FJR1300

[Primer21a]

Does anyone have some input on the Yamaha FJR1300?  I am looking at one to possibly purchase and wonder if they are some pros and cons.   Anything I need to be wary of when inspecting it out?  Thanks!

            Eric D.

[Ack535]

The FJR is pretty much bullet proof. Look for a solid maint. history, with fluid changes (brake, coolant, rear diff etc.) and ask if the splines have been lubed.

Tons of info at several FJR sites such as www.fjrforums.com

1st Gen FJR's tended to be a bit hot in the summer. I have had no heat issues with mine, but I live in Michigan. Florida or Texas might be a different story...

[mugwump58]

It's 200 lbs heavier than my next heaviest bike. That being said I like it very much. Working on it, I find to be bothersome. Getting under the fairing is a pita. My number 1 complaint is the speedo is hard to read with my bifocals, number 2 is I don't like the way water pools up on the instrument panel in the rain.

So no complaints, mines a gen 1 that I got for peanuts. The previous owner took great care with it.

Yes it is soulless. However the roll on makes up for it. Very stable when on the feelers. Everyone should have one once.

[luvtoride]

Gen 1 bikes ('03-'05) sometimes produced premature valve guide wear. Not all gen 1 bikes... but some. That means the valve guides could wear prematurely & would allow small amounts of oil by the guides. The condition wouldn''t leave you dead in the water... but is a fairly expensive fix but was widely taken care of on Yama's dime.

The valve guide issue was usually marked by a certain ticking sound. The ticking would be more prevalent one one side of the motor more than the other. I don't remember which is which. You should do some research over on FJRForum.com &/or FJRiders.com. There is a ticking sound byte over on FJRForum of a confirmed ticking machine.

Also, there are issues with the Gen 2 bikes ('06-'11) with the grounding spiders. This would/will leave you dead in the water. However, there is a workaround for this unless/until Yamaha steps up to the plate & does a recall on this problem. Do more research over on the 2 forums that I pointed out.

No bike is perfect... but in general the FJR is pretty bullet proof. Do your research on the 2 boards mentioned & good luck in the future.

Oh, as far as heat is concerned. It seems that some people have more issues than others with this. I definitely have an issue. Whoever tells you that these bikes aren't hot above 80-85 degrees is full of shit. Both gens produce the same amount of heat. After all, they are essentially the same engines. The Gen 2 is proported to have addressed the issue of better air management by changing the fairings.

[Skee]

Depends on what kind of riding you intend to do.
Having owned one, I believe that it is the best choice out there for 2-up sport-touring.
Gen 2 (2006+) definitely has better air flow heat management; not uncomfortable as long as you keep it moving.

[jeepinbanditrider]

I ride in Texas and the heat doesn't bother me at all.  it doesn't seem to produce that much heat in comparision to other "big bore" bikes I've had before.  Bandit, 1150R BMW and a few cruisers that I've ridden.

I will say that if you get to less than 1/4 tank the tank seems to soak up the most heat.  That's the only heat complaint I have with my 1st gen bike is the heat from the tank during hot 100 degree days in stop and go traffic while low on fuel.  

But all the other stuff that is great about the bike far outweighs tank heat issue.

[JETSET]

Try to get a 2007 or later big upgrades were made in 07. I had an 04 as well. You can't go wrong with an FJR I've been riding an FJR since 03 owned a 04 and now a 07 when they upgrade it I will own that year as well. They also hold thier value.

[Bounce]

I ride in Texas and the heat doesn't bother me at all.  it doesn't seem to produce that much heat in comparision to other "big bore" bikes I've had before.

+1 for me.

[Skee]

now a 07 when they upgrade it I will own that year as well.

Lemme' know when you are ready to part with it...

...maybe by that time I will be ready to ride a real motorcycle again

PS Biggest annoyance I recall on the FJR was the heavy throttle spring, you need to eat yur Wheaties.

[jeepinbanditrider]

Bigger diamter grips help on that issue.  Or a throttle rocker/cramp buster device.  I also have a Vista cruise that lets me move my right arm around a bit.  

[BigBeavk]

FYI,
There is a very good write up on the FJR forum on how to release the tension of the throttle spring. If you look for one of my posts on that forum (same screen name) my signature line has a few easy links for Gen II info. Also getting a G2 throttle tube is well worth it. The more expensive but more effective approach would also include adding a PC III or PC V to adjust the mapping. Of course this would effect the MPG a little.

[cjgauthier]

After 5 years of owning the FJR, I finally did something to help with the heat.  I'm 5'8" and the air was hitting me just under the chin which made it noisy and hot to ride when temps were over 80 degrees. I noticed how much quieter the air was when I would stand to stretch my legs.  I cut some 5/8" o.d. pex tubing to about an inch long and got correspondingly longer bolts for the windshield bracket ,  that lowered the trailing edge about 4".  Now with the windshield angle changed the buffeting is gone and the heat when underway is not an issue. I'm getting plenty of air hitting me now and all the vents on my Phantom suit are able to work as intended.   The cost was about two bucks and the improvement in comfort is priceless.  I think the bike looks sportier too.

[sfalexi]

FJR is the sport-touring's version of the KLR650.  Bulletproof, huge following, reliable, and more than likely won't be changed in 20 years since its development either.

[mugwump58]

After 5 years of owning the FJR, I finally did something to help with the heat.  I'm 5'8" and the air was hitting me just under the chin which made it noisy and hot to ride when temps were over 80 degrees. I noticed how much quieter the air was when I would stand to stretch my legs.  I cut some 5/8" o.d. pex tubing to about an inch long and got correspondingly longer bolts for the windshield bracket ,  that lowered the trailing edge about 4".  Now with the windshield angle changed the buffeting is gone and the heat when underway is not an issue. I'm getting plenty of air hitting me now and all the vents on my Phantom suit are able to work as intended.   The cost was about two bucks and the improvement in comfort is priceless.  I think the bike looks sportier too.

Pics please

[burnergold2B]

If you can't do your own maintenance check the service records/receipts.

I can do a complete service in less than 4 hours; fluids, filters, and balance the throttle bodies.

Pros: there's tons of aftermarket support for gizmos for fit and comfort issues. Fuel tank is huge and great for longer rides between pumps. Oil changes are a snap w/o removing bodywork. Bags are pretty solid and roomy. Steel tank for magnetic tankbags.(No strap/snap messes on re-fuelling.) I put Muzzy stainless pipes on and it has soul to boot.

Con: I didn't really like the mirrors and swapped for, IIRC, FZ1 mirrors that have longer stalks. You'll come up with so many fun nicknames for it you can't pick one.(2-wheeled Toyota, Boomer, SR-71, ....  

[Computer Guy]

Yamaha has finally stepped up to the plate.
There is now a recall to fix the GenII FJR ground spider problem.

[squeezer]

So, we're a couple weeks down the road from the OP. Did you buy it?

[mugwump58]

I'm at mid Ohio this weekend. Perhaps the biggest suprise is you can't swing a dead cat. Without hitting an FJR

[ZZR12]

Does the FJR need super? I like only haveing to run 87 octane in the 1st Gen FZ1.

[squeezer]

Nope. Runs on regular.

[FJRmgm]

I'm at mid Ohio this weekend. Perhaps the biggest suprise is you can't swing a dead cat. Without hitting an FJR

yeah, them FJR people seem to get around alot!!

[Bounce]

As does that dead cat.