Early FJR1300 vs Kawasaki Concours, wanting to buy one

[charismaticmegafauna]

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!

(from TV

"...and that's why yellow makes me sad"

"I think we should march you down to namby-pamby-land and see if we can find you some self-confidence -- you jack-wagon!"

 

[HeUeR]

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!

(from TV

"...and that's why yellow makes me sad"

"I think we should march you down to namby-pamby-land and see if we can find you some self-confidence -- you jack-wagon!"

Tissue? (Throws tissue box) Big baby

 

[fjrchooser]

If you ride in sandals or tennis shoes then yes, it's going to get hot down there especially stuck in TX traffic when the fans kick in.

Proper riding gear nearly eliminates the issue all by itself. Spending a few more bucks on foam blocks, heat blankets and a few hours of personal time makes it pretty darn good considering your straddling 145 hp of fully faired fun.

That said, I've been pretty miserable after 10-12 hours in the saddle in 106+ degree temps, but no more so than if I had been walking in the same conditions.

 

[roger dodger]

I owned an '02 Connie for 30k miles....Best bang for the buck!!!!!! (w/ 1986 technology)

Now I own an '03 FJR for 10k miles.....Best bang for the buck!!!!!!! (w/ 2002 technology)

For $2500 or so buy a used '94 + Connie - fun, comfort, reliable, cheap to maintain.

For $5000 or so buy a Gen 1 FJR - Power!!!! Smooth!!! Reliable!!! cheap to maintain.

 

[SacramentoMike]

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

He should wear boots.

Frankly, from everything I've read, it really doesn't sound like the Gen II's are all that much cooler on your legs than the Gen I's. A little better "heat management," so they say. Feel free to jump in here, Gen II guys, and contradict me all you like. But it's the same engine, and it's putting out the same heat. I suspect a Kawa engine generates some heat too. I never met a motorcycle rider that didn't have a burn scar the size and shape of a lemon on his right calf, did you?

I'd suggest you don't make the Gen I vs. Gen II heat question the deciding factor on what bike you buy. There are lots more important ways to evaluate your alternatives: Price. Mechanical condition. Total Miles. Maintenance issues. Does it, or does it not, give you wood?

 

[HeUeR]

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

Does it, or does it not, give you wood?

Wood factor sold me.

 

[Ignacio]

A little better "heat management," so they say. Feel free to jump in here, Gen II guys, and contradict me all you like. But it's the same engine, and it's putting out the same heat.

Exactly! Call me a kindred spirit on this point.

However, this point get's mangled and repeated incorrectly so many times....I've largely given up pointing it out. Similar to "lane sharing" vs. "splitting".

...instead...I just make liberal use of the NEPRT move technique and now the post reputation system.

Concur with Roger Dodger.

 

[JamesW]

Brief blurb, currently ride 06 wing, 04 connie, and 08 fjr. In my experience nothing on two wheels goes farther, faster with the superb weather protection of my 04 connie with the rifle. I also have the european edging. Been a connie driver since spring 87(had 3). Tires are now an issue and may lead to the departure of my connie some day. Love my fjr, but am on my third windshield (a rifle which seems the best of the lot)and it still does not equal the all-weather of my connie. My older tech gearbox seems a step up from the fjr box, fjr requires more deliberation with a little bit of patience. Lest I forget, sit on an older connie and check out the superb mirrors, which also keep your hands dry. Little marvel mystery oil in the gas once in a while-zero carb problems on any of my connies, plus riding year round and stabilizer help also. I think however buying strictly for economy(best deal) can be a mistake, figure out what YOU are really going to be happiest with.

 

[HeUeR]

Brief blurb, currently ride 06 wing, 04 connie, and 08 fjr. In my experience nothing on two wheels goes farther, faster with the superb weather protection of my 04 connie with the rifle. I also have the european edging. Been a connie driver since spring 87(had 3). Tires are now an issue and may lead to the departure of my connie some day. Love my fjr, but am on my third windshield (a rifle which seems the best of the lot)and it still does not equal the all-weather of my connie. My older tech gearbox seems a step up from the fjr box, fjr requires more deliberation with a little bit of patience. Lest I forget, sit on an older connie and check out the superb mirrors, which also keep your hands dry. Little marvel mystery oil in the gas once in a while-zero carb problems on any of my connies, plus riding year round and stabilizer help also. I think however buying strictly for economy(best deal) can be a mistake, figure out what YOU are really going to be happiest with.

