Comparison of K1200GT, FJR1300A, and FJR1300AE
https://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page...3847&Page=1
https://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page...3847&Page=1
Another FJR Review
- Thread starter ejworthen
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OrangevaleFJR
R.I.P. Our FJR Riding Friend
$5,300 more and still only 3 of 5 voted for it to be the best. Hmm...just goes to show you that the best bike is the one YOU like the most.
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Mogambo
Well-known member
For that kind of jack, it should have been a slam dunk for the BMW. The fact that the FJR was edged by only a 3-2 margin speaks for itself. Oh well, I guess if you are in a position where money simply isn't an issue, then what the heck. I would not be included in that catagory, however.
Capt. Bob
Bilge pump. A novel idea.
I think that pretty well sums it up. My $5300 is going a lot farther than heated grips and touch tone suspention. Each to his own though.
ponyfool
Well-known member
It's worse than $5300. The test bike was $20,570 while the FJR was MSRP at $13,499. Let's see, by my math, that is $7071!
They also mentioned, and I quote: "If what you are looking for is the supreme sport-touring bike with all the bells and whistles, then there is no other option. The all-new BMW K1200GT was designed to do everything the FJR1300 does while offering up a seemingly endless array of options to customize the bike to your personal needs."
Gee, what kind of endless array of options do you think you could customize your bike with using only $7071?!?!?!
They also mentioned, and I quote: "If what you are looking for is the supreme sport-touring bike with all the bells and whistles, then there is no other option. The all-new BMW K1200GT was designed to do everything the FJR1300 does while offering up a seemingly endless array of options to customize the bike to your personal needs."
Gee, what kind of endless array of options do you think you could customize your bike with using only $7071?!?!?!
chornbe
Well-known member
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I don't know how you can compare bikes WITHOUT comparing the price tags. With $5 - $7k difference depending on options, it *has* to be factored in because real people on real budgets are buying these things. Some people can afford more bike than others, and those features make the difference.
And yeah, as Pony mentioned, give me $7k extra and that FJR is gold, all day long. Hmm... $100 for heated grips, I dropped about $800 on heated Corbins, call it $300 for cruise control installed. Ok, fine, I can't get the electronic suspension system on the FJR, Yippee... how many riders *really* change it that much? You're still way under the BMW budget.
Comparisons that take such massive differences in the bikes - whether it's performance, features, old-tech vs. new-tech, or, in this case, price... just don't seem all that viable when wrapped up. Factoring in the price, the FJR is the clear leader, all day long.
zzzzip
Well-known member
How about this for a new test...
Find a bike that costs 30% less than the FJRA (like this and the BMW test bike), and compare it for sport touring.
Wanna bet the FJR would win 3 to 2?
B)
Find a bike that costs 30% less than the FJRA (like this and the BMW test bike), and compare it for sport touring.
Wanna bet the FJR would win 3 to 2?
B)
Cdogman
Bad Boy
I am waiting for a comparo between the ford escort and the new Ferrari. Since price is not a consideration, why not (*********)
OrangevaleFJR
R.I.P. Our FJR Riding Friend
Considering I've spent $3800 on my FJR and I'm running out of ideas...quite a lot. Now, I'm not much of the electronic gadget kinda guy, but I didn't see GPS, CB radio, or a radar detector on the GT either.
Things I might consider in the future that the GT has: Heated grips and cuise control...I could get both of them for what...$500???
skyway
Well-known member
Much less than that it would appear. There have been numerous postings of the same heated grip kit supplied by Yamaha for as little as $60. Cruise control can be purchased for around $100 plus install time.
The biggest difference between the 2 bikes beyond purchase price will be the total cost of ownership, especially if you ride big miles. I've heard of numerous reports of some outragous service costs from BMW owners. :dribble: The biggest hit I believe for the FJR will be around $500 every 25K miles for a valve check.
And don't even get me started on the new BMW final drive permenantly lubricated unit, clutches, splines and brakes.
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Guys, this is the key phrase.
"Where it comes up short is in the amenities. If you don't care for OEM options like heated seats, electronically adjustable suspension, cruise control, on-board computers or integrated GPS, then the FJR is the bike for you."
