When will the FJR get a make over?

[Roadscum]

It's getting a little long in the tooth. Is there an upgrade on the horizon??

Regards, Paul

[Ack535]

Hard to tell at this point. Rumors were rampant in 2010 that the 2011 FJR would be updated to a new FJR1400. Never materialized. I figure I got a couple more years in my 2005 before I seriously look at something else.

Pete

[Baz]

My loacl dealer tells me there are no upgrade rumors in the Yamaha world for the FJR. The downturn in the economy put a hold on all of Yamaha's plans according to them.

They also pointed out that they are seldom given any plans from the mothership until Yamaha is ready to take orders.

[Roadscum]

My '06 FJR  was a good bike and I sometimes regret selling it.  

I'd like to see the next generation be bit lighter, have an easier throttle twist( maybe a fly by wire throttle), and cruise control.  No new motor required for me.

These are not major items and could probably be accomplished with little development dollars but would bring the bike up to the standards of today's basic sport tours. Yes, I understand the market is soft and the ST market is falling off in favor of the Adventure Tourer but not everyone wants an adventure bike for on road riding. I'm thinking the soon to be announced Triumph touring shafty will fit my needs better then the existing FJR.

Regards, Paul

[mcrider007]

I fail to see what it needs.  

The FJR is a very refined bike but it could greatly improve with a few relatively simple upgrades:

1. Fully adjustable inverted forks,
2. An upgraded, rebuildable, shock,
3. Larger capacity saddlebags,
4. Cruise control.

I don't see anything happening in the near future, the ST market is really soft, and Yamaha is in a penny pinching mode that may last for years.  I think my 2008 FJR is the best all around motorcycle I have ever owned so I will probably be keeping it for a while.

[Bounce]

Cruise control is cheap and easy to add.

I'd go for a 750+ watt alternator. That's the thing that's hard to do after the fact.

[deagle10]

I could come up with a few improvements, but I can do that with any bike, even any brand new fresh off the line new model.  You just can't please every person with any one bike.  There is always a few things that people will want and some things they would have done without.  Of course, the next guy will feel differently about those same items.  So pick the bike that gets it "most" right for you.

That said, I would really like cruise, but there are so many sport-tourers without it....must be a reason.  

For the most part I am very pleased with the bike.  

Edited to add:  I don't know if a makeover will bring in enough sales to justify the cost.   Wouldn't blame Yamaha (and the ST1300) for leaving them alone.

[PatM]

Edited to add:  I don't know if a makeover will bring in enough sales to justify the cost.   Wouldn't blame Yamaha (and the ST1300) for leaving them alone.

Honda stopped selling the ST1300 this year. The rumored ST version of the VFR is still that, rumours.
I too would like a cruise, better seat, larger capacity bags, remote control over the display a la BMW, hydraulic lifters, a different paint scheme. Please Yamaha, anything but grey or black.

[black hills]

I think Kenworth and Frieghtliner both upgraded in the last year or two so the FJR is probably next

sorry, couldn't resist

[SuperHans]

There really isn't much of anything I can think of that the FJR needs. I've ridden the C14 and the one thing I really liked was the driveline seemed considerably smoother and the transmission shifted easier. I wish Yamaha was able give the FJR that buttery smooth driveline.

I certainly don't see the FJR needing a displacement increase, the bike already has enough power. The only thing I see an increase doing is reducing gas mileage.

Even though many of us may think the FJR may not seem like it needs anything, without frequent freshening it will quickly fall behind the competition. There is always the risk of the platform becoming stagnant.

[SuperHans]

But... But... That didn't happen with the Gen-1 Conn... oh wait.

We all know how much you love the C10.

[Thog]

It is a great pity that they haven't updated the FJR. I am on my second, but compared to the competition from Kawasaki and BMW the handling is not up to modern standards.

I love the FJR, but it is a decade old design. In 2011, I want better handling on corners, cruise control, improved screen, an improved engine note, better economy and rider adjustable ECU and suspension settings. If Ducati and BMW can offer these, I am sure Yamaha could have got its act together too.

After test riding the new BMW 1600 GT, I have taken the leap and orded one. It is over 50 pounds heavier than the FJR, but on the move, it handles much better and has modern electronics.

