Any Else Not Impressed With New FJR Preview?

[yamaholic]

On the surface, the improvements sound pretty good! Of course, we won't know how well they will work until someone gets their hands on one.

One major problem I see with the bike is the added 50lbs. of weight (allegedly).

When I throw on the side bags, tailbag, stuff, etc that is around 50lbs, the bike handles noticeably worse. Bad (relatively speaking) enough, I leave 'em at home when possible. I'm running all the nice suspension gear (brace, ohlins springs, fresh fork oil, new Wilburs 643 w/ a few mm higher ride height), run Avon's (best handling ST tire out there), and know how to dial it all in properly.

Not trying to detract from the new bike, but that's a significant amount of weight.

Looks like I'll be keeping the light '03 for a looong time.

 

[Howardrg]

Don't know if I agree with your general comments. Stock everything on my 04 Euro ABS model. I find that with a pillion and bags the bike feels more planted, stable [looking for words here] in corners. In fact I welcome the extra 50 lbs. The FJR will not notice, nor should you. { in my opinion}

As a sport touring [not sports] bike unless the quater mile is your thing there will not be a noticable difference

Howard

 

[Woodstock]

I don't believe there's really 50 extra lbs. I have to believe that's due to ABS being standard now or something like that. (what's the weight difference between an 04/05 with and without ABS)?

 

[Windjammer]

Like many motorcycle designs that start out light, elegant and simple, the FJR would seem to be suffering from "improvement syndrome" - the adding of new features / revisions which result in increased weight and (unavoidably) lower performance. I came to my '05 from a Connie and DO NOT want to go back to a heavier bike. If anything, I would appreciate further weight reductions in future FJR models. No idea why they feel the need to add all this mandatory ABS and optional electronic shifting (!) hocus pocus. Just a lot of garbage to haul around that you don't really need IMO. This bike is for experienced riders who already know how to shift a bike. Bling factor maybe. Too bad.

 

[Thug]

Who would really know we are only hearing little tid bits as yet wait until it's all confirmed...You'd think the Japs would be bleating from the roof tops about the new improvements?

 

[yamaholic]

Yep, we won't know for sure what will happen to the weight as it's speculation for now. Small little electric bits shouldn't add that much. Just going by what was mentioned by another poster after the pre-intro info on Yamaha's website.

But, I definitely DO notice the extra weight of luggage. No question about it. As far as stable/planted, mine feels best with absolutely nothing on it (luggage wise) 'cept me. Then again, the pace I ride is spirited, as are the roads I frequent. Also, this is the heaviest bike I've ever owned, so I am used to more flickability (not complaining, I understand there is a compromise here).

It's not all about maximum accelleration at all. It's about enough touring elements to be comfy without being coddled like a wing, all while having enough performance to keep the experienced rider smiling.

Let's remember this is a Super Sport Touring bike.

Woodstock, I hope you are right

 

[Randy]

From the little bit that they fed us on the new bike, it doesn't sound like they added 50 pounds worth of 'stuff'. Maybe that's the weight of the new automatic transmission and airbag.

 

[norcal]

I'm very impressed by Yamaha's response to the most frequently cited complaints about the FJR; the heat, the seat, bars that need risers, accessory socket, windshield size. They deserve a lot of credit, IMO.

I notice the handling difference with the bags on. it's wind resistance not the extra weight. A great bike anyway I look at it.

 

[Bounce]

Could be a couple of things.

Early reports of weight were (typically) based on the '03 (US) model back when worldwide the bags were optional and the ABS wasn't available. Move to '04 and the ABS is optional.

Now with bags and ABS standard (worldwide) that could account for a substantial amount of the reported weight increase.

 

[chuckh]

I like the list of changes that Yamaha has listed for the 06 FJR.

The weight increase is disappointing but may be consistent with the weight of the 04/05 ABS equipped bikes with luggage.

 

[Woodstock]

The sportrider article metioned an extra 17lbs for the "E" version (electro/mechanical shift)

 

[Warpdrv]

I wouldn't worry about all this stuff guys.... there are tons of '05s available in dealerships, and If you are here reading this, chances are you already have an FJR... So if the up and (short-comings) of the new machine are not too your likings....

Long live the Original FJR !!!!!!!

I will be happy with my NEW '05 FJR for some years to come...

 

[TheRepairMan]

Here are some weights I've found posted from legitimate resources.

Dry Weight: 05 FJR1300 537 lbs.

" " : 05 FJR1300A 553 lbs.

" " : 06 FJR1300A 582 lbs. (264kg)

...and just for comparison the Honda

Dry Weight: 05 ST1300ABS 631 lbs.

That equates to the new 06 FJR weighing only 29 lbs. more than the same model last year and yet still 49 lbs. lighter than last years Honda ST1300ABS.

IMO with the fully adjustable suspension and the extra torque and horsepower I think the new FJR will still be the best Sport-Touring deal going.

RB

"Numbers derived from "Honda Motorcycles of America", "Yamaha of America" and

"Yamaha-motor-europe.com/products/information/New2006/2006_FJR1300.jsp"

 

[radman]

Hey, at least it shows they're listening. I figure the kryptonite/titanium guides account for at least half that 50 lbs.....

 

[Bounce]

One of the folks over on the Micapeak mail list had a PowerPoint presentation that he was e-mailing to people on request. It has some photos that clarify some of the desciptions about the '06 changes.

To reduce the load on his mailbox, I've put it on line over on Bikes-N-Spikes.

 

[Warpdrv]

Thanks for that PowerPoint on the FJR...

Actually the most pics I have seen on the refinements...

Some them look pretty cool....

Warp

 

[XJRGUY]

I mirrors, the gauges and the power outlet are the win.

I think the side mounted fairing air vents are pure cheese and should at lease be painted and not that black plastic. The exposed hex nuts look ghey too.

Other than that, a nice evolution vs. a revolution of our favorite bike.

I rode my 2005 all weekend and I have no thoughts of trading it in at all.

 

[Woodstock]

The power-outlet in the glovebox though, is pretty useless. I guess for cell phone charging, but that's about it. Not like you could fit much else in there. I'd have thought they'd put one in a more useful place.

 

[spine60]

Just a thought, could it be that the extra weight is because they are including the weight of the bags and in the past the bags were not considered in the weight because as with mine they came packaged seperately??