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gezerbike

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Thinking of making the big change....moving off my 2 BMW's amd purchasing a new FJR 1300A, a big step. I currently have an R 1150 RS and a R 1100 RT, both very similar. Looks like both are going to new homes this week and I am seriously looking at the FJR, along with several new BMW's. Several questions

1. as a two up bike, just how well do they work for touring ?

2. Expecting to have to purchase a new seat to accomodate the above, how much does a Russell ad to the equation ?

3. Am I going top be let down by build quality and service...I've had BMW's for 15 years and have never been left by the side of the road and my bikes always returned top dollar when I sold them

4. Is this more of a solo sport tourer ?

5. What can I expect to pay for a new 06 and should I negotiate a top box and heated grips with the dealer or just purchase aftermarket via another dealer ?

6. I've read alot about the buzz in the right grip...some seem to have it and some don't.....plopping down about $ 15,000 for a farkled out bike only to suffer this would NOT be a good thing....is this inherent to the in line 4's, as a Yamaha / Honda dealer suggested last week ?

7. For those of you who have moved over from a BMW, do you feel bike wise you stepped down....for all the little things BMW's have to drive you nuts, are they the same on the FJR? I've really loved every minute of my BMW'sand I will be keeping my 95 R 100 GSPD for years to come....I would like to think I would feel the same about the FJR. It's just reached a point where the BMW's are getting too complicated and I would prefer my life a little simpler. I rose a ST 1300 last week and IT LEFT ME COLD...there is no passion in that bike. I'm not ready for a 'Wing yet, though my wife would love one. Any info you could share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 
Thinking of making the big change....moving off my 2 BMW's amd purchasing a new FJR 1300A, a big step. I currently have an R 1150 RS and a R 1100 RT, both very similar. Looks like both are going to new homes this week and I am seriously looking at the FJR, along with several new BMW's. Several questions
1. as a two up bike, just how well do they work for touring ?

2. Expecting to have to purchase a new seat to accomodate the above, how much does a Russell ad to the equation ?

3. Am I going top be let down by build quality and service...I've had BMW's for 15 years and have never been left by the side of the road and my bikes always returned top dollar when I sold them

4. Is this more of a solo sport tourer ?

5. What can I expect to pay for a new 06 and should I negotiate a top box and heated grips with the dealer or just purchase aftermarket via another dealer ?

6. I've read alot about the buzz in the right grip...some seem to have it and some don't.....plopping down about $ 15,000 for a farkled out bike only to suffer this would NOT be a good thing....is this inherent to the in line 4's, as a Yamaha / Honda dealer suggested last week ?

7. For those of you who have moved over from a BMW, do you feel bike wise you stepped down....for all the little things BMW's have to drive you nuts, are they the same on the FJR? I've really loved every minute of my BMW'sand I will be keeping my 95 R 100 GSPD for years to come....I would like to think I would feel the same about the FJR. It's just reached a point where the BMW's are getting too complicated and I would prefer my life a little simpler. I rose a ST 1300 last week and IT LEFT ME COLD...there is no passion in that bike. I'm not ready for a 'Wing yet, though my wife would love one. Any info you could share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
1. See my ride reports in the ride report section. They will let you know about the 2up touring. We do it again and again and we love the bike. I came from an RS...1977 :rolleyes:

2. Your expectations are good. IMO Russell and Bill Mayer are the goto guys. Mayer for dual saddle is $649

3. Where do you live? See our dealer section and see if there is good dealer by you. If none are mentioned, ask about a dealer in your area. If you live by me, Roseville Yamaha is much better than A&S BMW. There are more Yamaha dealers than BMW, so you have your choice, they are cheaper, and they care.

