Which year FJR is best?

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Let me apologize in advance for this reply, it doesn’t really fit in with the others.

The 2003 was blessed with introduction HP and probably is the faster one. It came with smaller front brakes, suspension that was too weak, no ABS option and it’s a nut roaster. They are fine motorcycles.

2004-2005 got bigger front brakes, better suspension, ABS option, locking glove box, integrated turn signals and they are a nut roaster. They are fine motorcycles with a few improvements.

Gen II got a changed windshield, changed mirrors, higher output stator, modified clutch hydraulic system, adjustable handlebars, adjustable seat, ABS, revised final gear ratio, longer swing arm, more weight, more comprehensive dash at the cost of things like smaller turn signal indicator lights, throttle control issues, revised throttle bodies, an auto clutch option, plus a heat management improvement. They are fine motorcycles with a few improvements.

These are a few of the differences, looking in the Bin o’ Facts for Gen I and Gen II will give the whole story between the years.

 
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2008! The FJR is a work in progress, noting that they started out really well and have continued to work on it. With the changes in the ECU, throttle spring, throttle "twist" ratio, possible changes in the computer side of the ABS and other unknown improvements by Yamaha..Hands down....the newest model is the best.

That being said, I loooove my '05. My heart smiles everytime I open the garage door. If I were buying now I'd get a 2008 and cope with the waxing and dusting.

 
One thing is for sure, as the year model goes up, the speed goes down.

As they add and change each year, the weight goes up as well.

The best one is all in persepective.

 
And as buying used , it's good to get the least oldest model if possible, the 06-07 is the way to go. Most of the 03-04's will likely have alot of miles on them, if you can find an owner selling one with low miles I'd be suspicous.
I disagree wholeheartedly. There are a gazillion used bikes out there FAR older than 2003 with almost no mileage on them, because some guy thinks having a bike might be kinda cool. But when it gets right down to it, he doesn't like being out in all that wind and cold and weather and bugs, etc, etc. So he sells it after only a a few years (sometimes more) after becoming disillusioned with the whole thing.

Or just make BrunDog an offer he can't refuse!

 
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Gen II got a changed (not better) windshield, changed (not better) mirrors, higher output (better) stator, modified (worse) clutch hydraulic system, adjustable (not better) handlebars, adjustable (not better) seat, ABS (available previously) , revised final gear ratio (not sure?), longer swing arm (not sure?), more (not better) weight, more comprehensive (not better) dash at the cost of things like smaller (worse) turn signal indicator lights, throttle control issues (way worse), revised (not better) throttle bodies, an auto clutch option (why?) , plus a heat management improvement (better). T
hey are fine motorcycles with a few improvements. And a few set-backs
I have marked-up Alan's post with my (biased, not better) analysis in bold above.

 
Data are hard core measurements, Information is how the Data are assimilated and then packaged, Opinion is how the Information is interpreted. When possible I try to present Data; however, Information is usually what I can provide; but in almost all cases I try to leave Opinion to the reader. There are some notable exceptions – tickers are fact, Gen I TPS (total Piece of Shit) Throttle Position Sensors suxors, Gen II throttle control suxors, and in my case I advocate that Cam Chain Tensioner/Cam Chain Wear inspection should be included at certain service intervals, so my posts on these topics will be delivered with my Opinion included.

Which is a really long winded way of saying that Fred W picked up on my Information and I agree with his Opinion.

 
Data are hard core measurements, Information is how the Data are assimilated and then packaged, Opinion is how the Information is interpreted. When possible I try to present Data; however, Information is usually what I can provide; but in almost all cases I try to leave Opinion to the reader. There are some notable exceptions – tickers are fact, Gen I TPS (total Piece of Shit) Throttle Position Sensors suxors, Gen II throttle control suxors, and in my case I advocate that Cam Chain Tensioner/Cam Chain Wear inspection should be included at certain service intervals, so my posts on these topics will be delivered with my Opinion included.
Which is a really long winded way of saying that Fred W picked up on my Information and I agree with his Opinion.
Hahaha... :)

Thanks for clarifying because up 'till that last sentence I really wasn't sure which way you were leaning. :unsure:

Just call me a man of many "opinions". ;)

 
This is likely to get me in the dog house. But if you have to ask this one.........

Mine is the best one. :glare:

Tinker

 
Mileage??? I talke with someone yesterday who had purchased a used '04 with 12,000 miles. Low mileage bikes are out there, just don't expect to buy one from someone like SkooterG (Well over 100K, Greg?), or Iggy, et al.

 
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The 2006 cobalt blue really looks the sharpest. The 2007 cherry is nice and you might find a deal on a new one. The 2008 charchol black is very interesting and an odometer with zero miles would be nice. Pick a color and break out your wallet. You won't be sorry! :rolleyes:

 
The best one will be the one Yamaha puts together after reading every word of the "This is what we want" thread, and does something about it.

 
I was wondering which year of FJR would be best to consider if buying used.
I heard the early one(s) had excessive heat discharge problem. Any year(s) I should avoid or seek out?

How does the FJR compare to ST1300 or even ST1100?

Thanks.
SERrider...I had an `04 abs for 4 seasons and now have an`07...take it from me: the second gen (`06-08 ) is the way to go. If u go with the first gen., yer asking for a an xtremely hot time in the saddle (unless you live north of 60' Lat). The new generation bike has better ergos; better handling; better windshield; cooler ride in the saddle; better fuel injection (with the upgraded ECU); better brakes; better suspension; better dash instuments; better headlight adjusters; ...ahhh, what was the question again? :clapping: Oh yes...I have a `96 st1100 as well. While I still luv ole reliable (its better for 2 up long distance riding), it`s my black cherry that pastes the grin on my face! :assassin:

 
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