2013 FJR Ride Impressions

[ionbeam]

...the 'AS' version of the FJR is NOT coming to north america. So no upside-down forks or electronic suspension on this side of the pond.

Why not? What is Yamaha's reason for that?

We're not worthy. We get no AS, no paint options, no upside-down forks, no electronic suspension and no immobilizer. Sometimes it ain't easy being an American. :lol:

 

[GeorgiaRoller]

Why not? What is Yamaha's reason for that?

Why don't you leave this thread about the OP's ride impressions and go read through the multiple page thread 808 post thing we started here about the 2013 FJR 1300 generally?

Ok.

We're not worthy. We get no AS, no paint options, no upside-down forks, no electronic suspension and no immobilizer. Sometimes it ain't easy being an American. :lol:

Apparently that's the case. That's it I'm moving to Switzerland!!! I guess I'll just keep my Gen I now. My bubble has officially been busted. Sigh.

 

[SkooterG]

...the 'AS' version of the FJR is NOT coming to north america. So no upside-down forks or electronic suspension on this side of the pond.

Why not? What is Yamaha's reason for that?

My crystal ball is on the fritz. I'll get back with you when it is back from repairs.

 

[BruceWA]

I was going to buy a K1300gt 2 years ago and i took one out for a test ride, I gotta say that maybe i was expecting too much but my riding impression of the BMW was crap with a capital K.......

Not my experience after 54k, just more expensive to maintain and service.

You do know there is a hard and soft lever under the seat right?

Yep, it is on Hard.

May be I am bias but this version of the FJR is night and day ahead of the previous 2 versions.

I tried mine the other day in sport mode with the TCS turned off and got the distinct inpression that it would pull the front wheel up with ease. My 08 didnt feel like that ever....

So whats the serial number on this one?

005

R

 

[BruceWA]

Wait a minute. Am I to understand there is a new 2013 fjr here in Wenatchee? Talk to me, Goose.

Yes and you should be very affraid!! :crazy:

 

[airboss]

...the 'AS' version of the FJR is NOT coming to north america. So no upside-down forks or electronic suspension on this side of the pond.

Why not? What is Yamaha's reason for that?

We're not worthy. We get no AS, no paint options, no upside-down forks, no electronic suspension and no immobilizer. Sometimes it ain't easy being an American. :lol:

Guess we'll just have to grin and bear it.

and with the new AK 20's up front and the Penske in back shouldn't be to hard to do.

 

[BruceWA]

I was going to buy a K1300gt 2 years ago and i took one out for a test ride, I gotta say that maybe i was expecting too much but my riding impression of the BMW was crap with a capital K.......

You do know there is a hard and soft lever under the seat right?

May be I am bias but this version of the FJR is night and day ahead of the previous 2 versions.

I tried mine the other day in sport mode with the TCS turned off and got the distinct inpression that it would pull the front wheel up with ease. My 08 didnt feel like that ever....

So whats the serial number on this one?

R

Just spent the last 4 hours in the shop and I can't find the electronic suspension adjustments.

Spent my formative years in Torrance, don't miss the crowds and, well more crowds. :yahoo:

I'll need to adjust the manual suspension settings to max firmness to get the best handling and to support my girth. :blink:

 

[Fairlaner]

ahhhh now the truth comes out........

R

 

[escapefjrtist]

Wait a minute. Am I to understand there is a new 2013 fjr here in Wenatchee? Talk to me, Goose.

Yes and you should be very affraid!! :crazy:

Watch out for junior else your FJR will end up with a CT on back... :blink:

I'll bet they'll be a few more days to ride Bruce. You can't put the bike away until at least the 600 mile service!

Thanks for the write-up.

--G

 

[BruceWA]

OK, after many years of being BMW saddled I made the change to the FJR two days ago. Have had a number of BMWs and was very happy with the ownership and quality of them. My last was a 06 K1200GT which was sold to a long time riding partner. It had given my 54k of smiling miles. Have had the FJR now for two days and have accumulated 150 whopping miles :blink: . Looks like it is in the shop for the winter now. Cold and snow are not to my liking.

The ergonomics are very good, the wind screen gives more coverage than I recalled from my last ride on a FJR, and the seat is wider in the front than I'm accustomed to. The handling is very good, it enters the corners easier than by GT did, but the suspension is much softer than I am used to, will have to make some changes in the spring. The controls are all logical and easy to learn and use. Now the power, well I'm being gentle during the break in period, but I'd say the GT was superior in this department and being that it was slightly lighter (we're still talking poundage here )the difference is notable, but still more than ample for triple digits and LEO attention.

