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Hello
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onelane
- Squid
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Fri May 08, 2015 2:41 am
- FJRModel: 2002 R1150GS BMW
Hello
I am new to this forum. I'm from Louisvilie , Ky . 60 yrs old and have been riding since age 12. My current ride is a 2002 BMW R1150 GS . I would like to get a used FJR for long distance riding and was wondering if any one year was better than another and for what reasons. Any help would be appreciated !
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fontanaman
- Contributor
- Veteran
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- Joined: Fri Mar 08, 2013 9:38 pm
- FJRModel: 2017 FJR, 2017 DR650
- Location: Spokane, Washington
- x 3677
- x 5074
Re: Hello
I would get a 2008 or newer. Gen 1 models, aka 2002 - 2005 dumped heat on to the riders legs. However many still love their 05 models.
2006-2007 Gen 2 models had minor fuel injection issues and a small throttle cam leading to an abrupt response and stiff throttle.
The 2014 has the FJR community jazzed as it features many electronic controls such a suspension (ES model), cruise control, traction control and fly by wire throttle. You can get a used one for around 12,000. The suspension on these models is very good where as the Gen 1 and 2 benefit from after market suspension.
2006-2007 Gen 2 models had minor fuel injection issues and a small throttle cam leading to an abrupt response and stiff throttle.
The 2014 has the FJR community jazzed as it features many electronic controls such a suspension (ES model), cruise control, traction control and fly by wire throttle. You can get a used one for around 12,000. The suspension on these models is very good where as the Gen 1 and 2 benefit from after market suspension.
Last edited by fontanaman on Wed May 13, 2015 9:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Searching for roads paved with Asphalt, unless I am riding the mighty DR650 bushpig.
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Intech
- I'm Not Back
- Veteran
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- Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2013 10:35 am
- FJRModel: 2015
- Location: Virginia
- x 1278
- x 3025
Re: Hello
Welcome. Fontanaman covered it pretty well. Of course the '07 Black Cherry is the fastest and best handling of all the years. JS
RIP BeemerDonS JSNS
RIP Petey
RIP jwilly
RIP 1911
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silverback
- Veteran
- Posts: 1974
- Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2013 5:36 pm
- FJRModel: 2005
- Location: Wichita, KS
- x 1
- x 1250
Re: Hello
I once thought that until I upgraded to an 05. Now, I'm pretty sure they're too close to tell. The 07 had nicer gauges though...Intech wrote:Welcome. Fontanaman covered it pretty well. Of course the '07 Black Cherry is the fastest and best handling of all the years. JS
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clocklaw
- Swag Master
- Veteran
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- Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 10:34 am
- FJRModel: 2005 FJR ABS - My Blue Angel
- Location: Columbia, TN - Mule Capital of the World
- x 469
- x 254
- Contact:
Re: Hello
Welcome OneLane.....As you may be aware, you will likely get as many different answers as the number of people answering. I have had an '03 and an '05, I loved them both.....the '05 has ABS so I consider that an advantage. I have considered a Gen3 myself but I can't see spending that much money for the minor improvements over what I have now. I'm too fat for the ES suspension to be an advantage, and I figure it would be like a new toy that got played with for a while and then left alone.
Good luck on your searches, things that I know of that you need to keep in mind:
First Gen bikes had ABS as an OPTION for '04 and '05 and I believe it became standard in '06
Second Gen bikes had the spider issue and it seems the first couple of years had a twitchy throttle issue as well. There was also an ignition issue that has a recall I think.
They only made the best color 1 year....that's the 2005 Galaxy Blue Pearl.
Good luck on your searches, things that I know of that you need to keep in mind:
First Gen bikes had ABS as an OPTION for '04 and '05 and I believe it became standard in '06
Second Gen bikes had the spider issue and it seems the first couple of years had a twitchy throttle issue as well. There was also an ignition issue that has a recall I think.
They only made the best color 1 year....that's the 2005 Galaxy Blue Pearl.
wheatonFJR wrote:...you don't really expect me to finger myself do you?
HotRodZilla wrote:Be careful, don't act dumb, and like your weiner, keep it in your pants.
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fontanaman
- Contributor
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- Posts: 3358
- Joined: Fri Mar 08, 2013 9:38 pm
- FJRModel: 2017 FJR, 2017 DR650
- Location: Spokane, Washington
- x 3677
- x 5074
Re: Hello
Hi. How much you looking to spend? Knowing that would help us zero in on a target for you. I have a 09 FJR and have farkled the hell out of it. It is now so perfect for me that upgrading to the 2014 or 2015 ES model is not of interest. Hell I only have 63k on the sucker and it will go for 90k more miles.
This might help: http://fjrforum.com/files/fjrcomparo.pdf
This might help: http://fjrforum.com/files/fjrcomparo.pdf
Searching for roads paved with Asphalt, unless I am riding the mighty DR650 bushpig.
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El Toro Joe
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- FJRModel: 2016ES
- Location: North Coast of Ohio
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Re: Hello
Find yourself a 2012...because it looks just like my 06 (best color)...but newer. Oh, and welcome to the forum.
"RIP Beemerdons", "RIP Petey", "RIP JWilly", "RIP 1911"
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blrfjr
- Veteran
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- Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2013 1:48 am
- FJRModel: 2016 Honda Africa Twin
- Location: Frankfort, In
- x 32
- x 159
Re: Hello
Welcome aboard! We can give more indepth FJR advice at FODS in WV next month. So, come on out with that GS (my buddy will be on a 2000 model) and play. All the cool kids are doin it!!! 
Lifes to short, lets go for a ride!
Bryan
Bryan