Whose New FJR

[OldSarge]

So I got up this morning, grabbed a cup of coffee, and strolled on out to the workshop. There my jaw dropped, so I ran back into the house to find the lady I currently live with.
"Whose beautiful new bright red FJR1300 is that?", I cried out.
"It's yours, you old fool! You brought it home yesterday!", my wife lovingly reminded me.
"Oh yeah", I grinned. "I did, didn't I?"

So I went back out to the workshop behind my home in Madison, AL, to admire my new, gorgeous red scooter. Thinking I was all done with this motorcycle nonsense, I sold my 2001 GL1800 Gold Wing four years ago. But as I approach the 68th anniversary of my birth come May, I find myself growing bored, lethargic, and increasingly desperate to talk to someone who chases skirts instead of wears them. Hey, I love my wife, but let's face it, she doesn't know horsepower from horse flies.

I've mostly been a dirt bike rider. Early successes in motocross took me to Europe in 1971 where it took me 2-1/2 seasons to realize I wasn't so good after all. I later tried Observed Trials where I had more success, and still later raced hare scrambles and enduros in the woods where trees are hard... but not as hard as Buicks!

Still, I had maybe a dozen street bikes over the years, first Honda, then Yamaha, and then for a long time nothing but Kawasakis (they were good to me as racing sponsors, both in Europe and in the USA). The high-tech GL1800 Gold Wing grabbed my attention when it came out, so I bought one and took up luxury touring for nine years before eventually losing interest.

I almost bought another Honda this week, a 2013 CB1100, but something drew me to the gorgeous bright red Yamaha nearby, and when I learned of all the standard features, before I knew what was happening, I found myself the owner of a brand new 2014 FJR1300AE! And it's RED!

Anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking to it, so don't ask how I just happened to have $12,700 in cashiers checks in my pocket. Especially not around she who provides my hot meals and clean sheets.

I trailered it home from Corinth, MS because riding an unfamiliar bike 115 miles through intermittent rain showers just didn't strike me as a really great idea. Now, I don't claim to have had a lot of great ideas, but I've never crashed a street bike, and I once declined an invitation to jump out of a perfectly good airplane, so I'm not Totally stupid!

I nervously rode the new 1300 to the DMV to get my tag this morning (damn that sales tax!), but it was too cold and windy to support any claim of having fun, so I drove my minivan (Oh shut up! I love my soccer mom car!) to the nearest cycle shop and bought a new full face helmet. My dirt bike helmets just won't do.

Now, why can't I find the battery on this beast?
Take off "How Many" panels?

Whaddayamean a hundred and forty-four horsepower?

Oh my God what have I done?

[wnyfjr]

You have chosen wisely.

Welcome to the collective!

[HotRodZilla]

Haha...Now, THAT'S an introduction.

[clocklaw]

Best introduction post I have heard in some time......and welcome to the dark side! Seeing as you live in Madison, AL.....it looks like we're neighbors (I'm in Columbia Tennessee), I look forward to meeting up with you sometime soon.

[bluesdog]

Now, why can't I find the battery on this beast?
Take off "How Many" panels?

All of them.

Well, not really. I believe the battery is concealed under the right side inner black panel. The gen 3 fairing is different from both previous gens, but afaik the battery is still stowed in the upper right fairing cavity, which helps to make the fjr a bit top heavy, noticeable only at parking lot speeds. So practise your slow control stuff lots.

You'll want to get a factory service manual if you plan on doing any wrenching beyond oil changes & similar.

Welcome to the madhouse

[OldSarge]

Thanks for the responses, folks.
I gave you my age and location, but I forgot to mention my bike's serial number: 001400

I think I'm going to need grip wraps and bar risers soon, but that may be it for a while.

I'm still trying to learn to control the multi-function display. Even the selling dealer didn't know that each of the three heat selections for the grips can be set to a particular value.

Frankly, I'm surprised we don't see more FJR's on the road. Or maybe I just haven't learned to recognize them. Without the saddlebags they look simular to many sport bikes.

[Intech]

That first paragraph is priceless! Welcome aboard!

[blrfjr]

Welcome to the asylum! We have lots of REALLY good events every year so come on down.....or up.....over......got it!

[OldSarge]

I'm looking forward to meeting more FJR owners, and sharing info and experieces. Anyone else from North Alabama? South Central Tennessee?

This is likely of no interest to anyone, but I feel the need to tell somebody! I followed a friend Sunday for 105 miles thru north Alabama and up into Tenn. I was more than a little nervous for quite awhile since it was my first street ride longer than 10 mins. since Aug 2008! I'm becoming comfortable quicker than I expected, but then I've never been quick on the street due to my back problem (broad yellow streak). But as the miles accumulated, my fun factor steadily climbed. Yeah, me thinks I'm gonna like this bike.

I ordered the Yamaha Touring windshield today, after watching a YouTube video review. I also learned that battery access has been improved on the 2014 models, so I installed a battery Tender charging connector.

I know I want handlebar risers, but haven't decided which ones to order. Advice, anyone? I may have the dealer install those.

I also want to equip my new full coverage (non-flip) helmet with a Bluetooth headset for Smart Phone and maybe Garmin GPS use. I'm thinking about a CB radio as well, because most Gold Wing riders use them. Again, your thoughts and/or advice, please.

I made up a 1/16" steel cable loop about 10" long, encased in clear plastic tubing, to secure my helmet to the bike while parked, using a very small padlock. I miss the two built-in helmet hangars on the Wing.

This is a sweet looking ride, ain't it?

I wonder if any of you ever built and flew radio control model airplanes. R/C REPORT Magazine?