4. What's amazing to me about the FJR is that I can corner and sport ride as fast 2 up and fully loaded with a top case and pillion as I can solo. I'm not kidding. This is an outstanding performer 2up and is definitely not limited to solo touring. There are a lot of 2up couples on the FJR and the only ladies that snub the FJR are those that come from the K1200LT or the GL1800's (they want a couch) (it is reasonable for them to expect a backrest, or topcase, or both. The FJR can scare a lady with its power)

5. Pricing depends where you are. Don't pay MSRP. Demand a discount off of MSRP, or walk. Bring in internet (ie cycletrader.com) print outs of competitive dealer OTD pricing to your local dealer and tell them to match. They won't deal on the top case (IMO) unless you pay their stupid asking price ;)

6. My right hand got buzzed when I first got the bike. I added $9.95 tacky grips (search and find the threads) and I've never even had a slight problem since with some serious riding (20k+ miles per year)

7. Here's the deal. You aren't stepping down. You are taking off a label. The FJR is arguably the best bike in the world and you are asking questions of a guy that was loyal to BMW and was entertaining the K1200RT and the K1200GT before I bought the FJR. I didn't step down. I stepped up to a superior machine. Period. The FJR is the best bike in the world to fit all occaisions. You will ride your FJR better than you ever rode your BMW's and it will outperform them in every way. I'm not kidding. I wasn't this convinced a year ago. I thought I economized. No. I bought the best bike in the world. So will you if you are as smart as you seem (you ask good questions)

Enjoy! (and come ride with us...any forum member has an open invitation to come ride with me in Northern Cali)

 
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1. as a two up bike, just how well do they work for touring ?

haven't had the pillion ride for more than couple hundred miles - she was much less impressed than on my K12LT - but stated that a new seat was definitely in order.

2. Expecting to have to purchase a new seat to accomodate the above, how much does a Russell ad to the equation ?

Adds about $700 - and many miles to the experience. though I must say that 600 miles on Saturday was pretty good on stock seat - though it has taken 10,000 miles to either break in --- or my butt to break in.

3. Am I going top be let down by build quality and service...I've had BMW's for 15 years and have never been left by the side of the road and my bikes always returned top dollar when I sold them

haven't sold an FJR, but recently sold my 99 LT - didn't get top dollar for it, though not bad trade. Too much out there about failing rear ends (Mine did.... the bike's rear.) Fit & Finish are not typical bmw quality, but then neither is BMW any more. remember - you would pay 40% more for a GT and have basically the same bike, but you could get the trick "on the fly" suspension which would cost you a gazillion and you would end up with a bike that handles about the same as the fjr -

4. Is this more of a solo sport tourer ?

Nope - but it sure is fun solo.

5. What can I expect to pay for a new 06 and should I negotiate a top box and heated grips with the dealer or just purchase aftermarket via another dealer ?

how farkle friendly are you - don't know about getting a deal on one, but retail you would still be WAY under any beemer. dealer wants about $250 for grips - you can buy them on the internet for like 35 or less - easy to install.

6. I've read alot about the buzz in the right grip...some seem to have it and some don't.....plopping down about $ 15,000 for a farkled out bike only to suffer this would NOT be a good thing....is this inherent to the in line 4's, as a Yamaha / Honda dealer suggested last week ?

I don't get a buzz, but my hand does cramp. Nothing that a throttle lock wont fix or grip puppies or change out to bmw sport grips. I think the numbness comes from the angle of the handlebars - not vibration.

7. For those of you who have moved over from a BMW, do you feel bike wise you stepped down....for all the little things BMW's have to drive you nuts, are they the same on the FJR? I've really loved every minute of my BMW'sand I will be keeping my 95 R 100 GSPD for years to come....I would like to think I would feel the same about the FJR. It's just reached a point where the BMW's are getting too complicated and I would prefer my life a little simpler. I rose a ST 1300 last week and IT LEFT ME COLD...there is no passion in that bike. I'm not ready for a 'Wing yet, though my wife would love one. Any info you could share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

definitely NOT a step down -

1. have dealer that doesn't want ALL my money on one visit

2. parts are cheaper

3. service doesn't require credit check

4. I could buy 4 fjrs for 2 bmws (or close to it)

5. No rear end failures that I've heard of

6. '06 has 100 extra watts over prior years, so that helps

my only complaint is that there is less room to work on the bike and install stuff - that and there is tons of stuff for beemers and that aftermarket is just beginning to blossom for the feejer.

buy the bike -- you'll thank me in the morning !!!

