Anyone test ride an FJR before the bought the ST [Archive]

Doobage

07-11-2005, 01:23 PM

Might Joe, I didn't get to ride one, but did sit on an FJR. What I noticed was that it required me to sit leaning forward which put more strain on my lower back and I could feel the weight on my upper body on my hands. If you like the sportier side of leaning on to the tank, I'd recommend that you find one to try. But if you like sitting more up right then the ST is hard to beat. Everything else seemed worthy of comparison on the ST (although I'm sure people will differentiate them as much as they can). But I believe any of the three (ST, FJR, R1200RT) are all very similar creatures.

When evaluating bikes I also considered the Triumph Tiger, Kawasaki Concours, Suzuki V-Strom 1000, BMW R1200 GS. I would put these is a slightly lighter and closer towards a dual sport (aka dirt bike style). If I was only going to ride solo, and/or in a location that had dirt roads that were worth taking, I'd consider going that direction.

There are some bikes that are on the more "sport" bike side that might be able to keep you in the saddle longer, but I only glanced at those online. If you really want me to dig up their names, PM me.

In about 10 years I expect to begin evaluating the large bike class, Honda Goldwing, BMW K1200LT, and anything else in the big arena, but my wife and I thought the ST was the right bike for us at the moment.

If you live in Houston, there might still be an FJR for sale at the Pasendena Honda. I've been told by Texas Yamaha South that they will never have an FJR on a floor, that they are only shipped when ordered by purchasee. Not sure if that's true, but it might make it harder to find one.

Ken

07-11-2005, 01:42 PM

Yes.

The motor is tremendous - ample power and a powerband that is pretty much flat from 4K on up. Its engine is almost certainly why the FJR is considered the SPORT-tourer compared to the ST sport-TOURER.

The biggest negative in my book was the handling and suspension. IMO, the suspension is horrid. Bumpy roads are painful. And big sweepers can make the bike scrape before it should - with all that horsepower you expect to be able to lean over farther than the footpegs will let you.

It has decent range from a 6.6 gallon tank - one gallon less than the ST - but burns standard octane fuel which is a big plus in my book.

My trial ride was fun, but quickly reminded me that I was in it more for the touring than the sport. Still pleased with decision to go with the ST.

gatorbiker

07-11-2005, 02:27 PM

Hey MJ,

You raise a good question. I owned an ST1100 (2000) for 3 years and an FJR1300 (2004) for two years -- bought in 2003 and sold in 2005 because of temporary insanity! :eek:

Now I want to get back to a sport-tourer and I am hesitating between the ST1300 (which I drove for only 20 minutes) and my former lover the FJR1300. Here is my opinion and would love to get feedback from other ST/Fjr owners.

FJR vs ST
FJR has Awsome power (makes me ride a bit too agressively -- there seems to be a thicking problem with the valves; I don't know if it has been resolved) -- ST has excellent usable power (makes me enjoy more the scenery; the motor is almost "electric" smooth)

FJR has a Sport bike look with excellent comfort (the FJR gets hot but I could live with it) -- ST has Touring look with excellent comfort (the ST seems to get extremely hot, has that issue been resolved??? does that annoy people on longer rides?)

Luggage is great on both. The FJR is more of a cameleon where different configurations (w and w/o paniers) are possible (the ST without paniers is tooo ugly)

Suspension is great on both bikes. FJR can be fine tuned to be sporty, it seems that ST goes more for comfort and wabbles a bit at high speeds while cornering.

Feeling is different. You sit "on" a FJR while you feel as you sit "in" a ST.

FJR feels nimble at low speeds and while driving aggressively, the ST extra pounds are definetely felt.

FJR vibrates a bit more at 4000 RPM. It can get a bit annoying while on the Highway, on twisties you enjoy the rush of increasing the RPM! :D
The ST is so smooth that could be driven across the continent with a smile.

So does anybody have other (more or less) objective evaluation of these two wonderful machines?

