Rider Magazine - December 2007 Sport-Touring Shootout

[Spinner]

I agree with Dan 23 on this. Releasing one throttle spring on my 06 eliminated the wrist fatigue factor caused by an unecessarily stiff factory set up. The addition of the G2 cam made the throttle much more linear resulting in a bike that is much easier to ride smoothly and I think, safer. If you're happy with your stock throttle, fine. You'll be a lot happier if you give these two inexpensive mods a try.

 

[Fencer]

Could this quirky throttle pulley have caused a crash for me during the ERC (Experiebce Rider Course) while practicing the U-turn in a box? I believe so.

I say no.

I did the ERC with a brand new 06 with just a couple 100 miles on (no mods) it and just 3000 or so miles under my belt for a bike period.

No problems with ANY part of the ERC course.

I am sure I could do it even better now knowing my bike WAYYYY better, with still no mods to the throttle.

 

[Sparky]

I agree with Dan 23 on this. Releasing one throttle spring on my 06 eliminated the wrist fatigue factor caused by an unecessarily stiff factory set up. The addition of the G2 cam made the throttle much more linear resulting in a bike that is much easier to ride smoothly and I think, safer. If you're happy with your stock throttle, fine. You'll be a lot happier if you give these two inexpensive mods a try.

What Spinner said... + 2 more:

-Barbarian Jumper Mod and +5 on all CO settings.

-Take up excess slack in throttle cable.

The only thing that cost $$$ was the G2 tube, and it was a relative bargain considering how nicely it works and the quality of the piece.

I was OK with the throttle response out of the box, but now, its Perfect.

 

[Scythian]

The conclusion of the test riders was that the Honda was the winner. The number one reason was "is annoying stiff, overly sensitive throttle soured the experience."

I've never been online, or in person, anywhere that men got together to brag about how limp their wrists are....

"It's an incredible machine, with great power, handling and reliability, but I can't turn the throttle.... Ow... Waaaaah.... Last place!"

 

[FJR1300Mark]

I sold a 05 with 10k miles and bought an 07 (with 0 miles) it now has just under 6000.

I noticed right away the throttle was either on or off - not making for a smooth ride.

I installed the G2 throttle. I also installed the PC III. Those two made it really smooth and much more fun to drive. I have not taken a wrap off the throttle spring, might or might not.

the article concluded by saying that if the throttle was not so on or off several of the staffers would have placed the FJR first. as it was sportier to ride. So make those changes if you can feel the difference or if you really want a smooth touring ride buy a gold wing. Did I just say that?

I just did a 1400 mile 4 day weekend and loved almost every minute of it. The ride at 34 degrees was too cold - thankful for the early Christmas present of heated liner and gloves.

I think I'll stay with the sportier riding FJR. It makes me smile! with every ride.

 

[GreyGoose]

Theres only two pieces of this bike that cant be farkled out.

1. the "herky jerky" throttle

2. the buzzy bars syndrome

even with the farkles (i've combined the fred h. shim with the G2) the throttle requires attention for smooth low speed riding. Is it a deal breaker? Definitly not!!!. the farkles put this issues into the "nitpicky" catagory. Certainly not a catagory to ignore, but its there (for good) nontheless.

Buzzy bars work the same way. you can farkle to reduce this, but you aint getting rid of it. Depending on what type of bike you came from will determine which list (primary issue vs. nitpick) you put this one.

I can see how they could pick the st1300 at the top if they were doing a long tour (unless they were doing it in tempuratures above 80). the st1300 Is well built, very heavy (which makes it stable at normal highway speeds), has a monster fuel tank, handles reasonably well for a bike its size and heft, has very usable hard luggage, great (and smooth) power delivery, no vibration, and its competitively priced. Depending on the testers conditions, the st1300 may meet all those well. If falls flat on its face with rider comfort above 80 degrees (due to heat (which was why i sold mine)), some high speed wobble, and requires a large amount of "grunt" to push the thing around. Those issues may never have been tested during the course of the test.

i think the testers expect the stock seats on any bike to be uncomfortable after a long ride. i dont know why they even comment on this issue during there testing.

I agree that yamaha should recall the 06/07 units to replace the throttle body's. if its a big enough issue to change on the 08 model, its big enough to remedy on the 06/07. Enough of us have done the farkling to correct it for them to know it wasnt done correctly out of the factory. It remains one of my two complaints about the unit.