 
Gezerbike:

I understand where you're coming from... I have a BMW K1200RS and took delivery of an 06 FJRA in July. I will tell you that you that I've put 3,000 miles on the FJR in the last 30 days, compared to 300 on the K1200. Comparing the 2, the FJR begs for the curves, where the K1200 accomadates...

In regards to 2 up touring, my wife likes the FJR better. She says there is more room for her legs and that she can also feel how smooth it is compared to the K1200.

Service---There are 2 Yama dealers to 1 BMW. Not a problem for me.

Price--- OTD with trunk, $13,500.00 $5K less than the base for a new BMW

Heated grips--- Yama has yet to come out with the heated grips for the 06. If a dealer tells you they have them, make sure they're not the 05 grips...Not a good install...

One up touring? I'm leaving tomorrow on a 3000 mile trip... I chose to go on the FJR rather than the BMW... I'm going from Central VA to San Diego... Choosing the FJR rather than the BMW for the trip was a no brainer...for me.

I hope this helped in your decision making process...

 
I've switched over from a BMW K1200RS and am happy I did. The build quality of the BMW might be a little better but not that much.

My wife and I just got back from a 600 mile romp on the AE, and she said it is much improved over the BMW. Her knees for the first time did not get sore.

You will need an after market seat, just like you do with the BMW.

This bike is way easier to manuver at slow speeds than the heavier Beemer.

Not having to deal with the one BMW dealer (A&S) in the area and actually having a choice of several Yamaha dealers is a relief.

Do it, you will not regret it. In my opinon it handles way better at speed, one up, or two up than the BMW.

Read all you can about the plusses and minuses of the A and the AE.

If I had it to do over again I would get the A instead of the AE.

Good luck.

 
1. as a two up bike, just how well do they work for touring ?
don't do 2 up, so can't help

2. Expecting to have to purchase a new seat to accomodate the above, how much does a Russell ad to the equation ?
depends on what options you choose. a russell truly is a ground-up custom seat. https://www.day-long.com has alkl the options (leather, heavy duty suspension, cover, back rest, solo, dual, vinyl, etc.)

3. Am I going top be let down by build quality and service...I've had BMW's for 15 years and have never been left by the side of the road and my bikes always returned top dollar when I sold them
i have no complaints about build quality. however i'm not coming from a background of brand cliquishness. i broke those chains when i quit riding HD's back in the early 90's. resale is reasonable for a bike that's thousands less than a bimmer to begin with; it's not a mutual fund. i know more than a handful of people with bimmers who have had more than their share of problems (final drives being the biggie).

4. Is this more of a solo sport tourer ?
it's not a K1200LT

5. What can I expect to pay for a new 06 and should I negotiate a top box and heated grips with the dealer or just purchase aftermarket via another dealer ?
Don't get the Yamaha heated grips. There's a huge aftermarket for pennies on the dollar. Remember, break loose of those "dealership only" chains that BMW has conditioned you to use. In fact, that's one of the benefits of your expansion of mind.

6. I've read alot about the buzz in the right grip...some seem to have it and some don't.....plopping down about $ 15,000 for a farkled out bike only to suffer this would NOT be a good thing....is this inherent to the in line 4's, as a Yamaha / Honda dealer suggested last week ?
every bike is different. have you ridden a K bike to compare its feel to an R bike? difference.

7. For those of you who have moved over from a BMW, do you feel bike wise you stepped down....for all the little things BMW's have to drive you nuts, are they the same on the FJR? I've really loved every minute of my BMW'sand I will be keeping my 95 R 100 GSPD for years to come....I would like to think I would feel the same about the FJR. It's just reached a point where the BMW's are getting too complicated and I would prefer my life a little simpler. I rose a ST 1300 last week and IT LEFT ME COLD...there is no passion in that bike. I'm not ready for a 'Wing yet, though my wife would love one. Any info you could share would be greatly appreciated.
I didn't move from the BMW but there are a hell of a lot of rally riders and endurance riders who have done just that and been very happy with that choice.

 
I've not owned a BMW but ridden a few, and ride with a few, I looked and considered them hard before buying the FJR.

1. as a two up bike, just how well do they work for touring ?
I would think better than the RS, but the RT might be more comfy. It's not an LT.

