Article on FJR in Rider

[Yammer Dan]

Rider really going Yamaha this month. Nice piece on FJR 1300. I hat to say this but if I were going New Bike I would have to look at that thing. Without the Auto tranny.

Heated seat,heated grips, Adjustable windshield, Bags& trunk with liners. About $15,000.

Interesting......

[OldBear]

I just traded a very low mile 07 FJRAE for my Venture. The FJR has an incredible engine, and the "auto clutch" is perhaps the slickest thing I've EVER ridden (and I've ridden for 40 years), and handles GREAT, HOWEVER, the Feejer's have a Major problem with turbulance/windnoise, and the comfort (compared to the Venture) is poor. Yeah, it WILL fly, but about 400 miles a day and I was done. Worse, I ALWAYS had to wear earplugs to make it quiet enough (windnoise) to be able to ride. (This is NOT a problem on my old 900 Ducati OR my Venture). I went through 5 windshields looking for the answer and never did find it. The seat left a lot to be desired. I tried a Corbin, but that didn't help much and Momma could never get comfortable on it. Finally, I gave up and went for the Venture, and have never looked back. Yeah, the sport tourer's cool, BUT for traveling long distances in the real world, the Venture wins hands down IMHO:cool10:

[juggler]

My brother has an '03 FJR. It's a wicked fast bike. I've ridden it and the way I describe the acceleration is twist the throttle today and it leaves yesterday!!!!! That is the only bike that I've ever had the front wheel up in the air and I wasn't even trying.

 

I will never ride an FJR again, I'd rather live.

Edited July 27, 2009 by juggler

[FJR Rider]

Hmmm, should I comment?

[kbran]

Hmmm, should I comment?

That's the reason I clicked to read the replys.

[Yammer Dan]

kind of like the old 900 ZI I had???That thing was awlsome!!

[FJR Rider]

Okay, we have someone who owned an FJR, didn't like it, now owns an RSV, and really likes it. I have both, and ride both regularly...maybe just maybe I can offer a fair opinion...we'll see

 

Let's get THE question out of the way first .. which do I like better? Let's see I have close to 100,000 miles on RSVs and 6,500 on a FJR (but over 35,000 on a Concours too) .. I like both bikes as they serve different purposes. But if I (without Cathy's input) could have only one, it would be the FJR! However, Cathy WOULD have input and that means the RSV would stay in the garage and the FJR would go.

 

Contrary (but what would you all expect out of me anyway????) to other's opinions who've ridden an FJR, I find it more comfortable than the RSV. I can usually do 125 miles or so the first run of the day on the RSV, but after that I need to get off right around 80 miles as the tailbone gives up the ghost by then. The FJR on the other hand is something I can do 200 miles on, get off, fuel up, and do another 200 miles. Just need to "click" the knees a couple of times, but no backside pain like on the RSV.

 

As far as wind noise goes, I wear decent earplugs and really don't notice the windnoise. I have several different helmets I use when riding the FJR and I have one in particular which much quieter than the others, and I usually wear it most times I ride the FJR. As far as wind buffetting, I leave the windscreen all the way down (which I actually like best) or put it slightly up to sweet spot I've found. The only time I put it all the way up is when it's really cold...keeps the air off my chest which helps keep me warm, but increases the buffetting significantly.

 

As far as creature comforts, you would have to add a lot to an FJR to match the RSV ... but lots of FJR owners have done just that...risers, cruise control, radios, differrent saddles, etc. Personally I like the bars right where there at and have even considered lowering them! I might consider a Russell saddle at some point but the OEM saddle isn't half bad; my only complaint is it's two-piece and the step up for the rear portion should be a little more contoured than it is. I've got both bikes set up so I can transfer my Zumo back and forth. Cathy has a choice..her choice is to ride the RSV so I'm not concerned about whether she'd be comfortable or not on the FJR. She's never going to do a long (or for that matter short) trip on the FJR, so why worry about the rear seat? For my older granddaughter and grandsons I did add a passenger backrest and luggage rack, and I rarely get any complaints out them . Some riders have complained about the buzz in the bars...huh? My FJR has no more buzz than our RSV, and compared to my old Concours is down-right silky smooth. However I did swap out the rock hard OEM grips for Pro-One Gel superbike grips, and the Thottlemeister bar ends are heavier than the OEM bar end weights.

 

If Cathy and I are going anywhere two-up it will always be the RSV, but when it's just me, if will be the FJR. Kind of like the old HD saying, "if you have to ask why, you just wouldn't understand!"

 

Past the above comments it would be out of place for me to attempt to tell people which is better or worse. Each one is purpose built and each one does their job well. I'm just happy that I can have both of them in my garage and ride both of them regularly.

 

Curt

[Yammer Dan]

If I ever run out of 1st Gens......

[Aussie Annie]

If a lady can give her opinion....................

 

I had an '04 FJR and loved it!! Rode it across Australia and all over Tasmania

Cried when I had to give her up. Had someone run into my back with a wheelchair at work and had to have a disc removed from my back. Unfortunately the nerve to my left leg was damaged and I can't ride in the "sport" bike position with my legs tucked back Until then I could ride all day on the FJR:sign woo hoo: As I am just a "Yammy" kinda girl I did my homework and decided the Venture was the answer for replacment bike. I like them for different reasons--so I'm with FJR Rider on the commments:thumbsup2: Glad I have the Venture and could put the outrider on it--can't do that with an FJR

[CrazyHorse]

Just wish it was a little bigger and came with a radio. More BMW K1200LT/Goldwing type. Then I might consider one. Rather have V4 though. Since they dont seem to want to bring out a 3rd Gen Venture in any configuration Old School look they have now or Sporty look that I'm hoping for. Just wish Yamaha would do sonething new either something you 2nd Geners like or something us 1st Geners like just make a decison on something new and get it over with.

Edited July 27, 2009 by CrazyHorse