Why FJR over C14,BMW - Will Purchase 1 of the three soon.

[kiteman11]

OK. I've been looking, researching, web surfing, till I'm about to lose my mind. Definitely decided on Sport Touring, I think I'm going for the FJR. Tomorrow, I will be @ the Atlanta Motorcycle Show looking at all three and from this look, I'm going to pursue the winning candidate and buy the damn bike! So if anyone can shed light on the differences of these 3 scooters, I would appreciate it. I know everything is based upon personal preferences, but I want to know everybody's opinion on the competition.

 

[worldbound4now]

With the FJR, you can afford to purchase better beer than the budweiser in your avatar.

 

[Ignacio]

If you were to buy a BMW other FJR riders would feel nervous about parking near you...partly because they'd worry your final drive would leak and spew oil all over the place or that they'd catch whatever disease makes them go out.

 

[kiteman11]

With the FJR, you can afford to purchase better beer than the budweiser in your avatar.

Just damn. Anybody have a serious opinion regarding interesting facts? I'm starting to wonder about this forum. If FJR is the best Sport Touring has to offer, what makes it so?

 

[Ignacio]

I'm starting to wonder about this forum. If FJR is the best Sport Touring has to offer, what makes it so?

It's just talked about SO much and I personally hate typing out the response YET AGAIN. Your answer is here and here. If you want a different answer.....just wait...and I'm sure somebody not tired of rehashing will retype for you.

 

[adaniel]

I am sure there are several here that have come from the C10 that could comment, as well as the various BMW lineup for different reasons.

I also assume you have researched some of the threads on the new C14 forums and some of the teething pains most new lineups experience.

I am EXTREMELY happy with the FJR!

As with fingerprints, DNA, and opinions.... most are unique and I would suggest that you try to ride as many of the bikes you are considering before buying any of them. Dating comes with a minimal expense while the marriage can cost you plenty if it is done in lust (looks).

Did I say that I was EXTREMELY happy with the FJR!

The main question is why are you considering an FJR or one of the other models for that matter...maybe then we can discuss the questions or comments you have.

 

[7xray]

In four decades of doing engineering I've discovered that when there isn't a clear cut distinction between competing solutions to a problem it doesn't make a damn bit of difference which one you choose. Just buy one of the things and go have fun.

 

[madmike2]

Okay....I'll give a long answer....

I believe most of us are very satisfied the our FJR. I'd tell you to buy one, BUT, this bike fits ME and it might not serve your needs as well.

BMWs do have final drive issues with some bikes. BMW final drive failure site:fjrforum.com

Some ST1300s do suffer high speed weave. st1300 weave site:fjrforum.com

Go tot eh website for the C-14 and you'll find they are having teethigng issues with the new model.

The FJR isn't perfect. Some have to replace the seat because it isn't comfortable for them (I/m one of those with my Old Gen 2005). Even some NewGen riders have problems with finding the right windshield to achieve their perfect riding conditions.

YES, the bikes are that close! They arrive at the "sporttouring" answer from different perspectives. IMO (using the FJR as a reference):

Kawi is from a more "sportbike" orientation. The seating is more aggressive. There've been reports it doesn't corner all that much better than the FJR. The engine is smoother....???? Motorcyclist sang its praises as the new be-all-end-all. It is certainly faster (top speed), but I noticed that Boehm rode the FJR home from the test. Ahem!

BMW is far too over-engineered for me. Too many repairs must be done at the dealer. Too many computers and electronics that must be accessed by the dealer-only modules. BMW= Bring My Wallet.

Yamaha listened to the FJR owners and fixed many of the complaints in their redesign of the FJR bodywork. Really, for me its a wonderful do-it-all bike (cruise-tour-day ride).

NOBODY can make this decision for you. You have to buy what suits you!

I'm 60 yrs. old; 6'2" w/ 32" inseam; 250 lbs; good looking (?!?!?! ) and have found the FJR suits my riding style and my need for personal gratification. Besides, some of us farkle because we can!

Please let us know what you decide.

 

[MrTwisty]

I don't have experience with the Coni, but I hear it has a SERIOUS heat problem, which has been fixed on the '07 and '08 FJR's.

The BMW is a bit pricey and doesn't have the dealer support network that Yamaha has.

I have no regrets about buying my FJR.

That's all I have to say about that.

 

[kiteman11]

Okay....I'll give a long answer....
I believe most of us are very satisfied the our FJR. I'd tell you to buy one, BUT, this bike fits ME and it might not serve your needs as well.

