Looking for info - opinions on the Yamaha FJR1300 -

[Eck]

Been looking at the FJR1300's , 2008 or newer models ..

For those of you who have owned / rode one, which year model would you shoot for if you were contemplating on switching to one.

 

I'm looking for standard cruise control, electric adjustable windshield, adjustable seat, nice sound system, but not so sure about an automatic shifting bike. Never had one and not sure I would want one, but it is a possibility if someone who knows about them spoke up and could convince me that the automatic shifting works fine under loads and downshifts when needed..

 

Heated seat & grips are not a nessessity item but would be nice I guess.

 

I'm thinking of selling my wing and purchasing an FJR if the price is right and needed/ wanted options are there.

 

 

Right now though, I don't think I could ever find a bike that is (or could be) set up like I have my wing set up for me. I would get on my wing right now and take off without ever thinking of a breakdown. That is how much I trust my wing. I know my wing, I know how to fix just about anything that could go wrong and carry all the necessary relays, tools bulbs etc and such for that just in case moment.

If I went with an FJR, then I would have a large learning curve to go through again. One member here from TX has spoken very highly of the ZFJR and gave me his straight forward opinion of them and he is one man who's opinion I truly trust. I am looking for other opinions from those who have had / owned the FJR and could tell me what to look out for

[cowpuc]

No idea Eck but I KNOW how much you love your Wing, how knowledgeable and willing you are to help other Wing riders by sharing your wealth of info.. Wishing you all the very best in your endeavor to get all the info you deserve to be able to make a wise decision brother!!

Puc

[sldunker]

I have never owned one, but i have been looking at them as a second bike to my Venture. There is no factory cruise control until 2013 and they limited it to 85 mph. 2014 and later have cruise but you can set it up to 100 mph. As far as I know none of the years had a sound system but you could add something. All the later models have electric windshield and adjustable seat. What I have done is spent alot of time on fjr owners forum and fjr forum. These 2 forums have tons of info on these bikes. If you like to read these are the places to go. Good Luck

[M61A1MECH]

I have not owned and FJR but I have test rode them several times at various events. To add to what is noted above, on the (electric shift) AE models I tested they do not have a clutch lever, you still have to shift that is done either by using the traditional foot operated shift lever or a "paddle" type shifter that you control with your thumb. It is located very near the horn button and more than once I and fellow riders thumbed the horn button when we wanted to shift.

s far as getting used to the AE, I was surprised how ell it works and it took all of 3 seconds to be comfortable with it, what you cannot do with those models is blip the throttle, if you do the clutch thinks you wanting to go and it engages and you go if you are not holding the brake lever.

 

The bikes are very quick, very smooth, and handle differently than either my Venture or my Goldwing, they handle well, but on a demo ride you do not get a lot of twisties.

The one thing I did note was that the grips are small in diameter, much like the Goldwing stock grips and by the end of the 20 minute demo ride my hands were cramping, due I believe to two issues, the small grips and a more forward leaning riding position than I am used to. The grips can be fixed with Grip Puppies and he riding position is a matter of finding what is most comfortable, it is not that you are laying on the tank, it is just more forward leaning than my previous cruiser and touring style bikes.

 

I have wanted an FJR ever since I rode my first one, but do not think I could afford two things that would ultimately arise.

1) Multiple speeding tickets

2) A divorce from my current bride

 

Both of which I am sure would happen in rapid fashion if I bought one.

 

If you look at the Yamaha website you may be able o locate some dealers that offer test rides on certain bikes, the FJR is typically one they allow test rides on , but not all dealers participate in the program.

[Daveand Barbie]

OK, I'll play. I have lusted for an FJR for a bunch of years, and in a weak moment in April of 2014, I bought a beautiful Black Cherry 2007 with only 7K miles on it. The PO babied it for the 7 years he owned, added some super high dollar upgrades, and, because he feared being laid off from his job, liquidated all his stable of 3 beautiful bikes.

