You won't get an argument out of me about it being the best sport tourer. I'm 63 years old and this is my eleventh motorcycle. I have a 2013 FJR1300a. I bought it slightly used in late 2013. It had 2832 miles on it. I now have recently turned over 73,000 miles. In that time I've take three multi-day trips ranging from over 5700 miles to nearly 8000 miles. I've had three sport touring cycles, which includes two different Yamaha FJ1200's and a BMW K1100. By far the best one has been my FJR. I started out by installing HELI-BAR bar risers, a Sargeant Saddle, the taller Yamaha windshield, and a GIVI top box. I've ridden this bike over 700 miles in a day several times, and once even rode 952 miles in a day. Now at the age of 63, the trip I started in mid August and completed near the end of September this year, my longest single day was close to 500 miles. Normally I'll ride about 150 miles before stopping to refill, although that's not the range. I can get about 210 miles on a tank of gas, but 150 miles is a good point at which to stretch my legs, and hydrate myself. A very comfortable machine with little to no vibration a great mid range strong powerband that suits it's sport touring character and the space to carry enough for a multi-day trip and even camping. If you're planning on taking your spouse, I'd say no, unless it's just a few hours to ride to say a camp ground for the weekend. For me though, when I load up and put my noise canceling ear buds in, and have audio entertainment, I can travel long distances with very little fatigue, in good weather. I haven regretted a moment of my travels on my FJR. Not even last month when traveling through Kansas when it was 105 degrees. The bike made even that bareable.
I have a 2019 FJR1300. I would say it represents great bang for the buck. Mine has the upgraded rear box mount with the huge Yamaha rear box that will easily swallow 2 large helmets. I bought it for exactly the reasons you describe . . .its good enough to tour with, sporty enough to have some fun on but also light enough to manage around town. I haven't ridden a BMW RT so no basis for comparison but I've had enough experience with their cars to be err let's say "wary" about BMW ownership costs. Great when they work well, very expensive when they don't and that gets old real fast. Everyone needs to own 3 - 4 different bikes for different purposes. Your comment about the bike being able to handle the miles but the body on the bike meh - my sentiments exactly - it definitely needs a better seat.
i have had a 2010 FJR and the BMW RT, but be nicer and have more fruit on it, but the BMW will send you to the Bank Manager everytime you want to service it. I am riding a K1600 GT, but I would go back to a FJR in a heartbeat. Stay upright and safe travels
I've had my 2014 FJR1300ES since new (almost 10 years) and have 93,000 miles on it. I've added the slipper clutch from the 2016 model. The only reliability issues I've had are problems with ignition coil failures. Otherwise only routine maintenance needed. A great motorcycle.
Usually ignition coils fail from water shorting them out- just put alot of dilectic grease on them' problem solved!! Injoy! And forget about the high maitence BMW..........
It's definitely a wonderful and reliable ride as long as you do all the service. Just be sure to take a spare starter relay and a patch kit if you go on any trip,
It's a great all-around bike. Commuting in town is great because it has large bags for backpack or groceries AND has nice weather protection. Traveling is nice because it;s comfortable and stable and burn regular 87 gas. Honestly it's been the go-to bike of the ones I own for 95% of my riding.
The 1st motorcycle I rode was in the 1st military service during the Cold War. A 125 CC Hercules, used for Scouting and as a messenger. I stopped riding for over a decade, and after my return from Iraq (in my 2 military service) in 2004 I started riding from therapeutic reasons. I a Buell Lighting, but because of my injuries I couldn't handle being bent over for any amount of time. So I switched to a HD Road Glide, but that was to ponderous for my style of riding. My next bike was a Councourse, loved it (until I totaled it coming home from work at 0300 in the when a stray dog ran into the highway). The Honda ST1300 replaced it, which I rode until I moved away from Colorado to MS. Now I ride a 2016 FJR 1300 ES. This bike is hands down my favorite to date. It has the right balance of power, gadgets, gears, bags. Don't have the top case, but it did come with a removable sissy-bar where I can tie down a go bag.
Long distance trips: I disagree with you. My longest trip so far has been "only" 6000 miles all over the western USA. The bike, a 2013 FJR, and I both were fine. For short trips, well, I live in north Texas and 200 miles is still "in the neighborhood". I love the cruise control and the fact that the FJR is designed to run on regular gas. And compared to the Concours, the ease of maintenance of the FJR is easier. The FJR is simpler.
