Is it time to replace my FJR?

[CollingsBob]

2017 ES with 53,682km...Farkled all to hell incl. Russell Day-Long. My wife asked me the other day if it was my dream bike, and added quickly that if it wasn’t, then I should trade it..and buy my dream bike.
All of this at the same time that Ducati launched the V4 Multistrada and about a week before spy shots of the 2021 Triumph Tiger 1200 were published. BMW has a stop sale on most of it’s bikes due to leaky Hayes brake calipers but after they replace them all with the Brembo’s they should’ve stayed with in the first place they will be a contenda..
So...
Ducati V4 Multistrada, BMW 1250GS, Triumph Tiger 1200, KTM Super Duke GT...all interesting possibilities with a mix of strengths and weaknesses..
It’s going to be a long winter of reading & viewing reviews & road tests.

[raYzerman]

Can't understand why you'd want to part with a bike that's not even broken in..............

[FJRPittsburgh]

And now you have to add the Tracer 9 GT to the list with all its bells and whistles. Even a 2" lower seat height!

[CollingsBob]

And now you have to add the Tracer 9 GT to the list with all its bells and whistles. Even a 2" lower seat height!

I rode one...it felt kinda small. Stout motor though.

[CollingsBob]

Can't understand why you'd want to part with a bike that's not even broken in..............

Cuz I’m old and life is short..

[FJRPittsburgh]

And now you have to add the Tracer 9 GT to the list with all its bells and whistles. Even a 2" lower seat height!

I rode one...it felt kinda small. Stout motor though.

The 2021? Totally different bike. Many changes from the 2020.

[danh600]

2017 is just getting good. No need to trade that for another FJR.

Now if you are looking to explore other bikes and need to sell one to buy one that is another story.

[CollingsBob]

2017 is just getting good. No need to trade that for another FJR.

Now if you are looking to explore other bikes and need to sell one to buy one that is another story.

Yep. Looking at something different, lighter..

[gixxerjasen]

V4 Multistrada

With Ducati looking to step away from Desmo valves, there might be a Multistrada in my future.

[Pterodactyl]

Kinda a great problem to wrestle with over a long winter. If you are like me you will make and change the decision several times. My last two bikes were impulse buys and turned out to be great decisions (FJR and GSA). Enjoy your winter.

[0face]

Since I need to replace my ‘08, I’ve had a couple of devils on my shoulder whispering sweet things about BMW.

[wheatonFJR]

Since I need to replace my ‘08, I’ve had a couple of devils on my shoulder whispering sweet things about BMW.

What are their names so I can kick them in the nuts...

Just kidding. If you want to buy a bike from the
Beijing Motor Werken, have at it. I'll still ride with you you commie bastard.

[raYzerman]

I have convinced no less than 5 guys in the last year to buy one of these 525lb. gems, smooth as buttah. Never sold them in the US, too bad. Last one here was 2012. My '09 has only 37k kms. on it, should last me a while.

[Pterodactyl]

Since I need to replace my ‘08, I’ve had a couple of devils on my shoulder whispering sweet things about BMW.

Those are not devils, they are the Angels of your better self. Heed the voices, Marty, heed the voices.

[escapefjrtist]

So many bikes and so little time! I do like the idea of something a bit lighter, but every time I ride my FJR (or Tenere) I still come home with a silly grin... The new V4 Multistrada and 1000XR sure look like fun flings as long as they're under warranty.

~G

[Uncle Hud]

Only you can decide when to replace your FJR.

Yours has plenty of life remaining, significant farkling, and should be clear of monthly payments (or close). Make sure those items are included in your evaluation.

FJR reliability is unparalleled, and that has serious value. Imagine yourself 750 miles from home at the end of a four-day tour, and you’re heading back to the barn this morning at the crack of dawn. Which bike do you want to straddle?

[Cav47]

Only you can decide when to replace your FJR.

You are aware that Bob is married right? LOL Don't act like Aunt Kelly doesn't run you.

Missed in this whole thing was that Bob's essentially gave him permission to buy his dream bike. At least that should be his story!


Seriously, though; My wife could decide to replace my FJR with a newer one if she was so inclined. In fact I am holding on to her statement when she saw a Artic white BMW one time. She said, "I bet that color would look really sweet on your boring gray bike"

As I have said, if Yamaha goes that pearl color that was available somewhere else in the world, I will be conspiring very soon after that.

[Bounce]

Can't understand why you'd want to part with a bike that's not even broken in.

The next question is, "what doesn't happen if spending the money to replace a perfectly good bike?" What other things don't get done, or bought, or enjoyed? It'd be one thing if you didn't have a bike at all or it was falling apart. Right?

[CollingsBob]

I am very open to the idea that the FJR is my dream bike..it is a great bike after all. It is paid for..this is just an exercise of comparing other bikes to the FJR, and deciding. We have money built into our retirement budget for travel..money that didn't get spent this due to covid, but if I do decide to make a change I still need to get a reasonable amount for the FJR..if I can’t get it, then the numbers will make the decision for me..

[Hppants]

Bob - my "one word" answer to your question is: yes.

The triology of life is Time, Health, and Money. Right now, you are very fortunate to have all 3. I need not remind you that it won't be long before one of those goes away - very likely Health. And that will likely be followed by Time.

Regardless, when you are much older than you are now, and you must wait for someone to come change your diaper, I assure you that besides your literal case of the Red Ass, you will not be thinking about this foolishness. You will not be thinking about how much money you have. You WILL however be reminded of all of the adventures and rides and good times that you had in your (relative) youth. And those memories will no doubt carry you on.

So the answer is: YES. Yes to whatever you want. Yes to whatever it means to you to have the very best bike that makes you happy. Yes to whatever it takes to make more adventures and more memories. And Yes to NOW.

I'll ride with you on a moped. Don't give two shits to me. Ride on, brother.