JW-1300

07-11-2005, 02:32 PM

My brother-in-law has an 03 FJR, so I have had the fun of riding several hundred miles on this machine. I'm 6'3" and found the FJR to reasonable for me to be on. The FJR has the bar risers on it as does my ST. It's just my opinion that the FJR is quicker through the corners than the ST. I attribute this to it's lighter weight. There is not that much difference in the published horsepower of the two machines, but do to the lighter weight, the FJR is much faster than the ST. If it's long week-end rides that your looking for, go with the ST. What moved me into the ST camp was: 1) the local dealer had an 05 FJR and wanted more than list price for it. No one else has one (I'm assuming that you know that you have to order this from Japan and wait). 2) What I perceived to be serious engine problems. 3) The fit and finish. There are several FJR sites that I suggest you look at regarding the engines issues with this bike.

What a person rides will always be their choice and must meet their needs. I personnally probably could have been happy with either, but I have never regretted for a second our decission to buy the ST.

NormanPCN

07-11-2005, 02:33 PM

And big sweepers can make the bike scrape before it should - with all that horsepower you expect to be able to lean over farther than the footpegs will let you.

It has decent range from a 6.6 gallon tank - one gallon less than the ST - but burns standard octane fuel which is a big plus in my book.

I read the touch down/scrape comments in a coupl eof reviews.

Are you positive about the regular unleaded. The FJR has a 10.8:1 compression ratio. It seems unlikely that it could properly run on regular.

tccox

07-11-2005, 02:52 PM

There is not that much difference in the published horsepower of the two machines, but do to the lighter weight, the FJR is much faster than the ST. .

No, No, No, No. No. The FJR is a wee bit quicker than the ST. (what 11.3 vs 11 in the quarter) Both the ST and the FJR are MUCH FASTER than any H-D.

Mighty Joe

07-11-2005, 03:39 PM

Thanks everyone!

All great responses and they will all help with my choice!

I'm gonna find it hard to beleive that the FJR will be a better ride than the ST though. I will keep you all posted.

MJ

Ken

07-11-2005, 03:40 PM

Are you positive about the regular unleaded. The FJR has a 10.8:1 compression ratio. It seems unlikely that it could properly run on regular.
This is what my buddy's manual says for recommended fuel:
"Your Yamaha engine has been designed to use regular unleaded gasoline with a pump octane number (R+M)/2) of 86 or higher, or a research octane number of 91 or higher."

duSTy

07-11-2005, 03:47 PM

My wife has an FJR and I like it a lot. You can really enjoy the engine, but it does make your hands tingle after a long day riding. I think the ST fits me better and the FJR fits her better. She does seem to have a problem with her shins hitting the fairing on my bike. I like the top box of the ST better than the trunk of the FJR. The fit of the side bags just look better. Both are great to drive.

I see you are asking the same questions on the FJR forums. I'm sure you will get lots of answers.

Tom

sherob

07-11-2005, 03:48 PM

Don't forget the standard 3 year warranty on the ST to the 1 year on the FJR... for an extra ~$400 you can bring it up to 7 years! :D You can't beat that! ;)

Mighty Joe

07-11-2005, 03:56 PM

Dusty,

Yup I'm posted on the FJR site as well. Looks like a local rider wants to let me ride his FJR........so maybe by tomorrow I will know the answer!

Oh yeah, the Honda warranty is also part of the process, 3 years is sweet.

Horst

07-11-2005, 04:02 PM

I sat on an FJR1300 and Duc ST2 ... five seconds of that was enough to convince me they were not for me ... both would be tremendous fun for an hour and then I'd have a backache for the rest of the night ... no thanks!

