Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: geezerboy on May 16, 2016, 03:22:25 PM
-
Put a deposit on a new FJR1300 ES today. Planning a cross country trip with the bride and just didn't feel cozy about my 07 Norge making it without incident . Have 42,000 miles on the Norge and it hasn't been without some problems . Have had the oil pump failure and warped front rotors ( both replaced under warranty ) . Broke down three states away from home with a dirty ECU and barely rode it for two years because of continual problems with air in rear brake line and the dreaded starts interuptus . Both those problems now cured and only niggle is inadequate rear suspension for two up travel .
Going to have to sell the Norge and I know it will be sorely missed . When all is well it has been the most soulful and satisfying bike I've ever owned . Having fears that the FJR may feel as soulless as my brothers wing and feel more appliance like than the Goose . This is also my first inline 4 as I've always had twins .
So guess it's adios . Have been a lurker here for years and will not abandon the forum but it just won't feel the same .
Thanks everyone . Geezerbot
-
Sorry to see you go but I can understand. Let us know how you like the FJR.
-
Too bad you can't make room for her to stay...there's something mysteriously wonderful about these bikes that has affected me like no bike before...enjoy your new ride!
-
Sorry to see you go but I can understand. Let us know how you like the FJR.
:1:
Congrats on your new ride. I test rode a new FJR1300 with electronic suspension a couple of weeks ago. It is a very nice bike. It was short on legroom for me but I was told the seat is adjustable and may have been on the low setting. The engine may lack the soul of a v-twin but it was extremely smooth and powerful and the fueling was perfect. The engine almost felt like an electric motor, it had a bunch of torque at idle and just smoothly made more as the revs built. It also rode and handled well and felt much lighter than it actually is. The bike wasn't right for me right now but I can appreciate it's many strengths and can see why they are popular.
-
Oh wow, let me know when you get it up for sale............NOT! no really good luck with the Yammy and have a great trip! :thumb:
-
Stories like yours, regardless of the tales of years of trouble-free miles from others, is what's kept me from CARCy, extra-valved Guzzi offerings. I just don't want a worse taste in my mouth than I already have from my Calvin.
The Yamaha may be sewing-machine smooth (not necessarily a good thing for many of us) and strangely hot in certain circumstances but otherwise eminently gratifying in it's performance and reliability.
Too bad about that chain :evil:.. But hell, at least it isn't CARCed up. :boozing:
Todd.
-
The CARC isn't the problem here, and it's a 2 valve version, and it's one bike...so hardly statistically relevant...but if 1 incident is enough to dissuade you...
Suspension for 2 up riding also easily solved by installing a good after market shock (Wilbers for example) for $800 bucks with an external adjustment for switching from riding 1 to 2 up.
Startus interruptus and a properly working rear master cylinder would cure both of those minor issues...
The FJR will be sewing machine smooth, maybe runs a bit hotter on the legs than the 2 valve Norge...
Post up some pics though..will be fun to see the road trip photos!
-
The latest FJR in my group departed for the 1290 Super Adventure. But that is another story.
Enjoy the FJR, oh and the heat, I hear the new one has much better air flow. Yamaha listens.
-
My two Yamaha's were good to me. One of which was the early FJ1100, the SPORT-tourer, which has evolved (or matured) into your new steed, the sport-TOURER. I loved that bike, but, wow, it was fast... and it just begged to go faster.
Try to keep it under 150mph. :copcar:
Since you've got the bike with the matching luggage - your second bike can be a single-purpose Spine-Frame Moto Guzzi. All in good time... :clock:
-
Too bad about that chain :evil:.. But hell, at least it isn't CARCed up. :boozing:
Todd.
No chain on an FJR, shaft drive.
-
No chain on an FJR, shaft drive.
2-sided swing arm / drive shaft I believe. Immenselu competent sport tourer. Congrats.
-
Having the machine fit you is better than just sticking with one brand no matter what.
Post some pics and impressions when have them!