[Cablebandit]

 If BMW can offer these, I am sure Yamaha could have got its act together too.

After test riding the new BMW 1600 GT, I have taken the leap and orded one. It is over 50 pounds heavier than the FJR, but on the move, it handles much better and has a modern electronics.

Don't forget thousands more in upfront cost as well.  

[sfalexi]

My '06 FJR  was a good bike and I sometimes regret selling it.  

I'd like to see the next generation be bit lighter, have an easier throttle twist( maybe a fly by wire throttle), and cruise control.  No new motor required for me.

Regards, Paul

My thoughts exactly (including the sometimes regret selling my old fjr - 03 model).  I would also like to see them figure out what the hell BMW and Honda does with their alternators to get extra juice.  I would like the OPTION of heated seats, heated gear, and a few electrical doodads all at the same time for the wife and me.

Alexi

[jeepinbanditrider]

FJR Engine= Dial up the engine room and give us Warp Drive  


I would like an electronic cruise control though as an option but I don't see me getting rid of my 04 anytime soon.

[falconati]

Does warp drive turn that pig into bacon?  

[McHack]

Does warp drive turn that pig into bacon?  

No,  you go plaid!

[jeepinbanditrider]

[Bounce]

It's getting a little long in the tooth. Is there an upgrade on the horizon?? Regards, Paul

you WANT it to have those George Foreman Grill accents like a Connie14?  

[McHack]

   See what I mean?  

[tigertom1965]

Driver adjustable ECU!! No company will allow that. The bike has to be made to handle emmission standards. In PA you are not supposed to mess with anything emmission related or you will not pass inspection. Since they make this bike 49 or 50 state legal to keep costs down they will not make a driver adjustable ECU. My 2 cents.
I have cruise control on my R1200RT and do use it but only for short periods of time to give my hand a rest. Around here you just cannot ride with cruise on because of all the crappy drivers on the road. It wouldn't be safe. I feel safer with both my hands on the handlebars anyway. A throttle lock would work just as well. On my C10 I tried the giant o-ring but spent more time fiddling with it to get it to work then keeping my eyes on the road. It was not a safe alternative at all. They could put on a Throttle Meister from the factory if they wanted to. At least it wouldn't cost a new owner $129 later.
The C10 was an aged platform but since no one else out there had a better alternative for much of the time they could get away with it. Now there are many alternatives to the FJR they have to keep it from getting stale or they will lose their market share. Even Triumph is coming out with a new ST bike with shaft drive to compete with the BMW. So Yamaha will have to do better if they want to keep selling these bikes. If they bump up their HP and fuel mileage they might sell better as is but I see them coming out with a redesign soon. They used to get 145 HP from a 1995 FZR1000 why is it their 1300 only makes that much HP and gets less fuel mileage to boot?? If they came out with a FZ1 with better body work to handle the wind and the rain, better fuel mileage, more upright seating, hard bags as stock, and cheaper insurance I would buy one. All these sporty bikes are killing me with insurance in PA because helmets are not needed here. Once the helmet laws changed the insurance jumped.

[Bain Dramage]

My riding style is more "touring" than "sporting", so with that perspective in mind I think the FJR is a great bike - I almost bought one a few years back - but if I were putting together a wish-list:

Electronic cruise control. I use mine a lot.

Larger fuel tank and/or better fuel economy. My friends stop a LOT more than I do to re-fuel. (I do not think it needs more power, just more efficient use of the power).

More electrical output.

[Jay S.]

http://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle_news/first_looks_articles/10q3/2011_yamahas_-_first_look

[moto2wheelin]

http://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle_news/first_looks_articles/10q3/2011_yamahas_-_first_look

Let's hope not as that is just a mix of all of them, didn't turn out too good in my eyes!

[Spectreman]

That pic has been floating around the web for a while now. I know I posted a copy of it on another site well over a year ago.

No doubt, the FJR is due for a reboot. The competition has upped the mark & the current FJR, as good as it is, is getting a little long in the tooth. Time for Yamaha to step up to the plate!
Lee

[swimmer]

Nobody mentioned having a 6th gear.  Seems that would be an obvious want.

[Roadscum]

Nobody mentioned having a 6th gear.  Seems that would be an obvious want.

