FJR>C14>K1200GT>ST Comparison

[Gerry.GEG]

Well, thanks for that info. I did think maybe if the Concours came out earlier I would have looked at it. I'm 6' and think the FJR is the best for those who don't want sedate power and styling. I know it's not da-bomb for everyone but I was reading about the BMW K bikes in Rider last night and find it hard to stomach the $22, 800 price tag on the one in the test. I just think I could put that extra $8K or so to other good uses and be perfectly happy with one of the best bikes out there. Plus, how often do you get the: "Hey nice BMW?" Maybe because it's black, or maybe 'cause it looks so damn good!

The group I ride with consists of a 2008 BMW K1200GT, a 2009 Kawasaki Concours 1400, a 2005 Honda ST1300 and my 2009 Yamaha FJR1300. We like to switch bikes just to see what the other bikes are like. It really helps to be able to get off one bike and immediately get on a different bike to see the subtle differences. To start, I am 44 years old, 5'7" & 200lbs (insert fat joke here). They are all great bikes, but by far the FJR is the easiest to ride well. It has the lowest seat height and the most comfortable seat for long rides. The BMW and the C14 have more power, but you need to wind them up to get to the power. The ST has the best wind protection and is incredibly smooth, but I find it boring. I don't feel involved in the ride. It's like I'm watching the ride on TV. I could see how the ST might excell on very long trips. The C14 is definitely more on the sportbike side of things. The BMW is not worth the extra money, but some of the features (ie. cruise control) are real nice. The separate right and left blinker switches take some time to get used to.
Overall, if any of you were second guessing your choice of buying an FJR, don't. It has the best combination of power, handling, and comfort (at least for someone of my size).

 

[GMAK]

Thanks. Yes, my '07 has been corrected also(by the prior owner),

but I just wondered if the other bikes compared had similar draw-

backs.

They all have to meet emission requirements, but afaik, the FJR is

alone regarding the level of this abrupt behavior.

But understand, I've not ridden any of the bikes described by the

OP. The only other FI bike I've recently ridden is a Gold Wing, and

it was not as smooth as my carbureted experiences. But not any-

where near as rough as my previous FJR was.

But, I do like the FJR. I've just had to adjust my riding style some-

what to ensure a smooth operation. (i.e. break some bad habits

developed on the carbureted bikes).

Thanks again, for the comments.

 

[Lawrence]

Well, thanks for that info. I did think maybe if the Concours came out earlier I would have looked at it. I'm 6' and think the FJR is the best for those who don't want sedate power and styling. I know it's not da-bomb for everyone but I was reading about the BMW K bikes in Rider last night and find it hard to stomach the $22, 800 price tag on the one in the test. I just think I could put that extra $8K or so to other good uses and be perfectly happy with one of the best bikes out there. Plus, how often do you get the: "Hey nice BMW?" Maybe because it's black, or maybe 'cause it looks so damn good!

I was looking to replace my '90 Concours (110k miles) and was seriously considering the K1200GT (would have gone nicely with my 528iT). I had even made a few offers. Then some fellow COG members warned me away (things like ESA replacement at $3k required every 30-50k miles, failed final drive splines, lack of dealer support in between coasts, and other expensive maintenance items). I'm told that many of the K1200GT riders are selling theirs before the 3 year warranty expires. I was told to research stories of Iron Butt riders being stranded on the K1200GT. BMW revised the shaft drive mid '08, but supposedly isn't publicly acknowledging a well-known problem.

If it hadn't have been for that warning and my desire to spend my disposable income on family rather than bike maint items, I'd have bought the BMW. I didn't mind paying more upfront. I did mind the idea of paying more up-front, and then continuing to have to pay more over the life of the nbike, and potentially a LOT more later in its life (and I hold my vehicles for a while obviosuly). It was a really nice bike to ride, and the electronic suspension adjustment (for those of us who ride 2-up often enough) is too cool (but obviously needs some long-term reliability design updates).

 

[user 17459]

Thanks. Yes, my '07 has been corrected also(by the prior owner),but I just wondered if the other bikes compared had similar draw-

backs.

They all have to meet emission requirements, but afaik, the FJR is

alone regarding the level of this abrupt behavior.

But understand, I've not ridden any of the bikes described by the

OP. The only other FI bike I've recently ridden is a Gold Wing, and

it was not as smooth as my carbureted experiences. But not any-

where near as rough as my previous FJR was.

But, I do like the FJR. I've just had to adjust my riding style some-

what to ensure a smooth operation. (i.e. break some bad habits

developed on the carbureted bikes).

Thanks again, for the comments.

Actually, the Honda ST1300 also has an issue with the abrupt throttle due to the FI. In its stock form it has a lean issue around 3K to 4.5K or so. Lack of power, not as smooth, etc. I'm told that this is due to the pressure that the pressure regulator is set for so that the bike could pass the 2008 CA emissions. Turbo Tom has a fix for the problem. Check out this link if interested:

https://koczarski.com/ST1300/TurboCityRegualtor/Regualtor.htm

I put one on my ST and it literally transformed the engine! I think it was able to run as designed with the modification. Lots more power, smoother, better mileage, etc. Best $100 I spent on the bike. The throttle is still a bit abrupt though, as I suspect all FI / shaft drive bikes are.

Rick

 

[2006FJR]

I keep hearing Suzuki wants to get a ST bike out sometime soon. We all win when there are more bikes to pick from.