I think we have a problem...

ConqSoft · 04-13-2007, 4:51 PM

Something must be wrong. Everytime I take a ride on the ST I get a huge smile on my face. The same smile I used to get on the XX, but no more.

WILLSXX · 04-13-2007, 5:10 PM

It's called getting old.....

Riding preferences change for some alot more often than others.

ImNoSaint · 04-13-2007, 5:40 PM

It's the "Train in the Distance," (Paul Simon) effect. Fortunately, I haven't reached that point with my 'Bird.

Taetor · 04-13-2007, 6:18 PM

haha... sounds like money well spent at least. Glad you're enjoying your new ride so much. Does that mean you may sell the XX afterall ?

dunedain · 04-13-2007, 6:46 PM

for clarification there are some who may be coming to the end of their love affair with the XX?

I mean I could see that. I guess the XX was originally made to tap a virtually untouched market and then a bunch of other 'crossover' bikes stepped in and filled the niches all around the XX. Not really making it obsolete but if you want a performance tourer then the ST or FJR. Raw speed then R1 or GSXR...etc.

I like the Aprilia better sometimes and my son's v-rod other times. I'm rigging a KTM SMR525 for the street that will see some street time form time to time!

ConqSoft · 04-13-2007, 6:53 PM

Nah, not ready to sell it yet... I'll see how things go this summer after I get a chance to ride them both a lot again....

TangorXX · 04-13-2007, 8:11 PM

Funny,
I'm feeling just the opposite when riding the XX to the FJR mostly when I roll the throttle on. Will admit the FJR still makes me grin like a little kid in the handling department with an Ohlins rear and Racetech/Draco spring front.

Happy as hell I have both

and I can keep both. Life ain't bad.

testrider · 04-13-2007, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TangorXX

Funny,
I'm feeling just the opposite when riding the XX to the FJR mostly when I roll the throttle on. Will admit the FJR still makes me grin like a little kid in the handling department with an Ohlins rear and Racetech/Draco spring front.

Happy as hell I have both

and I can keep both. Life ain't bad.

TangorXX, I have been riding my 97 XX since 1999 and I still can't find fault in it. Me too I'm looking at a new 07 FJR 1300A and am interested in your opinions of keeping your FJR and XX.

My thought was that if I get the FJR I'm going to retire the XX. They are so close that it doesn't make much sense for me to keep them both so I like to hear what you say. However, the XX is stil doing what it was designed to do so well that I still hesitate of getting the FJR.

With the 3 Givi bags, I can ride the XX in 400+ miles days in comfort. I like the FJR's more up right seating position and the electrically adjustable windshield. But the FJR has less hp than the XX (127hp at the wheels and 120 lbs heavier vs the XX's 135 hp) that I'm afraid I'll be getting bored :-)

Toynut · 04-13-2007, 10:59 PM

I have both and find myself riding each one regularly. I find that the FJR is my ride of choice for cross country work and the XX for daylong rides.There are unique benefits to each bike, yet, I will definitly keep both.

The only thing I can see myself doing one day is possibly buying a GTR1400 and giving my FJR to my brother.

Exskibum also has one of each.

TangorXX · 04-13-2007, 11:42 PM

Testrider,
I'm with Toynut on his take and will be keeping both. I do feel the extra weight on the FJR but its really not a big deal. I feel the heat coming off the FJR more than the XX (the FJR is an '05) but it's also not a big deal even though I'm in "H"umid Houston. Shaft drive is nice but the chain maint.on the XX is minimal. Brakes feel better on the FJR. FJR looks decent without bags and as you noted the electric windshield is a plus. I also have a Sargent seat and Holeshot slipons.

It would be a tough call but if I had to only keep one it would probably be the FJR based on how I ride. Hats off to Honda on what they delivered with the XX considering how long its been out.

Also, Warchild has both and has logged a bunch of time on them. I don't think you will be disappointed in the FJR.

Glenn

testrider · 04-13-2007, 11:53 PM

Thanks, Glenn and Al,
I appreciate your comments.