One day I may yet get a Wing ... shhhhhh ... ;)

sherob

07-11-2005, 04:11 PM

One day I may yet get a Wing ... shhhhhh ... ;)

Mellow is turning us all into WingPeople... I bet if you look under your bed, there is a wingpod under there :eek:

Kennedy

07-11-2005, 04:30 PM

Went to the dealer and had a look before I bought the ST and that was enough for me. All sport, little tour, side lugage that looks like it came from Walmart and some body screwed them onto the bike. In line engine instead of what I was after the V4 and most of all I wanted a Honda again. Friend of mine just got a V Strom last week, same old thing and the bike does not look nearly as refined as the ST is.

Dave Wicks

07-11-2005, 04:56 PM

:04biker:

I have moved on from the ST, but I rode the FJR for about 200 miles before I ended up with the ST.

1: Power........hands down the FJR..but the ST will never be boring
2: Handling....hard to choose..better?quicker steering on ST.
3: Seat...FJR
4: Windshield..ST
5: Luggage..FJR
6: Brakes...Toss up
7: Quality...ST
8: Durabilty...ST..check the FJR sites..trashing exhaust valve guides
9: Two up comfort..FJR
10: Low speed handling...FJR at first..but ultimately found ST better

But the St..with no regrets

Great one person tourer with a real sporting edge
Dave

Carl_T

07-11-2005, 06:35 PM

I can’t help with the FJR, but these few following things just flat out do NOT match my experience with my 2005 ST even remotely. Of course I’m speaking from my time with my own bike, though I do doubt it’s different from the rest.

(the ST seems to get extremely hot, has that issue been resolved??? does that annoy people on longer rides?)

There is no heat. Had some warmth from the heads, put on the accessory fairing extenders (mostly to get the cold air off of my hands in the winter) and that warmth is gone. The bike gets warm like a motorcycle in the summer 90’s, there has been no heat though “extremely hot” would be a mistaken characterization.

Suspension is great on both bikes. FJR can be fine tuned to be sporty, it seems that ST goes more for comfort and wabbles a bit at high speeds while cornering.

??????? The bike is rock steady. If it wobbles the rider is wobbling it through the quick steering, or perhaps egregious body position/throttle input or some such. Wobble = 0% on my bike in turns, on straights, even in strong truck wakes.

FJR feels nimble at low speeds and while driving aggressively, the ST extra pounds are definitely felt.

Low speeds, if you mean from a dead stop up to about 4mph, then yes RIGHT ON, the BeaST is definitely a heavy bike, and so requires the appropriate attention level below the 4mph range. However, if you mean the pounds are felt at anything above 4mph that’s an inaccurate statement. Above 4mph it steers lightly, accurately, and balances itself very well. This bike is 180lb. heavier than my last, and feels 100lbs lighter when moving.

Feeling weight when pushed aggressively, well…..no… not this boys ST. I was flat out SHOCKED upon buying it at the light precise steering, ease of mid turn corrections for obstacles, response to rider weight shifts, and solid smoothness when pushing the turns. This bike can be flicked, do I mean flicked like a 380lb. sport bike, no not like that. However it fails to feel like a heavy bike in the turns since it steers so easily, I expected it to and was so durn happy to find a different animal, what a surprise when I got to know it’s handling.

It is very solid when two up pushing turns a bit, as well.

The only test where I saw magazine types noticing this was a European magazine that took the ST, FJR, Beemer, on a long trip. They gave the ST the nimblest best overall handling, which after riding mine for awhile, did not surprise me at all

There seems to be some urban legend stuff going around about this bike that gets repeated in print so often that is just expected to be true. I expected a lot less from the bike due to this, than what the bike actually delivered to me. It takes a bit of riding to get in tune with the ST, but once you do it is a non-stop smile maker.