That's the one thing I really love about my Connie is it can handle really cold weather with my CeeBaily windsheild...I tuck my legs behind the fairing and I fell nothing but comfort. I bought the Rifle for my new-to-me FJR as I was told they were the best for that bike.

 

[rfulcher]

I had an 2001 Connie for 20,000 miles prior to my 07 FJR. The Connie was reliable and was good for touring, however it felt like farm equipment (old tech) and handled poorly. It was not much fun on twisty roads. Without earplugs it was a noisy and irritating. The FJR is definately a step up in quality and technology from the Connie. The Connie was, and is, great bang for the buck. If I could not afford a 1st or 2nd Gen FJR and wanted a bike for long trips the Connie would be one of my choices. I also have a VStrom 650 and would go for another VStrom before I bought a Connnie. Not as much weather protection but the DL650 is better in almost every way.

 

[tasop7]

Wow, thanks for all the replies guys! I really have an appreciation for active forums where you don't have to wait days and weeks for responses.

Ok so, I'm just going to throw out some of the things I've read about and heard other FJR owners having problems with. I'm not completely educated and don't know everything about this bike. Some of the issues I've heard about might only apply to the 1st Gen models... and some issues might only apply to the 2nd Gen models. But that's why I'm here... to ask the "source", actual FJR riders. To be honest, I wasn't even aware of that many issues on the 2nd Gen models.

The issues I was concerned about are:

-Heat. Which honestly doesn't bother me anymore. I always ride fully geared and can do some of the mods/fixes you've talk about for the tank, etc. Plus, the heat might help extend my riding in the cold months here in Chicago.

-The "Ticker" problem. This is by far my biggest concern. I love modding bikes, and have put lots of aftermarket parts on my FZ6 to make it more comfortable. So the heat issue above, I can take care of on my own. But I dread the thought of having mechanical issues. I know this is a rare problem, but I've also read about some bikes not getting it until the 20k mike range. The FJR's that I'm looking at have around 10k-15k miles. I just don't want to be stuck with a serious engine problem down the road. I've tried to find some good audio clips to educate myself on what to listen for when I'm looking at used FJR's. I found a post here, seems like the audio is really good, but the links are down - "Ticker" Post

-Alternator. Now I don't know if this is really an issue, but the 2nd Gen's have an upgraded alternator. This makes me think that the alternator on the 1st Gen's might not have been sufficient enough. I don't know though. What I do know is that I love gadgets on my bike. Heated grips, GPS, phone charger, extra lighting, etc. Do you 1st Gen owners have any problems in this area?

-Other misc. problems. I know with my FZ6 the 04-05's had fuel injection timing problems. Yamaha fixed the issues for the 06 models, then totally redesigned the 07 and up. The 07+ are so much better than the 1st Gen FZ6's (better speedo, much better windscreen design, better brakes, rubber mounting on passenger pegs to reduce vibration, etc). I guess that was also ingrained in my head so much that I've always viewed the FJR's to be similar. Lots of new bikes have issues and such with the first few years, then the manufacturer corrects the problems that people complain about in the 1st Gen models and come out with a much better 2nd Gen model. That was always my uneducated view of the FJR, the 1st Gen's are inferior.

Again, I don't really hear about many issues on the 2nd Gen FJR's, but I'm also probably not looking in the right places either. It sounds like you guys are saying the 1st Gen FJR's are better than the 2nd Gen. What other changes do the 2nd Gen's have that I would like? What did they change regarding the instrument cluster? I know a glove/storage box was added in 04 and power outlet sometime after as well. Which years have heated grips?

One other thing I have not mentioned until now is the seating position. I know this is a "sport" touring bike, but I definitely like more of an upright seating position. My stock FZ6's bars were too low to ride comfortably for a long period of time. I added 1 in. up and back risers and that made it much better. I'm sure the FJR isn't completely upright even with risers, but is it pretty comfortable for long trips? I also have problems with wind protection and helmet buffeting on my FZ6. I'm 5'6" so a little on the shorter side. The stock windscreen sends the wind right at my neck and right up my helmet (very annoying and very loud). I have a really tall Cal-Sci (and actually a Cee Bailey's too) that works great for wind protection but I cook in the summer since I have no airflow going into my helmet vents. Any medium size screen sends the air right in the center of my helmet causing tons of buffeting and noise. So I either ride with a chopped/smaller stock screen or a really tall aftermarket screen. How's the screen on the FJR? Does the adjustability up and down make a big difference? I love how Goldwings have huge screens but have vents you can open to actually get some airflow... that sounds like a dream for me.