I have a 2014 also with the same VStream windshield and a Helibar riser. The Helibar feels great and has the Ram ball mount in the middle so your phone is down in the center of the handlebars. I purchased the Yamaha Comfort Seat which looks and feels great and is a terrific value. Traded in my Goldwing to go back to a ST. Fast, handles great and is very comfortable. Great bike.
I had a 2005 Honda ST1300 for one summer. I was not totally comfortable with it. The bike had an aftermarket windscreen and it was not a pleasure at speeds of 70 mph. My body did not accept the riding position well- so I sold it. I then purchased a 2008 Yamaha FJR 1300, with hopes it was a better highway bike and easier on the body. After 1 summer or 4000 miles, I can honestly say, this bike works for me. I realize any bike’s feel is completely subjective but this bike worked out for me.
I ride about 100 miles a day to work and back (9k miles on my R3 in 90 days). I ride some twisties, some long swoopy curves, and some traffic as part of my daily commute. I’m thinking this will be a good option for me. Hoping to get a Gen I w ABS in a few weeks.
I've had my 2015 since it was new and mostly love it. Hate I missed out on the slipper clutch and 6th gear but what ya gonna do? As a shorter rider [5'7"] I do have to use a less than comfortable Corbin seat to sit a bit lower but it's a great all-around touring bike. I live in Georgia and have taken mine to Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama without issue. Thanks for the review.
Bro I'm looking to go from my 06 goldwing to an fjr 1300... seating position on the GW hurts my butt and lower back after 2 hours, you can't put pressure on your legs to take some weight off. Was more comfy on my 16 ninja 300 doing a 12+ hour day on M22 from GR and back
Just a warning for tall guys with long inseams. This bike is probably not for you. The pegs are way back further than most think. I was literally getting a quad stretch when I set on one
Two similar bikes I would purchase over any other bike would be the Suzuki Hayabusa and the Yamaha fjr1300, for some due to the seat may not be the bike for long distance but a rider can with these two bikes with less fueling stops with their 5 to 6 gal. tanks and so quite you can listen to your favorite music.
I realize that chain tech has come a long way since the '60s, but it has chain drive. Shaft drive, even with its weight penalty, along with EFI, liquid cooling, and cruise control were on my motorcycle bucket list. The ability to use regular gas, the ability to do my own maintenance, and a decent dealer network are pluses.
Enjoyed. Great bike. Thinking of getting a 2019 model. I am 6.1. :) We will see. :) You got my like here. p.s. Drop by when have time. You may like it.
I am planning a two month long trip in the spring all over the US anyway will be looking for a bike in early spring. I have figured out it has to be a Venture or something along those lines or the VJR. Since I will be by myself I think the VJR will be my choice easier to handle in town compared to a full on bagger and has long legs on the highway. Also she will giddy up and go when needed also easy to work on and very reliable. Is it perfect for touring no but it offers a balanced mix of touring and sport but kind of in it's very own category at least I think so. Anyway good video nice bike.
No way to prove you wrong! I've got a 2008 with over 32,000 miles on it and still looks brand new. Thought about selling it but every time i ride it that stupid idea falls apart! Does your 1000sx have the tallest V-Stream shield as well?
Sorry but I had to stop watching your vid at 1/3 of it because I think I have heard enough. Selling a Fine Jet Rocket for a "look at me" bmw ?!? And FJR is the same with the "boriest" bike ever made, Versus 1000?!? Just full throttle on first 3 gears and then you can rethink the whole vid ....
You won't get an argument out of me about it being the best sport tourer. I'm 63 years old and this is my eleventh motorcycle. I have a 2013 FJR1300a. I bought it slightly used in late 2013. It had 2832 miles on it. I now have recently turned over 73,000 miles. In that time I've take three multi-day trips ranging from over 5700 miles to nearly 8000 miles.
I've had three sport touring cycles, which includes two different Yamaha FJ1200's and a BMW K1100. By far the best one has been my FJR.
I started out by installing HELI-BAR bar risers, a Sargeant Saddle, the taller Yamaha windshield, and a GIVI top box.