gunther1300

07-11-2005, 06:36 PM

I owned an o4 FJR, great bike EXCEPT THE TICK. Not to mention how mother Yamaha treats it costomers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :mad:

gunther1300

docwells7

07-11-2005, 07:40 PM

I've got to agree with Carl on this one. I won't repeat much of what he said except to say that after talking to a guy at a bike shop the other day, he said one of his biggest disappointments was in the limited adjustability of the suspension. It's either soft or hard according to him...he keeps it at hard one up or two. I will admit it's a sweet looking bike...especially with the bags off.
As for the heat, I'm going to do exactly what Carl did and get the fairing extenders or the wings. It's just air from the heads drafting around the fairing and just needs to be pushed out a hair further.
Erik

Simmons1

07-11-2005, 07:50 PM

I regularly ride my buddies FJR. I bought the ST because it had more room for riding 2 up compared to the FJR. This allowed me to sell two bikes and replace them with ST.The extra roominess and refinement of the ST are a big plus over the FJR when doing high mileage multi-day trips, especially 2 up.

If was buying to ride strictly solo I probably would have bought the FJR. I like the sound and feel of an inline four much better than the v-four. I guess it is just what I am used to.

Unrelated to the question, for the majority of the sport touring trips I take, I still prefer my old ZX11 over the FJR or my ST. I find them both too big, not that the ZX11 is small. I guess that just means I am more of a SPORT-touring guy than a sport-TOURING guy.

Rich

gatorbiker

07-11-2005, 08:19 PM

Thanks Carl for the correction. I guess that my 20 minutes were not enough to evaluate fairly the ST. I am especially glad to hear that the heat is NOT a concern with the ST.

For me getting a bit of "wind" is part of the fun of motorcycling, I am wondering if with the fairing extenders the ST becomes too "insulated" from the wind (e.g. I had bought a super high windshield for my old ST1100, can't remember the name -- it was french brand. The windshield "shielded me" so much that I felt I was driving a car!)

2005c6

07-11-2005, 09:15 PM

I"ve ridden both (of course, I own an ST). The Honda was the right choice at the time, but even then the FJR pulled at my sporting side. But I have since bought a Goldwing as a second bike for riding two up, and I will ride it if I ever take a long trip.

Therefore, I'd love to have an FJR now in place of the ST. I do like the ST a lot, but I would prefer more of a sport bike now that I have the Goldwing. Keep in mind that over the years I was a really hard core sport bike rider (I road raced about 20 years ago).

Carl_T

07-11-2005, 09:17 PM

You are quite insulated with the windshield up (though doing something to remove the backpressure in full up would be a useful improvement to the bike. However at 5ft.9in. tall I get plenty of wind in summer with the windshield full down. I prefer riding with it down, but when temps drop below 47 or so it goes up and makes riding down to freezing a reasonable proposition. There is a very marked wind difference bettween up and down.

Actionfigurejoe

07-11-2005, 10:19 PM

I rode the Yam, ST, Beemer, and Triumph before I bought. The Yam has more of a sporting feel at sppeds. It did feel longer and less agile at slower speeds. The motor has some serious snot. It lays it on longer but not thicker than the ST. The ST has a plush yet firm feel. The Yam is firm everywhere. I do like the utilitarian gauges of the Yam. Simple and easy to read. The seat is better on the Yam. The seating position of the ST is preferred by my hips and knees. As for the Beemer and Triumph? I didn't even consider them. The Triumph felt under engineered and the Beemer's motor was too rough. Oh, and the price. Way too much $$$ for the Beemer.

gatorbiker

07-11-2005, 11:33 PM

Karl,

Thanks again for the info. I just did not want to get rid of all the wind. So I guess there is nothing to worry about the ST -- it is just a question of taste. Now I just need to start all over again the debate over ABS or No-ABS! :)

Coal Man

07-12-2005, 06:29 AM

One of the main reasons I'm trying to sell off my 2 bikes to buy 1 ST instead of the FJR is passenger comfort, my 1200s Suzuki Bandit and the FJR rear seat to footpeg distance is identical which was the problem my wife was having with the bandit caused by the "up-swept" sporty exhaust raising the rear pegs. The BMW K100Rt's rear seat to peg is about the same as the ST. The ST has a blend of the best of both front of what I have now. Just can't find buyers for mine it seems, a funny aside had a guy at a church call and asked me to DONATE both bikes to him????

jmcarruth

07-12-2005, 06:51 AM

I like both the ST1300 and the FJR1300. My Honda dealer let me test ride a used '04 on saturday. I really really liked it!!!! I promised myself though that I wouldn't pull the trigger until I got a test ride on the FJR, not an easy task given the PDP crap!