What they are trying to say is that if you want the closet thing to a luxury automobile and money is no object then the BMW is for you, if not choose the FJR.
"Where it comes up short is in the amenities. If you don't care for OEM options like heated seats, electronically adjustable suspension, cruise control, on-board computers or integrated GPS, then the FJR is the bike for you."
What they are trying to say is that if you want the closet thing to a luxury automobile and money is no object then the BMW is for you, if not choose the FJR.
Nice Rumble
Well-known member
Can the heated grips that come standard on the AE be installed on the A or is that not an option? Cost?
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This quote is breifly mentioned in the article so they kind of address the money issue. They also reference money a few more times however do not discuss value other than to state something about bang for the buck. I had the opportunity to ride them both and don't agree that the GT is as good in handling as the FJR. It does handle well and is smooth but does not do it with the same feeling as the FJR. Maybe it's just me but the FJR fits better and that is how I buy a bike by how it fits.
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OrangevaleFJR
R.I.P. Our FJR Riding Friend
Agreed. Heck, just to tune up my 1977 airhead (couldn't get much simpler) the local dealer wanted $210. Suffice to say, I can tune an airhead if you want that done.
+1
I have yet to see a dealer with a GT for under $20k. I don't care what they list the base price as. Nice bike, too pricey for me though.
I think the article makes it pretty clear that the FJR is the best bang for the buck out there. If you jammed $7,000 more into it you would have a better bike than the BMW.
fjrchooser
Well-known member
Face it guys, we are so......
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yesterday!
And what a riot I had yesterday and the day before and the all the many days to come until something better than a slightly farkled FJR is sold directly off a new dealer showroom floor.
Until then don't look for the FJR to be winning any more of these 'shootouts'. Advertisers won't continue to buy space in moto magazines just to read their product isn't a significant contender at any price.
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yesterday!
And what a riot I had yesterday and the day before and the all the many days to come until something better than a slightly farkled FJR is sold directly off a new dealer showroom floor.
Until then don't look for the FJR to be winning any more of these 'shootouts'. Advertisers won't continue to buy space in moto magazines just to read their product isn't a significant contender at any price.
bramfrank
BramFrank
With all respect, the grips you get for $100 are similar, but not the same - especially if we're looking at the '06, whch has speed sensitive grips. Yes, the controller is similar, but the system is not. It's a shoehorn job.
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skyway
Well-known member
You should also consider the following. The FJR can be punished mercifully for tens of thousands of miles with little or no ill effects, as long as fluid changes are done etc. There are many lurking here who do it on a regular basis.
The rear drive unit on this bike is bulletproof and has proven itself since day 1. We only hear of the occasional fluid leaks caused by a bad seal.
You also have to ask yourself how many FJR's are leaving their riders at the side of the highway? Not too many and in percentage of bikes made, I'd wager far less than BMW's ST offerings. Yes we have the tick, but it don't leave you stranded and you have 20K miles or so to get it fixed, FOR FREE!
The problem with these reviews is that they are done on new bikes off the showroom floor and do not represent what could potentially lie ahead down the road.
Few other bikes offer as much performance, reliability and value for money as the FJR.
This thread reminds me of the joke by Ron White, comically highlighting the differences between a Mercedes Benz and his van. "Yeah, but I have a place to $%*& your sister." :lol:
The rear drive unit on this bike is bulletproof and has proven itself since day 1. We only hear of the occasional fluid leaks caused by a bad seal.
You also have to ask yourself how many FJR's are leaving their riders at the side of the highway? Not too many and in percentage of bikes made, I'd wager far less than BMW's ST offerings. Yes we have the tick, but it don't leave you stranded and you have 20K miles or so to get it fixed, FOR FREE!
The problem with these reviews is that they are done on new bikes off the showroom floor and do not represent what could potentially lie ahead down the road.
Few other bikes offer as much performance, reliability and value for money as the FJR.
This thread reminds me of the joke by Ron White, comically highlighting the differences between a Mercedes Benz and his van. "Yeah, but I have a place to $%*& your sister." :lol:
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FantasticJohnR
Well-known member
I just thought of the perfect ad slogan for the K1200GT.
K1200GT, for the sophisticated rider with more dollars than "sense."
K1200GT, for the sophisticated rider with more dollars than "sense."
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