Anyway, sorry to be so long winded. It's just hard finding the right bike. Rarely do you get to test ride them, and if you do, it's not long enough to really get a feel for some of the things I talked about. Comfort issues can sometimes only be detected on longer rides over 2 hours. So you almost have to just buy the bike and see if it's right for you... if not, sell it and find another. I'm actually thinking of getting the Connie since it's so cheap and also get the FJR. I may get rid of the FZ6, I'm not sure. Decisions, decisions...

 

[Ignacio]

Again, I don't really hear about many issues on the 2nd Gen FJR's, but I'm also probably not looking in the right places either. It sounds like you guys are saying the 1st Gen FJR's are better than the 2nd Gen. What other changes do the 2nd Gen's have that I would like? What did they change regarding the instrument cluster? I know a glove/storage box was added in 04 and power outlet sometime after as well. Which years have heated grips?

Some of these questions and others are major reasons we have a FJR Model Comparison Matrix and pinned area for Technical/Mechanical Problems.

 

[tasop7]

I had an 2001 Connie for 20,000 miles prior to my 07 FJR. The Connie was reliable and was good for touring, however it felt like farm equipment (old tech) and handled poorly. It was not much fun on twisty roads. Without earplugs it was a noisy and irritating. The FJR is definately a step up in quality and technology from the Connie. The Connie was, and is, great bang for the buck. If I could not afford a 1st or 2nd Gen FJR and wanted a bike for long trips the Connie would be one of my choices. I also have a VStrom 650 and would go for another VStrom before I bought a Connnie. Not as much weather protection but the DL650 is better in almost every way.

Yeah, I've always heard great things about V-Stroms as well. The DL1000 was another bike I was thinking about. I seem to always read about people liking the 650 more though. I went on a few trips with my FZ6 and felt like the engine/RPMs were running pretty high when the speed limit was 65 and I was doing 70ish. I could change the sprockets to have more top speed and run at a lower RPM overall, but then I start loosing torque and acceleration. So that's what prompted me to look for a liter bike.

 

[tasop7]

Again, I don't really hear about many issues on the 2nd Gen FJR's, but I'm also probably not looking in the right places either. It sounds like you guys are saying the 1st Gen FJR's are better than the 2nd Gen. What other changes do the 2nd Gen's have that I would like? What did they change regarding the instrument cluster? I know a glove/storage box was added in 04 and power outlet sometime after as well. Which years have heated grips?

Some of these questions and others are major reasons we have a FJR Model Comparison Matrix and pinned area for Technical/Mechanical Problems.

Sorry, I didn't know this existed. I've spent so much time searching and reading that it's starting to drive me crazy. A lot of what I shared were just questions that keep coming to mind. I guess I just want everyone to know what my concerns are so they can help steer me in the right direction. The windscreen issue does seem more specific to me however, so I would definitely like some feedback regarding that. That "Model Comparison Matrix" PDF is awesome... I really appreciate that link. I didn't think to look through the "Tech/Mechanical problems" area on this board yet. I actually just recently came across this site. The info I've gotten has been form ADVrider.com, Wikipedia, some FJR reviews on my FZ6 forum, and a few other sites. I'll spend more time going through this site now.

Anyway, thanks again for the links!

 

[VTFJR13]

One other thing I have not mentioned until now is the seating position. I know this is a "sport" touring bike, but I definitely like more of an upright seating position. My stock FZ6's bars were too low to ride comfortably for a long period of time. I added 1 in. up and back risers and that made it much better. I'm sure the FJR isn't completely upright even with risers, but is it pretty comfortable for long trips? I also have problems with wind protection and helmet buffeting on my FZ6. I'm 5'6" so a little on the shorter side. The stock windscreen sends the wind right at my neck and right up my helmet (very annoying and very loud). I have a really tall Cal-Sci (and actually a Cee Bailey's too) that works great for wind protection but I cook in the summer since I have no airflow going into my helmet vents. Any medium size screen sends the air right in the center of my helmet causing tons of buffeting and noise. So I either ride with a chopped/smaller stock screen or a really tall aftermarket screen. How's the screen on the FJR? Does the adjustability up and down make a big difference? I love how Goldwings have huge screens but have vents you can open to actually get some airflow... that sounds like a dream for me.

