Pseudo-Fed
Well-known member
I did it! I test rode a 2013 FJR! I test rode a couple used bikes and then rode a 2012 new bike in the last few days. THEN, while having my 4K service done on my FZ6 this morning I got a call from a DFW dealer that their 2013 is in and serviced for riding. Had been ridden today already. I said WHAT!? Ridden by someone ELSE!? So I started the unplanned 72 mile ride to this dealer....
I've been going back and forth the last couple weeks about another ST1300 or an FJR. I liked the 2012 FJR, but I LOVED the 2013! I can't believe the difference in smoothness and overall feel. I'm 5'9", 30" inseam. I can flat foot the bike comfortably though I will look maybe to Corbin for more comfort and slightly lower and narrower seat. Can't really add any taller heels to my boots and keep my man card. I actually got to take it up on the freeway and test the cruise control. "Sweet" doesn't cover it. The dash and controls are functional, easy to read, informative, and just plain elegant. And having ridden a 2012 right before it, the wind protection and airflow is definitely improved. Although the windshield on any of the FJRs seems to only raise to about my nose level versus the higher ST1300 windscreen, the 2013 FJR has a beautifully serene air pocket, and helmet visor up at 70 indicated is quiet and smooth.
I was surprised at how different the drive modes are. Touring mode actually felt neutered, with power in reserve, slower to build, sort of like my FZ6. I went out in touring mode and back in sport mode. I'm pretty sure I'd leave her in sport mode all the time, but I can see using touring mode to transition into this bike. In sport mode she definitely reminded me of my FZ1, but a lot more refined. I couldn't test handling all that well, but on some of the boulevards and parking lots around there I definitely felt considerably lighter and "funner" handling than my previous ST1300.
While I'm leery about some of the "new" technologies put into place on this bike, I trust Yamaha to have done it right. Unfortunately the dealer wouldn't take less than MSRP, PLUS freight, PLUS setup, and severely low balled me on my 2009 FZ6 and my 2010 FZ1, both of which are showroom, and have 6000 miles combined. I will make arrangements with a dealer back in my part of the metroplex.
Oh, I rode this one:
I've been going back and forth the last couple weeks about another ST1300 or an FJR. I liked the 2012 FJR, but I LOVED the 2013! I can't believe the difference in smoothness and overall feel. I'm 5'9", 30" inseam. I can flat foot the bike comfortably though I will look maybe to Corbin for more comfort and slightly lower and narrower seat. Can't really add any taller heels to my boots and keep my man card. I actually got to take it up on the freeway and test the cruise control. "Sweet" doesn't cover it. The dash and controls are functional, easy to read, informative, and just plain elegant. And having ridden a 2012 right before it, the wind protection and airflow is definitely improved. Although the windshield on any of the FJRs seems to only raise to about my nose level versus the higher ST1300 windscreen, the 2013 FJR has a beautifully serene air pocket, and helmet visor up at 70 indicated is quiet and smooth.
I was surprised at how different the drive modes are. Touring mode actually felt neutered, with power in reserve, slower to build, sort of like my FZ6. I went out in touring mode and back in sport mode. I'm pretty sure I'd leave her in sport mode all the time, but I can see using touring mode to transition into this bike. In sport mode she definitely reminded me of my FZ1, but a lot more refined. I couldn't test handling all that well, but on some of the boulevards and parking lots around there I definitely felt considerably lighter and "funner" handling than my previous ST1300.
While I'm leery about some of the "new" technologies put into place on this bike, I trust Yamaha to have done it right. Unfortunately the dealer wouldn't take less than MSRP, PLUS freight, PLUS setup, and severely low balled me on my 2009 FZ6 and my 2010 FZ1, both of which are showroom, and have 6000 miles combined. I will make arrangements with a dealer back in my part of the metroplex.
Oh, I rode this one: