FJR1300 Model Introduction
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Its what you should expect if an updated model is introduced. As for having to take it gingerly in 15mph corners, why? I ride an ST11 that is heavier, and running out of tyre is the only way you would have to go gingerly. Unless you are a big girl sports bike rider that can't handle any bike that weighs more than 150kg 
A quick check on cycle trader list anywhere from MSRP down to 13,300. Not really a bad price for that much bike. Real brakes, real motor, real handling, Or....you could buy a shiney parade bike of which is functionally a POC by comparison for a lot more $. Hmmm....
Doesn't sound like the ideal shifting setup. It should have a fly-by-wire throttle so that the clutch and throttle action is automatically coordinated for smoother shifts, as on automotive systems. And it sounds like the upshift routine is awkward. You have to bend your hand sideways and REACH over with your index finger and PULL to upshift? Why not just have two buttons, one over and one under, that can be operated by simply rotating the thumb?
Nearby dealer has a nice, blue '06 std. One of my two objections with the FJ - relatively cramped rider/pass area - has been handled. Still a tad more snug than a typical Sport Tour BMW, but still an improvement. And the seat is better.
The other objection is heat mgmt. Hopefully not only is Gabe right, but that this is the beginning of a trend. Now maybe the rumored Honda ST13 replacement will also have better heat mgmt.
I'd pass on the automated gearbox. While I find DSG type boxes pretty cool on cars - I live in an uber heavy traffic area - said same on a bike gives a comprehensive answer to a question I did not ask.
Having said that, looks like we just might be seeing a glimpse of what is to come. Scooters have auto's....some young scooter riders may want to move up in size, power and handling.....and may not want to shift. Hmmm.
Oh, almost forgot: around here, FJR's are agressively discounted. Nobody pays anywhere close to list.
The other objection is heat mgmt. Hopefully not only is Gabe right, but that this is the beginning of a trend. Now maybe the rumored Honda ST13 replacement will also have better heat mgmt.
I'd pass on the automated gearbox. While I find DSG type boxes pretty cool on cars - I live in an uber heavy traffic area - said same on a bike gives a comprehensive answer to a question I did not ask.
Having said that, looks like we just might be seeing a glimpse of what is to come. Scooters have auto's....some young scooter riders may want to move up in size, power and handling.....and may not want to shift. Hmmm.
Oh, almost forgot: around here, FJR's are agressively discounted. Nobody pays anywhere close to list.
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10,903 Posts
Beware manumatic
I'd buy the standard version.
I've got a BMW with the SMG tranny and to quote Car and Driver, "it jerks you around more than a used car salesman."
One benefit to the BMW version is I can click it into a full auto mode which is nice for stop and go traffic or picking up the phone, etc.
The worst part is 1st gear. If you slow to a stop but then decide to accelerate before coming to a complete stop you completely baffle the computer and end up lurching down the road like a rookie driving a stick shift for the first time.
Apparently Audi and VW have corrected this with the "twin clutch" versions but Yamaha's sounds more like the BMW type.
I'd buy the standard version.
I've got a BMW with the SMG tranny and to quote Car and Driver, "it jerks you around more than a used car salesman."
One benefit to the BMW version is I can click it into a full auto mode which is nice for stop and go traffic or picking up the phone, etc.
The worst part is 1st gear. If you slow to a stop but then decide to accelerate before coming to a complete stop you completely baffle the computer and end up lurching down the road like a rookie driving a stick shift for the first time.
Apparently Audi and VW have corrected this with the "twin clutch" versions but Yamaha's sounds more like the BMW type.
Excellent Review
Nice article, great photos... Beautiful bike... Seen a couple up close very nice fit and finish...I'll like ABS but would pass on the electric shifter though I could see it as a good option to have for heavy traffic as Gabe says. I think this Yamaha would make a good police bike. Some day MO should do an article on the superiority of ABS and linked braking systems. But those systems may be a little to high tech for the techy paranoid GPTB. I once saw a BMW video demonstration of ABS and linked brake bike stopping straight on an oil and straw slick piece of payment. Most impressive.
