Top tourer with sport mode if desired (Yamaha FJR1300)

Member Name: Bluerider

Product:	Yamaha FJR1300
Date:	30/04/06 (2467 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Endless Power , Comfort and flexibility, fun to ride all day.

Disadvantages: Breaks could be stonger. Heat from engine on days above 30 C in town.

I'm 1.8m tall and 80 kg I currently ride a 2005 model with ABS with & sometimes without Pillion passenger I find the position is ideal for riding all day, no weight on the wrists and the Back is not stresses at all, plenty of space for two! I have had it 18 months and covered 12,000 Km and every Km has been a Joy for both Rider and pillion, The Engine is very smooth and responsive after the first 1000Km running in spell with no vibration spots.
I ride in hot climates in the Gulf Area with dust and sand all around so Shaft drive is ideal and with this and the silky Gearbox, drive is creamy smooth and quiet. Summer is sometimes above 50 C and I don't have a problem with Engine heat as others owners report as long as I am above 80 kph, slower town riding is hot around the legs but any bike would be in the environment I ride, other Bikers I ride with encounter engine heat, these include BMWs, Hondas, Suzukis and Harleys. Riding at 25 C (in winter)where I have to wrap up, I have encounted no engine heat problems at any speed. The breaks are OK but not the best in Class. General handling and steering is precise and gives lots of confidence it seems like a lighter bike than it actualy is. The Suspension is ajustable and seems to be good but not at it's best at speeds above 160kph on bumpy twisty roads, but that's pure Sports territory and most riders won't get the chance to ride to the limits of this bike anyway. I get around 300Km with a full tank which is average for this type of Bike.The original tyres are holding out ok to say the extreme conditions they operate under! possibly get another 8,000Km out of the Metz. will look at Avons next though.
The Electric Screen is very useful, all these sort of dual purpose bikes should have them !
Clocks do a Good job and the Electronic LCD is clear and easy to read. Tip: Avoid resetting the Trip count while riding !
Cruise control (as on some BMWs) would be nice for those all day journeys !
Still looks pristine and the style is subjective but looks one of the best in my opinion, so build Quality is 1st class, but I don't know how it would fare in Cold Damp Climates and Northern European Winter conditions.

Summary: If you are after a Sports-tourer buy one you wont regret it, there's nothing to beat it !!!

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