Originally Posted By: Silverado6x6
I bought a 1980 Honda CX500 Deluxe last august, my first bike and I was 52 years old, I rode bikes many many years before though, working on the Honda was abreeze, the parts were available on Ebay very affordably, I racked up some local mileage on that sweet bike and gained confidence.
I work just down the street from a Harley shop, unfortunately they wanted a substantial down payment, I'm a terrible impulsive buyer so I went to a Yamaha shop, almost bought the Raider and I still kinda regret not buying it but instead picked up a more conservative new 1300 Tourer.
Yamaha had a zero down sale with a LOW percentage rate, I qualified and took possession of that 1300 Tourer, my first new big bike, so far I have only 43 miles on it but this winter i was unexpectedly laid off,I had the foresight to save up 4 months of payments ahead of time, I suspect if i had bought the Harley I would have had to default, I suspect with the economy many are right now.
So I am feeling good I bought the more affordable Yamaha, and possibly as soon as spring 2011 I am planning on buying another, I have my eye on the FJR1300 as it seems to offer the best value for a sport tourer. What I do need to do is take a road trip into Anchorage and check out the new Triumphs I get good vibes looking at them.
Are you sure you are ready for an FJR? Just getting back into motorcycling and already you want to buy one of the most powerful Sport-touring bikes available? Give yourself a fighting chance and stick with the Raider for a few years longer.
Things happen VERY quickly on an FJR, believe me! I own a Kawasaki Concours 14 and I get a little spooked by it occasionally and I have been riding continuously for over 30 years. Go into a corner a little hot, and you'll see (maybe, if you live to remember it.)
On bikes that powerful, "death" is gently whispering in your ear, ignore it at your peril....