2011 vs a 2013

[keeponriding]

Howdy,

Trading in my 2012 Suepr Tenere....great bike, but after 2 years and 25K miles, still hate the seat (and yes, tried both a Corbin and a Sargent).

Should I invest in a 2011 FJ with 4k miles? Or, go whole hog for a new 2013.

Obviously, there is a price dif...but does the difference in two model years justify the extra coinage?

Thanks in advance, Anthony

 

[Ignacio]

Howdy,
great bike, but after 2 years and 25K miles, still hate the seat (and yes, tried both a Corbin and a Sargent).

That likely is your issue. Both aren't custom seats. Try a truly custom seat like a Russell.

 

[keeponriding]

With a 30 inch inseam, getting a taller seat (the Russell adds an inch or two) makes the bike too tall....

Though I've taken it off-load a bunch, it is not as fun off-road as my XT225..too heavy....though a goto bike for long distances (it was great on the CDR).

For the local dirt/gravel/farm road rides, I prefer the XT....expanding my riding choices with a true sport-tourer (which would be my 4th) makes more sense..... (and I've had 5 Corbins so far... 4 of which were excellent).

Back to my first question; the 2011 or the 2013?

 

[Ignacio]

There's others besides Russell....and other options to lower.

Back to my first question; the 2011 or the 2013?

Start with the Comparison Matrix.

 

[garyahouse]

I'm guessing that the cruise control and that amazing dashboard = about 3000-4000 dollars difference for you. To me those are the primary differences, but of course there are other items as well.

Nobody but you can determine the actual numbers as you have to secure your own "best deals." You didn't include prices.

But in very general terms, those two things are what it boils down to.

Let's say you pull the trigger and buy one in the next two weeks. You're going to wonder if you should have bought the other one, that is a given. The question is... Is that going to make you feel good because you saved some coin, or bad because you really wanted the newer, better bike?

It's just that simple.

 

[jayke]

2013...factory cruise. limited to 80 MPH though

Traction control is pretty handy too.

 

[MCRIDER007]

I have never been able to justify the cost to trade up to a later generation model.....but I have never regretted spending the money to do it.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

Since I found the seat on the Tenere and the seat on the FJR almost identical, I think you are going to be disappointed. There are other true custom seats besides the Russell, although the Russell is considered the best. While some folks find complete happiness on a Corbin, the majority find the Russell to be far superior. Since a custom seat means "Built to Fit YOU!" I would think the height/thickness would be part of the customization process. You might look into Laam Custom Seats, or either of the Mayer custom seats if you are dead set against the Russell.

The updates/differences between the Gen2 and the Gen3 are numerous. For me, the two ride modes, the silky smooth throttle, the Cruise Control, the better/bigger dash display, the traction control, and the improved wind management are worth a big chunk of $$$. Of course, the red color of the '14 and the optional electronic suspension of the '14 make this whole discussion moot anyway...

 

[Allen_C]

The updates/differences between the Gen2 and the Gen3 are numerous. For me, the two ride modes, the silky smooth throttle, the Cruise Control, the better/bigger dash display, the traction control, and the improved wind management are worth a big chunk of $$$. Of course, the red color of the '14 and the optional electronic suspension of the '14 make this whole discussion moot anyway...

+1

 

[RaYzerman19]

To me the throttle by wire and the improved suspension make it a no brainer to go with the '13 over the '11. All the other things Redfish mentioned are bonus.

 

[AlleyCat]

The ES model would float my boat.... TC is not a must have for me (I can ride easily without it). CC is a nice option to have (80 mph is plenty fast for me). So, the question is, if money isn't too much a factor, then go for the options that you desire. If money is a factor, get the bike that meets your needs for the least amount of $$$ and spend the savings on equipment (if you need any - helmet, boots, gloves, jacket etc).