OH yeah, I'm 6'2" tall and felt very comfortable on the ST. Its an awesome machine. Anyone else ride both? What was your deciding factor?

Thanks a bunch, MJ

I rode my buddie's after I bought my ST1300. The FJR is faster, more powerful, and lighter. Those are the only advantages. The handlebars are too high. There is a lot of vibration and heat coming off of the motor. The seat is a torture device. There have been issues with the valve guides.

The ST is plenty fast and much more comfortable. I do not regret my purchase decision - at all.

John-DownUnder

07-12-2005, 07:15 AM

I tested the ST, FJR and the BMWK1200GT, each 2-up with my "expert" pillion (don't leave them out of this). The winner...the ST of course.
The FJR was too sporty a sports tourer and has an engine "grind" in that power. I reckon the ST is more tourer, but its got the "George Jetson" whistle. (The BMer lost on ergonomics and those silly left and right indicator contols).

sherob

07-12-2005, 08:05 AM

With all of the info you'll get here, and I'll say that it has been pretty unbiased IMHO, and from the FJR site it'll come down to what you feel comfortable with. The dollar factor may play into it as well since the FJR lists for less, but don't let it fool you.

The one thing that I want to add is customer service... I've heard horror stories about Yamaha engine ticks... Vtwin engines too... the owners being left holding the bag on these or not really being taken care of. The ST's had a recall for the 04's and Mother Honda came thru, a pain for the owners of them, but fixed none the less. The ST is a Honda... :D

Kempo-STer

07-12-2005, 08:39 AM

Gator..My 2 cents..

Over the winter I did my homework..Believe me I did my homework..
It was back and forth between FJR, BMW RT1150/1200 and ST..
I spent all winter lurking on the FJR and RT boards listeining to the raves and complaints looking for patterns and trends..

On paper, my original choice was the FJR..

The engine power and lightness were pretty much the universal raves between fans and non fans alike..
The downsides (Consistent trend in complaining among owners of the Feejer)were:
The way Yamaha treated their customers who have problems..
Some people complained of engine ticking.(To be fair probably only 15% or so but still often enough to rule out it as being an abhoration)
Also, consistent off and on about engine heat.
Vibration - Bars are not rubber mounted like the ST so the vibes go right to your hands..

I still liked the Bike so I went to NYC to the Bike show to see it for myself..
Once I sat on it, this is when my longing for it immediatley died..
My personal issues:
Fit and finish -- Very chinsy (is that a word?) Exposed screws bolts and rivets everywhere. Plastic hanging off at the end of the fairing bottom just waiting to break.
The front end felt very small. It felt like a pocket bike. (to me)
The fairing does not wrap around the frame like RT and ST. The frame is exposed and there a stupid weld sitting right in front of your thigh..(Does not bother people but it does me. Just my own quirk)

I met an FJ rider three weeks ago and he echoed the same complaints almost immediately in our conversation..
Handlebar vibration and engine heat.
The two bikes were parked side by side and all I can think of looking at them was Cadillac and Lumina.
Yes the Fj is faster but shees..The ST hits 60 in mid 3s..Plenty fast enough for me and besides I don't plan on entering any races anytime soon..

As to some commenting on the heat of the ST..I don't understand it. Yes its warm..But thats all..warm..There is abolutley no SEARING heat etc...

Good luck with your hunt..It certainly was fun for me and I don't regret my choice one bit.

