2005 Yamaha FJR 1300

I am on my 2nd FJR 1300. I put 75K on my 2004 model (Gen 1) and now have 32K on my 2008 model (Gen II). I dont know what bike Thomas was reviewing, but it surely was not a Yamaha FJR 1300.

There was a bit of a heat issue on the 2004 model, but you will find ALL inline 4 faired bikes have ... this. Yamaha has basically eliminated about 90% of this problem with the Gen II bikes. Also, my bike (both of them) are ROCK STEADY with hands off riding. I have been known to ride for 3 or 4 miles hands free, no problem. Thomas must not balance his front tires when he has them mounted. Also, there is no problem with "sloshing gas"...this bike weighs in at over 630lbs, and is NOT a sport bike and cannot handle twisties like some 320lb crotch rocket. This is a SPORT TOURER, and designed for comfort with speed. Also, I have a bad knee in need of replacement, and have NO problem with the peg placement. I can ride 400+ miles in a day in total comfort. Replacing the stock seat with a better seat is recommended. Also, both my bikes had very smooth transmissions, and very rarely ever "clunked" into gear. Only when the bike is cold and you shift into 1st will it clunk.

Overall, the Yamaha fjr1300 is a benchmark against which other sport tourers are measured. I have no doubt I will buy a 3rd FJR when my current one hits apprx 75K miles.

I say that as nothing is perfect at everything but this bike is pretty close. I have 75K miles on it, commuting to work, 300 mi day rides, 600 *weekend rides and 8k+ cross country trip. It does it all with 40+mpg, comfort, and a whole lot of fun under the right hand. I did replace the seat, and added ... handle "bar" spacers for more comfort. The seat was mostly for the cross country trip as the stock seat had issues for me after 250 miles. With 75k miles I have worn out some tires and have Michelin PR2's that handle better than any tire before (Avon, Bridgestone and Michelin Plain Pilot road)

This Bike does whatever you ask of it whenever you ask. It's not an R1, Goldwing or V-twin but it can come close to all of them and do what all of them can't because of what they do best. If and when this one wears out and they still make FJR's that will be my next bike

I never had a bike before where you could put Your Helmet in a Box and Still run 150 Mph. this bike fit great and comfort was fantastic. I changed to the little larger shield and with the Electric adjustment it Was Perfect.. I loved this fine 1300 cc Machine. But due to health problems I sold it ... like a Idiot. I would go cross country on one of those in a Heart Beat.. No Complaints

After 23,000 miles, this bike turns the miles very easily. Yamaha has not quite gotten the wind management figured out, so even after a couple of windshield changes, the buffeting will keep your head buzzing long after the ride is done. The power is smooth, and rid ride is well controlled without ... being harsh, Still using the stock seat, I easily put 1000 days in spite of the wind problem.

The only issue I've had is the stock front tire quickly wears unevenly which causes handlebar movement below 5 mph which is unsettling a bit.

Colorado mountain passes fly by as quickly as you wish, nary dragging a peg, but only the edge of a boot once in a while. Average mpg is 40 on the flat lowlands, but 60 in the routes above 8000 ft. Heat is never that much of an issue, possibly because all the bikes I've had in the past 10 years blow hot air when the fan kicks in.

Overall, a truly great bike that I plan on running until past 100k miles.

It isn't quite as fast as the 'Busa or Kawi14; or quite as comfortable as the 'Wing or Voyageur; or quite as economical as the Silver Wing or Bergman, however it does an admirable job of just about anything that an experienced, long distance tourer would require of it, whether it be on the

'super ... slab' or 'tertiary twisties'.

The company has even listened to the riders' criticisms as to bar height, seat-to-peg distance, hot-crotch syndrome, etc.

In addition to the above, I would like to see a gross vehicle weight rating of about 100 pounds more; a side stand that one does not have to worry about folding up unexpectedly; frame sliders either built in or optional; at least one external helmet lock; an optional larger windshield (height and width); provision for highway pegs; easier battery access; slightly larger mirrors; a trailer hitch option and adjustable pegs and bars.

Driven at legal velocities, the FJR is excellent on fuel consumption getting somewhere slightly over 5 liters for 100km, but not much over 6 liters even when ridden in danger of attracting flashing lights. REALLY spirited riding is definitely fun and plausible but damaging to fuel mileage. (Unexpected?)

Wheelies are almost too easy, sometimes happening unexpectedly.

Chicken strips can be non existent for even moderately proficient riders.

Bar and peg placement are non-adjustable, and for the younger riders under 6 feet and average build. If you are 6-foot or over, you will find the peg-seat distance too short, especially as a passenger. Once you get older and

put on some weight (including your wife/sweetheart) you may find the GVWR once you subtract your combined weights to leave insufficient for a week-long supply of under'things' and extra shirts, toiletries, beach-wear, etc.

Summation: remove the saddle bags and you can get an adrenalin rush when going out for an afternoon at a rented track and knowing you won't likely be at the back of the pack- or - pack the bags (maybe including the optional trunk), set up the suspension for the extra load, throw on the sheepskin and head out for the other end of that favourite highway in another time zone.

People will notice you. This bike turns heads without noise.