 

Mine has a Russell Day Long saddle, Rifle oversize windshield(he gave me the stock one as well), a MCL top clamp, and a passenger backrest that was the prototype by some major manufacturer that I forget just now.

 

Since I have owned it, I have added aftermarket cruise and a GIVI mount for a top case.

 

In June of 2014, I took a trip to the Smoky Mountains in TN and NC that included most all of the most desired roads of the area. Total miles of the trip was 3200, my riding partner was on a modified SV650 and try as he may, could never get away from me, even on the Dragon. The FJR loves motoring quickly through the mountain twisties in 3rd gear. After that trip, I knew that this was my absolute best motorcycle ever.

 

Fast forward to May 28, 2015. The last day of the school year and the day I decided I was finished( I wasn't successful the first time). 40 years is plenty to get it out of your system. To cement the choice forever, and to celebrate my "coming of age", I left on June 1 for all points west. Now, because of my chosen profession, I had never been able to venture west of Springfield, IL on terra firma, I now was the opportunity. I struck out and toured solo from border to border north to south, through the Rocky Mountains. Along the way, I visited 15 National Parks and Monuments and rode many of the "must do" roads along the way. That trip was 29 days and 8000 miles.

 

This morning, as I type this, I have just returned from a week long trip that included US421 from Lexington, KY to Charolotte, then RT17 down the coast, then on to visit a friend in Orlando. The trip back was old US25 through the mountains whenever and wherever possible. This was a solo trip that was 3500 miles.

 

My impressions:

 

The Russell Day Long is magic. Never once have I had issue with a sore butt or significant fatigue. This may work in concert with the MCL top clamp, I don't know, I have no experience with the stock one.

 

The oversize windshield is most excellent. Again, I have not mounted the standard one because I have not needed to have anything different. What I do know is that with the windshield in the full up position, it is super quiet and the rain is so well managed that I don't need to add rain gear until it is a downpour.

 

Mon Dieu, this thing is capable! Cruise all day at 100? Ummmm.....yes, I-90 through SD was proof. Peg feelers touch down in the twisties? You betcha, and at that point, it still feels stable. I also have a well set up Bandit, and the FJR handles the mountain twisties nearly as well. Did I mention that rush of power when you twist the grip? Wheelies?....I don't know, never tried it, don't care to.

 

Yesterday, I rolled over 29,000 miles, so, in 2 years I have ridden it 22,000 and have been more than impressed. I know it is a 2nd generation, but I am satisfied with it. I don't need a 6 speed, 4K on the tach returns 77 mph on my GPS, and considering a 9K redline, don't feel I need it. On this last trip, I averaged 47.8 MPG. I guess the electronic front suspension would be cool, but I have tweaked the standard front to the point of being near perfect.

 

There is a reason the FJR is the weapon of choice for the Iron Butt.

 

I hope this helps shed some light on the subject.

[BigLenny]

Eck,

The FJR is certainly a very cool bike. I have test ridden it a number of times, and I think I would like it with a few tweeks here and there. However, your initial post that includes all of the wants that you would like on a bike exactly describes the BMW R1200RT. My cousin has one, and he and his wife have been all over this beautiful nation on it, and they ablsolutely praise it. Heated seats. heated grips. cruise control, built in stereo, electronic supension, corners on a rail. great gas mileage. They've been to over 40 states on it. This year theyve already ridden from Arkansas to Key West and back. And in the fall, they're going out to CO, UT, AZ, NM and back.

 

I've ridden their bike. It's freakin awesome.

 

Just a suggestion.

 

Big Lenny

[BigLenny]

OK, I'll play. I have lusted for an FJR for a bunch of years, and in a weak moment in April of 2014, I bought a beautiful Black Cherry 2007 with only 7K miles on it. The PO babied it for the 7 years he owned, added some super high dollar upgrades, and, because he feared being laid off from his job, liquidated all his stable of 3 beautiful bikes.