I've ridden this bike over 700 miles in a day several times, and once even rode 952 miles in a day. Now at the age of 63, the trip I started in mid August and completed near the end of September this year, my longest single day was close to 500 miles.
Normally I'll ride about 150 miles before stopping to refill, although that's not the range. I can get about 210 miles on a tank of gas, but 150 miles is a good point at which to stretch my legs, and hydrate myself.
A very comfortable machine with little to no vibration a great mid range strong powerband that suits it's sport touring character and the space to carry enough for a multi-day trip and even camping. If you're planning on taking your spouse, I'd say no, unless it's just a few hours to ride to say a camp ground for the weekend. For me though, when I load up and put my noise canceling ear buds in, and have audio entertainment, I can travel long distances with very little fatigue, in good weather.
I haven regretted a moment of my travels on my FJR. Not even last month when traveling through Kansas when it was 105 degrees. The bike made even that bareable.
I love my '07 FJR 50,000 miles and still going strong, easy to work on, not a lot of electronic noise to fiddle with...
I have a 2019 FJR1300. I would say it represents great bang for the buck. Mine has the upgraded rear box mount with the huge Yamaha rear box that will easily swallow 2 large helmets. I bought it for exactly the reasons you describe . . .its good enough to tour with, sporty enough to have some fun on but also light enough to manage around town. I haven't ridden a BMW RT so no basis for comparison but I've had enough experience with their cars to be err let's say "wary" about BMW ownership costs. Great when they work well, very expensive when they don't and that gets old real fast. Everyone needs to own 3 - 4 different bikes for different purposes. Your comment about the bike being able to handle the miles but the body on the bike meh - my sentiments exactly - it definitely needs a better seat.
i have had a 2010 FJR and the BMW RT, but be nicer and have more fruit on it, but the BMW will send you to the Bank Manager everytime you want to service it. I am riding a K1600 GT, but I would go back to a FJR in a heartbeat. Stay upright and safe travels
I love my 2014 Yamaha FJR1300! Don't have the "ES" model. But I love it anyway. 27000 miles. Don't want to ride anything else!
I've had my 2014 FJR1300ES since new (almost 10 years) and have 93,000 miles on it. I've added the slipper clutch from the 2016 model. The only reliability issues I've had are problems with ignition coil failures. Otherwise only routine maintenance needed. A great motorcycle.
Usually ignition coils fail from water shorting them out- just put alot of dilectic grease on them' problem solved!! Injoy! And forget about the high maitence BMW..........
Best Japanese ST? I'll do you one better, I think it's the best damn bike ever made.
It's definitely a wonderful and reliable ride as long as you do all the service. Just be sure to take a spare starter relay and a patch kit if you go on any trip,
It's a great all-around bike.
Commuting in town is great because it has large bags for backpack or groceries AND has nice weather protection. Traveling is nice because it;s comfortable and stable and burn regular 87 gas. Honestly it's been the go-to bike of the ones I own for 95% of my riding.
The 1st motorcycle I rode was in the 1st military service during the Cold War. A 125 CC Hercules, used for Scouting and as a messenger. I stopped riding for over a decade, and after my return from Iraq (in my 2 military service) in 2004 I started riding from therapeutic reasons. I a Buell Lighting, but because of my injuries I couldn't handle being bent over for any amount of time. So I switched to a HD Road Glide, but that was to ponderous for my style of riding. My next bike was a Councourse, loved it (until I totaled it coming home from work at 0300 in the when a stray dog ran into the highway). The Honda ST1300 replaced it, which I rode until I moved away from Colorado to MS. Now I ride a 2016 FJR 1300 ES. This bike is hands down my favorite to date. It has the right balance of power, gadgets, gears, bags. Don't have the top case, but it did come with a removable sissy-bar where I can tie down a go bag.
Long distance trips: I disagree with you. My longest trip so far has been "only" 6000 miles all over the western USA. The bike, a 2013 FJR, and I both were fine. For short trips, well, I live in north Texas and 200 miles is still "in the neighborhood".
I love the cruise control and the fact that the FJR is designed to run on regular gas.
And compared to the Concours, the ease of maintenance of the FJR is easier. The FJR is simpler.
You lost me when you said you would sell the FJR to buy an ugly ugly BMW.
