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Yes the bike is awesome...I think we've already beaten that horse to death. lol

 
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Interesting response from a Connie owner from this article.
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I disagree that Sport Touring bikes are only for guys in their low 50's & older. I got mine in my late 30's. I don't understand why ST's are typically viewed as an "old guys" bike? (No offense old guys) It's got 128hp and goes 150+ MPH...not exactly something I would relate to someone considering getting for a retirement gift.

He mentions the FJR has 5 better things right off the bat: Cruise Control, Digital Dash, Dynamic Suspension, LED Lights & refined integrated brakes. Then he says his C14 lags behind the FJR and "other" Sport Tourers as well. Finally he closes by saying "It seems there are NO BAD CHOICES in this category"
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Are all C14 owners this delusional? Each sentence contradicts the previous one.

I guess since I'm a young 40 something whippersnapper I better sell mine and go get a crotch rocket. One day when I mature perhaps I'll be worthy of an age appropriate ST.
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And finally the article writer scores the FJR1300ES as an amazing 8.5 or higher on Engine, Suspension, Transmission, Brakes, Ergonomics, Quality, Appearance and Vaule...yet it only gets a 7.75 on "Desirability"...please explain that to me?

 
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And finally the article writer scores the FJR1300ES as an amazing 8.5 or higher on Engine, Suspension, Transmission, Brakes, Ergonomics, Quality, Appearance and Vaule...yet it only gets a 7.75 on "Desirability"...please explain that to me?
Yeah, I noticed that too! It is the subjective opinion that some have that the FJR are not as hawt or appealing as some other bikes. IMHO, the FJR is better looking that just about anything in the S-T category - great angles, overall flow of the lines, aggressive but not over the top styling, and it does so many things great but not perfect.

 
I think it is interesting that there is a whole paragraph about 6th gear. I am glad that Yamaha hasn't changed that. As for the demographics of the bike ownership, I think it is first economically driven being that most of us "older" folks tend to be able to afford the FJR and second, the younger crowd seems to lean more towards the "crotch rockets" which for the most part are cheaper.

 
I've always followed theirs (and others) reviews.

Not to burst any bubbles, but almost all new model bikes (redesigned/tweaked) that come out, all have this glory and wow factor attached to the reviewers remarks. Some snippets can be found in the negative field, but most generally, all are overwhelmingly positive.

 
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Slight possible error in the article mentions the front brakes have 6 pistons....... it seems to be the 8 pistons in the parts catalogues.....

Interesting to note they thought also a firmer rear suspension setting was desired.......

KJ, there seems to be a trend by most writers that they don't want to offend anyone, always being diplomatic in their final conclusions.......

 
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Good catch. There are 8 pistons in the front caliper - the rear lever controls 2 and the front lever controls the other 6.

 
And finally the article writer scores the FJR1300ES as an amazing 8.5 or higher on Engine, Suspension, Transmission, Brakes, Ergonomics, Quality, Appearance and Vaule...yet it only gets a 7.75 on "Desirability"...please explain that to me?
Yeah, I noticed that too! It is the subjective opinion that some have that the FJR are not as hawt or appealing as some other bikes. IMHO, the FJR is better looking that just about anything in the S-T category - great angles, overall flow of the lines, aggressive but not over the top styling, and it does so many things great but not perfect.
Of course "styling" is all a complete matter of opinion. Some guys think a 1978 AMC Pacer is a thing of beauty so it's kind of pointless to even discuss styling preferences really. lol

That being said my personal opinion (who cares, I know) is I agree with you to a point on the 2014 ES styling. However the one thing that looks old & outdated is the saddlebags...being that it's a 10+ year old bag design. With the bags off it looks like a new modern fighter jet. Yamaha did so much improving to the looks of the bike I just don't understand why they couldn't have freshened up the saddlebags and make them more modern looking. But I also think the looks of a new C14 are very good even though I prefer our balanced twin exhaust can design over the C14 big ass single side can design.

But opinions on styling are a dime a dozen.

 
That is why I ride without side cases most of the time! That said, the functionality of the cases are top notch and usually highly praised, unless you are a certain French journalist.

 
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That is why I ride without side cases most of the time! That said, the functionality of the cases are top notch and usually highly praised, unless you are a certain French journalist.
Aha! So you agree with me. :)

They've always been functional. I only have mine on for over night trips or long day rides where I might want to lock my jacket & helmet up out of weather. Other than that I keep mine off as much as I can.

 
I'll agree the bags could have been improved..... not that they're bad, but a few more litres of storage woulda been nice. The C14's bags look too humungus.... 'cuz they are.

 
Good catch. There are 8 pistons in the front caliper - the rear lever controls 2 and the front lever controls the other 6.
So technically they are correct: The front brake lever has 6 active pistons and the rear brake pedal has 4 pistons (two on the front wheel and two on the rear)

 
I ride bagless unless doing multi day rides. With bags off and the new red side panels the bike is a head turner. I've had folks come up and ask what make is that sport bike? As for the bags, I have no negative thoughts. I think they have good lines and functionality.

 
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