FJR1300AE VS '06 BMW K1200GT

jpalamaro · Nov 28, 2005

And while I expect to take some heat on this I am fortunate enough to have two wonderful motorcycles on order: The FJR1300AE and the BMW K1200GT. BMW's bike expected in March timeframe, haven't heard any news on Yamaha moving up the FJR earlier than May.

Some interesting comparisons with preliminary/guesstimate data is that the bikes may have some similar traits and are going after a similar market. BMW's offering will have Radio/CD options, along with the adjustable (Hossack) Duolever suspension, plus one very nice feature, electronic cruise control. The 6 speed on the BMW will probably be a plus, but I suspect that other than the extremists, 5 is really good enough. The HP on the BMW is speculated at 153-157, somewhat detuned from the K12S/R's 167. The AE model will still be thousands less than the BMW but the BMW 36000/3yr warranty does outshine the 1 year on the FJR. Weight and other vitals(e.g. adjustable windscreen) probably gonna be a push.

Which bike has me really biting at the bit to get . . . that's easy, the FJR. A dealer in town, noted reliablility of Yamaha, and the electroin/shifting . . . CANNOT WAIT. Both of them, probably not. But, time will tell.

Sleepless in yechhhh Jacksonville

petey · Nov 28, 2005

No heat from me.

Anxious to hear how they compare.

radman · Nov 28, 2005

Sounds like you gots coin. Send any and all extra to

Radman

1695 Gerd Path

Rosemount,Mn 55068

bless you my son.....

Penforhire · Nov 28, 2005

I'm certainly curious about the new K-GT. On paper it sounds like they aimed exactly at the FJR. But if they did not exceed it, well, I won't get too excited. If their overall quality hasn't improved I'll be even less excited. My buddy's current generation K-RS has too much warranty work and so did my R1200C.

The pics I've seen look like a plain brick, flat-out ugly, but it could be the paint jobs.

petey · Nov 28, 2005

I'm certainly curious about the new K-GT. On paper it sounds like they aimed exactly at the FJR. But if they did not exceed it, well, I won't get too excited. If their overall quality hasn't improved I'll be even less excited. My buddy's current generation K-RS has too much warranty work and so did my R1200C.
The pics I've seen look like a plain brick, flat-out ugly, but it could be the paint jobs.

I don't ride a BMW now but traveled 120K miles on three (K1200LT, F650, R1150GS) different models between '99 to early '05. Did not have a problem, warranty or otherwise. I'm aware of all the problems that occured, but I was one of the lucky ones.