2006 FJR

[vegetta58]

A guy wants to trade me his 2006 FJR for my 1994 Kawasaki Concours. Is the FJR a good motorcycle it has 47000 miles on it.

[TexasDave]

Considering FJR's finished 1-2-3 in the 2013 Ironbutt rally and 2-3-4 in the 2015 Ironbutt rally I would rate their reliability very good. In one of the Ironbutt rallies of 2016 a top rider whose BMW broke down borrowed a FJR from a friend to finish the race.

Dave

[vegetta58]

Thanks I didn't know that. I like the way the FJ 1200 and old Kaw. Concours are maintenance friendly. Still debating if I want a newer bike. Thanks

[red]

A guy wants to trade me his 2006 FJR for my 1994 Kawasaki Concours. Is the FJR a good motorcycle it has 47000 miles on it.

Vegetta,

At 47000 miles, the FJR is barely broken in.  They do run long and hard.  Make sure the valve checks are done (it can be expensive to do it, and more expensive not to do it).  The stock 2006 has an "abrupt" throttle, more Off/On than you might like, so you will probably want a Power Commander installed, if the bike does not have that already.  The PC re-maps the fuel injectors to the fuel profiles that Yamaha should have used.  The stock rear shock would be finished by now, so look for an aftermarket shock there.  Get prices for anything that you might want on the bike, because these things add up quickly.  That said, I don't think that anybody riding a Connie ever regretted trading for the FJR.  Get a good ride on the FJR, to be sure.  There are dedicated FJR forums that can tell you lots more.

Tires can make or break a bike, for handling.  You can check the age of the tires; after about five to seven years, most tires are done, IMHO, tread or no tread.  Click the link and scroll down:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=11

Cheers,
Red

[vegetta58]

He wants my bike and $2500 cash. Am I making this a harder decision than it should be?

[Country Joe]

I would say that you are. Most FJR owners are fanatical about their bikes. Just be aware that the early FJRs have a reputation for being hot in the summer. If you don't tolerate heat well, you might want to reconsider.

[vegetta58]

Its going to be my cold weather bike. The FJ1200 is the summer bike. Glad to know its hot like the Connie though. Makes it easier to ride when its cold.

[vegetta58]

Just met up with the guy and made the trade. The FJR is a pretty sweet machine. Definitely a good winter bike. Thanks for the info on it. House is no longer divided. All Yamaha's now. 1990 FJ and 2006 FJR.

[FJ Flyer]

I got my 2006 FJR in 2008 with 16K miles on it.  Its got 117K miles on the clock right now.  I ride it to work every day.  Great on trips - did a Saddle Sore 1K on it.  Definitely needs a Power Commander for the low rpm throttle abruptness.  Heat issues were solved with the Gen II, which began with the 2006 model.  Engine is bullet proof (knock on wood).  Still on the original clutch (knock on wood).  Shaft drive is great.

The FJ seems tiny compared to the FJR.

The 2016 is looking nice.  Thinking in two years or so trying to pick one up with low miles.  Finally went to a 6 speed tranny, ride by wire, cruise control, etc.

[vegetta58]

Glad to know their tough. I've heard about the cam chain tensioner needing to be upgraded. Did you have too?

[giantkiller]

So how's the Super Sonic Sofa? Did you get to ride it yet. My brother has a 2008. I always give him shit about the Super Sonic Sofa. I actually don't like it. Has plenty of power. But the delivery is too smooth. And the ride is so plush. You are totally removed from the road. It's not like your riding a bike. It's like sitting on the sofa at super Sonic speeds.... boring

[vegetta58]

So how's the Super Sonic Sofa? Did you get to ride it yet. My brother has a 2008. I always give him shit about the Super Sonic Sofa. I actually don't like it. Has plenty of power. But the delivery is too smooth. And the ride is so plush. You are totally removed from the road. It's not like your riding a bike. It's like sitting on the sofa at super Sonic speeds.... boring

True that! Good winter bike, but really no thrill. Definitely keeps you warm but when spring comes the FJ takes it's place, as it should.

[Pat Conlon]

Ride careful Mickey. You guys are sure getting some treacherous weather.

[FJ Flyer]

I changed out the cam chain tensioner a while back, upgrading to the 'blue dot' part.  Not too hard a change.

I also put RaceTech goldvalve cartridges in the forks and a Penske shock in the back.  Helped a lot riding the Snake and twisties around Boone. 

I've got a shorty windscreen for the summer.  Heat isn't an issue, no more than the FJ in the DC 100 deg heat and humidity. 

As with any bike, they have their quirks and weak spots.  FJRForum.com has all the info you need.