Help me choose please

[rockmurf]

I hate to say it but this is easy. In 2013 Yamaha made the perfect bike with the addition of the traction control and cruise. If you are going to do lots of highway miles there is no substitute for real cruise control. 12,900 is too much for a used 2013 especially in January. You answered your own question in your opening post. You don't go see your accountant to buy a motorcycle. Buy the bike of your dreams (2013) and ride ride ride.

 

[floridalawdog]

Thanks for all of the great advice. You all have thought of everything.

 

[pcarnut]

Having ridden and spent quite a bit of time on all three Gens, the 3rd Gen is a winner, highly recommend spending the extra sheckels for it. Everything is just that little bit more refined from the engine and transmission, and the sum package is terrific. Plus you get cruise and looking at this from a safety standpoint, the traction control. Perfect time to get a deal on a left over '13, but don't delay too long.

 

[bergmen]

As others have mentioned, not only do you get the digital dash + cruise control on the Gen III FJRs you also get the following:

1) Drive Mode. This allows you to switch between two drive modes: "T" for Tour Mode and "S" for Sport Mode. At first I thought this was somewhat of a gimmick but man this is a great feature. I choose "T" mode for around town, if I have a passenger on a pleasure ride, will use it in the rain, on bumpy pot-hole filled mountain roads and tight uphill switchbacks. "S" mode for terrorizing neighborhoods and being the scoundrel you know you truly are down deep. This mode ("S" mode) is also handy for dragging houses off their foundations or pulling stumps. Getting on the freeway with the afterburners lit is priceless. Three digit speeds arrive in seconds.

2) Traction Control. This is very confidence inspiring in situations where traction integrity may be compromised. I drove over a diesel spill (could not see it) while accelerating out of a slow left turn on my previous bike (Kawasaki Concours)and it went to total lock. I was certain I was going to high side but 50+ years of experience and lightning fast reflexes saved the day (but not my pants). If I would have had Traction Control it would have been routine.

3) YCC-T (or throttle-by-wire). This is a time tested, very mature technology that Yamaha blessed the Gen III FJRs with (as well as other models). This has been extensively developed through the Grand Prix racing circuit and is an outstanding enhancement to throttle control (which allows electronic facilitation of the cruise control, drive modes and traction control).

In my personal opinion, Yamaha hit it out of the park with the Gen III FJR. Other sport touring motorcyclists (Honda ST1300 for one) are jumping ship and going with a 2013 or 2014 FJR.

You should too. I can almost guarantee that you will not regret it.

Dan

 

[floridalawdog]

Wow, thanks Dan, and everyone else who took the time out to explain all of this. An 06 just came up available for $6500, with only 7300 miles on it. So, now I am wondering, buy that one outright, or finance half of a 2013. I see now the 2013 is more refined, But, not having a payment is so tempting.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Honestly, I'd pay a hair more and get a '14. I love new.

 

[Scooper]

Everyone hear has made excellent points.

I am going to go out and buy both

 

[Nanahanman]

Wow, thanks Dan, and everyone else who took the time out to explain all of this. An 06 just came up available for $6500, with only 7300 miles on it. So, now I am wondering, buy that one outright, or finance half of a 2013. I see now the 2013 is more refined, But, not having a payment is so tempting.

This is the best argument you have made!

Owning outright is a very good place to be and you can farkle to your taste.

Grab it!

I have an '06 and it's a GREAT bike!

BTW...up here in the Great White North, my '06 with 30,000km was $8500.

Your prices down there are killin' me!

 

[CA G-Man]

BTW...up here in the Great White North, my '06 with 30,000km was $8500.

Your prices down there are killin' me!

If it makes you feel any better, with our sliding dollar that $6,500 bike would cost you about $8,500 CAD!

 

[FJRMGM]

They are all good so pick one.

Insurance cost can vary widely so br sure to shop around.