Ok I can help ya in a couple area's here because I'm the same size as you(with a gen 2 fjr). The stock windshield is ok but in the full up position you may get some buffeting(helmets also make a difference). I used a laminar lip with the stock shield and it works great with air management and in the full up position gives a pretty quiet pocket of air. I now have a VStream windshield for cold weather riding and a CB dark smoke shield (stock size) with a laminar lip for summer riding. My arms are not real long to I added the Helibar upper triple clamp with risers. It brought the bars back to me like 1.5" and up about the same I think. You would have to check heli's website for exact numbers. but anyway it made the riding position more upright and very comfortable for me on long rides. The fuel injection is a little lean at small throttle inputs so most owners install a PC3 or PCV to correct the leanness. I hope this helps answer a couple questions.

 

[Yambone]

After having such a sweet 'modern' bike like the FZ6, I think you would be taking a big step back with the older Connie model, despite the low price, good reputation and wind management. You just won't get the WOW factor that is an important part of bike ownership, as well as all the modern stuff that goes with it.

Your point about the Gen I 'Tick Factor' is well taken and it should be a factor for any smart buyer. It is the only worry and possible flaw. But most of those issues have been resolved, and I could be mistaken, but it seems Yamaha has fixed many out of warranty. On the rare event it might crop up, you have their service bulletin to ask for a repair, which (I think) affected less than 10% of Gen I.

My '04 has 62K flawless miles and still has the WOW factor. Connies and ugly dual sports, not so much. On the other hand, that C-14 has some serious WOW. Dang, they stole a lot of FJR features, didn't they--for a reason. So back to point, bag the old Connie idea. Focus on something that will look really good for the next decade or so--and that will also fulfill your long distance missions.

 

[Sticky Throttle]

Buy an '03. Fastest of 'em all.

 

[tasop7]

After having such a sweet 'modern' bike like the FZ6, I think you would be taking a big step back with the older Connie model, despite the low price, good reputation and wind management. You just won't get the WOW factor that is an important part of bike ownership, as well as all the modern stuff that goes with it.

Your point about the Gen I 'Tick Factor' is well taken and it should be a factor for any smart buyer. It is the only worry and possible flaw. But most of those issues have been resolved, and I could be mistaken, but it seems Yamaha has fixed many out of warranty. On the rare event it might crop up, you have their service bulletin to ask for a repair, which (I think) affected less than 10% of Gen I.

My '04 has 62K flawless miles and still has the WOW factor. Connies and ugly dual sports, not so much. On the other hand, that C-14 has some serious WOW. Dang, they stole a lot of FJR features, didn't they--for a reason. So back to point, bag the old Connie idea. Focus on something that will look really good for the next decade or so--and that will also fulfill your long distance missions.

Ha, this keeps getting more complicated by the minute. So how does the C-14 compare to the FJR (which I'm sure there are tons of posts discussing that)? I have done some searching in the past but I recall reading that people generally like the FJR more for reasons I can't remember. If I sell my FZ6 then I'll have more cash to get any year FJR or Connie (C-14). I don't mind owning both the C-10 and FJR, but if the FJR is that much better, I'm sure the Connie will sit in the garage most of the time (which would be a shame). So comparing the FJR to the C-14 is a lot more fair... but I can't own both of those bikes so I need to decide on one or the other.

 

[MCRIDER007]

So comparing the FJR to the C-14 is a lot more fair... but I can't own both of those bikes so I need to decide on one or the other.

I do own both of these bikes (2008 FJR and 2010 C14) but fortunately I do not have to decide on one or the other but if I had to pick just one it would probably be.............which ever one I was riding when the question was asked. Maybe the real question is how does one decide which bike to ride?

 

[tasop7]

So comparing the FJR to the C-14 is a lot more fair... but I can't own both of those bikes so I need to decide on one or the other.

I do own both of these bikes (2008 FJR and 2010 C14) but fortunately I do not have to decide on one or the other but if I had to pick just one it would probably be.............which ever one I was riding when the question was asked. Maybe the real question is how does one decide which bike to ride?

When I was doing all my research several months ago, I think I came across some of your posts. All I remember was that there was a guy that owned an FJR and a C14. He would never give a straight answer as to which bike is better. Not sure how long you've had the C14 so it could have been someone else.

The question that gets raised for me then is why did you get a C14 when you already had the FJR? Makes me think that the FJR was lacking somehow. :dntknw: