Fred H.
Well-known member
After a few weeks with the bike, I would like to air a few greivances I have with the FJR.
First off, I would like to compliment Yamaha on fixing the heat issue. It does indeed appear to be resolved. Overall it really is a great bike, but I think there is still room for improvement as there are still a couple nagging issues.
The bike still is pretty top heavy, especially when full of gas. They need to work on mass centeralization. Starting with moving the battery to where it belongs, under the seat. This would also enable you to have another glove box on the right side like most bikes have. The fuse boxes also need to be redesigned (larger) and moved under the seat where they belong.
I would also like to see the gas tank moved to under the seat as well like Honda does. This would really help all handling aspects and would get rid of the tipsy feeling the bike has.
The sidestand and spring need to be redesigned. The sidestand does not lock forward like it should when deployed. I think if they moved the anchor point for the spring forward a half inch on the frame, it would make the sidestand lock more securely when deployed.
The saddlebag latching mechanism should be rethought. It shouldn't take two hands to close a saddlebag. The latches never seem to want to line up properly, and I think part of the problem is that the hinges flex too much.
Find the whistle in the windshield and fix it. Widen the windshield and inch on the sides while you are at it.
Add some built in tip over protection for the bags and fairing.
The throttle return springs are way too stiff and need to be lightened.
The seat contour needs to be changed. Most folks I know don't have flat butts, so why is the seat flat? Shouldn't it be cupped a bit?
Why aren't the turn signals integrated into the backs of the mirrors? Seems like they would be much more visible there instead of on the fairing.
The ignition key seems to be made out of chocolate. Coudn't you make it out of real metal that doesn't bend every time Uri Geller looks at it?
The backs of the saddlebags seem like they need something added to make the bike more visible in daytime riding from the rear. Maybe some optional lighting on them would be nice to make the bike appear wider from the rear and give off a better rear light signature.
Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of things I like about the bike, I just think it could be improved on. I like the gauge pack and instrumentation, and the air temp and MPG is a nice touch. I won't even ding them for the stuck 17mpg instant MPG as I hear they are already working to fix it. The transmission and engine I am happy with as they are and have no complaints on. I like the adjustability of the rear shock and front forks and am happy with the suspension and brakes.
First off, I would like to compliment Yamaha on fixing the heat issue. It does indeed appear to be resolved. Overall it really is a great bike, but I think there is still room for improvement as there are still a couple nagging issues.
The bike still is pretty top heavy, especially when full of gas. They need to work on mass centeralization. Starting with moving the battery to where it belongs, under the seat. This would also enable you to have another glove box on the right side like most bikes have. The fuse boxes also need to be redesigned (larger) and moved under the seat where they belong.
I would also like to see the gas tank moved to under the seat as well like Honda does. This would really help all handling aspects and would get rid of the tipsy feeling the bike has.
The sidestand and spring need to be redesigned. The sidestand does not lock forward like it should when deployed. I think if they moved the anchor point for the spring forward a half inch on the frame, it would make the sidestand lock more securely when deployed.
The saddlebag latching mechanism should be rethought. It shouldn't take two hands to close a saddlebag. The latches never seem to want to line up properly, and I think part of the problem is that the hinges flex too much.
Find the whistle in the windshield and fix it. Widen the windshield and inch on the sides while you are at it.
Add some built in tip over protection for the bags and fairing.
The throttle return springs are way too stiff and need to be lightened.
The seat contour needs to be changed. Most folks I know don't have flat butts, so why is the seat flat? Shouldn't it be cupped a bit?
Why aren't the turn signals integrated into the backs of the mirrors? Seems like they would be much more visible there instead of on the fairing.
The ignition key seems to be made out of chocolate. Coudn't you make it out of real metal that doesn't bend every time Uri Geller looks at it?
The backs of the saddlebags seem like they need something added to make the bike more visible in daytime riding from the rear. Maybe some optional lighting on them would be nice to make the bike appear wider from the rear and give off a better rear light signature.
Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of things I like about the bike, I just think it could be improved on. I like the gauge pack and instrumentation, and the air temp and MPG is a nice touch. I won't even ding them for the stuck 17mpg instant MPG as I hear they are already working to fix it. The transmission and engine I am happy with as they are and have no complaints on. I like the adjustability of the rear shock and front forks and am happy with the suspension and brakes.
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