I have a 2014 also with the same VStream windshield and a Helibar riser. The Helibar feels great and has the Ram ball mount in the middle so your phone is down in the center of the handlebars. I purchased the Yamaha Comfort Seat which looks and feels great and is a terrific value. Traded in my Goldwing to go back to a ST. Fast, handles great and is very comfortable. Great bike.
I had a 2005 Honda ST1300 for one summer. I was not totally comfortable with it. The bike had an aftermarket windscreen and it was not a pleasure at speeds of 70 mph. My body did not accept the riding position well- so I sold it.
I then purchased a 2008 Yamaha FJR 1300, with hopes it was a better highway bike and easier on the body. After 1 summer or 4000 miles, I can honestly say, this bike works for me.
I realize any bike’s feel is completely subjective but this bike worked out for me.
I ride about 100 miles a day to work and back (9k miles on my R3 in 90 days). I ride some twisties, some long swoopy curves, and some traffic as part of my daily commute. I’m thinking this will be a good option for me. Hoping to get a Gen I w ABS in a few weeks.
I've had my 2015 since it was new and mostly love it. Hate I missed out on the slipper clutch and 6th gear but what ya gonna do? As a shorter rider [5'7"] I do have to use a less than comfortable Corbin seat to sit a bit lower but it's a great all-around touring bike. I live in Georgia and have taken mine to Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama without issue. Thanks for the review.
Dude…. Good info. Thanks
A great versatile bike you can take off-road would be a Suzuki V-Strom.
Bro I'm looking to go from my 06 goldwing to an fjr 1300... seating position on the GW hurts my butt and lower back after 2 hours, you can't put pressure on your legs to take some weight off. Was more comfy on my 16 ninja 300 doing a 12+ hour day on M22 from GR and back
Just a warning for tall guys with long inseams. This bike is probably not for you.
The pegs are way back further than most think. I was literally getting a quad stretch when I set on one
Two similar bikes I would purchase over any other bike would be the Suzuki Hayabusa and the Yamaha fjr1300, for some due to the seat may not be the bike for long distance but a rider can with these two bikes with less fueling stops with their 5 to 6 gal. tanks and so quite you can listen to your favorite music.
Did you sell your FJR yet? i might be interested for the right price.
How do you compare to Ninja 1000 SX as a long distance touring. ? The seating position and leg room. Suspension and engine.
I realize that chain tech has come a long way since the '60s, but it has chain drive. Shaft drive, even with its weight penalty, along with EFI, liquid cooling, and cruise control were on my motorcycle bucket list. The ability to use regular gas, the ability to do my own maintenance, and a decent dealer network are pluses.
Easy maintenance 87 octane and ultimate reliability is amazing on the FJR. I’m a FJR rider for life
The bike you buy should be for the majority of what you ride. FJR would be just fine for that interstate 3Xs a year trip.
I use mine as a grocery getter and ride to work. The bags and protection from the elements make it a perfect daily commuter too.
Enjoyed. Great bike. Thinking of getting a 2019 model. I am 6.1. :) We will see. :) You got my like here.
p.s. Drop by when have time. You may like it.
I am planning a two month long trip in the spring all over the US anyway will be looking for a bike in early spring. I have figured out it has to be a Venture or something along those lines or the VJR. Since I will be by myself I think the VJR will be my choice easier to handle in town compared to a full on bagger and has long legs on the highway. Also she will giddy up and go when needed also easy to work on and very reliable. Is it perfect for touring no but it offers a balanced mix of touring and sport but kind of in it's very own category at least I think so. Anyway good video nice bike.
Do you mean a FJR🤔🇬🇧🇬🇧
@@stephenwilliams6103 LOL yeah hit the wrong key
No way to prove you wrong! I've got a 2008 with over 32,000 miles on it and still looks brand new. Thought about selling it but every time i ride it that stupid idea falls apart! Does your 1000sx have the tallest V-Stream shield as well?
Sorry but I had to stop watching your vid at 1/3 of it because I think I have heard enough. Selling a Fine Jet Rocket for a "look at me" bmw ?!?
And FJR is the same with the "boriest" bike ever made, Versus 1000?!?
Just full throttle on first 3 gears and then you can rethink the whole vid ....
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