Rode the C14, looked at a Ducati MTS 1200 S Touring and found a couple of BMW K1300GTs but when it came time to buy I ruled out the Duc for several reasons, and the K1300GT basically the same GT I sold with more power, the C14 had more power and the screen worked very well. So it was actually a very easy decision to go with the FJR, having ridden them 3-4 times since they were introduced and the 2013 with its enhancements drew me in. Cruise control is great, the BMW spoiled me with this feature, cannot imagine doing with out at my advanced age and extreme laziness. :yahoo:

So there you have it, my very initial impressions and really looking forward to next spring to continue my affair with her. :yahoo:

Not an updated ride report but a farkle report. Have installed the WinPro footpad and it was a perfect fit and an excellent piece of work by Dave!!!

After my initial complaint of the suspension being on the soft side I have reset the forks and shock to max rebound and compression, after all I like it hard and firm!! Will have to wait for better weather for a test ride, but anything is better than the factory settings as delivered, at least for me.

Now I'm waiting for my GadgetGuy GPS hardware to arrive, hopefully early next week. Then I need to determine which electrical distribution setup to buy and use. Had a CenTech on my BMW and was very happy with it, BUT the mounting options on the FJR are more limiting. Anyone here with a good setup I'd sure like to see some pix and a report on the installation.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[networkguy]

OK, after many years of being BMW saddled I made the change to the FJR two days ago. Have had a number of BMWs and was very happy with the ownership and quality of them. My last was a 06 K1200GT which was sold to a long time riding partner. It had given my 54k of smiling miles. Have had the FJR now for two days and have accumulated 150 whopping miles :blink: . Looks like it is in the shop for the winter now. Cold and snow are not to my liking.

The ergonomics are very good, the wind screen gives more coverage than I recalled from my last ride on a FJR, and the seat is wider in the front than I'm accustomed to. The handling is very good, it enters the corners easier than by GT did, but the suspension is much softer than I am used to, will have to make some changes in the spring. The controls are all logical and easy to learn and use. Now the power, well I'm being gentle during the break in period, but I'd say the GT was superior in this department and being that it was slightly lighter (we're still talking poundage here )the difference is notable, but still more than ample for triple digits and LEO attention.

Rode the C14, looked at a Ducati MTS 1200 S Touring and found a couple of BMW K1300GTs but when it came time to buy I ruled out the Duc for several reasons, and the K1300GT basically the same GT I sold with more power, the C14 had more power and the screen worked very well. So it was actually a very easy decision to go with the FJR, having ridden them 3-4 times since they were introduced and the 2013 with its enhancements drew me in. Cruise control is great, the BMW spoiled me with this feature, cannot imagine doing with out at my advanced age and extreme laziness. :yahoo:

So there you have it, my very initial impressions and really looking forward to next spring to continue my affair with her. :yahoo:

Not an updated ride report but a farkle report. Have installed the WinPro footpad and it was a perfect fit and an excellent piece of work by Dave!!!

After my initial complaint of the suspension being on the soft side I have reset the forks and shock to max rebound and compression, after all I like it hard and firm!! Will have to wait for better weather for a test ride, but anything is better than the factory settings as delivered, at least for me.

Now I'm waiting for my GadgetGuy GPS hardware to arrive, hopefully early next week. Then I need to determine which electrical distribution setup to buy and use. Had a CenTech on my BMW and was very happy with it, BUT the mounting options on the FJR are more limiting. Anyone here with a good setup I'd sure like to see some pix and a report on the installation.

Cheers,

Bruce

Fuzeblocks are popular around these parts.

 

[BruceWA]

OK, after many years of being BMW saddled I made the change to the FJR two days ago. Have had a number of BMWs and was very happy with the ownership and quality of them. My last was a 06 K1200GT which was sold to a long time riding partner. It had given my 54k of smiling miles. Have had the FJR now for two days and have accumulated 150 whopping miles :blink: . Looks like it is in the shop for the winter now. Cold and snow are not to my liking.

The ergonomics are very good, the wind screen gives more coverage than I recalled from my last ride on a FJR, and the seat is wider in the front than I'm accustomed to. The handling is very good, it enters the corners easier than by GT did, but the suspension is much softer than I am used to, will have to make some changes in the spring. The controls are all logical and easy to learn and use. Now the power, well I'm being gentle during the break in period, but I'd say the GT was superior in this department and being that it was slightly lighter (we're still talking poundage here )the difference is notable, but still more than ample for triple digits and LEO attention.

