Motorcycle.com's 2009 Sport-Touring Shootout

[bmwhd]

The review's conclusion actually echoes my own experience so far with my 2009 BMW 1300 GT.
The 1300 GT is a lot more refined, comfortable for touring, and much, much more ergonomic than the FJR!

Best regards,

Shane

It was without doubt one of the most balanced reviews I've read in a long time. However, they do fail to mention two huge issues with the BMW - lack of dealers and the death spiral BMW has been in for years regarding reliability. IMHO (and as a loyal BMW owner), BMW engineering has outstripped the pace their manufacturing, dealers, and technical training staff can maintain.

Even if you get your mind around the huge price differential, the lack of dealers in many parts of the country (world) is a real issue for the touring rider. Add that to this simple fact - the leading K series forum has 4 sticky posts at the top detailing faults with the platform that can leave you stranded by the side of the road. I'll keep my FJR and my old Airhead thank you very much :yahoo:

Well, I finally read the article and didn't think it was (much) balanced at all. As you say, there were very few critical comments against the K1300GT. But, most of all, they repeatedly referred to the other bikes in the test by their model names (FJR, C-14, ST) and, more often-than-not, kept calling the K1300GT by "BMW" -- there's a lot of cache' with that name (or, at least there seemed to be with the 'zine editors?).

And, finally, from the article:

"... the BMW is the clear winner"

Perhaps I read it too soon after the ridiculous Motorcyclist compro between the GT and C14 that didn't include the FJR or ST13 because the author didn't consider them to be in the same class <_< Still, I stand by my statement. Their criticism and praise of each bike seemed inline with my own experience and/or research. For example, we know that adding the Audiovox CC is a relatively cheap and easy fix for the glaring omission of cruise control. Likewise we all know how to simply unplug the windshield retract. To the outside observer however, these are valid criticisms.

Shane - I wish you many happy miles of enjoyment on your GT. I think they are fantastic bikes. I just can't abide the dealers in my area (and I freakin' LOVE my Yamaha dealer) nor will I purchase a new BMW again until they admit their culpability on the final drive issues and demonstrate an actual fix. And yes, I realize that means I've likely purchased my last new BMW...

 

[Shane Stump]

Todd,

Thanks and likewise!

Shane

 

[Fred W]

Interesting quote from this article, especially in light of the recent discussions on here:

BrakesThe Yamaha tops the heap in the stopping department.

[edit] Here's another one:

Overall, the rider triangle on each bike fit our 5-foot 8-inch frames (and one 5-foot-10-inch) quite well.

HUh? Do motorcycle magazines only employ midgets?

 

[08FJR4ME]

Well I just got back from the dealer picking up some oil for the feej. While I was there I asked if there was any news on the 2010 models coming out. She said that they are having a meeting in NH the first week of September to release the info to the dealers.

Only three weeks folks!!!!

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

Interesting quote from this article, especially in light of the recent discussions on here:

BrakesThe Yamaha tops the heap in the stopping department.

Or (from the article):

"The K bike’s dual 4-piston binders crush down mercilessly on the pair of 320mm rotors ... ...bumps would occasionally cause the ABS to engage... in virtually no time a rider can acclimate to the Beemer’s brake ... Before he or she realizes it, they’re rushing into turns, braking harder than they might’ve ever thought they would..."

"You vill adapt to the BayEmVay way..."

 

[Fred W]

Well I just got back from the dealer picking up some oil for the feej. While I was there I asked if there was any news on the 2010 models coming out. She said that they are having a meeting in NH the first week of September to release the info to the dealers.
Only three weeks folks!!!!

Cool! So we will know which shade of black the 2010 FJR will be before the covered bridges ride...

 

[Fred W]

OK, here's some really interesting commentary:

2009 Yamaha FJR1300A — MSRP $14,490; Observed MPG: 36.5; Fuel capacity 6.6 gal; Claimed wet weight: 641 lbs; Warranty – 12 months; SPECS
Stuff we thought you’d like to know about the FJR:

• Smaller luggage rack than C-14

• Precise shifting, but sometimes reluctant to engage 1st gear from neutral

• Clutch engages near end of clutch lever travel

• Adjustable brake and clutch lever

• May be the best commuter, as it feels physically smaller than the others

• Second lightest bike (only 6 lbs more than the BMW)

• Wide seat is good for long hauls

• Exposed oil filter may not be attractive, but is easy to access for DIYers

• An off-idle stumble annoyed us, but it can be alleviated by turning up the idle speed via a remote adjuster.

1) MSRP? WE don't pay no steenkin' MSRP.

2) they didn't mention YES warranty for dirt cheap.

3) Who gives a flying F~@* about the stck luggage rack? They all get replaced with a trunk mount anyway.

4) reluctant to engage 1st? Needs a clutch soak...

5) Off idle stumble fixed by turning up the idle speed? No ****?

OK, just one more...

• Engines that produce loads of power like these necessarily create lots of heat. The FJR and ST are much improved over the early editions, and the BMW best shelters a rider from heat.

So, does that mean the Connie will roast your nutz? That's the way I read that...

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

OK, here's some really interesting commentary:

2009 Yamaha FJR1300A SPECS
Stuff we thought you’d like to know about the FJR:

• Wide seat is good for long hauls

OK, just one more...

• the BMW best shelters a rider from heat.

