If Yamaha/FJR listened to its customers..

[Fred W]

I have to disagree with those requesting a cruise control (sorry Dan). I actually went through the effort to install an AVCC, and it worked as advertised. But after having it on the bike for over a year and having used it less times total than I can count on both hands, I decided to remove the darn thing and sell it off. With even only ~$150 I had tied up in the farkle, it just wasn't worth it to me for the added complexity. And I certainly wouldn't want to pay more for a bike in order for it to be standard equipment.

But you guys that want it should rest easy. In all likelihood and future rework to the FJR will include fly-by-wire, traction control, and cruise control. FBW is a prerequisite for traction control, and traction control is a sexy feature that all of the bike makers seem to want to push on us. And once you have it (FBW) adding cruise control is extremely trivial.

Instead, if I were to ask for one change to the FJR (in addition to fixing the electrical gremlins) it would just be to give you mirrors that allow you to see more than your elbows. This is really a safety issue, and fitting different mirrors wouldn't change the price of the bike much, if at all. I'd also like to see them have some factory option features (like cruise control, better windshield options, etc) but I'd prefer they keep the price in the lower atmosphere.

 

[Burnspot]

Strictly speaking about farkles...things people like adding after purchase:

1. Cruise control

2. Better lighting (conspicuity primarily)

3. Accessory power locations (more than glovebox)

4. Better mirrors (not really a farkle, per se, but more a safety factor).

 

[raptorman13]

I have to disagree with those requesting a cruise control (sorry Dan). I actually went through the effort to install an AVCC, and it worked as advertised. But after having it on the bike for over a year and having used it less times total than I can count on both hands, I decided to remove the darn thing and sell it off. With even only ~$150 I had tied up in the farkle, it just wasn't worth it to me for the added complexity. And I certainly wouldn't want to pay more for a bike in order for it to be standard equipment.

But you guys that want it should rest easy. In all likelihood and future rework to the FJR will include fly-by-wire, traction control, and cruise control. FBW is a prerequisite for traction control, and traction control is a sexy feature that all of the bike makers seem to want to push on us. And once you have it (FBW) adding cruise control is extremely trivial.

Instead, if I were to ask for one change to the FJR (in addition to fixing the electrical gremlins) it would just be to give you mirrors that allow you to see more than your elbows. This is really a safety issue, and fitting different mirrors wouldn't change the price of the bike much, if at all. I'd also like to see them have some factory option features (like cruise control, better windshield options, etc) but I'd prefer they keep the price in the lower atmosphere.

How about more power? I have to agree, this is still the best super sport touring machine out there but I would like to see upgraded suspension from factory, better mirrors and more power, not asking for much am I?

 

[Roger55]

A flux capacitor would be cool. When you hit 88 mph, woooosh!

 

[BkrK12]

Cruise control.

...cruise control..

cruise control..

...Cruise Control.

You guys really want a computer running your throttle...?

Is you right grip hard to turn/tiring?

What would you do with your right hand (on the right grip) otherwise?

I guess, I just don't get it...?

Maybe a little "splainin" will help...? :huh:

The question was: What would you like? That's what I'd like. If an explanation is required: Some of my long distance riding is to get to a specific place in a set amount of time. That usually requires Interstate cruising. In that event, cc not only can keep your speed from creeping, it also can let you move more freely about and get less fatigued.

I once left Butte, MT at 6AM, put the bike in cc at 82MPH, where it remained until I got to the pass where MT turns into ID. I think it was 234 miles. Never put a foot down or touched the brakes until that neat little curve at the top of the pass on I90 where it falls off a thousand feet or so if you miss the turn.

Touring bikes are supposed to provide that kind of capability. I think, if you call your bike a touring bike, it should have that function. It's usable even if you're not doing very long distances. Even on a two hour ride, it's nice to be able to rest your hand for ten minutes or so. OTOH, if you do back road blasting exclusively, maybe not so much. But, in that case, maybe a touring bike, sport or otherwise, isn't the best first choice.

In any event, please feel free to have your fantasy and I'll feel free to have mine.

 

[BkrK12]

I have to disagree with those requesting a cruise control (sorry Dan). I actually went through the effort to install an AVCC, and it worked as advertised. But after having it on the bike for over a year and having used it less times total than I can count on both hands, I decided to remove the darn thing and sell it off. With even only ~$150 I had tied up in the farkle, it just wasn't worth it to me for the added complexity. And I certainly wouldn't want to pay more for a bike in order for it to be standard equipment.

But you guys that want it should rest easy. In all likelihood and future rework to the FJR will include fly-by-wire, traction control, and cruise control. FBW is a prerequisite for traction control, and traction control is a sexy feature that all of the bike makers seem to want to push on us. And once you have it (FBW) adding cruise control is extremely trivial.

Instead, if I were to ask for one change to the FJR (in addition to fixing the electrical gremlins) it would just be to give you mirrors that allow you to see more than your elbows. This is really a safety issue, and fitting different mirrors wouldn't change the price of the bike much, if at all. I'd also like to see them have some factory option features (like cruise control, better windshield options, etc) but I'd prefer they keep the price in the lower atmosphere.

