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bmadson
MCUSA Scribbler

Date Joined Jul 2005
Total Posts : 1038

Posted 5/28/2006 10:30 PM (GMT -8)

Duke takes a trip down to San Diego to check out the latest incarnation of the Yamaha JFR1300, which includes testing out a new auto clutch and remote shifting option. Read up and let us know what you think.

designeraccd
Registered Member

Date Joined Jun 2003
Total Posts : 38

Posted 5/29/2006 5:11 AM (GMT -8)

I rode my '06 FJR @ 150+ miles yesterday in 91F humid heat and the bike was FUNtastic! No heat felt from the engine: Yamahas' engineers have finally resolved the "turkey cooker" problem. On the '03 FJR I had I simply would not have gotten on the bike yesterday, but the '06 was just fine. Incidentally both ride and handling are noticeably better than my '03 was.

Also, I would submit that a TBI sync at the 600 mile service "cured" any throttle jerkiness; she is far smoother and easier to control than my '05 Honda Interceptor. Overall, for what I like this new FJR is just about a perfect bike, and after 78 motorcycles I'm pretty durn picky about these things. DFO turn

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RedDog
Retired SportBike Bum

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 11268

Posted 5/29/2006 8:50 AM (GMT -8)

No doubt it's one of the best sport tourer ever. Good road test but that wheelie popping picture, IMO, gets serious points off for serious road test.

RedDog

Travel Light & Leave Your Fears Behind You!

Normal People Scare me!

Kevin Duke
Rubber-side Down

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 1521

Posted 5/29/2006 1:02 PM (GMT -8)

'Dog, the road testing is serious - the attitude isn't! And how else can we show you the new cat-cons?

-KD, MotorcycleUSA Editor

RedDog
Retired SportBike Bum

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 11268

Posted 5/29/2006 6:53 PM (GMT -8)

Just show me neat lean picture like the ones you did. That's sweet. And you know, perfect is boring. Got to pick on you guys for something and the wheelie popping was clear shot.

Did I tell you that you guys do very well? OK then, I will: You guys are doing a great job! So there. Sit back and enjoy a cold one and ride your laurels!

RedDog

Travel Light & Leave Your Fears Behind You!

Normal People Scare me!

Kevin Duke
Rubber-side Down

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 1521

Posted 5/29/2006 8:25 PM (GMT -8)

RedDog said...
Sit back and enjoy a cold one and ride your laurels!

Yeah, as if you guys will let us rest! Seriously, though, thanks for the kudos. We aim to please.

-KD, MotorcycleUSA Editor

Reg
Registered Member

Date Joined Jan 2005
Total Posts : 277

Posted 5/30/2006 4:38 AM (GMT -8)

Great report, BUT don't declare it the best sport-tourer until you test the new BMW K1200GT! I love mine!

Jay Mack
Registered Member

Date Joined Sep 2003
Total Posts : 491

Posted 5/30/2006 7:02 AM (GMT -8)

Reg said...
... the new BMW K1200GT...

And the R1200RT should be compared, too, when sport tourers are discussed. Just 'cause it's got two cylnders, doesn't mean it isn't a sport tourer.

About those linked brakes, it seems to me all the Yamahas' arrangement is doing is keeping a rider from over powering and locking up the rear by linking it with the front. I know there are gravel situations where just the rear alone would be suitable, but this arrangement should work in those cases as well. I liked the linked brakes on my R1150RS. The effect was very anti-dive and effective.

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Kevin Duke
Rubber-side Down

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 1521

Posted 5/30/2006 7:58 AM (GMT -8)

Reg said...
Great report, BUT don't declare it the best sport-tourer until you test the new BMW K1200GT!

We didn't. Kenny tested the GT last week and we'll soon be providing a First Ride report.

As for the RT, Jay Mack, it's a great sport-tourer but is in a diff league powerwise. The GT is the FJR's natural enemy.

-KD, MotorcycleUSA Editor

Desmolicious
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4618

Posted 5/30/2006 6:00 PM (GMT -8)

Noice write up as always. I'm disappointed with the longer swing arm that has removed some of the old bike's cornering capabilities. That one dragged its pegs easily, does this one have even less clearance Kevin?
The FJR is clearly the value leader, but I've heard from real owners that have swapped between the 06 FJR and the 06 K12GT (or is that 07?), that the new BMW has all the speed of the Yam, but much better handling and suspension. Guess there is a reason for the price difference. Can't wait to hear your input on this.
Oh, for those that complain about price differentials, I have found that alot of that disappears with amazing finance deals that BMW often has. Right now they are offering 2.9% on the R1200RT, I'm sure once the feeding frenxy has calmed down on the new model we'll be seeing that too (or similar).

