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OK,
most would know about my recent purchase of a 2k7 Yamaham FJR, reasons etc so I thought I would give you the heads up on the bike and how it compares to my 2K7 ST.
First the short facts on the FJR -
Power = 9/10
Comfort = 9/10
Style = In the eye of the beholder but I like it
Handling = 6/10
Quality = 8.5/10
Ride = 9/10
OK, let me go into details;
Power: This is a 1300cc IL4 that pulls like a rocket from about 2k and needs to be treated with respect. This bike is FAST, very fast for it weight (264kgs dry) and with a very smooth 5 speed box you have no need to Redline to go beyond the posted speed limit.
Sweepers and tight corners are no problem with this engine, you feel like its almost an automatic the way the power comes on.
Fuel comsuption is about 4.8lt per 100 with a real life range of about 500Klms touring and 390 klm if riden agressively.
Comfort: The seat height is lower than the ST but WIDER so I'm back to "height issue" again. I did a 600Klm ride 2 up in total comfort as the seat offers better support than the ST and the pillion is not "sitting high" which they like (well most). The screen is powered and allows complete adjustment at any speed which comes in handy. The bars have 3 settings so you can easily find the one most suited to your ride position.
The fairings are able to move out another 30mm when riding in the cold or rain and the heated grips offer a "sweep setting" you can dail up for better comfort.
Display is logical with a good range of visual needs addressed.
Heat Issue is there on the GenI's but equal or less than the ST on the GenII (which I have)
Style= You either like or not but its more touring than sports that's for sure
Handling = This bike is 264kgs dry weight and like anything that is that heavy its not going to be quick in the corners. The lean rate is less than acceptable IMHO as you scrap begs and panniers (yes panniers) very easily. Everything is easy to reach and manipulate. There is a lever on the left side that is specifically for two-up riding. There is a soft and hard setting. Soft for pilot only and hard for two-up. Its as simple as moving the lever one way or the other while on the center stand. Fork flex is a big issue (I've ordered a brace) and you need to run the factory settings to the MAX for any level of confidence if you wish to ride in an agressive manner. My plan is to change out the Springs and get a new rear end before long.
The BRAKES are the BEST I have ever used. Unidirectional ABS that stops you on a 50cent peice. I thought my Buell brakes gave good feed back but they are nothing compared to these and the Triumph brakes are not even in the runner for feed back (or stopping for that matter)
Quality: Well its YAMAHA which has a good name and things fit together well. In this area I would suggest it's better (not by much) than Triumph but not by much.
Ride: This is one mean little (or should I say BIG) bike to ride. OK, I have slowed down in the corners (but they will change with a suspension up-date) but touring, comfort, protection, stopping power is better than anything else I have. The Panniers will hold a FULL FACE helmet (which is good) and don't look like she has a big butt. The Panniers are awesome. They come off in less than 10 seconds easily and come with liners that have carry straps. The bike comes with color matched inserts for the openings that are left when the panniers are removed. That way you cant tell the bags were ever there. The bike looks just like a large sportbike without them and doesnt look unnatural at all. It won't be an embrassiment with other bikes in this category nor would you be left thinking you are riding a MAC Truck.
In the 1000 klms I have dont on this bike I have enjoyed her. The short comings were expected for its weight and the unexpected benefits (brakes & power) are welcome.
Is it better than the ST - that's not a good question as they are two totally different bikes. Yes they are both Sports Touring but that category of bike has been somewhat done to death (a Busa is refered to a Sports Tourer here in OZ)
Is it for everyone? You know the answer to that one.
Is it good for me? Hell yeah
Cheers
Poddy
most would know about my recent purchase of a 2k7 Yamaham FJR, reasons etc so I thought I would give you the heads up on the bike and how it compares to my 2K7 ST.
First the short facts on the FJR -
Power = 9/10
Comfort = 9/10
Style = In the eye of the beholder but I like it
Handling = 6/10
Quality = 8.5/10
Ride = 9/10
OK, let me go into details;
Power: This is a 1300cc IL4 that pulls like a rocket from about 2k and needs to be treated with respect. This bike is FAST, very fast for it weight (264kgs dry) and with a very smooth 5 speed box you have no need to Redline to go beyond the posted speed limit.
Sweepers and tight corners are no problem with this engine, you feel like its almost an automatic the way the power comes on.
Fuel comsuption is about 4.8lt per 100 with a real life range of about 500Klms touring and 390 klm if riden agressively.
Comfort: The seat height is lower than the ST but WIDER so I'm back to "height issue" again. I did a 600Klm ride 2 up in total comfort as the seat offers better support than the ST and the pillion is not "sitting high" which they like (well most). The screen is powered and allows complete adjustment at any speed which comes in handy. The bars have 3 settings so you can easily find the one most suited to your ride position.
The fairings are able to move out another 30mm when riding in the cold or rain and the heated grips offer a "sweep setting" you can dail up for better comfort.
Display is logical with a good range of visual needs addressed.
Heat Issue is there on the GenI's but equal or less than the ST on the GenII (which I have)
Style= You either like or not but its more touring than sports that's for sure
Handling = This bike is 264kgs dry weight and like anything that is that heavy its not going to be quick in the corners. The lean rate is less than acceptable IMHO as you scrap begs and panniers (yes panniers) very easily. Everything is easy to reach and manipulate. There is a lever on the left side that is specifically for two-up riding. There is a soft and hard setting. Soft for pilot only and hard for two-up. Its as simple as moving the lever one way or the other while on the center stand. Fork flex is a big issue (I've ordered a brace) and you need to run the factory settings to the MAX for any level of confidence if you wish to ride in an agressive manner. My plan is to change out the Springs and get a new rear end before long.
The BRAKES are the BEST I have ever used. Unidirectional ABS that stops you on a 50cent peice. I thought my Buell brakes gave good feed back but they are nothing compared to these and the Triumph brakes are not even in the runner for feed back (or stopping for that matter)
Quality: Well its YAMAHA which has a good name and things fit together well. In this area I would suggest it's better (not by much) than Triumph but not by much.
Ride: This is one mean little (or should I say BIG) bike to ride. OK, I have slowed down in the corners (but they will change with a suspension up-date) but touring, comfort, protection, stopping power is better than anything else I have. The Panniers will hold a FULL FACE helmet (which is good) and don't look like she has a big butt. The Panniers are awesome. They come off in less than 10 seconds easily and come with liners that have carry straps. The bike comes with color matched inserts for the openings that are left when the panniers are removed. That way you cant tell the bags were ever there. The bike looks just like a large sportbike without them and doesnt look unnatural at all. It won't be an embrassiment with other bikes in this category nor would you be left thinking you are riding a MAC Truck.
In the 1000 klms I have dont on this bike I have enjoyed her. The short comings were expected for its weight and the unexpected benefits (brakes & power) are welcome.
Is it better than the ST - that's not a good question as they are two totally different bikes. Yes they are both Sports Touring but that category of bike has been somewhat done to death (a Busa is refered to a Sports Tourer here in OZ)
Is it for everyone? You know the answer to that one.
Is it good for me? Hell yeah
Cheers
Poddy