FJR vs Connie Head to Head in RoadRUNNER

[Lauren_TK]

So say we all.

 

[roger dodger]

It's so fun to see how the grass is always greener...

I belong to COG and read the COG website most days. They think the C14 is better for all the right reasons, and the FJR is less for all it's reasons. I could agree.

I own a (Gen1) FJR, and I wouldn't trade it for anything (but a Gen 3) and we think the FJR is better for all of our reasons, and the C14 is less due to it's faults. I could agree.

All this article tells us is we all like antagonism, and all advertising is good for business (Kawasaki, Yamaha, AND RoadRunner).

 

[palerider]

Not sure how (or why) you skip gears except by double up shifting on a single clutch pull. Now I'll admit right up front that I've never tried it, but don't really get why you'd want to do that. Maybe I'm missing out on something really cool?


Just as an FYI to all you poor 2nd gen or later owners, the superior 1st gen runs at 4k rpm at 70 mph in 5th gear, and it still isn't wanting for another gear. It's plenty smooth at 80 or 90 or... (use your imagination). Never have heard that a 2+ gen can pull higher top speed than a 1st.

There are a a whole bunch'a useful rpms above 4000 on these bikes. Use 'em!

I get a little buzzing at speed that is a bit tiring after 100 miles on the slab and that would be ameliorated by a drop of 1000 RPM or so; a 6th gear would be welcome then. Do I NEED it? No. Do I miss it? Sometimes. Would I give up anything for it? No. If I could have the bike exactly the way it is except for the addition of a taller overdrive, then, yes, I would want that. Is it going to happen? No. I'd also like to be younger, but that isn't going to happen either.

What surprises me is the passion the question inspires. Calm down, folks; my wishing for a 6th gear won't influence Yamaha one way or the other. They make incremental improvements on their models over the years. Saves them retooling costs. They kept the original VMax alive for--what?--20 years? That's what they'll do with the FJR too: incremental improvements for the next 10 more years. And if, some day, in some newer iteration of the FJR--with a 1400cc, cross-plane cranked, turbo-charged engine, usable mirrors, and a cloaking device--Yamaha chose to add a 6th gear, so what?

In the meantime, I'll just keep wishing. For all the good it'll do.

 

[Allen_C]

Not sure how (or why) you skip gears except by double up shifting on a single clutch pull. Now I'll admit right up front that I've never tried it, but don't really get why you'd want to do that. Maybe I'm missing out on something really cool?


Just as an FYI to all you poor 2nd gen or later owners, the superior 1st gen runs at 4k rpm at 70 mph in 5th gear, and it still isn't wanting for another gear. It's plenty smooth at 80 or 90 or... (use your imagination). Never have heard that a 2+ gen can pull higher top speed than a 1st.

There are a a whole bunch'a useful rpms above 4000 on these bikes. Use 'em!

I get a little buzzing at speed that is a bit tiring after 100 miles on the slab and that would be ameliorated by a drop of 1000 RPM or so; a 6th gear would be welcome then. Do I NEED it? No. Do I miss it? Sometimes. Would I give up anything for it? No. If I could have the bike exactly the way it is except for the addition of a taller overdrive, then, yes, I would want that. Is it going to happen? No. I'd also like to be younger, but that isn't going to happen either.

What surprises me is the passion the question inspires. Calm down, folks; my wishing for a 6th gear won't influence Yamaha one way or the other. They make incremental improvements on their models over the years. Saves them retooling money. They kept the original VMax alive for--what?--20 years? That's what they'll do with the FJR too: incremental improvements for the next 10 more years. And if in some newer iteration of the FJR, one with usable mirrors, a 1400cc, cross-plane cranked, turbo-charged engine, and a cloaking device, Yamaha chose to add a 6th gear, so what?

In the meantime, I'll just keep wishing. For all the good it'll do.

If you get a '14 FJR you will lose the vibration you are feeling. I'm just sayin'!

 

[palerider]

Not sure how (or why) you skip gears except by double up shifting on a single clutch pull. Now I'll admit right up front that I've never tried it, but don't really get why you'd want to do that. Maybe I'm missing out on something really cool?

Just as an FYI to all you poor 2nd gen or later owners, the superior 1st gen runs at 4k rpm at 70 mph in 5th gear, and it still isn't wanting for another gear. It's plenty smooth at 80 or 90 or... (use your imagination). Never have heard that a 2+ gen can pull higher top speed than a 1st.

