Best Sport-Touring Bike: ?

[TexasDave]

Just a couple of days ago a mate came around with a 2009 Suzuki bandit, the abs model. He wanted me to compare it to the fj to get my thoughts on it ... A comparison between older and newer technology...  It makes the fj seem, like an old diesel tractor as far as brutal acceleration goes, felt much lighter, for me at least a more upright comfortable position . i fell in love with it with in the 1st 100 metres after the front wheel reengaged the earth.  he paid under 3k for it with a mere 18000kms on it. i wont sell my fj but i really want one of these aS MY MAIN RIDE.  It was a sweet bike...

ken

Great videos Mike. Keep them coming. Gives me an incentive to get the new rear tire and 40t sprocket on now that it is around 32 deg and raining here. I joined another motorcycle forum a few months ago called two wheeled texans(twtex.com). It has members world wide and plans group rides both street and dirt plus get togethers in Texas. It has one of the biggest Suzuki Bandit forums on the web. Reading through their postings it becomes apparent that the Bandit is a very similar bike to the FJ only water cooled. The subjects covered in the bandit forum are almost exactly the same as the FJ forum! Better seats, suspension,lowered pegs, exhausts and performance. Although not a big seller the bandit has been around for some time and a few years ago was upgraded with FI.  Dave

[FJ1100mjk]

I joined another motorcycle forum a few months ago called two wheeled texans(twtex.com). It has members world wide and plans group rides both street and dirt plus get togethers in Texas.

Dave

I somehow came across that forum a while back, and have been a lurker on it from time to time. Appears to be a great group of people, and that's coming from a Yankee. 

They should be fun to hang with.

[ribbert]

Yes Noel, I got a pm from an esteemed member suggesting I play around with spacer length, so I pulled the cap off to shorten the spacer a bit when I realised I still had one more adjustment to go, so turned the preload right back to zero and settled with that. Rides well now.

That's good to hear, what length are your spacers?
Noel

[ribbert]

Just a couple of days ago a mate came around with a 2009 Suzuki bandit, the abs model. He wanted me to compare it to the fj to get my thoughts on it ... A comparison between older and newer technology...  It makes the fj seem, like an old diesel tractor as far as brutal acceleration goes, felt much lighter, for me at least a more upright comfortable position . i fell in love with it with in the 1st 100 metres after the front wheel reengaged the earth.  he paid under 3k for it with a mere 18000kms on it. i wont sell my fj but i really want one of these aS MY MAIN RIDE.  It was a sweet bike...

ken

The brand new price of a Bandit is only $12990, before you start haggling. A lot of bike for the money. A new FJR here starts at $25,000-$27000.

Noel

[ribbert]

As an aside: However unfounded the claims, it is a fact that the ''lecture'' on chains and auto lubrication was breeding somnolence.  The "testimonials" cited have about as much validity as those quoted when the oil thread discussion gets heated.  As shown in the videos, if you believe that a drop or drops of oil (in wet, dry or dusty conditions) at speed is beneficial, that is your uncontested prerogative.  Gentlemen, please do not misconstrue, chain oilers just gotta work 'cause the model most recommended is made by Barnum, specifically the P.T. model.  It is claimed to be better than beer, booze & broads – well better than the beer and booze anyways...  It's positively true; there is even a bottle of Old Calhoun's Whiskey due & payable at the next WCR...!  I know, I know... but someone had to say it, perhaps they will listen now...!    

Midget

Mike, you have obviously had a bad first hand experience with an oiler. Those of us that use them would be keen to hear what you disliked about it and what problems you encountered.

Noel

[TexasDave]

I agree with Noel. The Bandit is alot of bike for the money. They offer one model with ABS and one without however Suzuki says they will only sell the ABS model in the UK. Don't know about Australia. There are some good deals on used ones but there are not alot out there.Later models come with FI and six speeds. On the Bandit forum of Two Wheeled Texans there are some examples of very high mileage Bandits.  Dave

[Mike Ramos]

Good morning Gentlemen,

Thank you for the positive comments.

In answering the question about the chain oiler; it is only "obvious" if you can see the video. 

It is the "semi automatic face shield cleaner" which saved the day...!

Smile, fellow & stay in good humor,

Ride safe,

Mike Ramos.

[biggo]

Hi Mike.

Is that a radar detector on top of your dash?  If so looks quiet compact and I assume waterproof ?
Would not get too far at the speeds you can get away with here in NZ cops seem to be everywhere and a zero tolerance on speed at the moment.

Phil

[CatTomb]

Great video Mike!

I love the music choice when you were racing the cows. Nice pass to overtake that last usurper.

Well done! 

[Bones]

Yes Noel, I got a pm from an esteemed member suggesting I play around with spacer length, so I pulled the cap off to shorten the spacer a bit when I realised I still had one more adjustment to go, so turned the preload right back to zero and settled with that. Rides well now.

That's good to hear, what length are your spacers?
Noel

155mm Noel.

[FJmonkey]

Great video Mike!

I love the music choice when you were racing the cows. Nice pass to overtake that last usurper.

Well done! 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby_Elephant_Walk

Quite appropriate music, sans the big ears and long trunks... I don't really know why I new the name and composer of the tune... Just getting old like my FJ...

[Mike Ramos]

Howdy MonkeyMark,

Holy Toledo (holy cow?) knowing that song makes you as old as the Preacher...!  My grandfather thought it would be a fun song to use...

Funny thing, the post made fun of dozens of FJ owners & thousands of motorcycle owners who use wide saddlebags by comparing their saddle bags to the width of the ass end of a cow & everyone seems to see the humor and to get a laugh out of it. 

The only complaints are from a few cows (sorry gentlemen!) and someone who "cannot" see the video and thus will not even answer the question put forth (as an aside no less).

I understand there was even another thread proffered about the mistake of 16'' wheels from the 1980's (?) & that the oilers did not make the article.  Hmm, no wonder as it was about the same time that the new style chains were being introduced that made the oilers obsolete...

Ah yes, yet another denouement from the resident "scholar" however, as usual the focus is on the inessential while conveniently ignoring the essence of the discussion (or in this case the question) at hand. 

Before this gets [further] into personalities I suggest taking it to the PM department, should there be such an inclination.

Keep smiling everyone and as always...  ride safe,

Mike Ramos.

P.S. At a later date & when time permits, I will express my gratitude to other FJ owners who make the present day FJ such a pleasure to own and ride.

[Firehawk068]

Awesome video (as usual) Mike!
I got a laugh out of the cows, especially the one that wanted to "Race".
Enjoyed it. 

[ZOA NOM]

You need a ride partner, Mike... Soon.

[ribbert]

.....and someone who "cannot" see the video......

Mike Ramos.

P.S. At a later date & when time permits, I will express my gratitude to other FJ owners who make the present day FJ such a pleasure to own and ride.

Yes Mike, I saw your video that night on my PC. Very entertaining and revealing, in fact I watched it several times over. It was well edited and maintained my interest from start to finish. You are indeed fortuneate to have such great country to explore and you certainly make the most of it. I agree entirely that the FJ makes a great all rounder for such adventures (that's why I have one) and at a cost less than most new bikes depreciate in a year and less than the service costs on one over several years.

Your post shows great insight into the benefits of FJ ownership and makes some very good points.

I look forward to future reports.

Noel

PS Will I get a mention?