Pas du Probleme, Fred. Different strokes.... Everyone has a different idea of what's neat to do/have. E.G. The idea of taking a holesaw to your mufflers for no gain or advantage other than a very slightly altered exhaust note seems somewhat strange to me. But, if that's what people want to do, they should proceed directly to the tool counter at Home Depot. They don't even owe me an explanation.

 

[lonerider]

I would have preferred GIVI side bags to the OEM ones, and might still end up changing mine over. And decent mirrors.

 

[JimNtexas]

No one should be allowed to build and sell a motorcycle, using "Touring" anywhere in its description, that doesn't have factory installed Cruise Control.

These people should be dragged out of their offices and pulically flogged. After which, they should be seriously humiliated. Of course, I could be wrong about that.

You're not wrong!

I agree 100% !!! Some of Yamaha's dang gum Cruisers have cruise control! I'll bet many a sale was lost to BMW just because BMW has this one very low cost feature on their ST bikes!

 

[Fred W]

I can understand that opinion in Texas. To get anywhere you need a cruise control and a bottle of No-Doze.

 

[Gerry.GEG]

Cruise control is high on the list although,

YZ style mirrors are a safety must. Kind of surprised a Japanese company would put such crappy mirrors on our fine machines. Short-sighted in my opinion.

 

[beemerdons]

I can understand that opinion in Texas. To get anywhere you need a cruise control and a bottle of No-Doze and a case of Shiner Beer.

Brother Fred, I fixed it for you! You're Welcome! https://www.shiner.com/main.php +1, Gunny!

 

[Bungie]

I really wonder sometimes if were all blind.

Their IS a new FJR and is powered by a 1200 parallel twin, costs $5G's less then last years model and is some 75lb lighter, has a 6spd tranny and comes with traction control.

It's called the Super Tenere. Judging by the number of old farts... FJR Riders flocking to it, they have a winner on their hands.

Anybody who thinks MamaYama is going to invest beaucoup bucks developing another 'FJR' in this economy, that will compete directly with the Super Tenere needs to see a shrink at the very earliest opportunity.

 

[Strayshot]

I really wonder sometimes if were all blind.

Their IS a new FJR and is powered by a 1200 parallel twin, costs $5G's less then last years model and is some 75lb lighter, has a 6spd tranny and comes with traction control.

It's called the Super Tenere. Judging by the number of old farts... FJR Riders flocking to it, they have a winner on their hands.

Anybody who thinks MamaYama is going to invest beaucoup bucks developing another 'FJR' in this economy, that will compete directly with the Super Tenere needs to see a shrink at the very earliest opportunity.

Aren't they really two different classes, though? I mean, if Yamaha really believes that the ST genre is dying and everyone will flock to 'adventure' bikes, then ignoring the FJR and focusing everything on the Tenere is the correct way to go.... but otherwise, they aren't really competing against each other?

 

[road runner]

I'd like to see;

1-a windshield that works

2-mirrors that you can see out of

3-a seat that you can ride more than 100 miles on (after all it's a touring bike)

All these could be done for no additional cost.

For the next gen;

1-better suspension

2-more power and bigger engine (no substitution for cc's)

3-traction control

4-more elec outlets, and bigger charging system

5-built in GPS (although this will drive the price up a bit)

6-color options (what's up with that)

Or maybe they should have 2 models like the new BMW K 1600 GT & GTL. One for sport and one for touring. FJR sport and FJR Touring.

 

[drjfjr]

1) Better suspension- I have upgraded the suspension on the last 3 bikes I have owned

2) Cruise control for when I ride with my Harley riding buds

3) sliders

4) WAF (wife approval factor) button to turn it into a luxo tourer when she wants to ride

 

[Spook]

Turbocharger :yahoo:

And magical tires that last 50,000 miles with great grip.

Ok, maybe a 6 speed would be nice, or make 5th gear taller by 10% or so- that'd be a wash. I don't like shifting much but a bit closer gears of a 6 speed would be nice.

The dark side is calling you

 

[Spook]

Arrrrrgh!

SkooterG, My Son: What in the hell are you doing up at this hour? You haven't gotten up this early since your last day in the Navy. Your Mom and I are so proud of you!

BACK ON TOPIC: My 2003 FJR left the factory without a beer bottle opener on it and I had to add my own. All beer bottles in Mexico require a church key to open them!

As they do in Germany. I learned that any thing can be a beer opener. Lighter, keys, screwdriver

 

[carlson_mn]

The dark side is calling you

:evilgrin:

 

[CAJW]

Since we're all dreaming here, how about a 100 lb. Weight reduction? Would make me sleep better at night knowing when my Gen I dies, a new one wouldn't weigh as much as a full dresser!

 

[phroenips]

....and a button that magically transforms the bike into a 200-300 dirt bike when you see those trails shooting off the road!