Børk! Børk! Børk!

Luke
Registered Member

Date Joined Nov 2004
Total Posts : 1080

Posted 5/30/2006 7:24 PM (GMT -8)

The 2006 FJR is the damn near perfect bike. yeah It will make many a rider feel more confident and ride better. And with the comfort, you will find yourself riding MUCH further than you previously rode. Of course, I might be predjudiced. It's hard wiping off the silly fun grin for a serious mileage pic. smilewinkgrin

And check out what the bike owners have to say at www.fjrforum.com

If ignorance is bliss, why aren't more people happy?

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Kevin Duke
Rubber-side Down

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 1521

Posted 5/31/2006 12:47 AM (GMT -8)

Desmolicious said...
does this one have even less clearance Kevin?

Yamaha claims no change to the bike's peg location, though it did seem easier to drag pegs than before. But, as Luke says, it's still a good handler, and there were several journalists who didn't touch pegs on our ride.

-KD, MotorcycleUSA Editor

Desmolicious
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4618

Posted 5/31/2006 8:50 PM (GMT -8)

Kevin Duke said...

Desmolicious said...

does this one have even less clearance Kevin?

So to sum up, the new Fz1 has poorer fueling and less low end than the old one, the new R6 has no scoot below 10K and the new FJR has more weight and less cornering capabilities over the old one.
Hey, I hear they are making swell cruisers!

Børk! Børk! Børk!

jadvik
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2006
Total Posts : 1

Posted 7/28/2006 8:15 AM (GMT -8)

I was seriously contemplating buying a FJR. After reading your excellent review, the decision to purchase has now been made. I do have one question for the experts. I am a gamblling man and would like to wait until '07 to make my purchase. Why? Because I am hoping they will make the FJR in a red color scheme. I have called Yamaha and for some reason they are tight-lipped about the '07 FJR. Do you have any "inside" information" as to what the color schemes might be. Also, your call for cruise control and auto-cancelling turn signals is right on. I would also like to see a more visible turn signal mounted on side mirrors similar to the Honda Gold Wing. Thanks for the great review. Hope to hear from you.

Jay Duke

ShawnKing
Registered Member

Date Joined Dec 2005
Total Posts : 366

Posted 7/28/2006 11:18 AM (GMT -8)

jadvik said...
I was seriously contemplating buying a FJR.

So am I next year.

I have called Yamaha and for some reason they are tight-lipped about the '07 FJR.

Well, that makes sense. They don't want people like us waiting. :)

Also, your call for cruise control and auto-cancelling turn signals is right on.

Yeah - unless they add Cruise on "07, I won't be buying it. Given the Yamaha rep is quoted in the article as saying, "..the AE was made "to expand the appeal by offering more relaxed function," leaving out Cruise Control and self canceling signals seems odd.

"The company claims that nearly 30% of its orders during its "Priority Delivery" program..."

I wonder if that hurts sales too? I've seen many people wanting to look at, test ride or even just sit on the new bike but dealers don't have any in stock because of this (seemingly) odd policy.

But overall, good review!

Shawn King
Host/Executive Producer
Your Bike Life
http://www.yourbikelife.com
2005 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe

Kevin Duke
Rubber-side Down

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 1521

Posted 7/28/2006 6:30 PM (GMT -8)

Thanks for the kind words, guys. As for what's to come on the '07, I don't know anymore than you do. Since the FJR's introduction, it's only come in a blue or silver. You can take that to mean that it won't come in any different color, or perhaps it means that it's time to try a new color.

As for the priority delivery program, it is odd, but it has several benefits for Yamaha, plus it helps keep resale prices fairly high, so there's a benefit for consumers, too.

-KD, MotorcycleUSA Editor

Eddik
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2006
Total Posts : 8

Posted 8/13/2006 9:16 AM (GMT -8)

I've been drooling over the FJR for the past three years and test ride at the Star Days every time. The demo rides are really too slow and short to get a good feel for what this bike offers . But a couple things seem consistant. This bike's got plenty of power and is a blast to ride . But If I buy one its going to be used for long distance riding to get to good riding country. the grips IMO have got to go, its like holding on to a broom stick and puts my hands to sleep or cramps them. And I'm concerned about the leg position on long hauls . Ive gotten lazy from riding cruisers so will make modifications to make more comfortable if possible.