Todd

Apollo

07-12-2005, 09:43 AM

I tried an FJR and the outstanding impression was "that engine" - pulling like a freight-train in almost any gear/ any speed. The rest of the bike felt great to me to be honest.

The only issue I would have with the big Yam, is whether it could maintain its good looks with only minimal cleaning every weekend (which all my Honda's seem to easily achieve)......

Anyway, the Pan was already decided for me. They are the bike most favoured by our police and emergency services here in the UK - and I think they should really know what works best (??)

PS - Some police forces have had problems with their Pan's weaving a bit at over 100 mph, so maybe the big Honda still has some issues to be addressed back in Japan (?????)

Too late now - I've ordered one anyway :) :) (see my thread..)

JoeC

07-12-2005, 11:03 PM

On paper, my original choice was the FJR....

I still liked the Bike so I went to NYC to the Bike show to see it for myself..
Once I sat on it, this is when my longing for it immediatley died..
My personal issues:
Fit and finish -- Very chinsy (is that a word?) Exposed screws bolts and rivets everywhere. Plastic hanging off at the end of the fairing bottom just waiting to break.
The front end felt very small. It felt like a pocket bike. (to me)
The fairing does not wrap around the frame like RT and ST. The frame is exposed and there a stupid weld sitting right in front of your thigh..(Does not bother people but it does me. Just my own quirk)

Same here, I did alot of homework over the winter, and it was a tossup between the two bikes FJR / ST until I finally had a chance to sit on a FJR at a Yamaha / Honda dealership in Winnipeg. Right then I knew which bike I was going to buy...the ST.

Bottom line, it is a matter of personal choice...I just like the look of the ST better. It was different and I like different. Almost 6000 miles on it and still loving it.

Good luck.

joe :biker:

tdeboeser

07-13-2005, 07:25 AM

(reposted from another thread)

Before I ever rode an ST. I had a chance to test a FJR for about 4 hours on a few different types of roads. I rode with a friend who owns an FJR and GW ( He can loose me on his GW, when I was on my SuperHawk! )
After comming off a sportbike ( Honda SuperHawk ), I found the FJR to be a slow turner, similar to my old '86 VFR. Not bad just slower than I like. And the FJR was only powerful on the top end, typical of a inline 4. This was probably due to the fact that I was coming off a light SuperHawk, and it was a v-twin, so I was used to having very good power without having to be near the redline.

I choose the ST over the FJR (even without riding an ST), after reading many reviews of the ST. Most of the reviews (non-USA reviews) spoke of the ST's quicker handling ( than the FJR ), and the ST's better torque. The other features of the ST to put it over the top for me.

Alot of the reviews I read said "... these bikes are so close in performance...". And I believe this to be true. I don't think you'd go wrong with either bike. I picked the ST mostly because of the motor and the reviewed handling.

Oh, my friend - an former St1100 rider ( and IBR'er ) - was realy put off by the new ST. Even to the point that it made him mad that Honda did what they did to the ST line. He has since taken a quick ride on my ST, he came back with smile on his face, but only said "... not bad, better than I thought...". I think a little more time and he might admit the ST is a good a bike as the FJR.

My $0.02,

Tom de :03biker:

rob.uk

07-15-2005, 10:50 AM

I test rode an FJR1300 recently, after riding my ST1300 for 6 months. I think the engine on the FJR1300 felt slightly more powerful and definitely smoother / more progressive. The gearbox was also very smooth. However, the ride felt awful to me, very hard suspension and seat and after just 100 miles I had to get off to stretch my back and legs. Ouch.

When I returned to the dealer he started to make me an offer for my St1300 traded in for the new FRJ1300. I had to tell him "sorry no thanks", I'm not jumping out of the Pan and into the FJR :-)

Cheers,
Rob

Hewhois

07-15-2005, 11:16 PM

... I'm not jumping out of the Pan and into the FJR :-)

LOL :D :clap2:

gatorbiker

07-16-2005, 09:05 AM

These bikes ST/FJR must have something special because both ST/FJR swear by their bikes :bow1: and would not consider buying the other. Myself, I more sitting on the fence in the middle having owned both (a ST1100 2000 and FJR 2004).