Rode the C14, looked at a Ducati MTS 1200 S Touring and found a couple of BMW K1300GTs but when it came time to buy I ruled out the Duc for several reasons, and the K1300GT basically the same GT I sold with more power, the C14 had more power and the screen worked very well. So it was actually a very easy decision to go with the FJR, having ridden them 3-4 times since they were introduced and the 2013 with its enhancements drew me in. Cruise control is great, the BMW spoiled me with this feature, cannot imagine doing with out at my advanced age and extreme laziness. :yahoo:

So there you have it, my very initial impressions and really looking forward to next spring to continue my affair with her. :yahoo:

Not an updated ride report but a farkle report. Have installed the WinPro footpad and it was a perfect fit and an excellent piece of work by Dave!!!

After my initial complaint of the suspension being on the soft side I have reset the forks and shock to max rebound and compression, after all I like it hard and firm!! Will have to wait for better weather for a test ride, but anything is better than the factory settings as delivered, at least for me.

Now I'm waiting for my GadgetGuy GPS hardware to arrive, hopefully early next week. Then I need to determine which electrical distribution setup to buy and use. Had a CenTech on my BMW and was very happy with it, BUT the mounting options on the FJR are more limiting. Anyone here with a good setup I'd sure like to see some pix and a report on the installation.

Cheers,

Bruce

Fuzeblocks are popular around these parts.

Thanks for the reply, sure wish there were more locations for mounting closer to the battery :angry2:

 

[SkooterG]

OK, after many years of being BMW saddled I made the change to the FJR two days ago. Have had a number of BMWs and was very happy with the ownership and quality of them. My last was a 06 K1200GT which was sold to a long time riding partner. It had given my 54k of smiling miles. Have had the FJR now for two days and have accumulated 150 whopping miles :blink: . Looks like it is in the shop for the winter now. Cold and snow are not to my liking.

The ergonomics are very good, the wind screen gives more coverage than I recalled from my last ride on a FJR, and the seat is wider in the front than I'm accustomed to. The handling is very good, it enters the corners easier than by GT did, but the suspension is much softer than I am used to, will have to make some changes in the spring. The controls are all logical and easy to learn and use. Now the power, well I'm being gentle during the break in period, but I'd say the GT was superior in this department and being that it was slightly lighter (we're still talking poundage here )the difference is notable, but still more than ample for triple digits and LEO attention.

Rode the C14, looked at a Ducati MTS 1200 S Touring and found a couple of BMW K1300GTs but when it came time to buy I ruled out the Duc for several reasons, and the K1300GT basically the same GT I sold with more power, the C14 had more power and the screen worked very well. So it was actually a very easy decision to go with the FJR, having ridden them 3-4 times since they were introduced and the 2013 with its enhancements drew me in. Cruise control is great, the BMW spoiled me with this feature, cannot imagine doing with out at my advanced age and extreme laziness. :yahoo:

So there you have it, my very initial impressions and really looking forward to next spring to continue my affair with her. :yahoo:

Not an updated ride report but a farkle report. Have installed the WinPro footpad and it was a perfect fit and an excellent piece of work by Dave!!!

After my initial complaint of the suspension being on the soft side I have reset the forks and shock to max rebound and compression, after all I like it hard and firm!! Will have to wait for better weather for a test ride, but anything is better than the factory settings as delivered, at least for me.

Now I'm waiting for my GadgetGuy GPS hardware to arrive, hopefully early next week. Then I need to determine which electrical distribution setup to buy and use. Had a CenTech on my BMW and was very happy with it, BUT the mounting options on the FJR are more limiting. Anyone here with a good setup I'd sure like to see some pix and a report on the installation.

Cheers,

Bruce

Fuzeblocks are popular around these parts.

Thanks for the reply, sure wish there were more locations for mounting closer to the battery :angry2:

You and me both, brother. You could do up front on a Gen I. Not so on a Gen II or III. I put mine under the seat in the main storage tray and am not happy about it.

 

[BruceWA]

OK, after many years of being BMW saddled I made the change to the FJR two days ago. Have had a number of BMWs and was very happy with the ownership and quality of them. My last was a 06 K1200GT which was sold to a long time riding partner. It had given my 54k of smiling miles. Have had the FJR now for two days and have accumulated 150 whopping miles :blink: . Looks like it is in the shop for the winter now. Cold and snow are not to my liking.

