Yamaha FJR1300A - DL650 - DL1000

[Wulf]

I had an '02 DL1000 for about 3 years and sold it last summer after about 30K miles (I know, big mistake..). Summer is getting close so I am looking for another bike. I have been checking out:

new '09 DL650 - $6500
used '07 DL650 with 10K miles - $5000
used '07 DL1000 with 6K miles - $7200

I also found a locally advertised '06 FJR with 6K miles for $7,500. If I go for the V-Strom, I'll need to add at least a center stand, some hard luggage, larger windscreen and new seat so that'll be at least $1000. I don't have any experience with the FJR but it seems I wouldn't have to add any necessary equipment right from the start.

While I loved my DL1000 and went on some long distance trips (Michigan - Nova Scotia and all over the southwest when I was living in California), it seems the FJR is much more bike for about the same or little bit more money (used). I am sure I would really enjoy a 4 cyl, ABS and shaft drive and the wind protection of the FJR.  Valve adjustments are every 26K miles.

I do enjoy exploring dirt and gravel roads and think I will really enjoy the DL650 for this and other local trips, especially in the UP of Michigan and northern Ontario. But I also enjoy weekends doing 750 miles and the FJR seems to be the perfect tool for this.

I have read about the many improvements for the '06 FJR. How does the seating position compare to the Strom? I sat on n '05 FJR once but found it a bit cramped for my legs. Does the adjustable seat height on the '06 FJR make a big difference.  I also looked at many pictures of FJRs and their riders and it seems like a smaller and much lower bike than the V-Strom.  I am 6'2" and it seems you sit more "in" a V-Strom and "on" a FJR.  I really like the legroom on the Strom.

I know they are very different bikes and I always thought the FJR was way out of my price range. But now they are pretty close to each other in price. I am confused which way to go!

I am planning to check out the FJR this weekend.  I am sure I will miss the versatility and less weight of a DL650 (my first choice) but the FJR seems so much more motorcycle.  Completely different bikes for sure.  Too bad I can't have both....!

Edit: I just found this thread so I am reading through that right now.  Should have searched first before posting.. 
http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,2937.0.html

[steve_icbinb]

Drop Si a pm or email? he runs both FJR and a Weestrom.

 my take? drop a Strom on it's side, laugh, pick up & ride away.

drop a FJR on it's side.... get your wallet out

ride safe, whatever you choose

[Wulf]

drop a FJR on it's side.... get your wallet out

He mentioned there are some scratches on the left side and he just sent me some pictures.  It looks it is just cosmetic but I wonder at what speed it went down.  Should I be very concerned?  It sure is a good looking bike.

[castle-of-teck]

You know the FJR is gonna "heat" your legs, even in hot conditions ?

If you like the seating on a Strom and want power plua ABS, buy a beemer. Sorry.

( The ABS conversion of a wrecked Vee & an runnind Wee is possible, but somehow too much for most folks )

[steve_icbinb]

If i were selling a bike  of that value, i think i'd have sorted the scratches out beforehand? or too expensive to do??

 has the l/h footpeg/bar end/clutch lever been replaced?

 Is that a reflection, or is the pannier marked?

 what's the seller's story? one owner? he crash it? doesn't look like a dealers lot from the pics.

still a good looking bike & like a missile compared to a Wee!

[skipn809]

I have an '06 FJR and an '04 Wee. 

Sure the FJR is heavier and you can toss the Wee around.  But I've found the FJR excels in long distance, especially with a load or passenger (wife won't get on the Wee), and handles cross winds better.  I've had it on gravel roads, but not of my choosing (road construction) and I don't like to do that.

The Wee is a blast around town and easier to handle at slow speeds, but if I need to do miles or want the power I go with the FJR.  Seating is not much different (I have the FJR in the lower position since I have a 30 inch inseam) but there is more room to move around on the seat.  Also, the FJR has the ability to adjust the handlebars in 3 positions without needing add ons.  If I want to run errands or do some backroad/short trips, I grab the Wee.

I've seen your posts on the FJR forum, and have to agree with the guys about the cosmetics being not an over expensive fix.  With those miles it is just getting broken in, and that is a good price for the bike.  The depreciation curve for that bike should flatten out pretty good in the next year.

Like you, I can't decide which I prefer-- I'm on my second FJR and my second Wee.  Ten bikes in 5 years and they are the only keepers in my garage.  You can't go wrong.

[K1200LT]

The 2006 FJR is a Gen II and has fixed the "heat" problems with an engine heat shield and adjustable side cowlings and other vents.

We also have a 2007 FJR1300AE and a 2004 Wee  Love both bikes for different uses as stated above by others. - and YES - we are selling the BMW!

Steve

You know the FJR is gonna "heat" your legs, even in hot conditions ?

[skipn809]

'Twas me, I'd have the bottom part of the bags sprayed with something like RhinoLiner, buy a carbon fiber cover for the engine case, and buy a new mirror or used one from somebody how has replaced them with the FZ1 mirrors.

Low dollar easy fix for a low mile bike at a great price.

[Wulf]

I checked out the bike today but someone out-of-state bought it, paid for it and is picking it up in 2 weeks.  I don't think I could pay cash for a used bike I have never seen.  Apparently, it went down at a pretty good speed and part of the fairing was shaved off as well.

At least I had a chance to sit on it and it was a pretty tight squeeze for my legs with the standard seat.  At $7,500, it was a good price but add $500 for the fixes and not knowing if there is any other damage, I am not too bummed out about it.  I just wished the guy would have let me know it was sold with a simple phone call.   

I stopped by the Suzuki dealer just before closing today and we're pretty close on a deal for an orange Strom.  Maybe it was meant to be... 

[skipn809]

Keep looking.  The right bike will turn up.

[nashville_bill]

I have an '05 FJR and a DL1000K5 and they are both great bikes. The FJR is my cool weather bike and the Strom is my warm weather bike. I think you need both. The FJR is smooth, powerful and hot on a hot day. The DL has tons of torque, leg room and is pretty cold on a cold day.