How good is the FJR1300?

[PirateRiderBen]

Considering a two-up and longer ride mount, and a canyon carver.

A lot of you guys ride or have ridden FJR's. How good is this bike? Handling, power, reliability, MPG...etc
Which years are best and why?
What, if anything, are needed add ons to budget for or look for?

Why would I pick this bike over an ST1300/Connie1400/Sprint GT/K1200/1300GT...etc...

-Ben


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[Bob]

I can help a little with some info. on some of the alternatives you mentioned, and yes I would pick the FJR over them:

K1200GT/K1300GT : I test rode both and then checked their forums for feedback. Lots of stuff breaking on these machines. On my test ride the clutch basket was rattling like crazy, horrible sound. Went to a forum and sure enough, known problem--they all do that. 007 can talk about his experience on the K also.

ST1300: a quality machine but quite heavy compared to the FJR. Still a bullet-proof choice though.

I owned an '06 FJR and had no issues whatsoever, other than the riding position didn't agree with my aging neck/shoulders.

Ride one first!!

[PirateRiderBen]

I've heard the first gen has heat issues versus the 06 and up. Any other reason s to consider newer versions?


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[Bob]

My Gen2 also had heat issues--in hot weather. Might not bother you, seems to be rather subjective.

[yamadog]

I ride an '05 Gen 1 with ABS. There is a fix (which I did) for the heat issue. You put 145 HP between your legs and you're gonna have some heat. Early Gen 1's had an issue with pure valve guides that caused a rattle. Mine never had a problem. You will get 40 to 45 MPG depending on how you ride. You can slab this thing for a whole day and not have any issues. It's a great bike for twisties. You will need to up the front springs as all Gen 1's were under sprung. I have 1.1 Traxxion Dynamics springs on mine (.85 are stock) and they work great. The rear shock is soft. I put a Gen 2 shock (cheap on e-bay) on mine and it has a heavier spring and works well on "soft" with no gear and good when set on "hard" with bags, tail bag and loaded. Never rode 2-up on mine. The FJR is very dependable and you can farkle the hell out of them (as I did with mine). The list is too long to put here! The tale bag is a neat backrest for 2-up also. Power is awsome! I still don't use all that is there! I'd have to say the only drawback for me is the weight. As I get older, I have an issue with the 605lbs. I'd like to have a FJ-09 which is lighter but not a "touring" bike. IMO, the FJR it a great bike. My friend in Az. has a '09 and he says it is really about the same bike. Not many improvements but maybe a few more problems. Had to put a Road Commander on it to settle the throttle down. Put a Penske on the rear and put heavier springs in the forks. Had issues with the rotors. He also had some eletrrical problems but fixed those via the FJR Forums. IMHO,both bikes are good for the twisties or slabbing. Hope this helped.

[Marc K]

My Gen 1 has heat issues - I solve them by going really fast ! Never really notice except in summer stop and go. I had the classic ignition switch failure but put a new switch on it. Ran into a guy at Deals Gap with an 04 and he had 100K on it and has never cracked the cases.

[PirateRiderBen]

Probably not what you'd expect to see the average 22 year old to be interested in, but they have my interest amongst other things.


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[Brick]

I had a 2006 FJR... fantastic bike. I chose it over the others because well it was more of a sporty bike than the ST, The Connie at this time had some issues and I had had a 1993 Connie put lots of miles on it Great bike but didn't have the soul for me. Also the newer Connis is tall for me. I don't do BMW too much $$ for too many "issues" IMHO! I also had an ST1100 and put lots of miles on it too... Bambi took it and she took Bambi at 111,000 miles.

John Brosnan can address the Connie as that is his current ride!

The FJR is a fantastic choice... mine had like 106,000 miles on it when I sold it. Once I found out how great the big Adventure bikes are for me... touring, corner carving etc... nice sit up riding position and lots O-power why get anything else.

Oh yea I also owned a Triumph Tiger 1050... sold it to make longer distant trips = better weather protection, shaft drive and the Tiger was tall for me especially with that tail kicked up like it is on that bike.

Just join the www.ridemsta.com and for $10/ticket you can win this years Members Only bike raffle a NEW FJR! You won't get better odds of winning a bike... there are only 1700 members and tickets are only sold to members. (you must be a member when the winning ticket is drawn in June at this years STAR. Each year I say I'm gonna win but it's ok the money goes to support the club and hell someone has to win!

If it were me making the choice and I HAD to pick one of the ones you list I would go for the FJR. Why are you not considering a big Adventure bike? You are definitely tall enough? Oh probably the cool factor... young enough to still need a sportish bike!

[Bob]

What brick said: I bet if you test rode both a Tenere and an FJR in the twisties, you would choose the Tenere.