 

Mine has a Russell Day Long saddle, Rifle oversize windshield(he gave me the stock one as well), a MCL top clamp, and a passenger backrest that was the prototype by some major manufacturer that I forget just now.

 

Since I have owned it, I have added aftermarket cruise and a GIVI mount for a top case.

 

In June of 2014, I took a trip to the Smoky Mountains in TN and NC that included most all of the most desired roads of the area. Total miles of the trip was 3200, my riding partner was on a modified SV650 and try as he may, could never get away from me, even on the Dragon. The FJR loves motoring quickly through the mountain twisties in 3rd gear. After that trip, I knew that this was my absolute best motorcycle ever.

 

Fast forward to May 28, 2015. The last day of the school year and the day I decided I was finished( I wasn't successful the first time). 40 years is plenty to get it out of your system. To cement the choice forever, and to celebrate my "coming of age", I left on June 1 for all points west. Now, because of my chosen profession, I had never been able to venture west of Springfield, IL on terra firma, I now was the opportunity. I struck out and toured solo from border to border north to south, through the Rocky Mountains. Along the way, I visited 15 National Parks and Monuments and rode many of the "must do" roads along the way. That trip was 29 days and 8000 miles.

 

This morning, as I type this, I have just returned from a week long trip that included US421 from Lexington, KY to Charolotte, then RT17 down the coast, then on to visit a friend in Orlando. The trip back was old US25 through the mountains whenever and wherever possible. This was a solo trip that was 3500 miles.

 

My impressions:

 

The Russell Day Long is magic. Never once have I had issue with a sore butt or significant fatigue. This may work in concert with the MCL top clamp, I don't know, I have no experience with the stock one.

 

The oversize windshield is most excellent. Again, I have not mounted the standard one because I have not needed to have anything different. What I do know is that with the windshield in the full up position, it is super quiet and the rain is so well managed that I don't need to add rain gear until it is a downpour.

 

Mon Dieu, this thing is capable! Cruise all day at 100? Ummmm.....yes, I-90 through SD was proof. Peg feelers touch down in the twisties? You betcha, and at that point, it still feels stable. I also have a well set up Bandit, and the FJR handles the mountain twisties nearly as well. Did I mention that rush of power when you twist the grip? Wheelies?....I don't know, never tried it, don't care to.

 

Yesterday, I rolled over 29,000 miles, so, in 2 years I have ridden it 22,000 and have been more than impressed. I know it is a 2nd generation, but I am satisfied with it. I don't need a 6 speed, 4K on the tach returns 77 mph on my GPS, and considering a 9K redline, don't feel I need it. On this last trip, I averaged 47.8 MPG. I guess the electronic front suspension would be cool, but I have tweaked the standard front to the point of being near perfect.

 

There is a reason the FJR is the weapon of choice for the Iron Butt.

 

I hope this helps shed some light on the subject.

 

Should we believe any of this ever happened without the to show for it???

[Daveand Barbie]

Here ya go.......

 

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?105609-My-quot-coming-of-age-quot-trip-report

[cowpuc]

OK, I'll play. I have lusted for an FJR for a bunch of years, and in a weak moment in April of 2014, I bought a beautiful Black Cherry 2007 with only 7K miles on it. The PO babied it for the 7 years he owned, added some super high dollar upgrades, and, because he feared being laid off from his job, liquidated all his stable of 3 beautiful bikes.

 

Mine has a Russell Day Long saddle, Rifle oversize windshield(he gave me the stock one as well), a MCL top clamp, and a passenger backrest that was the prototype by some major manufacturer that I forget just now.

 

Since I have owned it, I have added aftermarket cruise and a GIVI mount for a top case.

 

In June of 2014, I took a trip to the Smoky Mountains in TN and NC that included most all of the most desired roads of the area. Total miles of the trip was 3200, my riding partner was on a modified SV650 and try as he may, could never get away from me, even on the Dragon. The FJR loves motoring quickly through the mountain twisties in 3rd gear. After that trip, I knew that this was my absolute best motorcycle ever.

