HFL - FJR Article

[FJR Flyer]

Didn't see this Hell for Leather article in time to catch the whole piece (only up for 12 hrs before you need a subscription). Wonder if it was any good?

Why, 10 years later, the Yamaha FJR1300 is still relevant

Introduced in Europe in 2001, the Yamaha FJR1300 is among the oldest production bikes currently being flogged by a major manufacturer. With the introduction of the new BMW K1600GT and Honda VFR1200, the revised Triumph Sprint GT and continued competition from the more powerful Kawasaki Concours 14, it's suddenly competing in a very crowded segment too. Can 2001 technology still hack it in 2011?

 

[dcarver]

Too late, too bad, so sad. Article closed.

 

[GalaxyBlue]

yawn...

I'll keep my $1.99 and keep my SUPERIOR 2001 Technology!

 

[FJR Bill]

Was behind a new Sprint GT. Bags were a floppin. Followed him to a bike meet and sat on it. It is taller than my 09 FJR and felt wider. I'm sure its a great bike but we know from spec's the FJR will out perform it and for me being short of leg I don't want anything taller or wider in the saddle than my FJR. Good luck to all SST buyers, lots of good products out there including the "old" FJR.

Bill

 

[PTParks]

I've just become a new owner of a new '11 FJR so I am probably the least competent voice here, but I have been riding for many years on a variety of motorcycles, mostly HD's, a couple of custom bikes, and I just crawled off a very nice Victory Vegas Jackpot. This is my first sport tourer bike and I bought it primarally because it looked so damned good compared to other similar models and it was comfortable for my inseam challenged height, and I finally figured out that I deserve some creature comforts (windshield, hard bags, and heated grips) when I'm trying to stretch out the riding season while freezing my butt off on some cold fall morning when I know that it'll be in the hight 80's by mid-afternoon. I could care less that the FJR has been in production for 10+ years. I think that speaks volumes that the original design was so good to begin with that Yamaha only saw the need to provide periodic updates to keep the bike fresh and in tune with the market and rival manufacturers.

Guess who else follows that formula with great success. Porsche, and the 911, which has kept true to the original premis for over 30 years. I think that puts the FJR in some pretty rarified company. BTW, I own copies of both so I feel that I have reached the point in each mode of transportation that I am finally satisfied with what I am driving/riding. Just my .02c worth.

 

[Gerry.GEG]

I agree with PTParks above although, I feel Yamaha could be more proactive like Kawasaki did with the CT14. I was impressed that they fixed all relevant customer issues with the new design within 2 years. Now, I'd be pissed if I had bought those two previous years

Yamaha had heard complaints of the heat issues and it took until the next generation before they took significant action. Handlebars could have more adjustment, etc. Nitpicky? maybe but when you have to put money in a bike right off the bat I think you have an argument when those complaints have been made for several model years. And yes, I know one bike can't be all to all people but see my Kawasaki comment above and then tell me Yamaha can't do better.

 

[TILAM]

I still get lots of positive comments from riders and non-riders alike. Most still think the electric windshield is neat and the detachable bags area the cat's ass.

The cruiser guys think it really high tech. They don't seem to think it's old.

It meets my needs and I still smile when I twist the throttle.

 

[FJRJake]

Bought my 05ABS (brand new!) in the fall of 08 in Montreal. The dealer unloaded it for CDN$11,5k, which I felt was a goooood deal. Been to San Diego twice so far, for winter riding, and nearing 40k kms... Friend of mine rides an '11 GT1300 Beemer with lots of gadgets on it, and all he can say is: "your bike looks better and rides better..." I guess that says it all!