2. Expecting to have to purchase a new seat to accomodate the above, how much does a Russell ad to the equation ?
~$400-$700 many to choose from.

3. Am I going top be let down by build quality and service...I've had BMW's for 15 years and have never been left by the side of the road and my bikes always returned top dollar when I sold them
Uh, nope. As for returning top dollar, everyone I've know that's purchased BMW's (6) of them has stolen them. While they can be hard to find and seem to get top dollar, a deal on any ride is out there if you look for it.

4. Is this more of a solo sport tourer ?
It handles GREAT with a pillion. Can't address her comfort though ;) LIke others have said, it's no LT, and I think pillion ergos on an RT are probalby better (bigger seat), but that being said, she hasn't complained and can't stand

5. What can I expect to pay for a new 06 and should I negotiate a top box and heated grips with the dealer or just purchase aftermarket via another dealer ?
I think this depends on where you are and the dealer. I ended up paying retail but I had a time crunch and couldn't wait. Still saved about $9k from the equivilent BMW, with no dealer support in my area.

6. I've read alot about the buzz in the right grip...some seem to have it and some don't.....plopping down about $ 15,000 for a farkled out bike only to suffer this would NOT be a good thing....is this inherent to the in line 4's, as a Yamaha / Honda dealer suggested last week ?
I4's do buzz, and this aint no oil head. You'll miss the sideways twisting, and you'll be able to take your hands of the bars for a second without running off the road ;) Take care of it and it will take care of you. Who had the FJR with 100k miles at the WhitePine Rally?

7. For those of you who have moved over from a BMW, do you feel bike wise you stepped down....for all the little things BMW's have to drive you nuts, are they the same on the FJR? I've really loved every minute of my BMW'sand I will be keeping my 95 R 100 GSPD for years to come....I would like to think I would feel the same about the FJR. It's just reached a point where the BMW's are getting too complicated and I would prefer my life a little simpler. I rose a ST 1300 last week and IT LEFT ME COLD...there is no passion in that bike. I'm not ready for a 'Wing yet, though my wife would love one. Any info you could share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Working on a Jap bike isn't easier than a BMW. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't. Adjusting your valves is a piece of cake. On the other hand the interval with the FJR is much shorter. If you do your own work I think BMW's are more fun to tinker with. At least they seem that way.

Dealers varry. Around here all dealers suck, Yam/Honda/Suz. So you're better off doing it yourself if you can. When we had a BMW dealer they apparently did good work. YMMV.

While at BMWMOA in Vermont, a LOT of BMW guys looked at my 06 and said that was their next bike. Sure there were true die hards that wouldn't consider it, but it got an aweful lot of attention :)

Lastly, I would encourage you to find one to ride if at all possible.

 
I have ridden BMWs for the last five years, and I still own a 2004 R1150R.

I bought my 06 FJR three weeks ago. Before buying I test rode the new BMW models (RT, ST, GT), the FJR and the ST1300. As much as I wanted to talk myself into BMW loyalty, I just couldn't. The FJR was just a better bike (for me). Of course, the things that go into such conclusions are all VERY subjective.

I second the recommendation to ride one if you can. I was lucky to have a local Yammie dealer with an FJR in the rental fleet. I rented the FJR and took it out for a good work out before buying.

As for direct comparions, the most similar BMW, IMO, is the K12GT. The K12 does come with some extra features (the adjustbale suspension, cruise control), but I just liked the FJR much better overall.

As for fit and finish, my BMW is slightly nicer. To me that is way offset by the bland, souless design of the new BMWs. I think I would go nuts if I had to stare all day at that huge drab black wall that sits in front of you on the new R1200RT.

FWIW, I totally agree about the ST1300.

You'll probably want to replace the seat, but that's probably true for either the FJR or a BMW.

