visited every bike dealer except for Yamaha; BMW, Triumph, Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, and of course Honda, Kawa, and Suzuki.

How can it be so hard to replace a 25 year old motorcycle?  Not that that's what I'm trying to do, I'm just looking for something out there that I can even compare it to.

BMW had a few interesting models, but they're BMW which makes them expensive and quirky (my brother can't keep his out of the shop more than a week before another stupid warning light comes on).  Plus, I just don't understand their alphanumeric numbering scheme.  I don't even know what to tell them when they ask which model I'm interested in.  "I just read a nice review in the magazine, but I don't remember how to spell the flippin' model number."  About the only one I could recognize was the GS.  The S1000RR was cool, but the riding position is terrible.

Who designed the Ducs?  The Streetfighter is cool, but I refuse to have anything with underseat exhaust (which also eliminated all the cool KTMs immediately).  The Hypermotard was horrible!  It felt like the bars were behind my back.  I couldn't even get my feet on the pegs without sitting on the rear of the seat.  The mags rave about them, but the ergos were terrible.  They offered a test ride and I refused.  The Monster felt best, but I need some fairing in front of me.  And of course, none of them were exactly cheap.

However, cheap has become a relative word.  I really like the red metal-flake of the new VFR 1200.  Excellent ergos and appears to be nicely laid out (but densely packed and looks impossible to work on).  As usual, however, Honda has decided to price it in the stratosphere at $16K (MSRP of course).  For that amount, they can stink up the showroom floor with them.  I find it hard to believe that it costs so much to produce this bike that it needs to cost that much.  The guy at the BMW, Triumph, Ducati, Aprilia dealer said they were excited to see Honda charging so much since it makes their overpriced products seem more affordable.

He had a good point.  For that same $16K (MSRP) I'd rather have the Aprilia RSV4!  Ergos aren't really that bad.  In fact, it's much less radical than their standard RSV Mille (what a torture rack).  When they decide to put that V-4 motor in a Tuono package, it will definitely deserve serious consideration.  But, I'm sure that will never happen, just because it's the logical thing to do and evidently none of the manufacturers think logically (at least in my logic).

I found myself, once again, liking the Connie 14, and ZX-14 but just can't get too excited about either one.

The ride back home was incredibly pleasant.  The FJ cruised down the highway effortlessly.  It was a relatively windy day, but the FJ shrugged off the gusts and purred along.  I'm still left shaking my head in amazement that the FJ continues to be such a good overall package, at least for me.  I'm sure everything I looked at would leave me in a dusty wake of modern technology, fuel injection, and sticky rubber.  But I think I got more compliments from other shoppers than most of the new bikes.

I need to find a financial adviser that's as good at saving me money as the FJ is.

DavidR.

[Arnie]

David,

I keep playing that same game, and arriving at the same/similar conclusions.  Last week I had a few minutes to kill and walked into a Honda shop.  Walked around the new VFR1200 in several shades of grey, and test sat it.  Then I asked price.... A$25,000 (plus on-roads) !!!  (That's US$23,000) The A$ has been at US$0.92 or better for over 6 months, why is it so much more expensive here?  Still think the FJ fills my needs for an all-around road bike.

Cheers,
Arnie

[Marsh White]

David,

Nice writeup!  I too do the same thing all the time.  I sat on a red version of the Honda VRF 1200 at the Cycle World Long Beach MC show last November and I did like it a lot!  Not the price though!  I agree...I could totally justify it for 12K out the door...

I really like the new Ducati Multistrada 1200S...but not for 20K!  And I hate the "beak" thing on the front...that would HAVE to go.

I come to the same conclusions...my main modded FJ still fits the bill functionally and financially for me.  Unless I ever run out of room (VERY doubtful), I just don't ever see getting rid of it.  I already have 2 to 3 times what it is worth in parts and upgrades in it.  I honestly think it handles better in the twisties than the Ducati 1098 I had in my possession last year...70mph roll-on wheelies is another story however...

[Pat Conlon]

 I really like the red metal-flake of the new VFR 1200.  Excellent ergos and appears to be nicely laid out (but densely packed and looks impossible to work on).  As usual, however, Honda has decided to price it in the stratosphere at $16K (MSRP of course).  For that amount, they can stink up the showroom floor with them.  I find it hard to believe that it costs so much to produce this bike that it needs to cost that much.