Excuse my nostalgia, but what I remember about the ST is just having trouble putting it on the center stand or pushing out of the garage (which was very small and crowded), nothing else comes to mind which might be a very good thing. The ST performed flawlesly in every situation without the "wow" factor. On the other hand, I remember being blown by the FJR's power and loving it! However I also remember all those speeding tickets and telling myself one of these I'll find myself in a ditch or wrapped around a tree (I have very little self discipline). Don't get me wrong, I know that the ST can be driven very fast however it doesn't provoke me to do it, it makes me enjoy more the travel instead of transforming it continuously into a race. So right now I am leaning toward the ST, I just need to convince my young wife that STs are not a smaller version of a Gold Wing. She just loves the looks of the FJR and she remembers how we smoked some sport bikes at deal's gap before our marriage...

Haaa, those days with the FJR before getting married, I remember being blown ... (by the FJR power) :p:

sokay

07-16-2005, 11:59 AM

Kennedy wrote:Went to the dealer and had a look before I bought the ST and that was enough for me...
I also think it is pretty obvious. I'd say "Just look at the bikes side by side." And yet, there are thousands of people who can do that and chose the FJR. So there you go.

crp5

07-16-2005, 12:17 PM

I rode both bike roughly 20 miles back to back before making my decision to purchase the ST. I had ridden several used ST's and thought they were great, but had not been on a brand new one. I also read all the raving reviews about the FJR and didn't want to be wondering if I had made the right decision someitme down the road.

My take: The FJR was a increadiby fast. It felt like you were being shot out of a riffle when running it hard through the gears. This bike likes to run hard. The ergo's were not very good for me. I felt that I was riding forward and leaning on the bars. The other thing that got me was the amount of wind the rider took. The fairing provided little protection compared to the ST. This is a brash SPORT-tourer and really not suited for 90% of my normal riding style.

The ST: Plenty of power and quick when pushed. I felt as if the ST would fly if it had wings. It almost floated through the gear with the front end getting light in the first 3 gears. I brought the front wheel up about 2ft the first time I grabbed a hold of the throttle. (not shifting, just rev'd at 5-10mph) Scared the $hit out of me at first...then I had to try it again. The tank was all most empty, so there was very little weight up top. The wind protects was fantastic with shield up or down compared the FJR. The ergo also fit my body (6'1" with 34" inseam and 36" arms) I found the bars easy on rest with, the seat comfortable ( After a few long rides I now want a Sargent) Overall the fit and finish were far superior to the FJR.

The ST just seems to be a classy lady that dances very well. a bike that makes you proud. The FJR was a wild 20~ something party hopper that you wanted to ride hard but not bring home to meet the family.

g17

08-27-2005, 06:11 PM

Originally Posted by JW-1300
There is not that much difference in the published horsepower of the two machines, but do to the lighter weight, the FJR is much faster than the ST. .

No, No, No, No. No. The FJR is a wee bit quicker than the ST. (what 11.3 vs 11 in the quarter) Both the ST and the FJR are MUCH FASTER than any H-D.

I disagree that the FJR is a "wee bit quicker". That's like saying the ST is a wee bit quicker than a BMW R1150RT. Although, IMO, the ST is a superior machine overall, truth is truth and the FJR will smoke the ST. Disagree? Just pull up beside one that has an experienced rider in the saddle. Here's a dyno chart showing the wee difference.
http://www.avtomat.com/st1300/torque.jpg
http://www.avtomat.com/st1300/power.jpg

kingprawnokay

08-27-2005, 07:10 PM

I disagree that the FJR is a "wee bit quicker". That's like saying the ST is a wee bit quicker than a BMW R1150RT. Although, IMO, the ST is a superior machine overall, truth is truth and the FJR will smoke the ST. Disagree? Just pull up beside one that has an experienced rider in the saddle. Here's a dyno chart showing the wee difference.