BMWs do have final drive issues with some bikes. BMW final drive failure site:fjrforum.com

Some ST1300s do suffer high speed weave. st1300 weave site:fjrforum.com

Go tot eh website for the C-14 and you'll find they are having teethigng issues with the new model.

The FJR isn't perfect. Some have to replace the seat because it isn't comfortable for them (I/m one of those with my Old Gen 2005). Even some NewGen riders have problems with finding the right windshield to achieve their perfect riding conditions.

YES, the bikes are that close! They arrive at the "sporttouring" answer from different perspectives. IMO (using the FJR as a reference):

Kawi is from a more "sportbike" orientation. The seating is more aggressive. There've been reports it doesn't corner all that much better than the FJR. The engine is smoother....???? Motorcyclist sang its praises as the new be-all-end-all. It is certainly faster (top speed), but I noticed that Boehm rode the FJR home from the test. Ahem!

BMW is far too over-engineered for me. Too many repairs must be done at the dealer. Too many computers and electronics that must be accessed by the dealer-only modules. BMW= Bring My Wallet.

Yamaha listened to the FJR owners and fixed many of the complaints in their redesign of the FJR bodywork. Really, for me its a wonderful do-it-all bike (cruise-tour-day ride).

NOBODY can make this decision for you. You have to buy what suits you!

I'm 60 yrs. old; 6'2" w/ 32" inseam; 250 lbs; good looking (?!?!?! ) and have found the FJR suits my riding style and my need for personal gratification. Besides, some of us farkle because we can!

Please let us know what you decide.

Thanks. That's the kind of info I am looking for. I learned a great deal in this reply alone. I know this is rehash for the vets of this site, but this is info the rookie can't get anywhere else. To spend lots of $ on a bike style I never had before (I rode HD's for 12 years). Thanks to all for the insight.

 

[drew231506]

If youve been doing research until its driven you crazy youd know the difference.

 

[boogahboogah]

There have been loads of comparo threads here, my story is:

Rode the 1200RT. Liked fit & finish, disliked engine 'feel', servo brakes would've killed me. Would've been 5k more than what I spent on the FJR at that time ('05). There are ever fewer BMW dealers now than in '05, & they were pretty sparse then. Some states have only one...

Sat on the ST1300, looked OK, dealer salesman was a used car type, I walked out. St1300, according to the owners, handles nice, feels comfy, heats up like a MF on hot days, and weaves to the point where it'll kill you at speeds over the ton.

I fell in love with & bought the '05 FJR & haven't looked back. Changed the seat (I'm 220), changed the windshield (I'm 6'3"), & did a bunch of other farkles to make it the perfect bike for me. Great for the twisties, done a few good LD trips too, added a top box for the long rides. Only problem, the FJR doesn't really like to 'putt putt' around town like the harley boys do.

Good luck with your decision. If I had to replace my '05 (notice I said 'had to'), I'd buy an '07 or '08 FJR (I'd have to paint the black, just not my color).

SOME THREAD LINKS HERE

Magazine test

Brit Mag test

C14 Saddlebags real high up

IBR Thread - BMW reliability

FJR vs ST1300 Thread

And finally...

FJR vs GT vs ST thread

 

[UHOH]

Great set of choices ... I'd choose based on creature comfort and talk of a riding friend.

Comfort - All these bikes have powerful motors and they have to dump heat somewhere.

You're in hot and humid Georgia, so if you'll be in much stop-and-go traffic,

I'd pick the one with the fewest heat issues, as best you can deduce.

 

[nitelife]

FJR all the way....

I recently put 400 miles on the c14 and I can say that it runs way too hot. The fan stayed on during most of the mountain riding and kept my legs very warm. I would not own this bike where I live. Other than that I enjoyed it. Very smooth and handled well. Better than the FJR on the interstate in my opinion....

 

[Thug]

OK. I've been looking, researching, web surfing, till I'm about to lose my mind. Definitely decided on Sport Touring, I think I'm going for the FJR. Tomorrow, I will be @ the Atlanta Motorcycle Show looking at all three and from this look, I'm going to pursue the winning candidate and buy the damn bike! So if anyone can shed light on the differences of these 3 scooters, I would appreciate it. I know everything is based upon personal preferences, but I want to know everybody's opinion on the competition.

Kite it's a bit like Jazz....You either get it or you don't?.....

