Early FJR1300 vs Kawasaki Concours, wanting to buy one

[tasop7]

I ride an 07 Yamaha FZ6 and wanted something bigger for longer trips. I've always wanted an FJR but they're pretty expensive. But at the same time, I've only looked at 2006 and up because of the issues on the early models. I've also come across some really cheap Concours (ZG1000, not 14). For example, a guy close to me is selling a 2001 in mint condition with 9,000 miles for $2,800. I just hate the thought of going back to carbs since I'm so spoiled with fuel injection. The Connie has been around for a long time and is kind of dated, but I've read lots of raving reviews regarding it. I can spend a little more and get an early 03-05 FJR, but have been tainted with all the negative stuff I've read. I really want to stay close to the $5,000 range if not a little more. Of course you guys are going to tell me to buy the FJR, this is an FJR board, but here are some questions...

-Has anyone had any experience with the Connie that they can tell me about?

-I don't ride with shorts, and have seen some mods that help with the heat issue on the early FJR's. But are the 03-05 FJR's good bikes? Any other issues I should be concerned about? Does the 05 have more of the issues worked out compared to the 03-04? Are the 06+ models THAT much better that would price them thousands more?

-Should I be looking at anything else? ST1100, older BMW models, etc?

Thanks for your time and help!

 

[olsonm3915]

I had a 98 ZG1000 before I bought my 07 FJR. I put about 20 000 miles on it.

No comparison whatsoever, really. The Connie is a good bike, but compared to the FJR it's in a whole different class. Save up your money, get an FJR, either Gen I or Gen II, you won't be sorry.

 

[SwollenRaccoon]

One of my good, long-time ridding buddies had a Concours, pretty near the age you're talking about. Had a lot of nice things about it, but after a couple of years, he couldn't get it to fuel correctly. He rebuilt the carbs, replaced boots and gaskets, had the dealer troubleshoot, the whole nine yards. He ended up finally getting rid of it, since he couldn't fix it. The FJR is sportier, handles a little less truck-ish, has fuel injection (and maybe ABS, depending on the year/model), and if it really matters to you, looks nicer, too.

STs and RTs are nice, too, but there's a reason you see a lot of FJRs out there.....they really are great bikes for the money.

 

[FJRay]

The Connie is one of the best values on the market. It is dated technology but will still pound out the miles and has a great record for longevity. I had one for 60k and have worked on many others. Check out COG the concours owners group and you will get the knowledge you seek. They are not without problems but nothing that can't be fixed.

The early FJR is more advanced in many ways and the 03 is considered the quickest of the bunch. The heat is an issue for some but my 03 hasn't bee a problem for a 100k miles. Don't let the small list of gripes scare you off. None are major if dealt with early and everything you need to know is right here on the Forum. You can find nice used ones in your price range.

 

[HeUeR]

I ride an 07 Yamaha FZ6 and wanted something bigger for longer trips. I've always wanted an FJR but they're pretty expensive. But at the same time, I've only looked at 2006 and up because of the issues on the early models. I've also come across some really cheap Concours (ZG1000, not 14). For example, a guy close to me is selling a 2001 in mint condition with 9,000 miles for $2,800. I just hate the thought of going back to carbs since I'm so spoiled with fuel injection. The Connie has been around for a long time and is kind of dated, but I've read lots of raving reviews regarding it. I can spend a little more and get an early 03-05 FJR, but have been tainted with all the negative stuff I've read. I really want to stay close to the $5,000 range if not a little more. Of course you guys are going to tell me to buy the FJR, this is an FJR board, but here are some questions...

-Has anyone had any experience with the Connie that they can tell me about?

-I don't ride with shorts, and have seen some mods that help with the heat issue on the early FJR's. But are the 03-05 FJR's good bikes? Any other issues I should be concerned about? Does the 05 have more of the issues worked out compared to the 03-04? Are the 06+ models THAT much better that would price them thousands more?

-Should I be looking at anything else? ST1100, older BMW models, etc?

Thanks for your time and help!

I own a 05 Connie (Just sold it)and it's a great bike. It's a little under powered and vibrates through the handlebars is my only complaint. The thing that scared me most about is the hydro-lock fear....I read so many happening. With a CeeBaily windsheild, bar risers and peg lowers, it's a great bike. But I moved to the 03 FJR for many reasons.

