From ZZR to FJR Compairson

[Yroundrdn]

It's been close to a month now that I have had this 05 FJR. Wow, what a bike! I've owned several over the years and must say I'm most impressed with this bike. Quick comparison

• FJR much quicker and faster. Not sure why... ZZR had 23k miles, FJR 11k miles
• FJR fuel injection, very nice but experiencing some "popping" when warming up. Need to figure that one out. The bike sat a long time, may need some TB attention.
• Handling better but... I prefer the upright approach coming from dirt bikes and police motors
• FJR trans is much louder, not as fluid. It feels stronger, over-built for the bike and sounds like a tractor. The ZZR had Muzzys so that may be part of the sound difference.
• FJR 5 speed, much better, smoother for my passenger, I think I like the ease of 5 over 6 so ratio is good but one more at top would be nice.
• Seat is a little wide for sport riding but got used to that real quick
• Wife loves it, comfort for her= more riding for us, huge plus
• Leg position much more comfortable, like being "up-right", can ride much longer.
• Sound... need a little more life than the stock pipes. Will look into that down the road.
• Maintenance, so far just oil and filter but both much easier.

All in all, I'm very impressed with this bike and plan to put many miles on it.

 

[garyahouse]

Y-

I'm still trying to figure out what your user name means... sounds like an abbreviation for something. Anyway, you spoke of coming from another bike to an FJR. Most of us have a similar story. My last steed was a Suzuki GSX1100G

I just loved that thing. Torque, driveshaft, smooth. It had everything I wanted, but little of what I needed. A trip to the hospital taught me that I needed antilock brakes. After the bike got fixed up and sold, I bought the FJR. Wasn't sure I wanted the fairing, but now that I've got a fairing and saddlebags, anti lock brakes and an adjustable windshield, I'm wondering how I ever did without them.

You spoke of sound. There's a set of trooper modded pipes up for grabs here CLICKY but I'm not sure if they're still available. They will cure your need for noise.

You spoke of preferring a more upright riding position. You might consider risers. Many of us have them:

I love mine.

Your wife would also love a larger aftermarket windshield. They make a big diff. for the passenger too. What kinda farkles ya got on it now? Did it come stock?

Gary

darksider #44

 

[FJRacer]

You must be comparing a 600 to the 13. I had the pleasure of swapping numerous times from 04 to an 03 ZZR1200. It was anything but slower. That got proven on several side-by-side roll-ons. The motor was noticeable smoother and the 6-speed slick as butter. Not that the FJR tranny wasn't pretty darn slick as well. Just not as close-ratio. Handling edge always went to the ZZR. Shorter wheelbase. I could keep up on the FJR but the KAW. was preferred in the curves. Obviously the wind protection was minimal and the seating position more aggressive. Hence the reason we swapped up Bikes on long trips. The FJR is the Tourer of the 2. The ZZR is a very comfortable SportBike. And yes the FJR is way more versatile.

 

[ionbeam]

It's been close to a month now that I have had this 05 FJR. Wow...

• FJR fuel injection, very nice but experiencing some "popping" when warming up. Need to figure that one out...

The popping is almost certainly the Air Injection System which is active until the thermostat opens. No harm, no problem except for the noise, especially on deceleration.

The solution: Dave at WynPro for a set of these blank off plates.

 

[palerider]

Looks to me like "Year Round Riding"

Y-I'm still trying to figure out what your user name means...

 

[Yroundrdn]

yes, Year Round Riding... a benefit to the San Diego weather here in Southern CA. CA Politicians suck but weather is good. A second round of Jerry Brown in my lifetime is taking me to the edge... must keep riding....

Came off a ZZR1200 maybe something was off on it because it was slower.

One other thing I forgot ADJUSTABLE WINDSHIELD! Never thought I needed it but now I will never go without. Up for the cool rides, down as it warms up, up for the freeway, down for the fun.... very nice.

 

[FJR Bill]

You must be comparing a 600 to the 13. I had the pleasure of swapping numerous times from 04 to an 03 ZZR1200. It was anything but slower. That got proven on several side-by-side roll-ons. The motor was noticeable smoother and the 6-speed slick as butter. Not that the FJR tranny wasn't pretty darn slick as well. Just not as close-ratio. Handling edge always went to the ZZR. Shorter wheelbase. I could keep up on the FJR but the KAW. was preferred in the curves. Obviously the wind protection was minimal and the seating position more aggressive. Hence the reason we swapped up Bikes on long trips. The FJR is the Tourer of the 2. The ZZR is a very comfortable SportBike. And yes the FJR is way more versatile.