Why a 6th gear? With the broad power band of the 1300 the 5 speed tranny is all you need and it is vey well matched to the motor.  
For me the basic aritecture of the FJR is good, just loose a little weight, fix the throttle, add cruise control {and maybe taction control), update the look a bit  and I'm in!!

Regards, Paul

[Wildcatfan]

I hope it has a better looking exhaust than the one in the picture!

[David Morrow]

Nobody mentioned having a 6th gear.  Seems that would be an obvious want.

Not obvious in my world. I like the 5 speed.

[AzItLies]

Nobody mentioned having a 6th gear.  Seems that would be an obvious want.

This is a common thing one hears regarding these types of bikes, be it st13, fjr, some of the beemers...

I think it's a misconception though... Those that think a 6th gear is obviously needed don't seem to realize that gearing (the ratio's) will always be adjusted for the engines power band.

In other words, adding a 6th gear WOULD NOT result in the bikes gearing being the same as it is now, with the simple addition of a 6th. What would happen is the gearing would change for ea gear, and 6th would then be just slightly different then what 5th is now.

Another way to explain it would be like this: if a 6th gear was added without changing the other gears... you'd be out of the engines "power band". The rev's would be too low, the engine would be lugging, as you tried to accelerate. You'd have no passing or accelerating capability.

That's why the gearing would have to change for ea gear, so you would be in the "power band" in ea gear (including your newly added 6th gear).

Why do that? what point is there? The power band of these bikes is quite wide... 5 gears does the trick

[Huron52]

I agree with Bounce .... needs more wattage  

 6th gear? I don't think so.... AzLtLies hit it on the head!

I'm keeping mine until I wear it out....  

The bike does what it suppose to do.

[Flightar]

Suggested FJR improvements:

1. 900 watt alternator.
2. Stiffer suspension and get rid of the stupid lever...a knurled knob ala VFR 800 ABS is better.
3. OPTIONAL traction control.
4. OPTIONAL electronic cruise control.
5. OPTIONAL heated seat.
6. Adjustable foot pegs, seat and handlebars.
7. Heated grips standard.
8. Power socket standard.
9. Trip computer.
10. OPTIONAL electronic suspension adjustments.

Nothing else is required

[Jetpilot5]

6. Adjustable foot pegs, seat and handlebars. Seat and handlebars are already adjustable.
7. Heated grips standard. Heated grips have been standard since the 2011 model.
8. Power socket standard. It has one as standard but it's located in the glove box, not the best location.
9. Trip computer. It already has electronic analog speedometer and tachometer; LCD digital odometer, dual tripmeters, gear position indicator, fuel, coolant and air temperature gauges, and clock; lights for neutral, high beam, turn signals, low oil and engine warnings—as well as real-time mileage, average mileage and air temperature.  It also reads out miles traveled on reserve.  I suppose miles remaining till reserve could be handy, but it does have a fuel gauge.

[Kneescrubber]

Be careful what you wish for.

[Justin]

Suggested FJR improvements:

1. 900 watt alternator.

Shooting pretty high there  

Why run 2 pairs of aux light when you can run six pair!!!!!

[Cablebandit]

When you start running heated gear for two and an extra light or two you run out of watts really quick.

[Bounce]

http://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle_news/first_looks_articles/10q3/2011_yamahas_-_first_look

blech! they used the ST1300 side cases! what were they thinking?

[Flightar]

6. Adjustable foot pegs, seat and handlebars. Seat and handlebars are already adjustable.

RE: Yes, but foot peg adjustability would be a nice improvement.

7. Heated grips standard. Heated grips have been standard since the 2011 model.

RE: Didn't know this was made standard...

8. Power socket standard. It has one as standard but it's located in the glove box, not the best location.

RE: Then it needs two!

9. Trip computer. It already has electronic analog speedometer and tachometer; LCD digital odometer, dual tripmeters, gear position indicator, fuel, coolant and air temperature gauges, and clock; lights for neutral, high beam, turn signals, low oil and engine warnings—as well as real-time mileage, average mileage and air temperature.  It also reads out miles traveled on reserve.  I suppose miles remaining till reserve could be handy, but it does have a fuel gauge.

RE: As would average speed, direction of travel, and elasped time.

