FJR vs BMW K1600GT vs Triumph Trophy?

[beemerdons]

Don: Happy to hear that BMW North Salt Lake went tits up. They were the closest BMW dealer to me and I went in there on several occasions before I got my FJR. Arrogant prick assholes, the lot of them. Thought I might get treated differently the time I rolled up in nice Z4 Roadster I used to have, nope--still ignored.

Believe it or not, there was even a worse BMW shop in Post Falls, North Idaho--Beaudry Motorsports. You'd get a woody walking through that place--BMW, Triumph, Ducati, MV Augusta, KTM, and lots of all of them in stock. The had the ignore part down to a science. I was so happy to hear they also went tits up, too. I hope all of the douche-bag salesmen from both shops enjoy asking their customers now if they'd like to supersize that for only $.39, because that's the only place those guys are employable.

Done with the rant now.... :blink:

I did go to BMW Scottsdale in March and they were very cool.

Finally, in looking at BMW's homepage, I love this photo. Now I finally know what the big dual sport bikes are for--keeping it up after you blow the corner and run off the road :lol:

Spud, we are very lucky here in Arizona: We have three great BMW Shops with great personnel. Steve Bittner and Louie Franconi at BMW of Scottsdale; Tom Muller and Justin Kurtenback at Victory BMW in Chandler; John Crawford at Iron Horse BMW in Tucson.

All solid shops with honest personnel and superior service techs, best of all worlds. Sadly, the only decent Yamaha dealer is the state is 55 miles away in Casa Grande; but he is a very close friend of SkooterG and treats we locals wonderfully, a lucky find for us!

 

[Uncle Hud]

........ Now I finally know what the big dual sport bikes are for--keeping it up after you blow the corner and run off the road :lol:

That's FUNNY! :yahoo:

 

[BanjoBoy]

Rode a GTL this summer. Buttery smooth. good power. large bike.

my biggest issue is long term maintenance. Everything on the BMW will be expensive and I predict (as an electrical engineer with a lot of years experience with components) that the neat handlebar switch for scrolling thru all the menu's will be unreliable long term and quite expensive to replace.

if I could afford to buy a new one every time the warranty ran out I'd consider one because I like technology. However, overall I think touring bikes are already obese and this one is worse than most.

Local rider here is getting rid of his GT. Three times it has broken down or left him stranded. He's had enough. He is selling his K16GT and his 07 GS and buying a brand new '12 GSA. Though the Kool-aid is strong with this one, he is NOT going to buy a BMW that has a water pump anytime soon.

Don's horror story here is frightening enough for me to be scared of that product...

I'm surprised it was not posted here earlier...

https://www.k1600foru...00gt-parts.html

Thar, I dun fixed it fer ya.Just another in the long list of BMW horror stories.

I think I will wait a few years, then buy a lightly travelled 2012 FJR.

I'm glad that Yamaha updated the FJR...because it means they will continue to produce the best sportstourer on the planet for a few more years...and thus will give me a good supply of FJRs to choose from in the years ahead to choose from. :clapping:

^THIS^Sure the GT16 & C14 are faster, smoother, more refined, but when you look at the over package; reliability, maintenance, miles on a tank, the 'ole FJR's still got 'em covered after all these yeas.

BMW are finicky, quirky, high maintenance bitches you can't depend on; The FJR is like a good wife you just feed 'n ride!

Giddyup! :brunette:

 

[Top_Speed1]

#1 You got to have a good dealer, everybody knows this ten-fold, it sux for the bad experience(s) :angry2:

#2 The bike was brand new ground up 2 years ago, plenty of kinks I'm sure on something so advanced, the BMW default 3 year/36K warranty helps with me having any possible probs.

I actually have talked to (at my BMW's dealers open house 2 weekends ago) 6 GT and GTL owners with not one single problem. I'm sure my dealer has some bikes with problems but on my "other" Forum, for every 1 dis-satisfied customer there are 100 the total opposite. I guess 1% isn't bad considering the new platform BUT I would be pissed and express myself also on a 25-30K purchase.

BTW- The waterpumps have been totally changed on the '13's, actually dealer says they started on the later '12 bikes.