More BMW 'good-ness' (from the article):

"...the BMW’s (no mention of model name) saddle is comparatively narrow at the front, so touching a boot down with a sense of security wasn’t too much trouble. The Beemer also seemed to offer the most legroom. (all good...)

The C-14 and FJR1300 (no mention of manufacturer name) ... they’re both wider at the seat/tank junction than the BMW, splaying a rider’s legs more. ...the same effect as straddling a seat that’s too tall." (generally bad)

 

[RadioHowie]

The C-14 and FJR1300 (no mention of manufacturer name) ... they’re both wider at the seat/tank junction than the BMW, splaying a rider’s legs more. ...the same effect as straddling a seat that’s too tall." (generally bad)

.....if you're a 5'8" midget motojournalist, I guess.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Wasn't it a forum member who recently had a problem with their BMW and had to go to a Harley dealership because the BMW roadside assistance was ****? The way I see it: If a town has a Harley dealership, they probably have a Yamaha one too. Besides, I don't buy bikes for their roadside assistance programs. I have coverage for that in my insurance policy, and I don't think the extra $10,000 +/- for BMW roadside assistance is worth the cost. Aside from the fact that the BMW is ugly as **** since their engineers can figure out how to make a blinker switch work five different ways, but can't figure out how to make a decent fairing for their GTs.

The Hondas are road pigs that can't keep up, and after what I saw this week, I think if you put a competent rider on a C-14 and a FJR and send them off, the difference in their capibilities will be negligable. I think it is ludricis to put 500 miles on a bike and publish a review about how it compares to like bikes. I wonder what the maintenance costs will look like for those bikes a year down the road.

OH...and Bust and Howie.............................................................Go hug a root!

 

[winewhisperer]

I understand that looks are subjective, but why is it that styling and overall visual appeal are hardly mentioned in motorcycle

reviews? I like BMW motorcycles, in fact, I owned a 2002 K1200RS, but come on, does anyone out there really think that the

K1300GT is even decent looking? Plus, I do most of my riding without system cases, and the K1300GT and the Honda ST

are absolutely big ugly scooters without cases on. It's just my opinion, but the FJR is far superior styling-wise, and by a wide

margin the best looking cycle sans cases.

winewhisperer

 

[Bustanut joker]

OH...and Bust and Howie.............................................................Go hug a root!

Hmmm.. Funny you would mention "Hugging roots" Here's one of Howie in drag..

I dunno 'bout you but I find him rather attractive in that getup

:jester:

 

[griffithds]

Question!

Why is it everytime there is one of these touring bike shootouts, it's always the same bike comparisons. I would like to see a Harley compared to some of these just for ***** & giggles! Harley makes a touring bike don't they? :search:

 

[flyingz06]

no ST for 2010

 

[jjsC6]

......So, does that mean the Connie will roast your nutz? That's the way I read that...

I've spent a fair amount of time on one of the C14 forums. When outsiders ask about the heat, they all say "oh, it's not bad at all". But if you do a search over the past 18 months you'll find the same guys have tried various methods of trying to get rid of the heat.

There is not a doubt in my mind that it has heat problems like the Gen I FJRs. They've spent too much time trying to fix it to say that its not that bad.

Overall, I think the article was pretty much right on target from everything I know about the various bikes. They are all fine bikes, but each one fits a different niche.

 

[jjsC6]

I understand that looks are subjective, but why is it that styling and overall visual appeal are hardly mentioned in motorcycle
reviews? I like BMW motorcycles, in fact, I owned a 2002 K1200RS, but come on, does anyone out there really think that the

K1300GT is even decent looking? Plus, I do most of my riding without system cases, and the K1300GT and the Honda ST

are absolutely big ugly scooters without cases on. It's just my opinion, but the FJR is far superior styling-wise, and by a wide

margin the best looking cycle sans cases.

winewhisperer

I completely agree with you, and I consider myself very honest. I had a ST1300, and even when I owned it I was the first to admit it was frumpy looking with the bags on, and butt ugly, don't even try riding it without the bags.

 

[MCRIDER007]

......So, does that mean the Connie will roast your nutz? That's the way I read that...

I've spent a fair amount of time on one of the C14 forums. When outsiders ask about the heat, they all say "oh, it's not bad at all". But if you do a search over the past 18 months you'll find the same guys have tried various methods of trying to get rid of the heat.

There is not a doubt in my mind that it has heat problems like the Gen I FJRs. They've spent too much time trying to fix it to say that its not that bad.

The C14 puts out about the same heat on the legs as the Gen I FJRs, the difference is that 75 percent of the heat is dumped on the right side. The best solution for the C14 heat that I have found is not to wear mesh pants...which are a wasted effort anyway because the faring is so wide that you don't get any airflow on the legs. If you really want to ride a "hot" motorcycle, take a ride on a ST1300 in 90+ weather. One of my riding partners just sold his because he said it was too hot to ride during the summer months...of course he was spoiled from riding his 06 FJR.

 

[RadioHowie]

OH...and Bust and Howie.............................................................Go hug a root!

Hey Zilla.....

This Spud's for you! :rofl:

 

[Fred W]

Damn, Howie... Looks like you forgot to use the sunscreen at the nudist colony again?

Thank God that wasn't served with sour cream...

 

[timk]

Only once, I'd like to see a article with the same amount of money invested in each. Me thinks sales would go way down on some of the "bikes of the year".