[corndogs]

Love my FJR but yes, it needs some updating.  Making it lighter is not really a concern but I would like to see it handle better.  

[HipGnosis]

Love my FJR but yes, it needs some updating.  Making it lighter is not really a concern but I would like to see it handle better.  

Paging jadziadax8 to introduce you to physics.

[PatM]

Suggested FJR improvements:

1. 900 watt alternator.
2. Stiffer suspension and get rid of the stupid lever...a knurled knob ala VFR 800 ABS is better.
3. OPTIONAL traction control.
4. OPTIONAL electronic cruise control.
5. OPTIONAL heated seat.
6. Adjustable foot pegs, seat and handlebars.
7. Heated grips standard.
8. Power socket standard.
9. Trip computer.
10. OPTIONAL electronic suspension adjustments.

Nothing else is required

Mmmmmmm....
That sums up what is required to be the best (most gadgets?) in that class. Add an inline six and you've got a direct competition to the K1600GT.

[Silverbird]

The only thing updates do these days is add weight and unnecessary technology which drives the price up.

I hope they leave it alone

[ripdaddy]

Careful what you ask for!  You never hear of  problems with fried stators but increase the alternator to 900 and you will.  The heated grips, which are now standard, and a slicker fairing are all I ask for.  But I would be happy with no changes other than a loss of about 50lbs!

[7seas10]

If they come with traction control I'll get one right now!!!

[Cablebandit]

Makes it easier to dual sport it that way.

[Silverbird]

Motorcyclist this month has a small section on a possible make-over.  All the usual updates + of course, more weight

[EdSidders]

I notice that some people with wish list do not list owning a FJR. I do and ride mine instead of play with computer..

Power-just fine
gearing-perfect for two up
seat-copy Russell
windshield-copy Cal Sci
powerlets-add what you want
cruise control-Audiovox
handlebar position-try factory adjustments before adding goodies
Paint-look at euro trim
suspension-adjust factory-amazing
luggage-needs some work
Alternator capacity-use LED aux lighting
ground spiders-dumbass engineering-easily fixed
engine-needs hydraulic lifters , better plugs

Most of the wants can be addressed with farkles,factory needs to do their part.....

I've been on two wheels more than 50  years - perfect bike has never been built...

[Carbonero]

I notice that some people with wish list do not list owning a FJR. I do and ride mine instead of play with computer..

Power-just fine
gearing-perfect for two up
seat-copy Russell
windshield-copy Cal Sci
powerlets-add what you want
cruise control-Audiovox
handlebar position-try factory adjustments before adding goodies
Paint-look at euro trim
suspension-adjust factory-amazing
luggage-needs some work
Alternator capacity-use LED aux lighting
ground spiders-dumbass engineering-easily fixed
engine-needs hydraulic lifters , better plugs

Most of the wants can be addressed with farkles,factory needs to do their part.....

I've been on two wheels more than 50  years - perfect bike has never been built...

 

Buncha whiners and sissy men, I tells ya!  

[UFO]

Suggested FJR improvements:

1. 900 watt alternator.  not sure
2. Stiffer suspension and get rid of the stupid lever...a knurled knob ala VFR 800 ABS is better. electronic suspension on AS version
3. OPTIONAL traction control. standard
4. OPTIONAL electronic cruise control. standard
5. OPTIONAL heated seat. nope
6. Adjustable foot pegs, seat and handlebars. standard
7. Heated grips standard. standard
8. Power socket standard. standard
9. Trip computer. standard
10. OPTIONAL electronic suspension adjustments. electronic suspension on AS version

Nothing else is required

Your wish appears to have come true!

[falconati]

So now the only question is....are you guys actually going to step up and buy one?  Bet not.

[R Doug]

In addition to the fakles, what do folks think of the cosmetic facelift?

A)  Revolutionary?

B)  Evolutionary?

C)  Meh?

[jeepinbanditrider]

I like it  

[FantasticJapaneseRocket]

Another thing I like about the FJR.......it's the best looking Sport Tourer when you take the bags off!!

I ride without the bags on mine unless taking a long trip......each bag weighs 12lbs, instant 24lbs lighter!

I have a Black 2008 and without the bags it kinda' reminds me of a Honda Blackbird.