Bottom line for me is that the Bike is just totally superb to anything I've touched including a Connie or FJR. It's not even close actually nor should it be with the big price tag. My test ride sold me, I had a negative attitude just like fellow FJR owners (here) until I got off that 1-1/2 hr test ride and jumped back on my Feejer. Let down? Don't really wanna say that cuz I do love the Feejer but it truly was a let down. I actually thought my Feejer was comfy and smooth till I tasted the other guys Kool-Aid How much more honest can one be, I tasted, I drank, I liked! (ALOT!)

There's always going to be better/badder more smooth or comfortable bike and I look forward to that experience when it arrives. Till then, clearly the GT is King-Dog even if I have to have some issues resolved, a little bad won't out weight the fun and wayyyy bigger smile I have driving it. The FJR is staying in my stable for now (what's an amusement park with only one coaster? lol and a line I gave to my g/f!) ..and if I need it for a backup? Hey, it's not like the FJR is chopped liver!

 

[Uncle Hud]

Just an observation: this thread is titled "... vs. Triumph Trophy," but no one's talking about the Brit bike. She looks pretty -- like a Trophy Wife should -- and the specs look pretty good, too. So why aren't folks buying lots of them?

 

[carlson_mn]

Rode a GTL this summer. Buttery smooth. good power. large bike.

my biggest issue is long term maintenance. Everything on the BMW will be expensive and I predict (as an electrical engineer with a lot of years experience with components) that the neat handlebar switch for scrolling thru all the menu's will be unreliable long term and quite expensive to replace.

if I could afford to buy a new one every time the warranty ran out I'd consider one because I like technology. However, overall I think touring bikes are already obese and this one is worse than most.

Local rider here is getting rid of his GT. Three times it has broken down or left him stranded. He's had enough. He is selling his K16GT and his 07 GS and buying a brand new '12 GSA. Though the Kool-aid is strong with this one, he is NOT going to buy a BMW that has a water pump anytime soon.

Don's horror story here is frightening enough for me to be scared of that product...

I'm surprised it was not posted here earlier...

https://www.k1600foru...00gt-parts.html

Thar, I dun fixed it fer ya.Just another in the long list of BMW horror stories.

I think I will wait a few years, then buy a lightly travelled 2012 FJR.

I'm glad that Yamaha updated the FJR...because it means they will continue to produce the best sportstourer on the planet for a few more years...and thus will give me a good supply of FJRs to choose from in the years ahead to choose from. :clapping:

^THIS^Sure the GT16 & C14 are faster, smoother, more refined, but when you look at the over package; reliability, maintenance, miles on a tank, the 'ole FJR's still got 'em covered after all these yeas.

BMW are finicky, quirky, high maintenance bitches you can't depend on; The FJR is like a good wife you just feed 'n ride!

Giddyup! :brunette:

The K16GT is NOT faster than an FJR. I highly doubt a C14 is either other than maybe once you're into 5th gear as it admittedly does have a better top end and perhaps a higher top speed. I have whopped on a GT and a GTL, but just casually ridden with C14 guys so I can't decidedly say what would happen. 1/4 mile times show it is a toss up anyways between FJR and C14. /benchracing

 

[HotRodZilla]

Just an observation: this thread is titled "... vs. Triumph Trophy," but no one's talking about the Brit bike. She looks pretty -- like a Trophy Wife should -- and the specs look pretty good, too. So why aren't folks buying lots of them?

Um because the Trophy us uglier than Howie's ass and will most likely lack in performance compared to the FJR. At least the K bike has a fighting chance...beyond that price tag that is.

 

[wabill]

Just an observation: this thread is titled "... vs. Triumph Trophy," but no one's talking about the Brit bike. She looks pretty -- like a Trophy Wife should -- and the specs look pretty good, too. So why aren't folks buying lots of them?

Um because the Trophy us uglier than Howie's ass and will most likely lack in performance compared to the FJR. At least the K bike has a fighting chance...beyond that price tag that is.

I love my Triumph Speed Triple, but I wont be considering a bike heavier tham my FJR and 17% more expensive. The Trophy's motor torque curve may make her competitive with the FJR power wise. But like I said after a test ride on the new Triumph Sprint GT when it came out, " A nice bike but not nice enough to trade off my FJR".

 

[cdc]

No question, bikes are very personal.

