Test ride results: FJR1300A vs Concours 14

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The '70's Aretha or the 2008 version...???
Good point-30 years doesn't help anyone.. In any case the newer versions are more desireable, My '81 GS 850 Sazook was a pile compared to the FJR. Now- back to the Dukes of Hazzard

 
As stated, in a Hot climate like Southern Louisiana you will roast the Boy's on a C14, and if you are vertically challenged, it is a PITA when stopped at a light. Also, the stock windshield has severe Buffeting and turbulence issues when in the full up position.

Also, the FJR comes with dual exhaust and the the Concours comes with single exhaust.

 
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I did not like the bags on the C-14, they sat too high and blocked my rear view directly behind me. and that BIG ASS pipe..

 
I came off a H. D Heritage softail and traded it for the FJR having never ridden one befor. I almost could't ride the thing and all the controls and inputs necessary for smooth control were totally different from what I was used to. When I rode it home from the dealer I was both excited and bewildered.

I gradually adapted to the bike and learned to ride and appreciate it in a short time. A test ride would have confused me more than helped me. Any issues you think you may have with either bike can usually be remedied in the aftermarket but I think the FJR offers more options.

Necessary farkles imho are sliders, v-stream windsheild, hi-way pegs, throttle lock, and a power commander. Try the stock seat for a while and if that doesn't work for you go custom with a Russel or one of the Mayers. These are are a relatively imexpensive additions and add a big "bang for the buck" in comfort and performance. Absolutely necessary if you plan on using this as a touring platform.

 
Pretty interesting looking at the dates and times on the top two threads on this page!

I wonder how the order changes with the '10 C14 have numerous improvements. OK, actually I don't wonder. I have a 2010 Concours on order and expect it in the next 4-5 weeks. Going to be tough giving up the FJR though. I have 42,000 miles on it and love the bike. The FJR is a victim of circumstance. I wanted some upgrades but didn't get them this year. The Concours did. But the FJR will go down as one of my all time favorite vehicles I've owned - and I've owned 57 four wheel vehicles, 11 motorcycles and 4 boats. I'll be sorry to see it go.

 
Pretty interesting looking at the dates and times on the top two threads on this page!
I wonder how the order changes with the '10 C14 have numerous improvements. OK, actually I don't wonder. I have a 2010 Concours on order and expect it in the next 4-5 weeks. Going to be tough giving up the FJR though. I have 42,000 miles on it and love the bike. The FJR is a victim of circumstance. I wanted some upgrades but didn't get them this year. The Concours did. But the FJR will go down as one of my all time favorite vehicles I've owned - and I've owned 57 four wheel vehicles, 11 motorcycles and 4 boats. I'll be sorry to see it go.

Mama Kaw gets an A+ on the Mirrors and Glove box on the 2010 and the Heat issue might be gone with the redesign also. The changes might be enough to get Yamaha come out with the rumored FJR 1400.
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Wait and test ride a 2010 C14. It has been significantly improved over the 2009 C14. Dealers are saying they will have them by the end of the month.

 
Wait and test ride a 2010 C14. It has been significantly improved over the 2009 C14. Dealers are saying they will have them by the end of the month.

Unless they cut the price down from the MSRP, they are overpriced.
Your comment makes no sense. I challenge you to compare the price of the C14 to other bikes in the same class. Unless you think all of them are over priced, the C14 is very much in line.

 
I wonder how the order changes with the '10 C14 have numerous improvements. OK, actually I don't wonder. I have a 2010 Concours on order and expect it in the next 4-5 weeks. Going to be tough giving up the FJR though.
I'd be very interested in hearing an unbiased review from an FJR rider on this bike. Think you can handle that? (Not be snarky or anything, I'm serious.) You've got the wheel time in on enough bikes and specifically on the FJR to render a meaningful opinion. But only if it's not tainted by the purchase.

 
Wait and test ride a 2010 C14. It has been significantly improved over the 2009 C14. Dealers are saying they will have them by the end of the month.

Unless they cut the price down from the MSRP, they are overpriced.
Your comment makes no sense. I challenge you to compare the price of the C14 to other bikes in the same class. Unless you think all of them are over priced, the C14 is very much in line.

As a rule of thumb I do not pay retail for any of my vehicles. But for a little more than the MSRP of $15,299 on the 2010 C14 w/ABS You can get the BMW with Heated seats and Factory Cruise.

IMO, the FJR is a better bike, and I'm backing that comment up by selling my 2008 C14 and buying a FJR.