Nice article, great photos... Beautiful bike... Seen a couple up close very nice fit and finish...I'll like ABS but would pass on the electric shifter though I could see it as a good option to have for heavy traffic as Gabe says. I think this Yamaha would make a good police bike. Some day MO should do an article on the superiority of ABS and linked braking systems. But those systems may be a little to high tech for the techy paranoid GPTB.
I once saw a BMW video demonstration of ABS and linked brake bike stopping straight on an oil and straw slick piece of payment. Most impressive.
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17,458 Posts
Let's see now. The earlier FJR1300 had a claimed dry weight of 530 lbs. But MCN actually weighed a wet one and came up with 630 lbs. So if the new lie about the dry weight is 582 lbs you can bet that the actual weight is closer to 700 lbs than 600 lbs.
Whodaeverthunk that my GSX1100G would one day qualify as a lightweight sporttourer at a mere 600 lbs wet? The available "sport tourers" may "carry their weight well" but they still push 700 lbs or more.
I'd rather add some luggage and a decent windshield and ride an FZ1 (505 actual weight) than any of these "sport tourer "pigs. Even better would be for Suzuki to bring over the GSX1400.
Whodaeverthunk that my GSX1100G would one day qualify as a lightweight sporttourer at a mere 600 lbs wet? The available "sport tourers" may "carry their weight well" but they still push 700 lbs or more.
I'd rather add some luggage and a decent windshield and ride an FZ1 (505 actual weight) than any of these "sport tourer "pigs. Even better would be for Suzuki to bring over the GSX1400.
GXS1400- yes! And the Honda equivelent. With nice saddlebags. No color match "guareeennnteeed to scratch up real nice & quick" saddlebags, but bag that have the early 70's BMW look.
While I'm at it, a comfy seat, a fairing that looks like a GS1000S (yer best lookin Japanese sickle yet), shaft or belt drive....
While I'm at it, a comfy seat, a fairing that looks like a GS1000S (yer best lookin Japanese sickle yet), shaft or belt drive....
I will never pay a $500 up front fee and wait for months for delivery for the FJ1300.
If Yamaha can not figure out how many FJs bikes to bring to the USA by now so customers don't have to wait, this is not a company that I do not want to do business.
This program is simply a total lack of respect for USA customers that is not justified from a business or customer relations standpoint since America is the only place the FJ is sold that downpayment/wait for 6 months program is required.
I took this up with Yamaha when this was posted a couple of years ago and they really had no logical explanation.
I even gave them free ads in our vintage club magazine for the FJ with the concept being maybe if sales went up they would discountine the program........their response......nothing.
My view is the same now as it was then...........if Yamaha thinks the financial risk on bringing the FJ to the USA and so dealers can stock it and allow test rides is that great maybe they should cut down the shoe polish budget they pay for Rossi in the MotoGP to make up the difference.
FJ, Yamaha and the downpayment/wait 6 months program for USA only = talking head in Yamaha marketing loser brainstorm.
I will never buy another Yamaha again.... not based on this program.... but what this program tells me about Yamaha thinks about potential customers.
If Yamaha can not figure out how many FJs bikes to bring to the USA by now so customers don't have to wait, this is not a company that I do not want to do business.
This program is simply a total lack of respect for USA customers that is not justified from a business or customer relations standpoint since America is the only place the FJ is sold that downpayment/wait for 6 months program is required.
I took this up with Yamaha when this was posted a couple of years ago and they really had no logical explanation.
I even gave them free ads in our vintage club magazine for the FJ with the concept being maybe if sales went up they would discountine the program........their response......nothing.
My view is the same now as it was then...........if Yamaha thinks the financial risk on bringing the FJ to the USA and so dealers can stock it and allow test rides is that great maybe they should cut down the shoe polish budget they pay for Rossi in the MotoGP to make up the difference.
FJ, Yamaha and the downpayment/wait 6 months program for USA only = talking head in Yamaha marketing loser brainstorm.
I will never buy another Yamaha again.... not based on this program.... but what this program tells me about Yamaha thinks about potential customers.
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