Motorcycle Consumer News 2013 FJR Review

[FJRTom]

Just got my February 2013 issue of MCN. The cover picture is of the FJR and the story on Page 18 gives it quite the thumbs up review. The "Value/Final Thoughts" paragraph: "For all of its improvements, the 2013 FJR1300 carries an MSRP of $15,890, just $300 more than the 2012 edition. If that isn't bargain pricing, we don't know what is. Yamaha's updates have brought the FJR1300 to a whole new level. It isn't just a worthy challenger to the C14, it may also have the measure of some of its regal European foes as well. If you're in the market for a top-quality sport-tourer, the FJR should be on your list."

 

[ndivita]

It's a very favorable review. The only meaningful critique is the perennial gripe about the lack of a sixth gear. I look forward to one of the so-called "shoot out" reviews of a clowder of similar bikes.

 

[odot]

What'd they say about the cruise control?

 

[20valves]

I look forward to one of the so-called "shoot out" reviews of a clowder of similar bikes.

https://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2013-sporttouring-shootout-10-video-91504.html

 

[SkooterG]

It's a very favorable review. The only meaningful critique is the perennial gripe about the lack of a sixth gear. I look forward to one of the so-called "shoot out" reviews of a clowder of similar bikes.

They also had some complaints about the suspension. Under 'Pans': "Suspension is good, but could be better"

But overall a favorable review.

 

[wheatonFJR]

It's a very favorable review. The only meaningful critique is the perennial gripe about the lack of a sixth gear. I look forward to one of the so-called "shoot out" reviews of a clowder of similar bikes.

They also had some complaints about the suspension. Under 'Pans': "Suspension is good, but could be better"

But overall a favorable review.

SkooterG's review was more in depth...

 

[odot]

It's a very favorable review. The only meaningful critique is the perennial gripe about the lack of a sixth gear. I look forward to one of the so-called "shoot out" reviews of a clowder of similar bikes.

They also had some complaints about the suspension. Under 'Pans': "Suspension is good, but could be better"

But overall a favorable review.

SkooterG's review was more in depth...

SkooterG must work out.

 

[kamal]

It's a very favorable review. The only meaningful critique is the perennial gripe about the lack of a sixth gear. I look forward to one of the so-called "shoot out" reviews of a clowder of similar bikes.

They also had some complaints about the suspension. Under 'Pans': "Suspension is good, but could be better"

But overall a favorable review.

SkooterG's review was more in depth...

SkooterG must work out.

Odie. That's 'review' not 'rear view'.

Al

 

[Patriot]

rumor has it, Yamaha paid them to ignore POS Cruise

 

[odot]

rumor has it, fjrforum members are big whiney ghash babies on geritol

fixed it fer ya's.

 

[Jack D]

They also blew it on some of the specs, alternator capacity, fuel octane requirements (which is why I asked about it on another post) and I believe RPM at 65 mph. Sounds picky but I would have eliminated the FJR from my short list of bikes to buy just on the alternator mistake. They did the same thing on the Tiger 800 regarding fuel requirements and the alternator. I reported the Tiger mistakes and they thanked me but they never posted the correct information.

 

[AKjitsu]

rumor has it, Yamaha paid them to ignore POS Cruise

MCN is UK based. They get the real CC, not the sissy-ass, no-ball, chickenshit, limp-dick US version.

 

[SkooterG]

rumor has it, Yamaha paid them to ignore POS Cruise

MCN is UK based. They get the real CC, not the sissy-ass, no-ball, chickenshit, limp-dick US version.

You're thinking of a different MCN. This one is NOT the same as the UK one.

They also got it wrong on switching between the different drive modes. They said you needed to pull in the clutch, but all you have to do is roll off the throttle to closed position to change between Tour and Sport.

 

[SeattleTy]

What a great value for a great bike, only $300 for the new model, exceptional!

 

[MCRIDER007]

They also blew it on some of the specs, alternator capacity, fuel octane requirements (which is why I asked about it on another post) and I believe RPM at 65 mph. Sounds picky but I would have eliminated the FJR from my short list of bikes to buy just on the alternator mistake. They did the same thing on the Tiger 800 regarding fuel requirements and the alternator. I reported the Tiger mistakes and they thanked me but they never posted the correct information.

Welcome to MCN and their non-paid volunteer testers. Some are pretty knowledgeable, others make comments that make you wonder how long they have been riding. I can't comment on this issue because I quit sending them money years ago but I read their tests when they post them on the Internet because they are usually good for a few laughs.

 

[Hudson]

I thought this was one of the most accurate, decent reviews of the FJR. Most of the US magazines seem intent on showing how the FJR measures up short compared to the kawi, but this is probably the first review that really focuses on the performance and merit of the bike on its own terms. The rider "gets" the FJR, without having to whine about what it doesn't do compared to others.

They did a similarly nice review of the Husky TE310. While other mainstream mags seemed intent on showing why the Husky didn't measure up to the Yamaha for motocross and executing triple jumps, MCN evaluated the bike on its own terms and for the real world uses - a solid woods bike that did great on the dirt.

Reading the other mags, I would have avoided the FJR and the Husky. A real mistake it would have been. And why I've continued to subscribe to MCN despite its higher price.

 

[LAF]

Rider review was a good honest review I thought based on what I have read here. It was also favorable. They did state they were looking forward to the shoot out thing.

 

[odot]

We enjoy reading favourable material on products we own. And, of course, we don't like to read that which is critical to junk we own...i.e. yamaha fjrs.

Reminds me of "life of brian".....always look at the bright side of life....

 

[Denver_FJR]

They also blew it on some of the specs, alternator capacity, fuel octane requirements (which is why I asked about it on another post) and I believe RPM at 65 mph. Sounds picky but I would have eliminated the FJR from my short list of bikes to buy just on the alternator mistake. They did the same thing on the Tiger 800 regarding fuel requirements and the alternator. I reported the Tiger mistakes and they thanked me but they never posted the correct information.

How about the weight? Yamaha claims wet weight of 639 where MCN says 669. I thought MCN actually weighed the bike rather then rely on mfg specs.