 

[markjenn]

You can't go wrong with any of the current choices. Various magazines comparos have rated each tops at one time or the other. My $0.02:

BMW-RT: The oddball. Classic BMW feel with the opposed twin and telelever. Which means you either love it and nothing else will do or you shake your head and wonder why anyone would choose such a strange bike. Personally, I love BMW twins and will probably always own one (I currently have a R1100S), but for a long-distance sport-touring bike, I wanted a smooth four and don't want to spend the money on another BMW. I also think they have way too much plastic upfront - driving these things you sometimes feel like you're in an RV rather than an RT.

BMW-GT: Wonderful bike but a complex and sophisticated beast. And damn pricey. If money is no object and you're the type that throws the keys at the dealer every 6K without worrying much about what it costs, this is a great choice. Final drive issues are there but vastly overblown.

ST1300: Catches a lot of flak in these parts, but I think it is a great bike with a velvet sledgehammer of an engine that never fails to impress and has more charisma than any of the inline-fours. But the weave, while probably not dangerous, is extremely disconcerting, so that was a deal-breaker for me. (If you never go over 100 mph, it's a complete non-issue.) Also the heat is pretty bad in hot climates (about on par with the 1st gen FJR). I find the rearward styling really ugly, but that's a personal thing. Also, just a little too big. But it's a fine fine bike and Bike magazine in the UK consistently rates it the best in this class and they really get out and test bikes in the real world.

C14: Needs to bake in the oven another year or two. All the right things are there, but Kawi didn't finish the job. And the performance increment over the FJR should be more. But like the FJR, gotta love the price. I figured it would be at least another grand, but it's right in the hunt.

FJR: The value leader and the bike that has received the refinement of a 2nd generation. Does everything pretty well with no glaring rough edges, but feels a little budget here and there, especially in things like suspension. And it's a little old-school compared to the C14 and GT, so if you really like the most modern and up-to-date bike with the latest gizmos, the C14 or GT are better choices.

Again, no wrong choices. We're in a period where the riches in the sport-touring field are almost embarrasing. You can safely choose on color, closest dealer, or which your wife/gf likes best. I'm sure I'd be happy as a clam on any of them, but I'm on an FJR because it was the best for me back in 2005; I'd probably get a 2008 if I was buying today.

- Mark

 

[2WheelTiger]

As I see it, there are only three things you can't change after you purchase a bike.

1) Reliability and dealer network.

2) Heat control as designed-in.

3) Designed-in engineering weaknesses. (Which become #1 above.)

The original FJR had one #3. (The valve guide tick.) It appears to have been resolved and Yamaha DID step up to the plate with #1.

The original FJR had #2. Again, Yamaha stepped up to the plate.

We're now on the 2nd generation FJR which seems to have NO problems of any sort. Customization is a personal choice and it happens with every bike, every possible choice you could make. As I've said in other threads, the FJR doesn't NEED anything. Most of us just want stuff.

The rest of the points have already been hashed and rehashed in this thread.

We HOPE you'll become an FJR rider because you sound like a decent, rational person. If you choose another bike, we'll still ride and drink coffee with you. It's all about RIDING, not posing. The proper choice for you will be the one you make.

 

[Hawkeye]

I don't have experience with the Coni, but I hear it has a SERIOUS heat problem, which has been fixed on the '07 and '08 FJR's.
The BMW is a bit pricey and doesn't have the dealer support network that Yamaha has.

I have no regrets about buying my FJR.

That's all I have to say about that.

I'm in total agreement with Mr Twisty. I was considering buying a R1200RT , but for the life of me could not justify the extra $6,000.00 in cost with a bike with less gittyup. There is only one dealership in the Nashville area and I didn't think it would be very condusive to recieve a competitive price on the bike or for service. If you do choose the FJR , you may need to call D&H Cycles in Cullman Alabama. Best price around for $11,999.00 , They told me mine would be in sometime in February , and I just picked it up Friday. Good luck with your choice.

 

[kiteman11]

Thanks everybody. Great comments. Already the BMW is on the back burner because of the dealer network thing. I'm a good 80 miles to the closest beamer dealer and do not want the hassle. I'm within 30 miles of 4 Yamaha dealers. I'm leaning FJR at this point. Thanks again. I'm off to the Motorcycle show this morning in Atlanta. Will make copious notes and talk to riders and dealers alike. Thanks again. I knew I could count on this Forum to help me. Now, when I get my bike, I can find you folks out and go for a ride.