Ditto to the above concerning my B12 Bandit. The above quote equals my experience. Would have loved to keep the B12 but I have 3 bikes in the garage and I'm out of space. Bill

 

[SoCalFJR1300]

Ever notice the ZZR's headlights look like bowling pins and the taillights look like peanuts??

 

[carlson_mn]

You must be comparing a 600 to the 13. I had the pleasure of swapping numerous times from 04 to an 03 ZZR1200. It was anything but slower. That got proven on several side-by-side roll-ons. The motor was noticeable smoother and the 6-speed slick as butter. Not that the FJR tranny wasn't pretty darn slick as well. Just not as close-ratio. Handling edge always went to the ZZR. Shorter wheelbase. I could keep up on the FJR but the KAW. was preferred in the curves. Obviously the wind protection was minimal and the seating position more aggressive. Hence the reason we swapped up Bikes on long trips. The FJR is the Tourer of the 2. The ZZR is a very comfortable SportBike. And yes the FJR is way more versatile.

Ditto to the above concerning my B12 Bandit. The above quote equals my experience. Would have loved to keep the B12 but I have 3 bikes in the garage and I'm out of space. Bill

Also having a B12 and riding with my buddy and his 03 B12 I'll tell you that although the Bandit feels faster, the FJR walks away on any roll race. Everybody says the FJR is sneaky fast.

 

[Bungie]

Also having a B12 and riding with my buddy and his 03 B12 I'll tell you that although the Bandit feels faster, the FJR walks away on any roll race.

My buddy has a tweaked B12 (Dale Walker pipes/tuning, clutch etc) and the FJR still walks away from it. Pisses him off to no end I've ridden his bike and if you ask me, the B12 is faster than the FJR, but results don't lie.

 

[fjrbird]

You must be comparing a 600 to the 13. I had the pleasure of swapping numerous times from 04 to an 03 ZZR1200. It was anything but slower. That got proven on several side-by-side roll-ons. The motor was noticeable smoother and the 6-speed slick as butter. Not that the FJR tranny wasn't pretty darn slick as well. Just not as close-ratio. Handling edge always went to the ZZR. Shorter wheelbase. I could keep up on the FJR but the KAW. was preferred in the curves. Obviously the wind protection was minimal and the seating position more aggressive. Hence the reason we swapped up Bikes on long trips. The FJR is the Tourer of the 2. The ZZR is a very comfortable SportBike. And yes the FJR is way more versatile.

Ditto to the above concerning my B12 Bandit. The above quote equals my experience. Would have loved to keep the B12 but I have 3 bikes in the garage and I'm out of space. Bill

Also having a B12 and riding with my buddy and his 03 B12 I'll tell you that although the Bandit feels faster, the FJR walks away on any roll race. Everybody says the FJR is sneaky fast.

I have the bandit 1250SA and love the bike too but its handlebar position is strange and not quite upright like the FJR. The Bandit is lighter and quick but overall comfort and suspension the FJR is superior. I can take both on long trip but FJR is always top of my list of choice.

 

[sully]

SOUND: - Before you do a complete Trooper mod, just use a hole saw to cut around the exit pipe

at the end of your muffler. then take the feej for a ride.

This should be enough tone , if not, then dremel out the center exit pipe.

Also search Garauld's exhaust cones......sweet.

 

[MrVvrroomm]

While the FJR may feel quicker, the ZZR1200 is a much quicker and faster bike overall. I owned them both at the same time.

I have a GPS top speed picture lying around somewhere from the ZZR of 172 mph. The FJR would have trouble attaining that velocity if it was dropped from a helicopter.

 

[Justin]

While the FJR may feel quicker, the ZZR1200 is a much quicker and faster bike overall. I owned them both at the same time. I have a GPS top speed picture lying around somewhere from the ZZR of 172 mph. The FJR would have trouble attaining that velocity if it was dropped from a helicopter.

Yeah - maybe your ZZR was only running on 3 cyclinders :lol: . The ZZR will destroy the FJR speedwise. Same with owning a Busa and a FJR. The FJR seems fast, until I get back on the Busa and realize what fast is again. Now the FJR is pretty damn fast for a full on touring bike with 3 hard bags