I did a more detailed review in an earlier post if you care to search for it. Ride 'em all, get what you like, then create rambling postings about what idiots everyone is for buying something else. Do that and you'll fit right in :D

VM

 
I almost bought an RT over an FJR. I am glad i had the chance to test ride an FJR before i made that mistake in settling for an RT. Check out this POST. I wrote a lengthy response on why i chose the FJR. Riding 2up was a major deciding factor for us. The FJR will require more personalization than an RT out of the box, but in the long run it will be well worth the aggrevation. I finally finished the throttle spring mod, and performing all the heat fixes and i am even more happy now thn ever. All i can say is find an FJR somehow to take for a test ride with your pillion. Reading all these posts wont do it justice as experiencing first hand what we are trying to tell you.

 
well, I had a few minutes today to stop in at the local Yamaha shop and actually look at the the 1300 A and had mixed feelings. First off, the sales kid didn't know his ass from a handlebar. I actually had to tell him what came on the bike....dah. When it cmae to price, not much brighter. Out the door with a top case was $15,000.....and he was giving me a deal. YES policy was " around a grand ". Freight was $425 and set up was $485. Top box and bracket was $ 700, Tax was about $ 950 if I recall, bringing the cost of the actual bike to a meager $ 12,450. Tack on a grand for the YES policy and the BMW's are starting to look cheep!!!!

Back to the 2 bikes on the floor, an A and an AE (who said these are hard to find). I noticed that some of the imperfections in the fiberglass were the same on both bikes so blame it on the mould. But on the AE, the piece of plastic that looks like a grill around the gauges was completely tucked under the dash on one side...the A had it in position. I can't say I really love the Cobalt Blue paint but I guess it could be lived with. I did feel while sitting on the bike that I was doing just that...on most of my BMW's I fell like I'm sitting in the bike ....maybe the Russell seat and the Sargent seat. But I can't say that I was comfortable. They had an ST 1300 on the floor and it felt more comfortable, but story ends there on that bike. I don't want to sound like I'm bashing the bike, but build quality could be better....and a salesperson who knew more than I would have been encouraging. I'm going to visit another dealer in Woodstock, Il later in the week and maybe I will walk away a little more positive. As it stands, I sold my 1150 RS to the first person who came alookin' tonight and the RT will leave later this week so cash is not a problem...I worry about the future of my BMW dealer (and all BMW dealers) so I wouldn't mind changing brands but when it comes to 2 up sport tourers, your choice is limited to say the least. Below is a link to the RS that just went bye bye and a pic of my 95 GSPD Classic, one of 70 imported into the country in it's last year of production, 95. It ain't gin' nowhere

https://www.bikersoracle.com/rs/forum/showthread.php?t=1842

 
well, I had a few minutes today to stop in at the local Yamaha shop and actually look at the the 1300 A and had mixed feelings. First off, the sales kid didn't know his ass from a handlebar. I actually had to tell him what came on the bike....dah. When it cmae to price, not much brighter. Out the door with a top case was $15,000.....and he was giving me a deal. YES policy was " around a grand ". Freight was $425 and set up was $485. Top box and bracket was $ 700, Tax was about $ 950 if I recall, bringing the cost of the actual bike to a meager $ 12,450. Tack on a grand for the YES policy and the BMW's are starting to look cheep!!!!
Back to the 2 bikes on the floor, an A and an AE (who said these are hard to find). I noticed that some of the imperfections in the fiberglass were the same on both bikes so blame it on the mould. But on the AE, the piece of plastic that looks like a grill around the gauges was completely tucked under the dash on one side...the A had it in position. I can't say I really love the Cobalt Blue paint but I guess it could be lived with. I did feel while sitting on the bike that I was doing just that...on most of my BMW's I fell like I'm sitting in the bike ....maybe the Russell seat and the Sargent seat. But I can't say that I was comfortable. They had an ST 1300 on the floor and it felt more comfortable, but story ends there on that bike. I don't want to sound like I'm bashing the bike, but build quality could be better....and a salesperson who knew more than I would have been encouraging. I'm going to visit another dealer in Woodstock, Il later in the week and maybe I will walk away a little more positive. As it stands, I sold my 1150 RS to the first person who came alookin' tonight and the RT will leave later this week so cash is not a problem...I worry about the future of my BMW dealer (and all BMW dealers) so I wouldn't mind changing brands but when it comes to 2 up sport tourers, your choice is limited to say the least. Below is a link to the RS that just went bye bye and a pic of my 95 GSPD Classic, one of 70 imported into the country in it's last year of production, 95. It ain't gin' nowhere

https://www.bikersoracle.com/rs/forum/showthread.php?t=1842
Every dealership has some dude that doesn't know anything. Most sales people focus on what they like and maybe he liked the R6, or Roadliner...