I can't agree more: hats off to Honda for the XX. How many 10-year old design that can still run around the modern big dogs? :-)

I'm still tempting to get a new 07 FJR. I may end up like ConqSoft that once I ride the FJR I won't go back to the XX (or may be the othe way around then it will cost me big time) :-)

One more questions for you guys (sorry ConqSoft): do you feel the FJR is underpowered when you move from the XX to the FJR? (The FJR is 8 hp less and 120 lbs heavier than the XX)

-mike-

TangorXX · 04-14-2007, 12:45 AM

The FJR doesn't feel underpowered to me. I can't feel a huge difference when riding normal but the XX does pull alot harder above 7,000 RPM

. Biggest difference for me is the riding position. I feel like I slide "into" the XX and I sit "on" the FJR.

To be honest I'm still growing into the XX which I got in Feb but I've put 3K on her (still feels like I'm cheating on the FJR

). I've had the Feejer for a bit over 2yrs (new) and it has 33K on it. Also my riding style is reflected strongly in my early comments. I'm pretty much out riding 1 day per weekend with a handful long weekends and 1 week long tour during the year. You should see if anyone on the FJR boards lives near you that perhaps you can bum a ride from to help you decide.

FJR Forum (Powered by Invision Power Board)

Quote:

Originally Posted by testrider

Thanks, Glenn and Al,
I appreciate your comments.

I can't agree more: hats off to Honda for the XX. How many 10-year old design that can still run around the modern big dogs? :-)

I'm still tempting to get a new 07 FJR. I may end up like ConqSoft that once I ride the FJR I won't go back to the XX (or may be the othe way around then it will cost me big time) :-)

One more questions for you guys (sorry ConqSoft): do you feel the FJR is underpowered when you move from the XX to the FJR? (The FJR is 8 hp less and 120 lbs heavier than the XX)

-mike-

testrider · 04-14-2007, 1:52 PM

Glenn, thanks for the comments. I'm surprised that you didn't feel a difference in power between the FJR and XX. That's good to hear. As when I calculated them on paper, the FJR is only about 2/3 of the power of the XX, after taking weights into the equations (FJR = 680 lbs/127 hp = 5.35 lbs/hp while the XX = 550lbs/135 = 4 lbs/hp => FJR = 2/3 XX in term of weights/hp)

FJR's 5.35 lbs/hp is slightly less than a BMW 1200GS (540 lbs/105 hp = 5.14lbs/hp) which I have ridden. The 1200GS was quite sluggish for my taste...

Theoretically you should feel a big difference... Well...

ConqSoft · 04-22-2007, 2:41 PM

I finally rode the XX today, after being off of it for over a month. I think the footpegs moved up and back since the last time I rode it.

I did enjoy the ride though: ConqSoft.com » Blog Archive » Michael’s Bar & Grill

So, I think it's a keeper.

testrider · 04-22-2007, 3:11 PM

Glad to hear that! :-)

lois · 04-22-2007, 3:24 PM

If I may add my .2cents

The FJR is a fabulous motor cycle. I realize that it is ok in the corners, but (IMO) is really set up more towards the touring side. Sure, there are probably things you could do to it to make it sportier, but who in their right mind would do so......?

The XX on the other hand can go either way. What I mean is, Some folks on this board have there XX's set up with hard bags , back rests etc, and the bird will work very well as a sport TOUR. While others have upgraded their front and rear suspensions, added shims, etc and use them as a SPORT tour.

Thats the charm of this bike, plus it brings 2 groups together that otherwise might not normaly mingle.

No I am not trying to compare apples to apples, The bird certainly does fit in a specific category......which category ? which ever one the owner chooses, as the XX will happly do either.
Lou

sandyraz · 04-22-2007, 7:08 PM

wrap up a raw egg and put it in front left pocket of st and go for a nice long ride and when you get hungry see if shes cooked enogh to eat.

ConqSoft · 04-22-2007, 7:09 PM

Actually, the pockets don't get as hot as a lot of people seem to say they do. I keep my tire repair kit/air compressor/powerlet cables in the left pocket, and my PDA Phone and Digital Camera in the right with no issues.