Please help... thinking of a FJR1300-

[HotRock]

The Yamaha dealer is tempting me with a FJR 1300.
100lbs lighter, & claims quicker response.

I like the V4 config of the ST,
But the YFJR13 (low & slung) seems to be calling.

Your thoughts please.

Thx.

T.
ATLAMT

[Don B]

I think you need help! :eek:

[Mark]

Do your eval and buy the bike that suits you...
If you buy new and you're not satisfied you'll have learned a fairly expensive lesson...

Good luck!

[GaryWayne]

Well I had a ST1300 and am now on a FJR . My thoughts only.....

Both are great bikes. I'm a huge ST fan (owned 2 St1100's). Main reason I got rid of the ST1300 was the heat (and yes I tried most of the heat mods). I know it doesn't bother some people but for me any temp much above 75 made the bike very hot. To the point where I didn't enjoy riding it. I had read that Yamaha had fixed the heat issues on the FJR (I had a 04 and it was hot has hell) so I thought I'd give it a try. Well for the most part they did fix the problem. You are sitting on a motor so there will always be some heat but the FJR is much better than my ST was. As for the bikes well I like the size and weight of the FJR better. On paper its not all that much diffrent from the ST but it sure feels like it when you are on it. The FJR feels like it has more power but the ST is faster than I ever want to ride. I'm pretty comfortable on both but if you do a lot of 2 up I think the St is better (bit more room on the bike). The ST is smoother but my FJR is pretty good. Inline 4's have a bit more buzz by nature. Its much easier to change the oil on the FJR, easier to get under the tank and the body panels are easier to take off (not a big deal either way). Not sure why but I like the saddlebags better on the ST. I think the hold about the same (ST may be a bit larger) but I found it easier to pack the ST's. Its a tough call as I think both bikes have a lot of very good points. I think the FJR looks more like a motorcycle and the ST more like a scooter but I really did like the looks of the ST. You are in Georgia right? I'm in East Tennessee...I'll meet you around Robinsville NC and you can ride mine.

Gary

[Don B]

HotRock,
I was a bit hasty w/my original response - I assumed you already had an ST :oops: Obviously, you have some interest/knowledge of STs, or you wouldn't be posting on this site. If you're considering the FJR, don't fail to look at the C14, too. The Concours has been a solid sport tourer offering a lot of bang for the $ for over 20 years, so they must have something going for them. You could probably say the same about the FJR, but it's a far cry from the original FJ1100 air-cooled, chain drive rocket ship. I've been told the variable valve timing really gives the Kawasaki a lot of low-end grunt, but none of the sport tourers are lacking anything in the power dept. I personally like the saddlebags on the ST and FJR better than the ones on the Connie - that high mounting looks like it would hinder mounting/dismounting the bike.

Do what Mark suggests - do your homework and comparisons, then get whatever gives you the biggest smile. :)

[brianm767]

Not many folks here will steer you away from a FJR, even though most of us picked the ST over the FJR for our own reasons, we recognize the FJR as a fantastic bike,

I set out to buy an FJR and ended up with the St due to the vibes in the bars on the Feejer that I couldn't deal with, I was really disappointed, I really wanted a FJR, but I absolutely love my ST.

All the modern St bikes are great mounts, RT, ST, FJR or Connie, some exceed in some areas like power and some in comfort, I think the ST is the best all around one of the group, but that's only my opinion,

Decide which is the most important features your looking for, power, comfort, touring capabilities, warranty, or what ever it is and pick the one thats right for you, because what makes the St the perfect one for me, maybe the same reasons it should be your last pick?

[GoferitST]

This is an endlessly debatable topic without a good answer from anyone except yourself. But I cant helpmyself so here goes.

I owned an '05 FJR and now an '08 ST. The ST is more refined, smoother, heavier, has better wind protection, better for long distances. The FJR is more like a classic motorcycle, is its faster, more raw (comp to ST) lighter on its feet,more like a big muscle car.

Buy the one that makes you happy.

There, I'm better now

[BigTom]

Try to ride the FJR first, if you can (the ST too, for that matter). You might find the throttle to be a bit heavy, most do.

The good news? For a small fee, I can tell you how to fix the heaviness:)

My riding buddy rides an FJR, (his 3rd, with one ST) and I ride ST. Is like Ford and Chevy, differences are in the details. He likes his, I like mine. But will admit that his is damn fine. And he says the ST is a better bike until you twist your right wrist hard. Very hard.

[Austin city limits]

My Opinion???

If you are 5 ft 10 and below,,, the FJR fits you fine...

Anything above that??? It fits less and less the more height you add... ;)

[roadlizard]

Owned a 2007 FJR 1300 and now own a 2008 ST1300. I spent over $5,000 setting the FJR up to my liking. The key things I changed were: the wind shield dosen't offer the wind protection of the ST's so went with a V Stream. Great product.

The rear end on the FJR wouldn't stay planted. Installed custom rear shock and front suspension mods from Traxxion Dynamics. ST rear shock seems more in tune with the bike. The design of the ST seems to carry a higher percentage of the weight on the rear wheel.

Installed Heli bars on FJR to get bar to fit. Did same on ST.

The FJR with Staintunes, Dale Walker headers and custom Power Commander mapping was wicked fast.

The stock ST is OK fast. Plan to leave it that way.

FJR was sportier. The ST is more comfortable.

MC Cruise on the FJR was wonderful. Plan to install on the ST.

They are both great bikes. Just depends upon your style. FJR = sport bike with touring capabilities. ST = Touring bike with some sporty pizzazz.

[tdeboeser]

I've riden both, and in my opinon they are so close in performance and style that you won't be sorry getting either one.

[RobRay 1300]

I've had my ST for a couple of months...2500 miles and I'm pretty pleased with it...I had the seat modified...added risers...some of the usual things to get the bike to fit me. I was lucky in that I got to ride an ST and an FJR back to back before making the decision.

I like the looks of the FJR the best, but after riding both bikes the ST easily won out...for me. The ST was smoother, much more comfortable....and as fast as I'll ever need to go.

Enjoy,
Rob Ray

[bwwoodard]

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