There are a a whole bunch'a useful rpms above 4000 on these bikes. Use 'em!

I get a little buzzing at speed that is a bit tiring after 100 miles on the slab and that would be ameliorated by a drop of 1000 RPM or so; a 6th gear would be welcome then. Do I NEED it? No. Do I miss it? Sometimes. Would I give up anything for it? No. If I could have the bike exactly the way it is except for the addition of a taller overdrive, then, yes, I would want that. Is it going to happen? No. I'd also like to be younger, but that isn't going to happen either.
What surprises me is the passion the question inspires. Calm down, folks; my wishing for a 6th gear won't influence Yamaha one way or the other. They make incremental improvements on their models over the years. Saves them retooling costs. They kept the original VMax alive for--what?--20 years? That's what they'll do with the FJR too: incremental improvements for the next 10 more years. And one day, if in some newer iteration of the FJR, one with usable mirrors, a 1400cc, cross-plane cranked, turbo-charged engine, and a cloaking device, Yamaha chose to add a 6th gear, so what?

In the meantime, I'll just keep wishing. For all the good it'll do.

If you get a '14 FJR you will lose the vibration you are feeling. I'm just sayin'!

All donations graciously accepted.

 

[blassoff]

The last bike I owned before the 05 fjr was a 2004 concours. the fjr is far and away a superior bike. That said, the Connie was more comfortable for my 6' frame and I really like the idea of a 6th gear overdrive. Droning on the interstate at 4000+ rpm does invite some vibration, and the mileage suffers.

I wouldn't go back to a c10 concours, but I would appreciate an overdrive on the fjr. Maybe I just need to upgrade to a gen3, but I have yet to find a bike I like better than my 05. I've ridden both gen2's and a gen3. I'm still loving the gen1. And........it's paid for. Can't beat that with a stick!

 

[Allen_C]

Those of you Gen 1 owners, please confirm you are going 70mph at 4000rpm? I rode a 2005 Wednesday and find this to be true on that bike. On my '14ES, at 70mph it's only turning 3700rpm. If I remember correctly, at 80mph it's turning 4200rpm and as south as silk.

 

[Ignacio]

Those of you Gen 1 owners, please confirm you are going 70mph at 4000rpm? I rode a 2005 Wednesday and find this to be true on that bike. On my '14ES, at 70mph it's only turning 3700rpm. If I remember correctly, at 80mph it's turning 4200rpm and as south as silk.

Difference in final drive ratios detailed in the BIn O' Facts for Gen 3 here.https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php/topic/154939-13-up-bin-o-facts-generation-iii/. 300 RPM difference seems a bit high....more like 100-150 RPM difference @ 2.7%. Remember there's also potential for difference in indicated speed and possible tire situations.

 

[Allen_C]

I run stock tires and my indicated dotted is 1mph higher than gps shows.

 

[blassoff]

Yes....4000rpm is 70 mph. If I could kick that back 12 to 15%, that'd be wonderful. Heck, I put a gear indicator on my 05 just so I wouldn't continually search for another gear. To be fair, I had a six speed tranny on the concours and would still hunt for a seventh. :-}}

 

[supertankerm60a3]

Even with the overdrive, the stock C1 ran higher RPM in top gear than an FJR. Of course, it is only a 1000 cc engine. They have an aftermarket modification for about 700 bucks ((?)Maybe 400 with a 300 core charge) called the 7th gear mod. It is a rebuilt unit (all new seals and gaskets) that changes the ratios of the bevel gear drive, raising it by 14%. Now my friends 02 has the same 4000/70 as my FJR but he has to shift more than me.

Personally, I don't need a 6th gear, but I would like to have a good 4 speed trans with a REALLY tall 5th at the end. What is our theoretical top speed, redline in 4th?

 

[carlson_mn]

Not sure how (or why) you skip gears except by double up shifting on a single clutch pull. Now I'll admit right up front that I've never tried it, but don't really get why you'd want to do that. Maybe I'm missing out on something really cool?


Just as an FYI to all you poor 2nd gen or later owners, the superior 1st gen runs at 4k rpm at 70 mph in 5th gear, and it still isn't wanting for another gear. It's plenty smooth at 80 or 90 or... (use your imagination). Never have heard that a 2+ gen can pull higher top speed than a 1st.

There are a a whole bunch'a useful rpms above 4000 on these bikes. Use 'em!

