The best year for the FJR1300

[RossKean]

The entire final drive as a unit, or just the internal gears?

Definitely at least the gears but I am not sure which other bits are retained from the FJR drive.
I have no idea if there is someone out there still doing these or not.

 

[keithq]

Agree, the Asphalt Gray is ugly but the Liquid Graphite is a thing of beauty!

Totally agree. Love that color.

 

[escapefjrtist]

The entire final drive as a unit, or just the internal gears? I thought there was a gentleman that would perform the rebuild. But unfortunately, he passed away. RIP

Ring and pinion plus shims necessary for proper depth and backlash. If the FD were mine, I'd have a full rebuild completed with fresh everything.

~G

 

[The Gray Ghost]

2003 !!! First year in the US and the prettiest and the lightest and the fastest!!!

My son still rides my '03 (78k) after I added my 2013 (58k).

I can't agree with you more, I have a couple of extra updates for my 03, here are a couple of updates on my 03 mileage

2003 !!! First year in the US and the prettiest and the lightest and the fastest!!!

My son still rides my '03 (78k) after I added my 2013 (58k).

 

[Ignacio]

I can't agree with you more, I have a couple of extra updates for my 03, here are a couple of updates on my 03 mileage

That is truly stunning!

 

[waynevb]

My 04 (Oz version) was fantastic and quick, my 09 was not as fast but still lots of fun. I currently have a Fat Boy (For sh*ts anf giggles, heavy kn thing it is) but seriously thinking of going back to the FJR, just something about them that has and still does, captured my imagination and a whole heap of great memories!

I have a late 04 model in silver. Can't fault it. This forum does seem to be full of people who like to meddle with a good bike. Complains about the seat, the handlebar position, suspension, blah, blah , blah. Lived in California for 5 years and what struck me was how over medicated Americans are. Every TV channel has ad breaks for medication, heartburn, blood pressure, it just goes on and on. That seems to transfer to the bike somehow.

 

[Whooshka]

When you have something that ails you you take meds for it. If you have a seat that bothers you, you change it.

Or you can do nothing and whine about it.

 

[waynevb]

When you have something that ails you you take meds for it. If you have a seat that bothers you, you change it.

Or you can do nothing and whine about it.

Are there meds for a pain in the arse? You could be on to something. Personally I prefer a lifestyle without meds.

 

[Whooshka]

Are there meds for a pain in the arse? You could be on to something. Personally I prefer a lifestyle without meds.

While there are some who look for the pill bottle at the slightest discomfort, I'm with you, without meds is preferable. And yes there are meds for butt pain, Tylenol, aspirin, Aleve, etc. I will admit if 'm looking at a 400 mile day in the saddle, I will take Aleve before the ride, it's an anti-inflamatory besides a pain killer. Mostly because I'm 66 and not in top physical shape.

I've been fighting an incurable form of cancer for 8 years now. Without my twice daily chemo meds I'd have been gone years ago. Do I enjoy taking meds that make me sick? Hell no. Do I enjoy being alive for my 8 year old son? HELL YES!!!!!

 

[2wheelhorse]

I got my 2020 ES in 2023 and it was the first, and possibly the only one I will need to own. While I don't have other FJRs to compare to, it is clearly the BEST of the 9 bikes I've owned over the past 12 years. The only bike that came close to my FJR was an '09 BMW K1600 GTL. This may have been the ultimate ride but the maintenance I could not perform myself was quite expensive. Also quite a bit heavier. The FJR has all the power I need and just the right creature comforts.

 

[tschutter]

2007, because it is the best color. Other than that, any year where it was not blue

Giving another vote for the 07- just because it the ride I have.

 

[Fred W]

2013-2015. Word.

Greg knows his FJRs. He has certainly had enough different ones over the years to know.

I am still really enjoying my 2014 ES. I’m now closing in on its 3rd valve check @75k (yeah, yeah, I’m a slacker) and expect to do its one (and only) adjustment that it will ever have at that time. The bike runs better than it should, and has never let me down once.

I do ride a lot more dirt, and less pavement, these days, but sometimes it’s great to jump on the FJR and knock out 500 odd miles of asphalt without any stress.

 

[str8]

Sorry all but 08’s are great. I have nearly 100k km’s of absolutely trouble free riding, which is remarkable. This a low number for many on this forum but at the same time, this forum has attributed much to this possibility. Thanks.

 

[keithq]

Well, I still like my 2019. But having said that, I am going to be putting it up for sale soon, here in the DFW area.

 

[TooManyBikes]

Probably the 2015 as it was the last of the 5 speed and all the wrinkles were mostly ironed out before the 6 speed farce.

Yes! Gen 1 was a pioneering model and a HUGE improvement over other market choices. Gen 2 had a few birthing problems with throttles and spiders, but did a great job in dumping the engine heat. By the 2012 end of the model run, any bugs were long since gone and heated grips were standard. Gen 3 build on the solid 2012 model and added a digital speedometer and cruise control. Again, the first year had an undesirable top speed for cruise control, but 2014+ fixed this.

Downside is the FJR is so reliable it may be boring for some people. 100K miles is common place. Seems that the tupperwear goes long before the mechanicals, for when I had a spare engine in a 2012 parts bike I could not find any takers on the forums FOR FREE!