 

Fast forward to May 28, 2015. The last day of the school year and the day I decided I was finished( I wasn't successful the first time). 40 years is plenty to get it out of your system. To cement the choice forever, and to celebrate my "coming of age", I left on June 1 for all points west. Now, because of my chosen profession, I had never been able to venture west of Springfield, IL on terra firma, I now was the opportunity. I struck out and toured solo from border to border north to south, through the Rocky Mountains. Along the way, I visited 15 National Parks and Monuments and rode many of the "must do" roads along the way. That trip was 29 days and 8000 miles.

 

This morning, as I type this, I have just returned from a week long trip that included US421 from Lexington, KY to Charolotte, then RT17 down the coast, then on to visit a friend in Orlando. The trip back was old US25 through the mountains whenever and wherever possible. This was a solo trip that was 3500 miles.

 

My impressions:

 

The Russell Day Long is magic. Never once have I had issue with a sore butt or significant fatigue. This may work in concert with the MCL top clamp, I don't know, I have no experience with the stock one.

 

The oversize windshield is most excellent. Again, I have not mounted the standard one because I have not needed to have anything different. What I do know is that with the windshield in the full up position, it is super quiet and the rain is so well managed that I don't need to add rain gear until it is a downpour.

 

Mon Dieu, this thing is capable! Cruise all day at 100? Ummmm.....yes, I-90 through SD was proof. Peg feelers touch down in the twisties? You betcha, and at that point, it still feels stable. I also have a well set up Bandit, and the FJR handles the mountain twisties nearly as well. Did I mention that rush of power when you twist the grip? Wheelies?....I don't know, never tried it, don't care to.

 

Yesterday, I rolled over 29,000 miles, so, in 2 years I have ridden it 22,000 and have been more than impressed. I know it is a 2nd generation, but I am satisfied with it. I don't need a 6 speed, 4K on the tach returns 77 mph on my GPS, and considering a 9K redline, don't feel I need it. On this last trip, I averaged 47.8 MPG. I guess the electronic front suspension would be cool, but I have tweaked the standard front to the point of being near perfect.

 

There is a reason the FJR is the weapon of choice for the Iron Butt.

 

I hope this helps shed some light on the subject.

 

Here ya go.......

 

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?105609-My-quot-coming-of-age-quot-trip-report

 

 

:scared::thumbsup::dancefool::dancefool:

[aharbi]

Not to change the subject but have you looked at the Triumph Trophy SE? I own one after seriously considering an FJR. Also ran Concours and BMW-RT.

[Barrycuda]

I'm late to the party as usual, but I mirror some of those things Steve K brought up. You may not be comfortable with the slight lean forward after years of not having to. Your back and health may dictate yay or nay, despite the want. I've seen your bike and trailer, it's awesome. You are right about never worrying about the GW. At the Alabama IR, there was a guy with a BMW K1200 or K1600 which might be more of a hybrid of GW and FJR, as Big Lenny threw out there. I too drool for the FJR, but unsure how many hours I can stay upright before my back, and or neck and arms go numb riding many hundreds of miles a day. Like Steve, divorce is imminent if I get another bike without selling one or both. Overall, you do what makes Eck happy. Is there anyone able and willing to loan you one for the weekend. Ya know if I had one, you'd be riding it. Something to consider. Also, I do not think ALL models have ABS but could be wrong. RDL seat is a fan favorite for iron butt riders, although my backside has done iron butt on stock GW seat. RDL from all accounts is THEE seat to get for long distance riding.

PS: I miss ya...

[BlueSky]

Eck,

The FJR is certainly a very cool bike. I have test ridden it a number of times, and I think I would like it with a few tweeks here and there. However, your initial post that includes all of the wants that you would like on a bike exactly describes the BMW R1200RT. My cousin has one, and he and his wife have been all over this beautiful nation on it, and they ablsolutely praise it. Heated seats. heated grips. cruise control, built in stereo, electronic supension, corners on a rail. great gas mileage. They've been to over 40 states on it. This year theyve already ridden from Arkansas to Key West and back. And in the fall, they're going out to CO, UT, AZ, NM and back.