[PirateRiderBen]

I haven't done anything but look at Bricks Tenere. My complaints with the VFR is it's not comfortable for longer rides or any trips, but it's reliable as the sun and my girl likes the back seat. The Tiger 1050 has a sweet motor. The wind management is garbage (loud or buffeting, I picked loud) short of attaching a giant screen that destroys the lines of the bike. The seat is an issue for me on the Tiger. The Corbin is too slick for me and a bit stiff, and the rear is angled and slick so she slides into me anytime I don't have the throttle open. Stock seat was painful. Don't know if I'm ready to invest hundreds in a third seat. Also the transmission is heavy and impossible to get neutral at a stop. Also, I may be tall but that bike is like a tower! Especially with the triumph hard bags on it (which aren't worth much). Also i am concerned about reliability once I pass 30k miles (probably this summer). There's no real reason to be, but it just is an unknown. Also Triumphs overall fit and finish is not on the same plain as my VFR.
The Tenere is expensive, the Ninja1000 I can't afford the insurance on, bikes like the VFR I'm going to have the same ergonomic complaints about. Which takes me to larger ST bikes like the FJR, K series BMW, etc...
My concern with those is I will be dissapiint end by the size and weight.
I could probably live with the Tiger, but I am considering other options.


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[LeeDavis]

It's hard to go wrong choosing an FJR. It does very good at a lot of things. The only issue is suspension when riding at the limits. You can drive the stock suspension fast in the twisties but it will test your courage. Many used ones have suspension upgrades...that's what I'd look for.

[Bob]

.....My complaints with the VFR is it's not comfortable for longer rides or any trips, but it's reliable as the sun and my girl likes the back seat..... The wind management is garbage (loud or buffeting, I picked loud) short of attaching a giant screen that destroys the lines of the bike. The seat is an issue for me on the Tiger. The Corbin is too slick for me and a bit stiff, and the rear is angled and slick so she slides into me anytime I don't have the throttle open. Stock seat was painful......Also the transmission is heavy and impossible to get neutral at a stop. Also, I may be tall but that bike is like a tower!..... Also i am concerned about reliability once I pass 30k miles (probably this summer).......Also Triumphs overall fit and finish is not on the same plain as my VFR.....The Tenere is expensive, the Ninja1000 I can't afford the insurance on, bikes like the VFR I'm going to have the same ergonomic complaints about. Which takes me to larger ST bikes like the FJR, K series BMW, etc.....

From reading between the lines on your comments, I'll just say this: the first time you hop on a bike that handles well, with really good wind/weather protection (i.e. quiet and no buffeting), you'll forget all about those appearance issues. Function over form will take precedence. Seats, handlebars, and other ergo issues can be addressed with the aftermarket, but slapping a larger windshield on a nearly-naked bike will never make ya happy! OR your girlfriend.
BTDT.

[PirateRiderBen]

So are you saying the FJR would tickle my fancy, or putting a big wind screen on the Tiger?


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[Bob]

So are you saying the FJR would tickle my fancy, or putting a big wind screen on the Tiger?

Ben, IMHO, definitely not putting a large screen on the Tiger or VFR, etc. When I got back into riding in 2004 I went thru several iterations of naked and semi-naked bikes, continually thinking that buffet-free comfort was only a new windshield away....if I could *just* find the right one. My first "aha moment" was when I test rode a 2005 R1200RT and pressed the "UP" button on the electric windshield--a little light popped on in my empty head. But I ended up ordering a 2006 FJR. After a year of bitching about the neck and shoulder pain on the FJR, I bought a 2007 R1200RT. Shudda done that in the first place. The R12GS I now ride has "almost" as good wind management as the RT had, good enough to ditch the RT. And the ergo's are so much better than either the RT or FJR.

Just my experience and opinion, worth every cent you paid for it. And I saw many references to comfort in your musings. No fun if you're not comfortable. All that said, yes I think the FJR just might provde your "aha moment", and the price is certainly right. Now go RIDE one.

Edit: In other words, buy a bike that was designed (in a wind tunnel) to provide wind protection. RT, FJR. ST, Concours come to mind.

[PirateRiderBen]

Someone give me a test drive. I promise I'll only low side it on one side hahahaha


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[PirateRiderBen]

Sat on a Concours 1400 today
That thing is a fat whale.
How does it compare to the FJR? The guy I know at the shop said they can't keep them on the floor.


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[Bob]

I think the FJR feels a bit skinnier than the Concours.

There are quite a few 07-08-09 R1200RT's on the market. I really liked mine after owning an FJR. A BMW dealer would give you a test ride on a used one for sure. Maintenance is very owner-friendly. Curb weight is only approx. 560 lbs.

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/4959691115.html

[Brick]

You know after riding for... well a lot of years I find that now more than ever there are many many really good bikes. What I want is a bike that "moves" me. What moves me in a bike is its motor. The motor has to have soul! My 1000 Concours and my FJR had Great motors but... No soul! An inline 4 does nothing for me.
In 1990 I got the fever for a Ducati. The sound... the sex appeal! I was hooked! I found that the Ducati Paso seemed to have all the good of a Ducati but not the unreasonableness of the more racey models. I found the 997ie in San Francisco... Flew there and rode it to the last GP in the US at Laguna Seca. There I got to ride a lap of the track... it was one of the Ride For Kids lap fund raiser. Then I rode it back to Ohio.