I wasnt even intersted in AE model till I rode it this year in Longmont CO. All I can say is that my doubts about that bike washed away while stealing some serious cornering on the shepherd'd ride. No I am not a test track racer but am a agressive rider and I couldnt believe how well this works in slow traffic driving to fast upshifting and decelerating. This AE is awseome! I want one but not in Silver and can I get it with cruise control please? I really love that on My Tour Deluxe. yeah

tfruth
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2006
Total Posts : 1

Posted 8/16/2006 11:00 AM (GMT -8)

I created a forum account just so I could post this reply.

I have an '06 FJR1300AE. I love the paddle shifter and do not miss my clutch AT ALL!!! I have sat in multiple rush hour traffic jams and am very glad I have the electronic clutch. I also wanted silver, which is the primary reason I bought this one over the A model. Now I'm especially thankful for the electronic clutch.

I concur that self-cancelling signals and ELECTRONIC cruise control are called for.

Kevin Duke
Rubber-side Down

Date Joined Apr 2003
Total Posts : 1521

Posted 8/16/2006 12:32 PM (GMT -8)

Glad you're now signed up, tfruth. Good to know you're digging the AE. Stay tuned for the A vs. the AE vs. BMW's K1200GT comparo.

-KD, MotorcycleUSA Editor

Luke
Registered Member

Date Joined Nov 2004
Total Posts : 1080

Posted 8/16/2006 3:52 PM (GMT -8)

I'm sure your comparo will reveal how wonderful all these bikes are! I'm anxious to read it.

As far as the cruise control and self-cancelling turn signals I'll have to agree. But don't let that keep you from the bike. Both can be purchased from other vendors after purchase. Get a Kisan Signalminder and a electronic cruise control from Audiovox. And you can get Terry Riley's custom brackets for highway pegs.

Oh, and if you really want the turn signal lights at the edge of the mirrors like the Gold Wing, yes there is a kit available for that as well.

If ignorance is bliss, why aren't more people happy?

Yamaha 2006 FJR 1300A

tz250
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2005
Total Posts : 16

Posted 8/23/2006 5:04 AM (GMT -8)

IMHO, the FJR's, FZ1's, etc... are so smooth and refined that they seem like appliances. Yamaha is now just like Honda....great for quality, fit/finish, etc... but did they become Honda Accordish along the way?

I truly love the real world powerband of the twins made from Italy, Germany & US. Would really like to see more development of the V4 engine.

Desmolicious
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4618

Posted 8/25/2006 8:04 PM (GMT -8)

Bikes like the FJR/St1300 are not peaky at all. They make immense power everywhere, so is that not real world? Maybe you have these bikes confused with things like the new R6?
I agree with you that they are appliance like, which is why I ride a Duc!

Børk! Børk! Børk!

Luke
Registered Member

Date Joined Nov 2004
Total Posts : 1080

Posted 8/27/2006 5:10 PM (GMT -8)

If awesome smooth power throughout the power band is like an appliance, then "Viva la Appliance!"

If ignorance is bliss, why aren't more people happy?

Yamaha 2006 FJR 1300A

ideaguy
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2007
Total Posts : 1

Posted 4/9/2007 6:50 PM (GMT -8)

1st Post- will be taking a 2005 FJR for an extended test ride this week, if the weather holds- the head wrench at the local dealership
has one, and is nice enough to let me take one out- his...after all I've read about the power available on these bikes, the comfort, finish,
and amenities, I really don't see how I can go wrong- and am riding a v-twin hot-rodded cruiser right now, loud pipes drag bars and all.
The 2007 is in a Black Cherry color- not bad when you remove the bags, I'm wondering how the aluminum will polish up (like a mirror) and
contrast with the red...if a bike's been around this many years, with only one serious contender- the BMW, and that only 2 yrs ago- they must
be doing something right- If I can only get some performance pipes-tunable for sound, of course, and some chrome somewhere.....
will report back after test orbit

Desmolicious
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4618

Posted 4/10/2007 10:40 AM (GMT -8)

Ideaguy, the 2005 is a bit different from the 07. The 07 has addressed heat and comfort issues that the older ones had. The differences are addressed in the test of the 07 on this site (I think in the comparo against the BMW).

Børk! Børk! Børk!

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