In my case, I can't conceive spending 10 grand more (plus taxes) than what my 09 is worth to get ES and CC. So, I will be happy with my 'old' girl and spend the money on gas and hotels while I rack up the miles.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Although the GEN III has numerous improvements, there's not enough there for ME to spend the extra $$$ to upgrade right now. Assuming you're going to save $3-4K or better save the money for farkles, fuel and tires.

Just my $.02 YMMV

Good luck!

--G

 

[JamesW]

To me it would depend on how long you plan on keeping a bike. Shorter term, cheaper may be better, long term I would go with a 2013 (I Did) if you can find a leftover. 14s are a bit pricier than I would go just for paint. (cruise is not an issue for me)

 

[900gc]

Have you ridden any FJR yet? Some mods I deemed essential on my '08 ('11 still basically same bike) were fuel control module (PCIII in my case) and suspension upgrade (fork so far). Also have a Sargent seat which I find pretty good for my needs. Some people are happy with a stock gen. 2 as is. The cost difference may not be so much if you end up modding the '11 to please you whereas a '13 in stock form may be fine. The seat is the same on both gens. so that's a constant. I haven't ridden a gen. 3 but I am immensely enjoying my tweaked gen. 2.

 

[LKLD]

How could you not?

 

[Last Chance]

I purchased a '13 because I could afford it and the '14 wasn't out yet (I dislike red however). That said, I totaled my '06 a couple years ago and wanted another FJR... The Gen III is, IMHO, a vast improvement over the Gen II '06 I had. No twitchy throttle (requiring numerous fixes from a PCIII to an aftermarket throttle sleeve and more! Cruise control, essential for me, so I added an aftermarket McCruise from Australia, costing almost $800!!! Then, when I finally got the '06 where I wanted it, I crashed it! Fast forward. 2013 Gen III. Fly by wire throttle, T or S, both smooth and flawless! Factory cruise...Yes, upper limit is 80 mph, but by adding a bar end throttle lock, which I seldom use, I've overcome that little flaw... Obviously, Yamaha agrees since they corrected that problem with the '14. The one thing I would be willing to bet on is you WILL put an aftermarket seat on... I recommend Seth Laam's custom seat. (BTW, his custom seat is less than half of a RDL!!!) I just rode down and had him make one for me.. The pain and burn are GONE!!! Yes, the RDL is great, but the additional 1-2 inches, I just haven't got. The Laam gave me another 1/2 inch inseam. When all is said and done, get what you like and what you think you can afford... Notice, I said what you THINK you can afford. Only you know what that is... But, the gen III is, despite what some think, vastly improved. One indication of this is the fact that it is hard to find a new one at the dealers...They are all sold out!

 

[Fontanaman]

Why compare a 2011 to a 2013? Why not compare the 2011 to a new 2014ES?

To answer your question, if it was a 2011 vs 2013 I'd get the 2011.

The ES what makes the Gen III stand out over all prior models. It is the first FJR where suspension mods are not needed, at least right away. All the other stuff in the Gen III is nice but the the ES is the must have for me. The unknown is the cost of maintaining the ES suspension.

Regarding the seat some have tried the Laam Motorcycle seats. I am told the advantage of Laam vs Russell is you can get your feet on the ground.

Sargent and Corbin are not custom seats, they are bolt on products, kind like what JP Cycles is to Harley.

 

[MCRIDER007]

Why compare a 2011 to a 2013? Why not compare the 2011 to a new 2014ES?
The ES what makes the Gen III stand out over all prior models. It is the first FJR where suspension mods are not available, at least right away.

Fixed it for you.

 

[keeponriding]

Some good advice...appreciate the compare matrix.

I also appreciate the Laam recommendation...haven't heard of his work before....and like getting more inseam.

Traction control is handy....though have only used it once or twice in the last two years...mostly it was a problem in some of the gravel/dirt/mud I ended up riding on....

2014 out; too much money. 2013 I think I can make a deal...if not, then 2011 it is. CC is very handy...I just came back from a 1500 mile trip and the throttle lock was very useful when my right hand would start to cramp.