-
No chain on an FJR, shaft drive.
Just grit for the mill.
Todd.
-
Since you've got the bike with the matching luggage - your second bike can be a single-purpose Spine-Frame Moto Guzzi. All in good time... :clock:
I like your thinking..
Geezerboy, NBD leaving the fold. BTDT,
there are so many great bikes to try in just one lifetime.. just stick with Wildguzzi and all will be (https://photos.smugmug.com/Guzzi/i-5qMhVQB/0/XL/IMG_0975-XL.jpg) (https://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/Guzzi/i-5qMhVQB/A)
-
Since you've got the bike with the matching luggage - your second bike can be a single-purpose Spine-Frame Moto Guzzi. All in good time... :clock:
Very interesting thread for me. I had a Norge and had to let it go for very similar reasons to the OP. Just test rode a FJR and it is a fine bike, but am troubled by the fact that they apparently are prone to head shake, but that's another story (and thread!). Anyway, still researching the FJR and could very well end up with a FJR and a "single-purpose spine-frame Moto Guzzi. I've already got that one!
Geezerboy, good luck with the new ride and give us a shout on how you are liking it. I would love to hear.
-
One of the bikes I traded in to get my current (and first) Guzzi was also an in-line four, a 2007 BMW K1200GT. It was once (when it first appeared) the bike I wanted over all others, and I eventually acquired mine, just a couple of years old. It was a fine, smooth, fast sport tourer that would devour the miles with glass-smooth efficiency. But I came to find it excessively automotive (or, if you will, an appliance). Now it's gone, but my old boxer remains. You may love the in-line four experience, and it will undoubtedly be a good two up tourer. But still....
-
FJR heat issues have been improved for many years.
Just be careful about approaching the upper double digit speeds. A bit past 90, something along the lines of, oh, let's call them afterburners, kick in and it becomes a-whole-nother machine. It will go from 60 to XXX very quickly, without any effort at all. Without downshifting.
I doubt you will be displeased. I've made a few ergonomic upgrades to mine and long days are easy. Rifle windshield, HeliBars upper triple clamp and riser blocks, Sargent (commuting) and Russell Daylong OEM rebuild (day trips and beyond) saddles (although Gen III seating is said to be improved over Gen II)... I guess those are the big ones. It's a rock solid platform built to go and go. Congratulations!
Steve.
-
Just started riding my '05 FJR again.............. ..and like the previous poster said, It gets up and goes. Goosed mine getting on the freeway and had it up to 90+ lickety split! Had just installed a performance map..... :thumb: Still prefer twins, but if I were heading out on a long trip, the feejer would get the nod.
-
Having traded the Stelvio in on a '13 FJR I can you tell that it will be different feeling. The 2 engines are very different in feel. The FJR likes to be wound up before shifting and it took me a little while before I came to understand that. My wife and I did the PCH on the FJR and it was the best bike that I could have hoped for. You simply put gas,oil and tires on it and go. Every time you hit that starter button, it starts, doesn't matter if its 105 degrees or 25 degrees. Good brakes and 40 mpg all day long. Most dependable bike I have ever ridden and personally one of the best looking. So I don't own a Goose anymore but I still come here cause its the best forum around and the people are the most knowledgeable about motorcycling.
-
A very good choice. I think what many call character or soul in a bike is more just an acceptance of its flaws and poor design. I had an 05 FJR, loved it and will probably buy another down the road at some point. Really nail it going up an onramp or on an open road and tell me the FJR feels like an appliance. Great bike and very reliable. I sold mine to a longtime BMW owner that was tired of all the stupid little problems and just wanted to ride.
-
I think what many call character or soul in a bike is more just an acceptance of its flaws and poor design.