The Honda Super Hawk 996 V-twin was my Japanese Ducati. Almost as soul moving but with the reliability of ... well a Honda. Concours... just ok... ST.-1300 had a different kind of soul but as bland as a toaster. Triumph Tiger 1050... Cool with the soul of a triple. FJR... fast extremely competent but no soul.
The Teneré has soul to the power of 10! To me it's cool and it moves me in many ways.
Ben find what moves you in that way.


I am out riding my Super Teneré'!

[PirateRiderBen]

This just in:
Brick takes the Super T to the track, embarrasses sport bikers by the dozens.

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[Brick]

That doesn't look too embarrassing to me!

This just in:
Brick takes the Super T to the track, embarrasses sport bikers by the dozens.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1428633351.133716.jpg

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[PirateRiderBen]

No I mean you're doing the embarrassing!


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[Bob]

Well, he sure embarrased ME!






Come on brick, I know you get it.

[Brick]

Hell, I embarrass me too!

Well, he sure embarrased ME!






Come on brick, I know you get it.

[PirateRiderBen]

Was looking over Craigslist at FJR's and other bigger ST bikes and noticed I can get a Concours 1000 for 2500$ maybe less with low miles in good shape. Holy cow! Anyone have any thoughts on the older Connie? This would be a road trip and 2up mount pretty much.


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[Brick]

I had a 1992 C10. I purchased new in early 1993. It's a good bike but the first generation C10's are technology from 1984. Seriously 1984. The newer C10's had some improvements but still.
Hmmm actually it's an excellent bike to learn a lot on. It has screw and locknut valve adjustment easy to adjust and a wonderful way to learn more mechanics. A huge support group on the COG forum with great events! The events are just like the MSTA events but the add actual hands on tech session ON the C10 and the C14. Many C10 COG owners were real do it yourselfers.
I had 111,000 miles on mine when I sold it. In 1996 or 1997 Patricia and I were rear ended on the Connie by a lady in a Jag on here cell phone. Ins totaled it and I bought it back. Rode it until 2001.
I'd check KBB.com but $2,500 sounds high.
Get on the forum to find issues.


I am out riding my Super Teneré'!

[PirateRiderBen]

Shoot, for 2500$ or less that seems like it might be worth the try! A little suspension modding and it would probably suit my needs for it just fine and then I can get my light zippy little canyon carver...


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[Brick]

You didn't say what year this C10 is??


I am out riding my Super Teneré'!

[PirateRiderBen]

I've seen a couple from 99-2006 anywhere from 2250-3500$ with 15k to 78k miles. Various levels of farkles


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[Bob]

The C-10's were all carbureted bikes, right? One for each cylinder?

[PirateRiderBen]

That is correct with what I have read online yes


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[Brick]

Yes, all carbs... like I said 1984 technology.

The C-10's were all carbureted bikes, right? One for each cylinder?

[Bob]

Bet syncing them is fun.

[Brick]

Actually syncing the carbs is not bad. Easy to get to the screws. That is with the right tool.
You know I don't really want to do that much work on a bike anymore. I just want to ride them!


I am out riding my Super Teneré'!

[PirateRiderBen]

Yeah. The price makes it tempting but I'm feeling like that's a step back from where I am technology wise (fuel injection, ABS)


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[Bob]

Yeah. The price makes it tempting but I'm feeling like that's a step back from where I am technology wise (fuel injection, ABS)
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++1
Think of it as a vintage bike. Are you into vintage bikes?.....

[PirateRiderBen]

Im into bikes that require as little as possible right now becasue I don't have a place to work on anything


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[Broz]

You can take my Connie for a spin sometime. I didn't realize how fat it was until I was looking at it from the front one day after ha I g had it for a month or two. It doesn't feel fat to me and the in-line 4 is so nice. But I saw a brand new '14 Super Tenere in Matthews Fun Machines for $9,500 and was thinking maybe time for a change. That's an awesome bike for under $10k. I really like my C14 but I did have to get a bigger wind screen and the Horizon Helibars. That starts to add up quick.

[PirateRiderBen]

That Tenere is a tempting machine.
I'd be glad to take the C14 out for a spin next month when I'm back in Morganton.


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[LeeDavis]

But I saw a brand new '14 Super Tenere in Matthews Fun Machines for $9,500 and was thinking maybe time for a change.

I'm not in the market for a Tenere...but still...that seems like too good to be true. Wonder if there's a catch?

[Bob]

I'm not in the market for a Tenere...but still...that seems like too good to be true. Wonder if there's a catch?

Well, its 1.5 years old for starters.