 
I wonder how the order changes with the '10 C14 have numerous improvements. OK, actually I don't wonder. I have a 2010 Concours on order and expect it in the next 4-5 weeks. Going to be tough giving up the FJR though.
I'd be very interested in hearing an unbiased review from an FJR rider on this bike. Think you can handle that? (Not be snarky or anything, I'm serious.) You've got the wheel time in on enough bikes and specifically on the FJR to render a meaningful opinion. But only if it's not tainted by the purchase.
Yes, I'll be able to give an unbiased view. The reason I will is that I'll own a Concours, but not because I don't like the FJR. You can't imagine how much I'm dreading getting rid of the FJR. I know that may not make sense to some folks, but it's just time for a new bike and until the FJR gets some updates I have to go with some of the new features on the Concours.

The truth is, I'm secretly hoping nobody buys the FJR for a few weeks after I get the Concours so I can ride it for a few weeks to get used to the bike, then get back on the FJR. A new bike always feels.....well, new for a while. It takes a few rides just to get comfortable with something just because it's different than what you are used to.

 
Wait and test ride a 2010 C14. It has been significantly improved over the 2009 C14. Dealers are saying they will have them by the end of the month.

Unless they cut the price down from the MSRP, they are overpriced.
Your comment makes no sense. I challenge you to compare the price of the C14 to other bikes in the same class. Unless you think all of them are over priced, the C14 is very much in line.

As a rule of thumb I do not pay retail for any of my vehicles. But for a little more than the MSRP of $15,299 on the 2010 C14 w/ABS You can get the BMW with Heated seats and Factory Cruise.

IMO, the FJR is a better bike, and I'm backing that comment up by selling my 2008 C14 and buying a FJR.
First of all, are you assuming there are not deals on the Concours? (there are). Second, do you really know what a comparable BMW with those features costs? A K1300 GT typically equiped lists for $22,000. Even if you could find one with just the stuff you mentioned, it's still $5,000 more than a Concours - thats 33% more money.

I have no issue with you buying the FJR over the C14. If it were not for the changes to the '10 C14, I would not be buying one, and I will always tell people what a great bike my 06 FJR is.

 
The following Statement is incorrect after reading a few further posts on this subject!

$1500 for a valve adjustment which also includes dropping the motor from the frame from what I've read!

I'll stand by the rest tyvm

Have fun I'll keep the FJR any day and get 46 to 50 mpg running on 87 octane. If the clutch pull is to tight simply slip a 05 slave cylinder in there. Throttle to tight? get a G2 throttle tube and unwind the throttle spring 1 turn. If ya don't like Black there are plenty of people going thru rough times and have theirs up for sale.

This forum rocks and I wish you the best what ever you buy. But we have the one and only bustanut as well as some real helpful folks :yahoo:

 
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If it were not for the changes to the '10 C14, I would not be buying one,
Which of the changes to the C14 for 2010 are ones that you can't live without?

Not trying to be a wise ass or anything. I'm just curious.

I read the intro info and was underwhelmed.

 
$1500 for a valve adjustment which also includes dropping the motor from the frame from what I've read!
Will you be so kind as to list the source of that statement? I would like to know what idiot made such an asinine statement about something they obviously know nothing about.

 
If it were not for the changes to the '10 C14, I would not be buying one,
Which of the changes to the C14 for 2010 are ones that you can't live without?

Not trying to be a wise ass or anything. I'm just curious.

I read the intro info and was underwhelmed.
The primary change that was critical is that the heat problem is fixed. I rode a '09 and it put out way too much heat. They addressed other common complaints like the mirror placement. After that, there were several upgrades that were icing on the cake.

 
If it were not for the changes to the '10 C14, I would not be buying one,
Which of the changes to the C14 for 2010 are ones that you can't live without?

Not trying to be a wise ass or anything. I'm just curious.

I read the intro info and was underwhelmed.
The primary change that was critical is that the heat problem is fixed. I rode a '09 and it put out way too much heat. They addressed other common complaints like the mirror placement. After that, there were several upgrades that were icing on the cake.

Fair enough. The early C14 is said to be pretty hot. But so is the 1st gen FJR and it's not a problem for me.

But let me ask, do you have a problem with the heat on your 2006 FJR?

If not, why would you spend so much additional money to get back to where you already are?

And how do you know that the heat is really fixed as well as on your '06 FJR?

This is all based on what you said; that the heat is really the reason you want a 2010 C14.

 
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