The ergonomics are very good, the wind screen gives more coverage than I recalled from my last ride on a FJR, and the seat is wider in the front than I'm accustomed to. The handling is very good, it enters the corners easier than by GT did, but the suspension is much softer than I am used to, will have to make some changes in the spring. The controls are all logical and easy to learn and use. Now the power, well I'm being gentle during the break in period, but I'd say the GT was superior in this department and being that it was slightly lighter (we're still talking poundage here )the difference is notable, but still more than ample for triple digits and LEO attention.

Rode the C14, looked at a Ducati MTS 1200 S Touring and found a couple of BMW K1300GTs but when it came time to buy I ruled out the Duc for several reasons, and the K1300GT basically the same GT I sold with more power, the C14 had more power and the screen worked very well. So it was actually a very easy decision to go with the FJR, having ridden them 3-4 times since they were introduced and the 2013 with its enhancements drew me in. Cruise control is great, the BMW spoiled me with this feature, cannot imagine doing with out at my advanced age and extreme laziness. :yahoo:

So there you have it, my very initial impressions and really looking forward to next spring to continue my affair with her. :yahoo:

Not an updated ride report but a farkle report. Have installed the WinPro footpad and it was a perfect fit and an excellent piece of work by Dave!!!

After my initial complaint of the suspension being on the soft side I have reset the forks and shock to max rebound and compression, after all I like it hard and firm!! Will have to wait for better weather for a test ride, but anything is better than the factory settings as delivered, at least for me.

Now I'm waiting for my GadgetGuy GPS hardware to arrive, hopefully early next week. Then I need to determine which electrical distribution setup to buy and use. Had a CenTech on my BMW and was very happy with it, BUT the mounting options on the FJR are more limiting. Anyone here with a good setup I'd sure like to see some pix and a report on the installation.

Cheers,

Bruce

Fuzeblocks are popular around these parts.

Thanks for the reply, sure wish there were more locations for mounting closer to the battery :angry2:

You and me both, brother. You could do up front on a Gen I. Not so on a Gen II or III. I put mine under the seat in the main storage tray and am not happy about it.

Sheesh, was hoping to keep my tire repair items under the seats. God forbid I have to buy a trailer to carry all the stuff I've always taken along! :angry2:

 

[wingshot]

Wait a minute. Am I to understand there is a new 2013 fjr here in Wenatchee? Talk to me, Goose.

Yes and you should be very affraid!! :crazy:

We will want to see in person.

Congrats on the purchase.

Brian

 

[BruceWA]

Wait a minute. Am I to understand there is a new 2013 fjr here in Wenatchee? Talk to me, Goose.

Yes and you should be very affraid!! :crazy:

We will want to see in person.

Congrats on the purchase.

Brian

No problem, admission will cost you. :yahoo:

 

[littlefish]

here's a good reason.....I did......

here are a couple more....

The screen is fantastic, trust me i have tried them all and before this the Rifle was the only one for me. They really have managed to eliminate the buffeting and turbulence.

R

I've just spent the last 2 hours reading about helmet buffeting on the FJR on the GenI-II. Rifle screens, Rifle blocks, Skyway Spacers, summer screens, winter screens, Windjammers, Calsci, C-Bailey -3.

On the bikes I've owned, I have tried a couple dozen different screens to get rid of the drumming on my head. I still have screens laying around from old bikes! Anyone need a V-Stream for a BMW GSA? FWIW, I am NOT looking for a bike to be quiet like a car, I just don't need little drummer boy perching on my head 300 miles per day.

Did Yamahahaha really get it right with the Gen III? Just so I can compare, what's your height/inseam?

 

[08FJR4ME]

...the 'AS' version of the FJR is NOT coming to north america. So no upside-down forks or electronic suspension on this side of the pond.

Why not? What is Yamaha's reason for that?

We're not worthy. We get no AS, no paint options, no upside-down forks, no electronic suspension and no immobilizer. Sometimes it ain't easy being an American.

Yes Allen, you just have to play the cards you are delt sometimes. Welcome to America

 

[ynotride]

I mounted my Fuzeblock under the right side panel below the seat. Its been there for 50,000 miles and never in the way.

 

[SkooterG]

I mounted my Fuzeblock under the right side panel below the seat. Its been there for 50,000 miles and never in the way.

I really wanted to put my Fuzeblock there too but decided that adding new farkles down the road and getting at the fuses was going to be too much of a PITA with it in that location. So unfortunately, it went in the storage tray under the seat.