FJ1300 Goods / Bads

[patate657]

Anybody here can tell me something about the 2004 on up FJ1300's? Thinking about getting one. Pro's and Cons...?
Thanks
Phil

 

[one2dmax]

All the FJ's (including the old school 1100's and 1200's) are excellent bikes. The 1300's are nearly bullet proof and good power to weight ratios for a sport touring bike.

 

[Parminio]

Good to know. I'm actually considering getting rid of my '07 Vmax for a new FJR.

 

[patate657]

All the FJ's (including the old school 1100's and 1200's) are excellent bikes. The 1300's are nearly bullet proof and good power to weight ratios for a sport touring bike.

Good. Just what I wanted to hear. Just sold the vMax and have an opportunity to buy an 04' FJR with 19,000 miles. Carbs gone thru and tank cleaned and lined. Professionally done. $4,000 OBO.

 

[DreamV4]

I rode old FJ and it was for short people, pedals seemed very close to seat(like sport bike?). I am 6', it was very uncomfortable. I didn't buy it. I just looked at FJR1300 picture, same thing, pedals are under balls.

 

[maleko89]

Only complaint I’ve heard was for first couple of years where riders legs would bake from engine heat. Yamaha took care of that later.

 

[Parminio]

Only complaint I’ve heard was for first couple of years where riders legs would bake from engine heat. Yamaha took care of that later.

The Vmax used to bake my right foot until I got some decent Alpinestars boots. It can still get really hot in stop and go traffic.

 

[Stephan]

I have had an FJR1300 for twenty years and it is an excellent bike. Early models such as mine had a cam chain tensioner recall where a new one was fitted (I did mine) and that is all I know of that potentially goes wrong. Shamefully I have only done 20,000 on mine. Checked the shims at 17000 and no changes required. It is a really strong engine. I would hesitate to buy one from someone who said that they have "gone thru" the carbs however, because it does not have any... It is also shaft drive like the Vmax of course, and the FJ1100 and FJ1200 models were chain drive.

 

[El Canadiense]

I owned 4 FJs and a 2006 FJR. Excellent super reliable bikes. If you want one with all the bells and whistles, get a 2016+. If those are not important to you, a 2006+ is also top notch. They are really quick, handle well and can tour at high speed all day without issue. I also had a uniwheel trailer and it towed like it was not even there. It also blocks the rain quite well with expandable side louvers and adjustable windshield. All quality tires are available but I was using Shinko Verge and were great and cheaper. Overall, the FJR does everything without effort and makes riding smooth and worry-free.

 

[patate657]

I have had an FJR1300 for twenty years and it is an excellent bike. Early models such as mine had a cam chain tensioner recall where a new one was fitted (I did mine) and that is all I know of that potentially goes wrong. Shamefully I have only done 20,000 on mine. Checked the shims at 17000 and no changes required. It is a really strong engine. I would hesitate to buy one from someone who said that they have "gone thru" the carbs however, because it does not have any... It is also shaft drive like the Vmax of course, and the FJ1100 and FJ1200 models were chain drive.

Sorry, I stand to be corrected. Re-read the ad, ' Miles at 19,000 The injectors just got maintenance and tank coated have receipt for that work. Also has heated grips great for this weather. ' Thank you for that observation....

 

[patate657]

I owned 4 FJs and a 2006 FJR. Excellent super reliable bikes. If you want one with all the bells and whistles, get a 2016+. If those are not important to you, a 2006+ is also top notch. They are really quick, handle well and can tour at high speed all day without issue. I also had a uniwheel trailer and it towed like it was not even there. It also blocks the rain quite well with expandable side louvers and adjustable windshield. All quality tires are available but I was using Shinko Verge and were great and cheaper. Overall, the FJR does everything without effort and makes riding smooth and worry-free.

Sounds Great. Thanks. How tall are you and what was the comfort range of 1-10 on the bike? I'm 5'11 - 6' at 250lbs.

 

[joksi]

Amongst a number of touring bikes I also owned a FJR (2007). Here where I live, we have a number of mountain roads - you can compare it probably to Canadian mountains and I always enjoyed riding it. As I enjoyed the FJ 1200, FJ1100, the Suzuki Bandit 1200 and 1250. All reliable and good bikes for trips from mornign to evening on the back of your bike.
And I had zero problems to sell any of them and get any other bike the following season. These bikes are reliable. Means boring, no emotions, no passion from ownign or riding any of them.
VMax is a completely other story. Not the bike I would chose for a 1200km ride through the mountains, but the bike I feel making my heart beating faster whenever I see it.

 

[joksi]

Sounds Great. Thanks. How tall are you and what was the comfort range of 1-10 on the bike? I'm 5'11 - 6' at 250lbs.

I am 6'2" and had no problem on long rides. Comfort range: 7-8. 10 is my car.

 

[patate657]

I am 6'2" and had no problem on long rides. Comfort range: 7-8. 10 is my car.

Same here thank you.

 

[ouchez]

All 6 speed tranny's were recalled last year to fix a major problem, complete tear out, even some brand new ones. You need to sit on one to make sure your feet are flat enough on the ground, some claim very top heavy. Earlier models had a real heat problem off the radiator. Word is that this may be the last year since they cannot meet the new Euro clean air standards but in the USA that is not a problem,,so spare parts down the road may be hard to get. The "climate change" fanatics are making a big dent in the motorcycles we love!!

 

[DreamV4]

I am 6'2" and had no problem on long rides. Comfort range: 7-8. 10 is my car.

Vulcan 1500 has 11...

 

[Parminio]

All 6 speed tranny's were recalled last year to fix a major problem, complete tear out, even some brand new ones.

The recall affects 2,285 units – FJR1300 bikes produced between December 9, 2015 and February 2, 2020.

https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/re...oes break,will notify affected FJR1300 owners.

 

[Zeus36]

Yamaha and second gear issues. Where have we heard that before? You'd think they'd learn...

 

[patate657]

The recall affects 2,285 units – FJR1300 bikes produced between December 9, 2015 and February 2, 2020.

https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/re...oes break,will notify affected FJR1300 owners.

The one i'm looking at is a 2004. So should not be a problem.

 

[DreamV4]

Yamaha and second gear issues. Where have we heard that before? You'd think they'd learn...

XS1100!!!!!
https://www.xs11.com/xs11-info/tech...106-the-second-gear-repair-illustrations.html