That's the exact reason I didn't even look at the FJR when I bought my Connie--particularly the 5-speed transmission. And that was two years ago!
Does anybody use their sixth gear when really riding the bike? Or is this all about cruising and MPG?
I use sixth gear every day on my commute. And when I'm on trips, there's always some cruising involved. I live in Texas, so roads are relatively flat and straight--I can often go more than an hour in sixth gear. I just wanted as little buzz and vibration as possible when having to cruise the highway.
I don't know what the big deal about the sixth gear is. It's almost useless for anything other than cruising on the highway. Or just putting along the back roads. Mine always seemed to have the power band too low when I wanted power in that gear. So you tend to have to downshift to a lower gear.
I personally wouldn't have cared if the C14 had a five or six speed. The six speed might help fuel mileage slightly. But I tend to prefer the power bands that the five speeds gives you in their gearing. Does anybody use their sixth gear when really riding the bike? Or is this all about cruising and MPG?
I call BS on this thread.
I have 40K on my 2010. No issues to report. Haven't even adjusted for throttle slack or idling.
Wait, the high beam bulb went out and the front brake caliper plastic cover got loose. But Ceasors palace in vegas PAID me because I had KiPass in my pocket at the craps tables!
I use 6th gear all the time... I've even been known to pass slower moving vehicles in 6th *gasp*... yes, it'll do it, trust me.
I look at it like this. They included it on the bike, like the rear brake. So I use them both.
Yeah... like, I had to unlearn myself to try and use a key to start my ride... OMG!!!
Not at the same time though right? That's fairly complicated you know?
I find myself leaving the key in the FSS position all the time just in case I need to open a bag or something. Same deal, glad the key is still there when I return.
I do find myself unintentionally leaving the key in the ignition when riding something other than my Connie now though, too scary when I notice it coming back to my bike after she's been sitting vulnerable for hours somewhere...
I don't know what the big deal about the sixth gear is. It's almost useless for anything other than cruising on the highway. Or just putting along the back roads. Mine always seemed to have the power band too low when I wanted power in that gear. So you tend to have to downshift to a lower gear.
I personally wouldn't have cared if the C14 had a five or six speed. The six speed might help fuel mileage slightly. But I tend to prefer the power bands that the five speeds gives you in their gearing. Does anybody use their sixth gear when really riding the bike? Or is this all about cruising and MPG?
I find myself leaving the key in the FSS position all the time just in case I need to open a bag or something. Same deal, glad the key is still there when I return.
I would never do that. When it goes "off", it goes to off.... usually all the way to steering lock.
It is why I had a locksmith just cut me a key to use for the bags. I have to carry keys, anyway, since the helmet lock and seat pod lock are also not the same... so it made sense to have a bags/seat key.
I use 6th all the time...