If Yamaha stepped up and included cruise control, heated grips, 6sp gear box, and get those damn mirrors properly positioned they would get more new and repeat customers. What's the hold up??
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If I ever need to replace my 05, it will be with an 04. I like the color, and my seat, shock, CC, grips, windsheilds, and the rest of the crap I've attached to it will bolt right up.The FJR is a very fine bike but Yamaha is allowing it to die a slow & certain death. As some have said it has been almost 10 years without major changes it is a very competitive world and you either keep up or continue to fall behind and die a slow death. If Yamaha plans to continue to be competive in the Sport touring market they had better do something very soon they are being out classed and there is no need for this to happen. WAKE UP Yamaha or have the courtesy tell your customers you are leaving the Sport touring market.
The FJR is a very fine bike but Yamaha is allowing it to die a slow & certain death. As some have said it has been almost 10 years without major changes it is a very competitive world and you either keep up or continue to fall behind and die a slow death. If Yamaha plans to continue to be competive in the Sport touring market they had better do something very soon they are being out classed and there is no need for this to happen. WAKE UP Yamaha or have the courtesy tell your customers you are leaving the Sport touring market.
I see these kind of posts a lot, but I really do not understand the sentiment. Just because a bike hasn't had an update doesn't mean the bike is not competitive in its market segment, EXCEPT in the clouded eyes of the bike rags, and anyone that buys into their "newer is always better" non-sense. Those other bikes in the magazine "shootout" weren't even in the same class of bikes as the FJR and Connie (super sport TOURING - emphasis on TOURING) . They were selected for the article just because they are all new models, not because they are in the same class. Yeah, the Triumph and Ducati look like nice new models, and the Honda has some interesting high tech features, but none of them are the same kind of tools as the Connie and FJR.If Yamaha stepped up and included cruise control, heated grips, 6sp gear box, and get those damn mirrors properly positioned they would get more new and repeat customers. What's the hold up??
Spot on, IMHO.The FJR is a very fine bike but Yamaha is allowing it to die a slow & certain death. As some have said it has been almost 10 years without major changes it is a very competitive world and you either keep up or continue to fall behind and die a slow death. If Yamaha plans to continue to be competive in the Sport touring market they had better do something very soon they are being out classed and there is no need for this to happen. WAKE UP Yamaha or have the courtesy tell your customers you are leaving the Sport touring market.
I see these kind of posts a lot, but I really do not understand the sentiment. Just because a bike hasn't had an update doesn't mean the bike is not competitive in its market segment, EXCEPT in the clouded eyes of the bike rags, and anyone that buys into their "newer is always better" non-sense. Those other bikes in the magazine "shootout" weren't even in the same class of bikes as the FJR and Connie (super sport TOURING - emphasis on TOURING) . They were selected for the article just because they are all new models, not because they are in the same class. Yeah, the Triumph and Ducati look like nice new models, and the Honda has some interesting high tech features, but none of them are the same kind of tools as the Connie and FJR.If Yamaha stepped up and included cruise control, heated grips, 6sp gear box, and get those damn mirrors properly positioned they would get more new and repeat customers. What's the hold up??
As for adding new standard equipment to the model, just because you want cruise control, doesn't mean that all potential owners want (or would want to pay for) cruise control. Part of the FJR's allure is its reasonable price tag. Adding standard "options" would raise the price of the bike for sure. What would a 6th gear get you other than a chance to shift more often? The bike already cruises at 70 mph at a lazy 4,000 rpm in its overdrive 5th gear. The fuel mileage and range is NOT suffering for not having another gear. Or are you reaching for 6th when you're topping out at 150 mph?
To summarize, the FJR is already quite competitive in the market without changing a thing. Who is its real competition? Concours, BMW K1300GT or R1200RT and Honda ST1300. That's pretty much it.
As of this moment, the FJR has not fallen behind anyone, IMO. Kawasaki has tried to come out with a bike with more wizz bang features and is failing pretty badly in the execution, and BMW continues to price itself up in the stratosphere, probably for the snob appeal, which eliminates the majority of the market. The Honda's performance has been substandard from inception. Given the choices today, I would still likely choose the FJR if I were buying in this category.
And then there's the whole "style" thing...
Double spot on... :clapping:Spot on, IMHO.The FJR is a very fine bike but Yamaha is allowing it to die a slow & certain death. As some have said it has been almost 10 years without major changes it is a very competitive world and you either keep up or continue to fall behind and die a slow death. If Yamaha plans to continue to be competive in the Sport touring market they had better do something very soon they are being out classed and there is no need for this to happen. WAKE UP Yamaha or have the courtesy tell your customers you are leaving the Sport touring market.
I see these kind of posts a lot, but I really do not understand the sentiment. Just because a bike hasn't had an update doesn't mean the bike is not competitive in its market segment, EXCEPT in the clouded eyes of the bike rags, and anyone that buys into their "newer is always better" non-sense. Those other bikes in the magazine "shootout" weren't even in the same class of bikes as the FJR and Connie (super sport TOURING - emphasis on TOURING) . They were selected for the article just because they are all new models, not because they are in the same class. Yeah, the Triumph and Ducati look like nice new models, and the Honda has some interesting high tech features, but none of them are the same kind of tools as the Connie and FJR.If Yamaha stepped up and included cruise control, heated grips, 6sp gear box, and get those damn mirrors properly positioned they would get more new and repeat customers. What's the hold up??
As for adding new standard equipment to the model, just because you want cruise control, doesn't mean that all potential owners want (or would want to pay for) cruise control. Part of the FJR's allure is its reasonable price tag. Adding standard "options" would raise the price of the bike for sure. What would a 6th gear get you other than a chance to shift more often? The bike already cruises at 70 mph at a lazy 4,000 rpm in its overdrive 5th gear. The fuel mileage and range is NOT suffering for not having another gear. Or are you reaching for 6th when you're topping out at 150 mph?
To summarize, the FJR is already quite competitive in the market without changing a thing. Who is its real competition? Concours, BMW K1300GT or R1200RT and Honda ST1300. That's pretty much it.
As of this moment, the FJR has not fallen behind anyone, IMO. Kawasaki has tried to come out with a bike with more wizz bang features and is failing pretty badly in the execution, and BMW continues to price itself up in the stratosphere, probably for the snob appeal, which eliminates the majority of the market. The Honda's performance has been substandard from inception. Given the choices today, I would still likely choose the FJR if I were buying in this category.
And then there's the whole "style" thing...
While you're certainly entitled to your opinion, I don't think it's widely shared -- especially by perspective buyers in the sport-touring market?...As of this moment, the FJR has not fallen behind anyone, IMO.
Besides it having been designed 10 years ago, what can you point to that identifies the FJR as being a "decade old concept"?Suffice to say, future FJR sales may only be to those who are willing to accept/settle-for a bike built to decade-old ideas/concepts. :blink:
I agree 100%. I dont think technology for technology's sake is a valid argument for the FJR being *cough* outdated. Take styling for example. The latest "trend" seems to be...well, vanilla. The Connie and the VFR are just...plain. The BMW is plain with a boxy twist. IMHO, of the ST genre, the FJR is as modern as it ever was. Maybe some *like* the smooth vanilla look...I dont personally.I'm with Fred on this, there seems to always be that sector of folks that just want the newest/latest stuff. We saw it happen with PC's. A decade ago whatever PC you bought was considered "outdated" within two years..or sooner.
But now, they kinda reached the top of the curve, your 3 year old PC is likely still viable and usefull and not that outmoded compared to a new one.
Now the current technology of "smart" cell phones is the new techno wave. Likely soon they too will reach their plateau.