Don't buy YES from the dealership. It can be had in the high $300 range by searching on this forum for the place to buy it. Just search for it with the search function. Every time it gets discussed, the people in the know speak up about where to buy it.

I have heard similar comments about the 'on' vs. 'in'. On is better. Just kidding. If you want the FJR to feel like an 'in', go sit on a GSXR or R1 for awhile :)

If there was a difference in build quality, perhaps the other dealership is the good idea. Anyone in IL have recommendations???

 
well, I had a few minutes today to stop in at the local Yamaha shop and actually look at the the 1300 A and had mixed feelings. First off, the sales kid didn't know his ass from a handlebar. I actually had to tell him what came on the bike....dah.
<-Snip- >
Welcome to the world of Jap bike dealers/salespeople. Most are kids/people that don't know crap other than the bike "They Ride".

You might get lucky and find one or two good sales people but you need to be an informed buyer. BMW dealerships do have it easer in that regard.

I paid $540 for 3 more years of YES, giving me a total of 4 years of warranty. That's about my life expectency for the bike for me (not the bike, I'm sure I'll want something newer by then)

Don't take this the wrong way, but I've met some BMW sales folks that couldn't find their asses with both hands and a flash-light too.

Build quality, fit, finish... BMW does do a little better there. But that's about as far as it goes.

If I had to rely on a dealer for everything I'd have to have 3 bikes, because two would always be at the dealer for something and they'd screw it up and take forever getting parts, etc, etc.

If you don't like doing at least basic routine maintenance and have a good BMW dealer that you trust, then you might be better off.

Oh and as for comparing prices, you didn't include a BMW top box in your comparision did you? :)

 
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I traded an 02 1150RS in on the 06 FJR. Long story short, I am going to sell the FJR and go back to a BMW. My 06 has 3500 miles and I am asking $11500 if you are interested.

Don

 
B) -->

QUOTE(Don B @ Aug 2 2006, 08:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I traded an 02 1150RS in on the 06 FJR. Long story short, I am going to sell the FJR and go back to a BMW. My 06 has 3500 miles and I am asking $11500 if you are interested.

Don
there ya go, it aint the beat all end all, perfect bike for everyone. I happen to like it. Some people won't.

there's also a gently used 06 at the dealer I can't stand near me too.

 
well, I had a few minutes today to stop in at the local Yamaha shop and actually look at the the 1300 A and had mixed feelings. First off, the sales kid didn't know his ass from a handlebar. I actually had to tell him what came on the bike....dah. When it cmae to price, not much brighter. Out the door with a top case was $15,000.....and he was giving me a deal. YES policy was " around a grand ". Freight was $425 and set up was $485. Top box and bracket was $ 700, Tax was about $ 950 if I recall, bringing the cost of the actual bike to a meager $ 12,450. Tack on a grand for the YES policy and the BMW's are starting to look cheep!!!!
That's what you get for not doing your homework.

Floor models will (usually) be more expensive because few dealerships will negotiate on models floored on spec.

PdP bikes can be had for a fraction of MSRP.

The 48 month Y.E.S. is a Yamaha product and can be had by anyone in the US (outside of Florida) for about $389 from D&H Cycle (do a search). Just get it before the 1st year warranty is up (which may be less than a year if you're buying a floor model that was aquired by a dealer trying to bypass the PdP process using a fake buyer's name).

Heated grips can be had for under $50 and installed under a grip of your choice.

Throttle locks can be had for a fraction of the cost of a set of Throttlemeisters. In fact, most anything can be had that functions of a par with (or better than) most anything that has some teutonic tartishness tacked onto its name (for a fraction of the cost in many cases).

Tip one: Check the aftermarket. Unlike BMW, you aren't locked in to the dealership under threat of banishment if it ever comes time for warranty work (or even basic maintenance support). Vee Dhoo Noht Haff Vayz Off Maikink Yue Tahk!

 
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