Re: FJ value vs cost

[Flynt]

.....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

[ZOA NOM]

.....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...

[Mike Ramos]

.....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...

[Mike Ramos]

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...  (!)

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

[ZOA NOM]

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.

[ZOA NOM]

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...

[ribbert]

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]

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.   Keep trying, you might land a punch one day but today is not your day (again).

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

[Mike Ramos]

I think Mikey knows this stuff and was looking for chains to pull.

Frank

It's like shooting fish in a barrel with Noel...

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

[ZOA NOM]

Okay, maybe it's as easy as taking candy from a baby...