jwhite518
Well-known member
I rode a BMW R1100RS for nearly 12 years. It was a fun and competent sport tourer. Then it broke one too many times and I decided to replace it with an FJR. I've only taken the FJR on one long ride, but that ride covered a wide variety of roads and enabled me to evaluate the bike fairly.
1. Engine. No question about it, the FJR completely blows away the BMW. You don’t need to look at any horsepower specs, you just need to sit on the bike and twist the throttle. It’s amazingly smooth, responsive, and powerful. The FJR is a well-mannered rocketship. In fairness, it's not really comparing apples to apples. One is an 1100cc boxer motor and the other is a 1300cc transverse 4. If it weren't faster there would be a problem. But man, that motor is a blast to ride!
What about engine heat? On this 05, which has not been modified in any way to mitigate any heat problems, I did feel some warmth on my lower legs. I can't say it was horrible, but it was there. Maybe after spending all day in Death Vally I might think differently, but for now it's livable.
2. Transmission. The BMW’s trans has always been clunky, hard to shift, and with wide-spaced gear ratios that make the transitions between gears awkward. The FJR shifts smoothly and the gears are closely spaced.
3. Brakes. Both bikes have excellent brakes. I’d say the FJR has a slight advantage when you first apply the brakes. They come on more smoothly with less “grab” than the BMW.
4. Handling. This is one area where the BMW is better. They both have excellent suspensions due to the aftermarket upgrades on both bikes. However the FJR has a tendency to stand up when braking in corners. The BMW’s paralever system eliminates that behavior. They both steer well and remain stable at high speeds.
5. Touring Amenities: Both bikes have factory saddlebags, but only the FJR’s saddlebags are large enough to fit a helmet. Both bikes have an adjustable windshield, but only the FJR’s is electric, and can be easily adjusted while riding. The FJR has a glove box, not the BMW. Advantage Yamaha.
6. Oil sight glass. The BMW has a far superior sight glass. It is easily visible while standing next to the bike. It has a convenient oil level mark on the glass. The FJR, on the other hand, has no such markings on the glass. Also it can only be viewed from close range while kneeling on the ground.
In summary, the FJR is much better in many ways, and it’s a hoot to ride. But the oil sight glass is so horrible I cannot recommend the FJR for purchase. Keep on buying those BMWs, folks.
1. Engine. No question about it, the FJR completely blows away the BMW. You don’t need to look at any horsepower specs, you just need to sit on the bike and twist the throttle. It’s amazingly smooth, responsive, and powerful. The FJR is a well-mannered rocketship. In fairness, it's not really comparing apples to apples. One is an 1100cc boxer motor and the other is a 1300cc transverse 4. If it weren't faster there would be a problem. But man, that motor is a blast to ride!
What about engine heat? On this 05, which has not been modified in any way to mitigate any heat problems, I did feel some warmth on my lower legs. I can't say it was horrible, but it was there. Maybe after spending all day in Death Vally I might think differently, but for now it's livable.
2. Transmission. The BMW’s trans has always been clunky, hard to shift, and with wide-spaced gear ratios that make the transitions between gears awkward. The FJR shifts smoothly and the gears are closely spaced.
3. Brakes. Both bikes have excellent brakes. I’d say the FJR has a slight advantage when you first apply the brakes. They come on more smoothly with less “grab” than the BMW.
4. Handling. This is one area where the BMW is better. They both have excellent suspensions due to the aftermarket upgrades on both bikes. However the FJR has a tendency to stand up when braking in corners. The BMW’s paralever system eliminates that behavior. They both steer well and remain stable at high speeds.
5. Touring Amenities: Both bikes have factory saddlebags, but only the FJR’s saddlebags are large enough to fit a helmet. Both bikes have an adjustable windshield, but only the FJR’s is electric, and can be easily adjusted while riding. The FJR has a glove box, not the BMW. Advantage Yamaha.
6. Oil sight glass. The BMW has a far superior sight glass. It is easily visible while standing next to the bike. It has a convenient oil level mark on the glass. The FJR, on the other hand, has no such markings on the glass. Also it can only be viewed from close range while kneeling on the ground.
In summary, the FJR is much better in many ways, and it’s a hoot to ride. But the oil sight glass is so horrible I cannot recommend the FJR for purchase. Keep on buying those BMWs, folks.