 

[wfooshee]

I ride in Florida, ATTGAT, on an '03, and heat from the bike is not an issue. It's actually worse if I cheat on the gear and leave the overpants at home; then my left leg cooks. I have one of those under-tank blankets you can get from several sources on the webz which helps keep the tank from baking.

As far as "issues," I would submit that the Gen-II bikes have more issues than the older ones. Granted, the ticker thing was pretty severe, but Yammy stepped up for those, and it wasn't a large percentage of bikes anyway.

The gen-I bikes have real grounds in the wiring harness. The Gen-I bikes have slightly shorter swingarms, for easier wheelies. (Only reason, I'm sure. ) Gen-I faring is easier to pull off, what with not having all those "adjustable" vents for the fictitious heat problems.

Don't be afraid of the older FJRs. Nothing wrong with 'em at all!

 

[Bungie]

I ride an 07 Yamaha FZ6 and wanted something bigger for longer trips. I've always wanted an FJR but they're pretty expensive. But at the same time, I've only looked at 2006 and up because of the issues on the early models.

Uhm, just a point of clarification, their have been far more serious issues with the Gen II's (06 +) than their were on the Gen 1 (03 - 05) models. When it comes time for me to get another bike, it'll be another Gen 1, or, something else. Yamaha has yet to acknowledge the severe electrical problems that plague the Gen II's.

 

[beemerdons]

I ride an 07 Yamaha FZ6 and wanted something bigger for longer trips. I've always wanted an FJR but they're pretty expensive. But at the same time, I've only looked at 2006 and up because of the issues on the early models.

Uhm, just a point of clarification, their have been far more serious issues with the Gen II's (06 +) than their were on the Gen 1 (03 - 05) models. When it comes time for me to get another bike, it'll be another Gen 1, or, something else. Yamaha has yet to acknowledge the severe electrical problems that plague the Gen II's.

+1, Gunny; get a Gen 1. Only issue on my 2003 FJR initially was heat, but Dale "Warchild" Wilson showed me how to insulate the tank and heat was gone for good!

 

[marcusorelius]

Had an 01 connie, it was a great bike fer a couple years. Got me an 04 FJR (sold the connie) and have been very happy with it. Way more modern, fuel inj., electric shield , lighter more powerfull, and better handling and brakes. Tank got hot but put a heat blanket under it problem solved. The connie was a little more comfertable to sit on but all the positives for the fjr negate that ( some bar risers helped) Duke likes it too!

 

[HeUeR]

Had an 01 connie, it was a great bike fer a couple years. Got me an 04 FJR (sold the connie) and have been very happy with it. Way more modern, fuel inj., electric shield , lighter more powerfull, and better handling and brakes. Tank got hot but put a heat blanket under it problem solved. The connie was a little more comfertable to sit on but all the positives for the fjr negate that ( some bar risers helped) Duke likes it too!

Where are you guys getting these tank blankets?

 

[Ack535]

Had an 01 connie, it was a great bike fer a couple years. Got me an 04 FJR (sold the connie) and have been very happy with it. Way more modern, fuel inj., electric shield , lighter more powerfull, and better handling and brakes. Tank got hot but put a heat blanket under it problem solved. The connie was a little more comfertable to sit on but all the positives for the fjr negate that ( some bar risers helped) Duke likes it too!

Where are you guys getting these tank blankets?

I owned a 1994 Connie, and now a 2005 FJR. The bikes are worlds apart... Don't get me wrong, you can get a 1st Gen Connie at a very fair price, but you are riding mid 1980's technology that feels like 1980's technology.

I have a 2005 FJR with around 39K on her. No issues with heat. Probably my favorite bike of all time!

Pete

 

[marcusorelius]

Where are you guys getting these tank blankets?

Got the bubble foil wrapped material from the hardware store & cut it to size. Very cheap to do!

 

[ionbeam]

Where are you guys getting these tank blankets?

Top side fix, a Bagster

Bottom side and blanket fix. I typed +heat +blanket into the search bar and came up with 4 pages of relevant threads. I was actually able to click on some of the more hopeful sounding threads and found useful information. I started at the oldest threads first because this is where the heat fixes were first happening, therefore most have better documentation instead of the infamous line, "DO A SEARCH" in the later threads.

ONE

TWO

Write to the poster in this thread and see if he still has the pictures.

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

These are just part of what is on page 4 where I started.

 

[HeUeR]

Where are you guys getting these tank blankets?

Top side fix, a Bagster

Bottom side and blanket fix. I typed +heat +blanket into the search bar and came up with 4 pages of relevant threads. I was actually able to click on some of the more hopeful sounding threads and found useful information. I started at the oldest threads first because this is where the heat fixes were first happening, therefore most have better documentation instead of the infamous line, "DO A SEARCH" in the later threads.

ONE

TWO

Write to the poster in this thread and see if he still has the pictures.

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

These are just part of what is on page 4 where I started.

Thanks...I did a search and found out...not to crazy about completely covering the tank. I'm scared to death I may have a heating problem, don't know till I pick the bike up Saturday. But if I do, I'll get some insulation and shield the tank from the bottom route. But you guys sure have me nervous because where I live it's 95*+ 55 months of the year.

 

[zzzzip]

I've owned all 3, plus the FZ6.

I liked the fact the '04ABS had fewer issues (& recalls) than the '06 and '07 I've owned. but really liked the changes they made for the Gen2 bikes. I had an '01 Connie to ride in the sloppy months and leave the '06 FJR in the garage. I found I missed the smoothness and power and quiet of the FJR and how it handled. So I sold the C-10 because it was just going to set. Then I sold the '06 thinking I'd give FJRs a rest. Two months later I had to buy an '07, so you can guess which bike I am sold on.

For the price the C-10 is a good bike and a good value, especially if you can get one at that mileage for that money. It will probably meet 90% of your needs, and when you decide to move to an FJR, you can probably sell it and get most of your money back. Be aware the now odd size rear tire on the C-10 makes tire selection pretty limited. Last time I looked, I could only find 2 brands in the size I needed and wanted. (I know... the Gold Wing tires will fit... yada, yada..)

Hope this helped.

 

[wheatonFJR]

I have a silver Bagster tank bra with Bagster tank bags if you are interested...

 

[SacramentoMike]

I can spend a little more and get an early 03-05 FJR, but have been tainted with all the negative stuff I've read.

I guess I'm just repeating here, but "all" what, exactly? Heat? What else? The famous heat issue is "the" exclusively Gen I issue, as far as I know. I'm not saying the FJR is a perfect bike--of any generation. Or that any perfect bike exists. But this "heat issue" is WAY overrated, IMHO. Yes, once in a while you'll feel some heat, but you can modify it with:

- gear;

- shielding (over the tank, under the tank, or inside the fairing;

- highway pegs to get your legs out into the cooling breeze occasionally.

- Some have added "wind wings" that direct air toward or away from the rider, depending on conditions.

A big engine's going to put out heat, but I've never found it enough to offset the joy of riding an FJR, through my two Gen I's.

are the 03-05 FJR's good bikes?

So, yes.

 

[HeUeR]

I can spend a little more and get an early 03-05 FJR, but have been tainted with all the negative stuff I've read.

I guess I'm just repeating here, but "all" what, exactly? Heat? What else? The famous heat issue is "the" exclusively Gen I issue, as far as I know. I'm not saying the FJR is a perfect bike--of any generation. Or that any perfect bike exists. But this "heat issue" is WAY overrated, IMHO. Yes, once in a while you'll feel some heat, but you can modify it with:

- gear;

- shielding (over the tank, under the tank, or inside the fairing;

- highway pegs to get your legs out into the cooling breeze occasionally.

- Some have added "wind wings" that direct air toward or away from the rider, depending on conditions.

A big engine's going to put out heat, but I've never found it enough to offset the joy of riding an FJR, through my two Gen I's.

are the 03-05 FJR's good bikes?

So, yes.

I saw a 2010 thread yesterday where he says the heat is burning his ankles.

 

[SLK50]

Threads like this one really chafe my keister.

Tender butts, sore muscles, numb hands and now it's hot ankels?

Some men ( ahem ) just are meant to ride motorcycles.

The lot of them should just march on down to the Toyota dealer,

get a Camry and quit griping like a schoolgirl.

It's like watching some screwed-up version of the Wizard of Oz:

"I'm melting, I'm melting, Oooohhh!!!!

Grow a pair!