Personally, I would go for the 2016, if you're paying for a brand new bike. The cornering lights would be worth it. I think that otherwise, I'd go for a used bike; severely discounted.
You'll pay a lot for a "new" bike that isnt really "new, but is a couple years older and just hasn't sold.
I always seem to come back to reality for me. Do I really need something different? Or is this just one instance of many, where the temptation is to let the marketing folks make the decisions for me. If so, that sucks. It's not their hard earned money they want too part with, but mine.
I look at other bikes. I'm not dead. [emoji4] But, I also weigh the cost-benefit ratio and don't let myself get carried away. Does it further the riding goal I have at retirement? If not, I could care less how "cool; the bike is. Marketing people are employed solely to part me with my hard earned money.
I don't want extra weight. I don't care how great the bike is. I don't want a chain. I think it is absolutely stupid to consider a bike that can pop a wheelie in third gear. That is an incredible waste that brings along negatives like car gas mileage, weight and heat. If I wanted a Huyabusa, I'd buy one.
I've looked at some of the newer alternatives like the F800GT and FJ09. The only things really going for them are their lighter weight. There are so many negatives when you start to look at them, that they quickly are crossed off the list.
I want a sport-touring bike that will take me south along the Pacific coast, then up through some very scenic canyons to home. After a couple weeks, I want to head north to visit my brother in Alaska.
I can't think of any bike that will do those trips better than an NT.
But don't let me stop you from buying an FJR. Just be sure to share on the FJR forum how great it is.
Chris
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Actuallly, I agree with alot of what you say. I dont want all that power just like I didnt want all that power my C10 has....but over 12 years I learned how to live with it. But this bike speaks to me, and has been speaking to me for quite awhile now......Could I afford the 2016? It would only be $4,000 more....but I am not crazy about the color, this bike needs six gears like it needs a whole in the head, an it certainly doesnt need a taller first gear. The taller sixth would be nice. I rarely ride at night but the LED lights are worth something. I hope the canyon cages fit the Gen IV or they come out with ones that are as simple to attach...unlike the Gen II. The GenIIIs just go right on. As Chuck said, there is no U-Haul on the back of a herse and I dont want to regret not experiancing this bike with few "Not Infirm" years I have left. For those, I have the NT....
Since money isnt an issue for me, then all I have to loose is the hastle of selling the bike if I dont like it. I really like the looks of the red over the slate even though the slate is cheeper. I dont buy used bikes and I dont need to.
This bike has cruise, antilock breaks, and some sort of a traction control system and that all sound like safety stuff for me, especially with the bag protectors and canyon cages with slide knobs. I am tired of waiting for someone to bring out a real middleweight touring bike (I rode an F800GT...buzzy, rough riding, too sporty) and I hate chains and any touring bike that comes without a center stand just says "cheepended to sucker you in so you have to buy necessary items"
Within two years of me buying this bike, someone will bring out a true middleweight touring bike....for a reasonalble price, so you will have me to thank for that! Me? Maybe I will buy that one too but the NT has found its forever home and I suspect what everyone says is true....once you experience the FJR, and see how easy it is to maintain, you will never go back to a Connie....
(BTW, the GEN III FJRs are all out of the warehouses as near as I have found out and at the dealers...when these are gone, there will be none left...just like my Red NT, and boy am I glad I found a red one of those....and you get five years of warrenty for $500. Gotta do it! Life is short and I bet I have a whole lot of fun riding this bike around the west for the next 3-5 years, along with the NT.
After seeing your pics of the amount of camping gear you pack, I would recommend the Stiffy. Mainly for peace of mind. With my Top Box, Givi's Topbox support rack assy ( SR357) seems to do the job for me. If or when my sub frame cracks then I will install a STiffy. Also, I did add mirror extenders (SW-MOTECH). Wanted to see the pretty red and blue flashing lights behind me instead of my shoulders. 