Hello from California. Almost an FJ owner I think need help deciding.

[airheadPete]

I'm 6'3" and still have my first real bike, a '78 GS750, a great, great bike for it's time.
FJ all the way.
The Connie seems to be an excellent tool; but which one would you turn around and look at as you walked away?
(BTW, I have a Hepco-Becker top box on mine, dramatically increases any bike's utility.)

[Pat Conlon]

......but which one would you turn around and look at as you walked away?

oooooh, that's good Pete....and very true.

[rockhammer]

Thanks FJ members for all your input.  I have decided on the fj and will be picking her up this weekend.  Once I do I will update my profile.  Oh btw Cap'n I am out of Corona Ca.

Best

[FJmonkey]

Sounds like it is time for a run to Palomar to meet and ride with our new member.

[Capn Ron]

Sounds like it is time for a run to Palomar to meet and ride with our new member.

Yeah...that sounds about right!   

Cap'n Ron. . .

[rockhammer]

Hello

So one last question.  Any one have any thoughts on the st1100?  Just curious because this would be the only other bike I would possibly consider.

[Country Joe]

Sounds like it is time for a run to Palomar to meet and ride with our new member.

At least try not to scare him off like the last one.......

    Joe

[Pat Conlon]

Same comments as the Connie.
The ST is a big heavy bike, slower than the FJ, but with the V4 much smoother than both the FJ and Connie.
For long distance tours the ST is hands down better, for canyon carving duties much worse than the FJ.

The only bike I would consider replacing my versatile FJ with would need:
1) a big gas tank, 6.5 gallons minimum
2) fuel injection
3) water cooled
4) six speed tranny
5) it must weigh less than our 550 lb bikes, around 450 lbs wet would be great
6) it must have at least 85-95 ft/lbs of torque, 140-160rwhp.
7) fully adjustable suspension, high/low compression/rebound. ESA would be cool.


Oh yea,

8 ) it must not look like a dog turd. IMHO, the FJ is one of the most beautiful bikes made.

[Flynt]

Any one have any thoughts on the st1100? 

I rented a 2009ish ST1300 in Nashville and rode it for a full 300mi kind of day.  Very competent, but very BLAH....  pretty far from sporty, soft and squishy suspension, decent luggage and comfort level.  I think for pure touring it might be a little better than an FJ, but not a good commuter, lane splitter, run around kind of bike...  too ponderous for that.  Not sure how it compares to an 1100?

I think your initial description sounds more FJ to me.  I commute one day, blast the redwoods the next, then load the top box and wife onboard and head for Big Sur.  Awesome bikes!

Frank

[Flynt]

The only bike I would consider replacing my versatile FJ with would need:
1) a big gas tank, 6.5 gallons minimum
2) fuel injection
3) water cooled
4) six speed tranny
5) it must weigh less than our 550 lb bikes, around 450 lbs wet would be great
6) it must have at least 85-95 ft/lbs of torque, 140-160rwhp.
7) fully adjustable suspension, high/low compression/rebound. ESA would be cool.
8 ) it must not look like a dog turd. IMHO, the FJ is one of the most beautiful bikes made.

You are a Hypermotard man...  My '08 1100 Ducati Hyper graded on your criteria:

1. 6.4 gal, 250+ mile range
2. check...  really excellent fueling overall
3. nope...  another air-cooled bike, but they're simple and this one has integrated temp gauge and warning (never seen it)
4. check
5. 380lb wet
6. check on torque...  you won't care about Hp
7. check, USD front, Ohlins rear
8. you be the judge:



Makes a great compliment to the FJ.

Frank

[Dads_FJ]

The only bike I would consider replacing my versatile FJ with would need:
1) a big gas tank, 6.5 gallons minimum
2) fuel injection
3) water cooled
4) six speed tranny
5) it must weigh less than our 550 lb bikes, around 450 lbs wet would be great
6) it must have at least 85-95 ft/lbs of torque, 140-160rwhp.
7) fully adjustable suspension, high/low compression/rebound. ESA would be cool.
8 ) it must not look like a dog turd. IMHO, the FJ is one of the most beautiful bikes made.

You are a Hypermotard man...  My '08 1100 Ducati Hyper graded on your criteria:

1. 6.4 gal, 250+ mile range
2. check...  really excellent fueling overall
3. nope...  another air-cooled bike, but they're simple and this one has integrated temp gauge and warning (never seen it)
4. check
5. 380lb wet
6. check on torque...  you won't care about Hp
7. check, USD front, Ohlins rear
8. you be the judge:



Makes a great compliment to the FJ.

Frank

Does the dry clutch make a mess with dust?  If so you know that won't do with Pat.

[Flynt]

not much dust from clutch...  Pat need's more to polish anyway.

Frank

[fintip]

For me it's the awful noise of a dry clutch... They sell kits to convert them to wet clutch, though, from what I understand.

I used to think so highly of ducatti, as if it were some unobtainable far and away performance brand. A friend bought a monster. I test rode it for him. Total disappointment for me. Such a boring ride. So much torque, so little usable unless you were pulling a trailer. Just felt cumbersome. And rough.  Ugh. I'm sure their performance crotch rockets must be different, but... I was not impressed.

And that GOD AWFUL DRY CLUTCH NOISE?!?! How do people DEAL with that???

[Dan Filetti]

Same comments as the Connie.
The ST is a big heavy bike, slower than the FJ, but with the V4 much smoother than both the FJ and Connie.
For long distance tours the ST is hands down better, for canyon carving duties much worse than the FJ.

The only bike I would consider replacing my versatile FJ with would need:
1) a big gas tank, 6.5 gallons minimum
2) fuel injection
3) water cooled
4) six speed tranny
5) it must weigh less than our 550 lb bikes, around 450 lbs wet would be great
6) it must have at least 85-95 ft/lbs of torque, 140-160rwhp.
7) fully adjustable suspension, high/low compression/rebound. ESA would be cool.


Oh yea,

8 ) it must not look like a dog turd. IMHO, the FJ is one of the most beautiful bikes made.

Pat

The BMW K1300S ticks many of your boxes: 503lbs (dry) 560lbs (wet), FI, water cooled, Six speed tranny, 175HP, 103 ft/lbs, the tank is only 5 gallons though, with a 1 gallon reserve, adjustable everything on the suspension (on the fly) but the single-sided swing arm, traction control, and quick shifter are cool too.   It does have shaft drive, which you did not order, and it sure as hell is not cheap ($18K).

You really should give one a test ride at some point, a fine machine for sure.  I only rode one for a couple of miles, not nearly enough, but it felt like a modern, more refined, stronger, black bird.  

Doesn't look like a turd either:



Dan

[Mike Ramos]

Good evening,

"Blast the Redwoods..."

"Blast" is the operative word when riding with Mr. B...!

I believe "epic" as in a memorable ride was also used.

Ride safe.