0-60 mph
No offense intended (same team and all that), but so far, no experienced test riders for any reputable publications have been able to get the FJR to smoke the ST (dyno chart or no dyno chart). In fact, most magazines claim .4-.5 seconds difference (0-60 mph and qtr. mile times). I'm sorry, but that's a wee bit. Again, I'm only bringing this up because of what magazines have been reporting for the past 3 years.

Motorcycle Consumer News claimed that the ST would travel to 60 in 3.49 seconds.
Bike magazine recently found the FJR to pull to 60 in 3.4 seconds.

Maybe this small real world power difference is because the Honda's torque is instantly available with no significant drop-off while the FJR dips drastically between 1-2K before returning and overtaking the Honda.

Qtr. Mile
Motorcyclist magazine reported that the FJR does it in 11.02 seconds and the St in 11.43 (.41 seconds difference) at 124 and 118 mph respectively.

I believe .4 tenths of a second to be a wee difference. Especially since they are not real world tests, but usually corrected runs on straight stretches of road and dynamometers (each of which is unique and biased).

Picture this: Two old road racer friends reving their engines. One on an FJR and one on an ST. The flag is dropped and they're off...A qtr. mile of straight, flat, perfect asphalt later and the FJR wins, but not by much (half a bike length, maybe a whole bike length). The ST is not "smoked".

I don't know about you, but when do we ever race the qtr. mile? In the real world with curves and hills, the ST rides side-by-side with the FJR. I've done it and so have many of the other contributors to this site.

kingprawnokay

08-27-2005, 07:13 PM

I forgot to mention that the FJR's left clip-on handlebar might break off during a race or the valve guides might fail. :D

g17

08-27-2005, 08:05 PM

0-60 mph

.

Qtr. Mile
Motorcyclist magazine reported that the FJR does it in 11.02 seconds and the St in 11.43 (.41 seconds difference) at 124 and 118 mph respectively.

I believe .4 tenths of a second to be a wee difference. Especially since they are not real world tests, but usually corrected runs on straight stretches of road and dynamometers (each of which is unique and biased).

Picture this: Two old road racer friends reving their engines. One on an FJR and one on an ST. The flag is dropped and they're off...A qtr. mile of straight, flat, perfect asphalt later and the FJR wins, but not by much (half a bike length, maybe a whole bike length). The ST is not "smoked".

Your reference to motorcyclist magazine indicates only a .41 difference. In contrast, Motorcycle Consumer News reports 0.8 second/10mph difference, either being more than 1/2 a bike length. Again, I concur, the ST is the better machine, but it's not superior to the Yamaha in every aspect.

In reference to the Yamaha being vulnerable to "breaking" I'm sure anyone on an FJR group would point out the numerous Honda recalls for the ST, the rear-end trouble, coolant leaks, oil leaks, etc. :eek:

kingprawnokay

08-27-2005, 08:14 PM

Okay, so I was reaching...and using the data that helped my case, but I stand by the belief that once on the street, both bikes are about the same (since that has been my experience). You win this round with your "facts", and your "evidence", your "proof", and your "figures" and your "superior reasoning ability". :bow1:

g17

08-27-2005, 08:17 PM

Hey King, one more thing......My name is Kevin too :)

Redeye

08-28-2005, 03:18 AM

I rode a brand new out of the box demo prior to buying my Pan.
It felt a very "light" bike, powerful and with good low down pull. What made nme go for the Pan was the comfort, especially pillion leg position (SWMO would not have liked her knees so high), build quality, depreciation concerns and the "tick". Plus the Pan looks more of a complete machine, and not as though someone stuck some panniers on as an afterthought.

Love my fast :biker: Pan

tccox

08-28-2005, 07:45 AM