I'll be very interested to hear how the changes to the 08 throttle body effect the bikes drivability when the rubber actually hits the road. you 08 ers, keep us posted.

GreyGoose

 

[blackarrow]

I read both reviews from Motorcyclist and Rider. I think the differing results are because all of these bikes are incredibly competent and share more commonality than differences with regard to their ability and comfort. Who comes out on top depends more on the orientation of the testers rather than either huge glaring deficiencies or extreme superiority.

Therefore Rider, who staff are more mature and concerned with comfort chose the Honda for first place. Motorcyclist, on the other hand, whose staff is younger,"hipper", and more concerned with performance chose the Connie.

What's significant is the FJR came a very close second in both tests, which in my book really means it came out on top when the two tests are blended. Other makes were all over the board but the FJR nearly took top honors in both. Synthesizing the comments from both comparos leads me to believe the FJR really comes out on top in its unique blend of both comfort, performance, and "real" motorcyle look and feel.

 

[Bounce]

The trolls in this forum are truly amazing. FJR owners recognize me for the troll I am

I fixed it for you.

 

[FJR&R]

Trust me on this... it wasn't the lack of comfort that got her off the ST1300. It was the SHOPPING.
Don't ask me how I know... all I will say is my wife considers it foreplay if I leave a trail of store coupons to the bedroom, rather than rose petals... :glare:

B)

Wife.....Coupons....I'll see that and raise you 20%!!! (insert non-existant poker playing smiley)

At least your coupons lead to something... Ya' know, you're quite brilliant!! :drinks:

 

[scooter78666]

I agree with Dan 23 on this. Releasing one throttle spring on my 06 eliminated the wrist fatigue factor caused by an unecessarily stiff factory set up. The addition of the G2 cam made the throttle much more linear resulting in a bike that is much easier to ride smoothly and I think, safer. If you're happy with your stock throttle, fine. You'll be a lot happier if you give these two inexpensive mods a try.

 


I am reading all of these posts with interest. I have already 'made my bed' so to speak, on Oct 24, 2007, when I wrote out my check for my 2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE. I am thoroughly happy with my FJR. It only has 697 miles on it. I just got it back from the New Braunfels Texas Yamaha dealer on Tuesday, following its 600-mile $164 dollar 'oil change'. Just kidding, Woods Cycle. I KNOW you guys did lots more than just change the oil.

 


On this matter of the Yamaha FJR getting substantial demerit points for a notchy, stiff, throttle, I have some inputs on that;

 


(1) mine does NOT have any throttle problems at all. ZERO, NADA, ZILCH.

 


(2) my brother and I went to the BBB Cycle Rally in Fayetteville, Arkansas on Oct 3-6. We went with the specific mission to RIDE the FJR AND the new CONCOURS 14. Which we did! We both rode them twice each. We rode BOTH the Yahama FJR1300A (without the automatic clutch) and the FJR1300AE (WITH the automatic clutch).

 


With no exaggeration or bias of any kind, we both said about the FJR1300A, it was a demo ride from hell! The throttle had sooo much slop, so much stickiness and stiffness, it resulted in DRIVE LINE LASH...like I have never known!

 


Then we both rode the FJR1300AE. It was smooth, smooth, smooth!

 


Neither one of us could believe that the Yamaha demo fleet personnel would let that balky-throttle FJR stay in the fleet at all! They only had ONE bike of each FJR in the entire demo fleet, so we could not ride 'another one' to see for sure if the throttle problem was ONLY on this ONE FJR.

 


I have no reason at all to think the reason for the FJR1300AE being smooth, was the result of having an automatic clutch.

 


The result of this experience on us two brothers? I took it as a fluke, bad throttle on ONE FJR, and I came home to Texas and bought one!

 


My brother is not so sure. He in fact is leaning toward the Concours..not entirely because of this experience, but he is concerned.

 


I wanted to add this bit of insight and input into this discussion.

 


scooter78666


San Marcos, Texas

 




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[RadioHowie]

JESUS! And I used to think ALL CAPS was the most annoying example of font misuse I'd ever seen on the 'net! :angry: :dribble:

 

[sonicspeed]

JESUS! And I used to think ALL CAPS was the most annoying example of font misuse I'd ever seen on the 'net! :angry: :dribble:

i kinda enjoy the change of pace

i just hope everybody doesn't do it though

 

[palerider]

I tend to agree with KM on this. (Who can argue with those avitars?).

Yes those are great avatars.