maximo Posted May 21, 2018 Share Posted May 21, 2018 Hey all, I've been lurking here a while. I'm doing research on my next bike and the FJ-09 is on the short list. Me: I'm 51 and have had a road bike continuously since I was 14, I think I've had about 20-25 bikes, I tend to keep bikes about 2-4 years. My current stable includes two bikes, a BMW K1200GT and a 1st Gen SV650 which I've had 19 years! That little scooter does not get old. I'm looking to add a more touring oriented middleweight for solo touring (as a freshly-minted empty nester I now have time for solo touring). I always figured I'd get a wee strom (see my SV love affair above), but the FJ-09 seems like it doesn't give up much on the comfort, and seriously increases the torque/hp. On my K bike I can easily do 10 hour days, one after the other. I'd like to do that on a smaller bike, since the K bike is a bit large for the fun, twisty coastal/mountain stuff. Right now I have the same question that many others have: wait for the GT, or get a 17 and farkle it. A huge variable is cruise control. The Germans have spoiled me, and I can't think of a multi day tour without it. Anyway, that's who I am and what brings me here. ’70 Yamaha 125 Enduro; ’75 Honda CB360T; ’81 Yamaha XS650SH; ’82 Honda GL650 Silver Wing Interstate; ’82 Suzuki GS650L; ’87 Yamaha Virago 535; ’87 Yamaha FJ1200; ’96 Honda ST1100; ’99 Yamaha V-Star Classic; ’00 Suzuki SV650; ’07 BMW K1200GT; ’12 Suzuki DR200; ’15 Yamaha FJ-09. Bold = current Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duhs10 Posted May 21, 2018 Share Posted May 21, 2018 If you insist on buying new I would wait for the GT... if you are ok with a used bike, I'm sure you can find a previous model that has already been set up for touring (seat, windscreen, cruise, bags, etc..) for half the price of a new GT. It's pretty much universally accepted that if you plan to do long days in the saddle, you will need a new windscreen and a new seat minimum. Either way you go about it... you won't be disappointed on a FJ. '15 FJ-09 w/ lots of extras... Fayetteville, GA, USA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koth442 Posted May 22, 2018 Share Posted May 22, 2018 Hi other new guy '15 FJ09 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maximo Posted May 22, 2018 Author Share Posted May 22, 2018 Thanks. I agree on a new seat, it's usually the first thing I do with a new bike. Have you seen successful installations of electronic cruise control? I can afford a new GT, but I'm not itching to burn money if I can get a used one already set up for what I need. But that cc... ’70 Yamaha 125 Enduro; ’75 Honda CB360T; ’81 Yamaha XS650SH; ’82 Honda GL650 Silver Wing Interstate; ’82 Suzuki GS650L; ’87 Yamaha Virago 535; ’87 Yamaha FJ1200; ’96 Honda ST1100; ’99 Yamaha V-Star Classic; ’00 Suzuki SV650; ’07 BMW K1200GT; ’12 Suzuki DR200; ’15 Yamaha FJ-09. Bold = current Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member builderbob Posted May 22, 2018 Premium Member Share Posted May 22, 2018 Similar bike history here. A K1200GT and K1600GT in my past, as well as two SV650S's. Regarding transitioning from the Beemer, after properly setting it up, the FJ makes an excellent tourer. I'm much happier with the FJ than I ever was with either of the BMWs. As for cruise, MC Cruise seems to be the only option at the moment, unless you want to tackle it the cheaper, but much more difficult way such as I did here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panther6834 Posted May 22, 2018 Share Posted May 22, 2018 I'd have to disagree with duhs10 on the "wait for the 2018 Tracer GT", and for a few reasons. While the inclusion of cruise control is a great addition, there is an absolute fantastic aftermarket option, made by MCCruise out of Australia. With that option, you have the choice of using the controller they provide...or, for those who want a "stock" appearance, you can use a switch (Switch 7) from either a 2-14-2015 FJR, or one from a Super Tenere. On top of that, the Yamaha side cases are a bit on the small side, thus the reason most people prefer the Givi V35, or Chad SH36, both of which can hold a helmet in each case (the Yamaha cases are too small to hold a helmet). Then, there's the windscreen problem. While the GT will include a larger windscreen than the "base" model, it's still not to everyone's liking, and there are numerous aftermarket units available. The point is, you can get a great deal on a new 2017 FJ-09, add cruise control & side cases, upgrade the windscreen, and even add protecting (such as Givi's Engine Guards), all for about the same price (or less) than the 2018 Tracer GT. For those who opt to purchase a used bike that's already broken in, you'll save even more. Personally, I was also "on the fence" between waiting for the 2018 model (base, or GT), or picking up a new 2017. In the end, I decided to go the latter route...and I'm EXTREMELY glad I did. I got a GREAT deal on the 2017 ($9K), as opposed to waiting several more months for the GT. Lastly, considering that the GT is going to cost (estimated) at least $2,500 more than what I paid for a new 2017, I will have saved a considerable amount (at least $1K, if not more, based on an estimated $11,499 Tracer GT pricing)...plus, I've already been riding it for almost two months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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