Yea, I hear ya David. That's the cheap VFR, wait 'till you get the price of the DCT version.
I will not buy another bike which weighs in a 600+ lbs.
I do not care how technologically advanced they claim it is, if it weighs more than our FJs, forget it.

 When they decide to put that V-4 motor in a Tuono package, it will definitely deserve serious consideration.  But, I'm sure that will never happen, just because it's the logical thing to do and evidently none of the manufacturers think logically (at least in my logic).

Now you're talking. A 420lb V4 Tuono looks mighty tasty. Upright ergos, they say it's gonna happen in the fall. The new V4 Tuono has been seen on the road several times and photographed.

Here's a photoshop teaser:


If you combine speed, comfort, handling, range, durability and ease of service, the FJ's are still the best bang for the buck.
But then again.....oooh that Tuono...

[Dan Filetti]

David-

I really like what I've read about that RSV4, I want to sit on one.  The VRF12 is OK -a bit funny looking -too much 'visual mass' too high up and forward -like a V-Strom, if you know what I'm saying.   Anyway, as you said, they're both too expensive -out the door they'll both be $17K.

Funny how both of these 'attractive bikes' are V4's which, will provide the kind of low-end torque the FJ does so well.  I can only assume this is why the engine configuration appeals to you.

Were you able to ride either one of them?  If so I'd appreciate feedback, impressions.

Dan




 

[Mark Olson]

Interesting thought for you guys.

the po of my fj is a long time friend of mine. he sold me the fj and  bought a cbr1100xx ,got tired of the back breaking position and bought a zx-14. we still ride together sometimes and swap bikes. now that the fj has all the suspension mods and 17" wheels he is kicking himself for getting rid of it.

I believe the 2009 zx-14 is currently for sale for 6000. 

The zx runs good but it won't do twisties like the fj.

[andyb]

Why won't any of the manufacturers make something that's comfy, powerful, and reasonably cheap? 

Dunno, I can't afford the crap anyhow, so I'll be buying stuff several generations old instead.

[Yamifj1200]

David, 
  Well I think it boils down to what we are looking for. I have been lookking at newer bikes for the past few years, ridden a few of them and to be honest they are not what I'm looking for. Sure many are better at some things, somewhat smoother with slightly better brakes and fuel injection none of them have the comfort of the FJ.

  At this point in my riding life I am not ready to give up what I have with the FJ, comfort, power, decent brakes and good tire options after the mods I have made over the years. I have been riding bikes most of my life and the FJ just does what I need it to, it takes me places with comfort, style and reliability. I enjoyed my 4,200 mile ride out west last year without a single issue.  I suppose the FJ just suits my needs better than a newer high priced ride. I'm old and its old so we are a good pair. I was camping at Willville motorcycle campground a couple of weeks ago and most everyone there came by to check out the fj's. Everyone seems to have a story about them.

Mines not forsale anytime soon.... Dave let me know if you find something you like more than your bikes...

Eric M

[Bill_Rockoff]

I was asked several years ago, "If you could have any bike in the world, what would you have?"  My answer was "I'd want my FJ, but in better shape and with the upgraded handling and braking and power that is common among the FJ Bretheren."  In other words, basically my FJ with all the Modifiers Anonymous stuff done, and a good repaint.

I'm getting there, slowly – YZF rear wheel, blue-spots, Penske, Traxxion cartridge emulators and springs.  (Next up – FZR front wheel.) 

At 95,000 miles now, I'd probably like a rebuild; it would be smoother, and I'm still not quite used to 100 rwhp so I  bet 135 or so would be all I'd ever need (Brutus II would be tempting, but one of the things I love is 200+ miles before I need reserve.) 

Granted, I haven't tried anything cutting edge.  (I'm eager to try an S1000 BMW and an RSV4 Aprilia and maybe a Ducati 1098.)  But the FJ still feels good to me, and every time I ride it, I don't want to stop.  (By the time I get to Boone, I'll be ready to stop – for a day.)