I kinda think the recent crop of ST bikes has reached that plateau also. Yes the Connie has a few things that make it more "modern" than the FJR...but not by much. Most seem to be just techno padding...K-Pass, tire monitors...stuff that might make one bedazzled by the technology, but really adds little to the performance of the machine. The Connies one techno wonder seems to me to be the variable valve timing thing...but 1/4 mile times, overall weight and rider comfort don't seem to be much off from the FJR.
I guess what I am saying is the C14 may be "better" in some areas, but it's not miles ahead there, just a advanced enough to get the vote on it being "better" in some ways. There is more to a bike than just horsepower or techno gizmos. Folks still like Triumph Bonnivilles ....and , gulp... Harleys.
If Kawasaki offered an even up trade of a new Concours for your beat up FJR, how many on this forum would take the trade?
I love the FJR for more than its stone age technology, it has a look and feel that still stirs my soul every time a toss over my leg and start it up. In ten years some new boy might corner the market in the world of Sport Touring bikes, making those that care trade in their Connies for the next new thing.
I hope to still be riding my FJR.
KM
I have an Infiniti and the fob battery died, it is replacabele got a new one for $3 replaced it had no issues.I don't know anyone with keyless bikes, but a friend has one of those keyless Infinitis. The battery in her fob just died, and it's non-replaceable. The dealer wanted nearly $600 for a new one, and she was able to get by with $280 at a locksmith, and it took 6 weeks for it to show up. So essentially she paid $280 for a battery that's probably a $5 item at most. Does the C-14 have the same issue?Makes that $100 bill from the lock smith to cut a new key look real cheap.
Well, Variable Valve Timing -- for one. Toyota's had it on almost everything since the FJR came on the scene. The FJR's 100 HP/Liter output is pretty old-skool by today's standards.Besides it having been designed 10 years ago, what can you point to that identifies the FJR as being a "decade old concept"?Suffice to say, future FJR sales may only be to those who are willing to accept/settle-for a bike built to decade-old ideas/concepts. :blink:
I dunno. Even the Busa is sitting at 147HP/liter...so perhaps the entire motorcycle world needs to catch up and not just the FJR...Well, Variable Valve Timing -- for one. Toyota's had it on almost everything since the FJR came on the scene. The FJR's 100 HP/Liter output is pretty old-skool by today's standards.Besides it having been designed 10 years ago, what can you point to that identifies the FJR as being a "decade old concept"?Suffice to say, future FJR sales may only be to those who are willing to accept/settle-for a bike built to decade-old ideas/concepts. :blink:
(carrying around a large engine -- when one about half the size could do the same job -- is your grandfather's technology) Cutting-edge engines, in the future, will need outputs in the neighborhood of 150 ~ 200 HP/Liter. The automotive scene is also encouraging forced-induction (finally...).
The motorcycle scene has often led in technology -- now, there seems to be an acceptance to follow.
It seems older riders embrace nostalgia -- which can work for sales (up to a point)?
Eventually, the marker must be put forward in order to capture new sales... :blink: :huh:
Or, is going back-ward...? -- '84/'85 Yamaha RZ350 = 250+ HP/Liter...I dunno. Even the Busa is sitting at 147HP/liter...so perhaps the entire motorcycle world needs to catch up and not just the FJR...Well, Variable Valve Timing -- for one. Toyota's had it on almost everything since the FJR came on the scene. The FJR's 100 HP/Liter output is pretty old-skool by today's standards.Besides it having been designed 10 years ago, what can you point to that identifies the FJR as being a "decade old concept"?Suffice to say, future FJR sales may only be to those who are willing to accept/settle-for a bike built to decade-old ideas/concepts. :blink:
(carrying around a large engine -- when one about half the size could do the same job -- is your grandfather's technology) Cutting-edge engines, in the future, will need outputs in the neighborhood of 150 ~ 200 HP/Liter. The automotive scene is also encouraging forced-induction (finally...).
The motorcycle scene has often led in technology -- now, there seems to be an acceptance to follow.
It seems older riders embrace nostalgia -- which can work for sales (up to a point)?
Eventually, the marker must be put forward in order to capture new sales... :blink: :huh:
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