Respectfully, I think you're mistaken. :smiley: The most flawless motorcycle in the world would leave me cold if I didn't like it's character. Guzzis, Ducks, even *cough cough* some Harleys have it. Inline 4s? Naw. Boring as a BMW.. :cool: :boozing:
<running and ducking again>
-
Respectfully, I think you're mistaken. :smiley: The most flawless motorcycle in the world would leave me cold if I didn't like it's character. Guzzis, Ducks, even *cough cough* some Harleys have it. Inline 4s? Naw. Boring as a BMW.. :cool: :boozing:
<running and ducking again>
Mostly this, as I wouldn't mind owning an MV Austa. But I wouldn't sell any of my twins to buy one.
(http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20%20A/MV%20Agusta%20F4%20750S%20Serie%20Oro.jpg)
-
If you're riding an FJR and see someone take their hands off the bars are they run off the road and you move your head side to side, does that count as head shake?
Put cheap tires on, never check the air pressure, load all kinds of things on the bars and then as you go down the road, take your hands of the bars as the bike decelerates and it will shake.
It's trying to get rid of you, probably for good reason.
-
Safe travels- great bike!
-
If you're riding an FJR and see someone take their hands off the bars are they run off the road and you move your head side to side, does that count as head shake?
Put cheap tires on, never check the air pressure, load all kinds of things on the bars and then as you go down the road, take your hands of the bars as the bike decelerates and it will shake.
It's trying to get rid of you, probably for good reason.
Yet again you seem to add nothing to the conversation.
-
Been through the FJR mode, great bullet-proof bike. The question is, can I trust the Norge like the FJR?
Yamaha is rated #1 in reliability, rode em for 12 straight years in a row, never a problem on the road. 50k on the Royal Star and 26k on an 02 FJR.
(http://www.users.qwest.net/~ghakala/hank's%20fjr.JPG)
-
Mostly this, as I wouldn't mind owning an MV Austa. But I wouldn't sell any of my twins to buy one.
(http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20%20A/MV%20Agusta%20F4%20750S%20Serie%20Oro.jpg)
I didn`t sell a twin to buy a 2014 MV Agusta F4, but I would sell one before selling the F4 now
-
Been through the FJR mode, great bullet-proof bike. The question is, can I trust the Norge like the FJR?
Yamaha is rated #1 in reliability, rode em for 12 straight years in a row, never a problem on the road. 50k on the Royal Star and 26k on an 02 FJR.
(http://www.users.qwest.net/~ghakala/hank's%20fjr.JPG)
It depends on what you are willing to live with when you consider reliability.
The Norge is not a gas and oil and ride across the country and back then ride the rest of the year without touching it thing. Some might have done it but more have not.
Then there is the school of thought that if a sensor fails and causes the bike not to run, that is maintenance, not a reliability issue.
What are the chances of an out of the showroom Norge being as reliable as a FJR from day one? Who knows?
-
Once a goose always a goose. You can still hang with us. :thumb:
-
Yet again you seem to add nothing to the conversation.
Yeah, I didn't see the point either. <shrug>
-
Worth noting that -- and I have not verified that this is still true -- Yamaha historically committed to maintaining parts availability for only eight years from current models.
-
This is a very interesting thread to me. My issues with my 2013 Norge (previously mentioned in another thread) prompted my dealer to replace the motor under warranty. He had it all winter. I picked it up with my Kendon trailer in a March. On my very first ride of the season the red warning light comes on as well as the oil can symbol. Okay, back on the trailer and to the dealer. Waiting for new oil pressure sensor or sending unit. The following week I found a low mile 2015 FJR ES at what I thought was a fair price. I bought it and so far am really enjoying it! Never had an inline 4 and it runs and handles very sweetly. Only have 900 miles on it and have not experienced any ill effects whatsoever i.e. head shake. I plan on picking up my Norge when it's ready and I'll very likely put it up for sale. I'll always have my '73 Eldo!
-
Samfrank,
Sounds sort of familiar. I am still looking at a low mileage 2014 FJR ES. Gonna get new tires on it this week and I take it for another test ride. It is a really sweet running machine for sure. I miss my Norge, but had to move on after many difficult issues. Have fun with your new ES!
