I'm new to the board, just signed up to report on the  ride at BBB in Fayetteville, AR...My dealer called me with the times for  rides and I showed up first thing Friday morning, made it on the list for the first ride of the event. The bike I rode (31b) had about 1,400 miles on it and looked awesome.

I've been riding for about 24 years, cruisers, sport bikes etc...my last bike was an '03 Fat Boy.

Our tour consisted of about 20 miles of Arkansas back roads, primarily 40 mph fairly curvy stuff and one stretch of straight 70 mph interstate.

The bike doesn't feel as heavy as I expected but the steering is much heavier than most bikes. (rake) Not enough to stress you out, but you will notice it. The ride position and overall comfort is absolutely fantastic. Throttle control at low speeds requires some discipline, more for smoothness than safety, not a big deal at all, but you could feel the drivetrain whiplash from zero to 1/8 throttle. We were riding staggered two-by-two being unfamiliar with each other, so some of that's my fault. No surprise there. Acceleration is as expected...nothing can touch it. Cornering is pretty solid, I'm willing to bet most owners will love corners at smooth pace, I have my doubts about aggressive cornering. The margin for error is pretty narrow, but with only one short ride, I could be over estimating.

When we hit the interstate on-ramp, I fell back about 50 yards from the leader and I made it to second gear and 110 before I had to pinch it down. The thing I remember about that moment was how effortless and anti-climactic it was...completely stable and a no-brainer. Better be looking ahead though. Brakes are dreamy, by the way. Cruising at 76mph in fifth was incredibly pleasant, the bike just idles along at 2,400 rpm or so. The bike is big enough and flows air so well that I was totally comfortable and had one hand on my hip while waiting for the exit. The seat is amazing, you can sit on it all day long...no handlebar vibration to speak of, this is one smooth machine.

I was prepared to send my order in before the ride and had my dealer waiting, but after the ride I decided to go with the FJR for only one reason...we started with a full tank of gas and 21.4 miles later, it was 3/4 full. (Only one high speed pull, and a short one at that.) I decided to wait for the next group to come in (same bike 31b) and at 42 miles the tank was half full. I need more distance than 100 or so miles out of my bike. Just my humble opinion...it's only $18 grand, right?

I only own one bike right now (CRF250X) and am looking for my catch-all road bike, it just can't be this one. I am not happy about it, but am so glad I was able to experience it. This bike is amazing!

welcome to the site make sure you post pics of your new bike when you get it.personally if i hit the road im towing a trailer for all the wifes stuff and extra fuel.do you think ill have enough power to tow a trailer?...........dont answer that

My co worker n Harley rider went to Ar n surprised me with a couple pics today.

He actually thot the beast was kinda neat. Not bad coming from him. He doesn't invite me on any more runs with him n his buds. He doesn't like it when I come up from the rear n blow by him at 120+. I only did it twice.