 

I've ridden their bike. It's freakin awesome.

 

Just a suggestion.

 

Big Lenny

 

I've been doing a lot of reading about sport tourers thinking of maybe buying a newer fuel injected bike and I have been impressed by what I've read about the BMW R1200RT. The drawback is the initial cost and BMW repair costs for labor and parts. It's also air/oil cooled which in my opinion is not as good as water cooled. I googled information on these bikes and found a LA county police bike test. One thing that stood out to me was that according to BMW specs, it's okay for the oil to get up to 300 degrees F. (Also noted that Harley specs say it's okay for the Harley police bike oil to get up to 410 degrees F. From what I've read the ST1300 is not far behind in comfort and handling and it costs a little less. The ST and the RT are police dept favorites.

[Daveand Barbie]

You know, the ST1300 isn't being built any longer, and the used market is really proud of itself.

[Gray Ghost]

Not owned one, but when I worked at the dealership there were several in and out. From all accounts it is an awesome bike. As far as paddle shift goes, I have it on a Spyder and it was easy to get used to. I don't have any problems with switching between manual and semi-automatic shifting. I thought I had heard they stopped making the paddle shift, if so that might be a reason for caution on buying a used one.

 

We did have one come in the shop with a rear shock issue. The OEM shock was discontinued and aftermarkets were evidently made of gold and pixie dust.

 

Other than those items every rider seemed to be well pleased with their ride.

[BlueSky]

Many sport tourer owners install bar risers to help eliminate the slight leaning forward sitting position. I owned a 2004 Kawasaki Concours for a while and it did have a slight leaning forward riding position. If I didn't grip the bars tightly, I could sit straight up. I bought bar risers but never installed them before selling the bike so I don't know how much they would have helped. What bothered me more than the leaning forward was folding my legs up. At my age of 72, I suspect that is not a great thing for blood circulation in the legs. The 04 Concours was very top heavy with its 7.5 gallon gas tank up top making it tricky to ride slowly. When I first bought it, my riding skills were very rusty and I dropped it in a parking lot. I tried very hard to keep it upright and only succeeded in trapping my right foot under the bike breaking my second metatarsel. Then, sitting at a desk all day combined with my age, I developed a large blood clot in my lower leg. Warfarin injections for 4 months and I was okay but the wife insisted I sell it. It took a good while to sell and I rode it almost daily to work and I was liking it more and more as time passed. From what I've read, the Honda ST1300 and the BMW R1200RT are the easiest to handle at low speed. The video link is interesting.

[Eck]

OK, I'll play. .........................I hope this helps shed some light on the subject.

@Daveand Barbie, @BigLenny, - and everyone else who replied....

I truly thank you for such an exceptional description of some of the advantages & disadvantages on the FJR. Just what I was looking for. I have looked at the BMW K1200 or K1600 and the Honda ST1300 also.

 

Just not certain as to what I want to do.. Last year I spoke of selling my wing for an FJR and I have the bug again to go for a lighter bike. Man I hate making decisions..ha..

 

Enjoyed the video too. A lot of opinions discussed in detail! @BlueSky, thanks for posting it.

Edited June 25, 2016 by Eck

[gorski]

Have owned a 2004 FJR for a year and a half before I had to accept the fact the bike just did not fit me ( 5'11 205 lbs) Loved riding it but just could not ride for any distance as these bikes are meant to do. I had handle bar risers along with lowered foot pegs. I do believe it is just me though and would highly recommend the bike if it fits you. Take the longest test ride you can and enjoy it because they are pure bliss to ride!

[Eck]

Thanks @gorski, I am looking for one to test ride for a whole day...or weekend if I can find one.

[BlueSky]

[quote name=

 

Man I hate making decisions..ha..

 

 

[/font]

 

Not a problem Eck. We just love spending your money for you!