-
Worth noting that -- and I have not verified that this is still true -- Yamaha historically committed to maintaining parts availability for only eight years from current models.
Going over a 700 Fazer, 1986 model. I went to the local Yamaha dealer and asked for the following, specifying OEM:
Radiator
Wheel bearings
Fork seals
Brake overhaul kit
Brake hoses, clutch cable cable
Various fasteners
I checked on:
Clutch parts
Cam chain and adjuster
All readily available. This for a pretty rare bike (made only two years).
Oftentimes you just order by part number instead of bike model and find they are available, readily because they were used in many models.
GM does the same thing. Cars long gone from production and you ask for a part by model name, sorry no can do. Go in and ask for part # ###### and they have it ir can get it with next delivery.
It comes down to knowing how to ask.
-
Going over a 700 Fazer, 1986 model. I went to the local Yamaha dealer and asked for the following, specifying OEM:
Radiator
Wheel bearings
Fork seals
Brake overhaul kit
Brake hoses, clutch cable cable
Various fasteners
I checked on:
Clutch parts
Cam chain and adjuster
All readily available. This for a pretty rare bike (made only two years).
Oftentimes you just order by part number instead of bike model and find they are available, readily because they were used in many models.
GM does the same thing. Cars long gone from production and you ask for a part by model name, sorry no can do. Go in and ask for part # ###### and they have it ir can get it with next delivery.
It comes down to knowing how to ask.
That's good to hear.
-
Sign of the times I guess. It used to be you go into the shop and the parts counter staff could order a part lickety split from memory and know how to cross reference.
These days walking in and asking about a bike that is 10 years older than the person behind the counter gets you a puzzled look. They try to be helpful but just lack reference points. Sometimes it's really funny when they realize that long before the high tech 600cc screamers there were bikes that set the foundation for what they ride.
-
If you're riding an FJR and see someone take their hands off the bars are they run off the road and you move your head side to side, does that count as head shake?
Put cheap tires on, never check the air pressure, load all kinds of things on the bars and then as you go down the road, take your hands of the bars as the bike decelerates and it will shake.
It's trying to get rid of you, probably for good reason.
Huh?
-
Huh?
Most headspace problems are caused by lack of maintenance amf.lack of attention to detail.
If the head shake problem was as bad as alluded to, Yamaha couldn't sell any.of them. The problem exists only for some and not most.
-
Huh?
The Kwacker was prone to headshake.
-
The Kwacker was prone to headshake.
Of course , but apparently the Yamaha has head space issues :shocked:
Dusty
-
Not to mention the ones riding without their hands on the bars.
:popcorn:
-
You'll get tired of riding the appliance and come back. Good luck though.
-
I own a 2007 FJR. It is a fantastic motorcycle, best thought of as a cross-continental missile. No soul? You might want to rethink that when you get the rpms between 5,000 and redline. The only problem I have with the FJR is keeping the speed to a reasonable level so that I can keep my license. And for a large bike, it will dance effortlessly through the curves.
In the six years I have owned it, I have never had any headshake issues (nor read anything about it on the FJR forums) and mine does not have any heat issues. Any large powerful engine will give off heat. The first year the FJR came out, they had some heat issues, which (if I remember correctly) Yamaha remedied by the third year of production.
Enjoy your new ride!
Phil
-
... best thought of as a cross-continental missile. No soul? You might want to rethink that when you get the rpms between 5,000 and redline.
My Yamaha FJ1100 had no soul - because it had been sold to the devil himself. Oh sweet little baby jesus... (in the voice of Ricky-Bobby).
-
All that power and the FJR does it without requiring premium fuel. Or at least in did on my 2005, I suppose it's still the case. 150 MPH riding two-up on regular grade gasoline, wild!
-
You'll get tired of riding the appliance and come back. Good luck though.
Still better than the answer I got a few months ago on this very board, after leaving Guzzi (after 17 years) for Bmw. "Good luck with your whore, you'll be back within 3 years" ;-)