Having owned both the 2G gearing is better than the first in almost every way. I certainly felt that the rpms on the 1G were just a bit high, although not enough to bother me. The 2G is perfect and I do get noticeably better MPG. I can also put the power down better in 1st gear and launch better, not that I'm at the drag strip much though lol.

 

[WBill]

Yep: 4K rpm at 70 mph on my '05. That's how I know I'm in fifth and not fourth. WBill

 

[Rain Dancer]

I also belong to COG and here. I keep my 04 FJR because it's suspension has been worked, the rpm's don't bother me, and it's lighter than Gen 2 or 3. (And yes, I have ridden a Gen 2) Also had a c10 until it t-boned a van, and my wife and I rode that cross country 3 times. Like each bike for different reasons. Having ridden a C14, it's not for me. I am sure it's a great bike. If the FJR continues to get heavier, I will replace it with something else when the time comes. Doesn't mean it's not a good bike, just that it doesn't suit me. Wouldn't it be boring if EVERYONE rode an FJR?

 

[Fred W]

Those of you Gen 1 owners, please confirm you are going 70mph at 4000rpm? I rode a 2005 Wednesday and find this to be true on that bike. On my '14ES, at 70mph it's only turning 3700rpm. If I remember correctly, at 80mph it's turning 4200rpm and as south as silk.

Hey. I already said it was didn't I? What are you doubting me or something?

Not sure how (or why) you skip gears except by double up shifting on a single clutch pull. Now I'll admit right up front that I've never tried it, but don't really get why you'd want to do that. Maybe I'm missing out on something really cool?


Just as an FYI to all you poor 2nd gen or later owners, the superior 1st gen runs at 4k rpm at 70 mph in 5th gear, and it still isn't wanting for another gear. It's plenty smooth at 80 or 90 or... (use your imagination). Never have heard that a 2+ gen can pull higher top speed than a 1st.

There are a a whole bunch'a useful rpms above 4000 on these bikes. Use 'em!

Having owned both the 2G gearing is better than the first in almost every way. I certainly felt that the rpms on the 1G were just a bit high, although not enough to bother me. The 2G is perfect and I do get noticeably better MPG. I can also put the power down better in 1st gear and launch better, not that I'm at the drag strip much though lol.

So... other than your subjective "feelings", your observation of the tachometer pointing left-er, the increased mpg on your 2nd Gen, which is, no doubt, not solely attributable to just a gearing change, and your perceived ability to "put power down better in 1st gear" which is well... arguable, how exactly is the 2nd gear ratio "better in every way"?

Yep: 4K rpm at 70 mph on my '05. That's how I know I'm in fifth and not fourth. WBill

Yeah this. 4k in 3rd = 50mph, 4k in 4th = 60 mph, 4k in 5th = 70 mph. Who needs a lying speedometer?

 

[HotRodZilla]

Fred, I can't figure out of he's talking about 1st and 2nd gear or 1st and 2nd gen bikes. I think maybe you got closer than I did as I couldn't comprehend that.

 

[carlson_mn]

First of all let us laugh at this very technical discussion between our bikes. Yes, for me, I enjoy the gearing of the Gen2 on every gear. The FJR has so much low end torque the taller gearing doesn't hamper it, and the taller gear allows it to extend it's top end hp. To me the 2G feels a bit faster on the top end than my 1G as it stays in the power band longer once wound up.

I also prefer 1st gear because it wheelies better and doesn't approach redline as quickly - . 2nd gear is a bit longer and works a little better in really tight twisties without feeling quite as twitchy or high strung as the 1G. I'd say 3rd gear is a wash, depends on the road. Sometimes I downshift to 2nd when I would have left it in 3rd gear on my 04.

C'mon Fred you're sharper than that usually... I said "almost every way".

 

[Redfish Hunter]

Fred seems grouchy. Perhaps he needs a hug?

We started off bitching about a magazine that compared two bikes from different years, then we bitched a little about the Big Connie. Are we now bitching about the difference in gear ratios on our FJRs? Really?

I think I will go make a comment to Mrs. Redfish that she is putting on a few pounds over the winter. Just so I can hear some Real Bitching.

 

[wheatonFJR]

I think the ******* ride 2nd Gen...

...and yes, it's time for this freakin 6 month winter to be done!

 

[HotRodZilla]

I think all the ******* live north of Kansas and east of Colorado. Whaaaaah, it won't stop snowing. Whaaaaah, it's been below freezing for 4 straight months now. Sheesh...babies!