New (to me) FJR

[Jdcowboy]

I'm going to be picking up a new (to me) 2014 FJR with 16K miles in a week.  I am coming from big Harley's.  What do I need to know about operating it?  My Harley redlines at about 5500 rpm but the FJR's is something like 9500. Do you run it up to redline (not every shift of course, but sometimes for fun)?  What tips do I need to know about it?

[raYzerman]

Run it up to the rev limiter (9200) and you'll find your eyeballs in the back of your head starting around 5500...... max horses developed at 7000, no need to go much beyond that.
I'm amazed at the number of low miler FJR's being offered up for sale lately. Congrats on the buy. Is it an A or an ES?

[HotRodZilla]

I'm going to be picking up a new (to me) 2014 FJR with 16K miles in a week.  I am coming from big Harley's.  What do I need to know about operating it?  My Harley redlines at about 5500 rpm but the FJR's is something like 9500. Do you run it up to redline (not every shift of course, but sometimes for fun)?  What tips do I need to know about it?

Be aware of how much taller than a cruiser it is. Do not park it somewhere with the kick stand on even a slight up-slope. It WILL fall over. Be careful moving it around and let yourself get used to the higher center of gravity. It took me a bit to understand how differently the bike sits compared to my VTX.

Don't rev-tune it at stoplights and at startup. It idles just fine and the torque is immediate. Don't be afraid to run it up past 5k. You'll be amazed at how it will come alive. This bike will do 90 in 2nd gear. Be aware of your speed. 100mph will sneak up on you.

Have fun. These things absolutely rock. Oh, yeah, get used to burning through tires about every 5-6,000 miles. Haha!

[extrememarine]

Hello and welcome.

I've had and rode the FJR and a Harley Softail - owned both at the same time for a while.

The FJR will have that familiar low-end torque and pull of a v-twin, but instead of bumping the rev limiter at 5500rpms, the FJR lights an afterburner. THe FJR is happy to lug around in lower rev's all day long, and just as happy run up a twisty mountain road at 7k rpms.

Enjoy!

[danh600]

Like Wayne says the FJR can do low RPMs or high RPMs. I came off a V-twin too. I like the FJR ok at low RPMs, but about 4k is when you start to hit the fun zone!!!

Welcome.

[escapefjrtist]

Congrats on the new (to you) ‘14! First things first, get to know the machine and then figure out what’s needed to make it yours. Take time to get used to the riding position too. It’s much different than the feet out cruiser style.

Enjoy, you won’t be disappointed.

~G

[Jdcowboy]

Thanks for the advice. I rented a KZ900 over the weekend. That sucker was fast. I think it redlined at 11K and I never got over 7500 because I would be going too fast in second gear. Not to bad at 100 mph either. I expect the FJR to be much more comfortable than the KZ900. Harleys are a lot heavier than FJR's so I look forward to it. I'm keeping the Harley and it is red, too. Red also gets seen by cars easier than grey, which helps in SoCal traffic.

[LKLD]

Welcome to the forum, and congrats on the '14!

Rob

[D-Eagle]

The FJR does carry the weight up high, so just be careful until you get used to it.
Nothing beats a Harley kickstand. Carry a kickstand puck for those hot days and asphalt parking.
The rest you'll just get used to. Like everyone says, the speed sneaks up easily.

[Uncle Hud]

See above. My signature is a lie: an FJR sure as hell can get you into trouble in second gear.

My advice: don't go telling all your H-D buddies about our crotch-rocket with saddlebags.

[wheatonFJR]

In the Appalachian mountains, I live in 2nd, 3rd, and occasionally 1st. 4th, if its a connector. 5000rpm and above, baby!

[raYzerman]

That's interesting... an FJR has a 4th gear? I keep hearing guys wishing the FJR had a 5th, lol.

[FJRoss]

I'm going to be picking up a new (to me) 2014 FJR with 16K miles in a week.  I am coming from big Harley's.  What do I need to know about operating it?  My Harley redlines at about 5500 rpm but the FJR's is something like 9500. Do you run it up to redline (not every shift of course, but sometimes for fun)?  What tips do I need to know about it?

So, did you get the bike and do you have pictures? Initial impressions?

[Jdcowboy]

Got the 2014 FJR. Picked it up in Colorado Springs and rode it to LA. Took three days because I wanted to take the scenic route through Montrose and Durango on the first day, and through southern Utah on the second day. Third day was five hours on the freeway in 95-100 degrees from Kingman, AZ to LA. First impressions: After riding nothing but big Harley touring bikes, this is light, easy to ride slow, smooth and VERY fast. I had a hard time staying below 75 on back country roads, passed everyone I could see, and cruised at 85 on the interstates. Ordered a larger windshield. Considering risers for the handlebars. Have an issue with the cruise control but from what I read, it has to do with the brake sensors. Taking it in for the 16K service and I'll have them checked.

[HotRodZilla]

Got the 2014 FJR. Picked it up in Colorado Springs and rode it to LA. Took three days because I wanted to take the scenic route through Montrose and Durango on the first day, and through southern Utah on the second day. Third day was five hours on the freeway in 95-100 degrees from Kingman, AZ to LA. First impressions: After riding nothing but big Harley touring bikes, this is light, easy to ride slow, smooth and VERY fast. I had a hard time staying below 75 on back country roads, passed everyone I could see, and cruised at 85 on the interstates. Ordered a larger windshield. Considering risers for the handlebars. Have an issue with the cruise control but from what I read, it has to do with the brake sensors. Taking it in for the 16K service and I'll have them checked.

Ride it a little bit, like 1,000 miles or more before you change riding position stuff. I bought my FJR while on a trip on my VTX. The days ride home made me sore in places the VTX never did. It was just the different riding position. The bike fits me very well. If you are over 6ft, it will probably be an issue and if you are much shorter than about 5'7" you may have issues. From about 5'8" to about 5'11" seem to fit pretty well. Of course no matter what size you are, your build might require changes. My philosophy is: taking time to let yourself adjust is free. Changing the bike is usually not. Haha.