Author Topic: Stopping in to say Hello  (Read 174 times)

Octupi

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Stopping in to say Hello
« on: March 30, 2016, 08:24:25 am »
Hi all.  Just saying hello and brief history of my riding.

Started riding when I was 8yrs old on an old Yamaha enduro bike.  Moved up to an old MX 125 after that and then on to a YZ125.  From that I got my first road bike at 18yrs old, and old '81 Yam Virago 750.  After quite a few years without a bike I picked up a highly modded Yam FJ1100, got married and kissed that goodbye.  Then a Yam 1600 Roadstar into a Yam FZ1 and finally what I currently ride, a '12 Yam FJR.

As you can see I've ridden all Yamaha as my personal bikes, but have ridden just about every type out there including Honda, Suz, Kaw, Harley, Indian, KTM and Husqvarna.

My current situation is that I hardly ride my FJR much anymore as NW Ohio is so boring to ride in and I want to get back to my roots of dirt bikes and trail riding.  This has led me to considering trading/selling the FJR and picking up the 690R Enduro. 

I went and sat on one yesterday and man that thing is tall.  I'm only 5'10 w/ a 32" inseam and I tip toe it.  Already found the Koubalink and will make the final decision in the next couple weeks.

Plan on reading a lot here and trying to decide if it's the right move for me.

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Billy500

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Re: Stopping in to say Hello
« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2016, 12:00:03 am »
Welcome octopi, sounds like we have some of the same bike experience and age I am 47. I also had a fjr and was one of the bikes I really miss. I am 6'1" and the enduro height is no problem (I wear boots) except if you get off kilter going up a hill, or off balance and then the tall bike just exacerbates the problem and usually tip over :). Just got my 690 around a month ago and love hitting the dirt again. Had not ridden in the dirt since I was a kid. If you want to do short commutes and dirt ride this is a great bike, although it can be done I think the fjr would be 100 times better for any distance travel.
My Bikes Yamaha Stratoliner S, ktm 690 Enduro

Octupi

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Re: Stopping in to say Hello
« Reply #2 on: March 31, 2016, 07:15:35 am »
hey Billy500, thanks for the welcome.

While I like my FJR, I don't love it.   I might love the new Gen3 w/ cruise and ES, the Gen2 is nice but not exactly what I want.  It's freaking wide as well, but I have dragged a knee or two on it on the Dragons tail, so handling it isn't an issue.  :)

My main goal for the 690r is just that, short commutes and fire roads and double tracks and occasional single track.  I would definitely put a lowering link on it to help me out.  The weight won't bother me as I stay in pretty good shape for a 44yr old.

Billy500

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Re: Stopping in to say Hello
« Reply #3 on: March 31, 2016, 01:15:56 pm »
Sounds like this might be a good bike for you. I found out quick that it is not my old kx 125. I found myself on my back more than once  :) When the power kicks in it is a beast in the dirt.
My Bikes Yamaha Stratoliner S, ktm 690 Enduro