I love the FJR particularly the AE but now I have a K1600GT and think it is fantastic.

A 'rational' decision? No, for sure.

 

[ndivita]

Rode a GTL this summer. Buttery smooth. good power. large bike.

my biggest issue is long term maintenance. Everything on the BMW will be expensive and I predict (as an electrical engineer with a lot of years experience with components) that the neat handlebar switch for scrolling thru all the menu's will be unreliable long term and quite expensive to replace.

if I could afford to buy a new one every time the warranty ran out I'd consider one because I like technology. However, overall I think touring bikes are already obese and this one is worse than most.

Local rider here is getting rid of his GT. Three times it has broken down or left him stranded. He's had enough. He is selling his K16GT and his 07 GS and buying a brand new '12 GSA. Though the Kool-aid is strong with this one, he is NOT going to buy a BMW that has a water pump anytime soon.

Don's horror story here is frightening enough for me to be scared of that product...

I'm surprised it was not posted here earlier...

https://www.k1600foru...00gt-parts.html

Thar, I dun fixed it fer ya.Just another in the long list of BMW horror stories.

I think I will wait a few years, then buy a lightly travelled 2012 FJR.

I'm glad that Yamaha updated the FJR...because it means they will continue to produce the best sportstourer on the planet for a few more years...and thus will give me a good supply of FJRs to choose from in the years ahead to choose from. :clapping:

^THIS^Sure the GT16 & C14 are faster, smoother, more refined, but when you look at the over package; reliability, maintenance, miles on a tank, the 'ole FJR's still got 'em covered after all these yeas.

BMW are finicky, quirky, high maintenance bitches you can't depend on; The FJR is like a good wife you just feed 'n ride!

Giddyup! :brunette:

The K16GT is NOT faster than an FJR. I highly doubt a C14 is either other than maybe once you're into 5th gear as it admittedly does have a better top end and perhaps a higher top speed. I have whopped on a GT and a GTL, but just casually ridden with C14 guys so I can't decidedly say what would happen. 1/4 mile times show it is a toss up anyways between FJR and C14. /benchracing

\\
Captain Obvious checking in here....

I just sold my other bike (2003 Blackbird) and now have just my 05 FJR. I'm seriously considering trading in on a new sport tourer, not because I need one but because I think I might want one. I'd love to have a K1600GT but the value proposition is questionable in comparison to the new FJR; cost of ownership is through the roof; I would worry all the time about the thin dealer and parts network in case something goes wrong a long way from home and/or a major city (and it will); general quirkiness and complexity of BMW products annoys me. Similar thoughts occur on the R1200RT: Why spend 20k on a bike that's slower than the FJR, vibrates more and lacks its torque? I test rode a 2012 RT earlier this year. Yawned. The C14 is a great bike no doubt, but, how to say it...I think it's ugly. The Trophy is cool; but again, I don't wrench my own bikes and even if I did, the parts and dealer network are awfully thin. ST1300? Nice but soul-less and is overpriced given that it has not been updated at all for eons. VFR 1200 is a platypus, and I just sold my Blackbird because I have accepted that I am no spring chicken any longer. The FJR has spoiled me. I have to admit I do like the whole notion of the K1600GT but I'm haunted by reliability concerns and maintenance costs neither of which is an issue for the FJR. Face it, optioned like you want it, the K1600 is 10 large more than a fully optioned new FJR. I have trouble with that concept, knowing what I know about the FJR.

My FJR is a known quantity. It has never let me down in 42,000 miles. You can find a competent Yamaha shop almost anywhere in the country. You'd better be near a major city and/or interstate junction if you have mechanical issues on a BMW on a 4,500 mile road trip where the whole goal is get away from major cities and/or interstate junctions. I have the greatest service department in the world at Reno Powersports in KC, and they are getting at least one new FJR in early November. I'll be test riding it but probably won't make purchase decision til spring. I have 2001 BMW automobile which is great as long as no maintenance is required and I have been pretty lucky in that department, but when maintenance is needed, jeezus god get the savings checkbook out.... I suspect the K1600GT is just the same. Not so the FJR.

These are GREAT things to be able to whine about....

 

[BanjoBoy]

The K16GT is NOT faster than an FJR. I highly doubt a C14 is either other than maybe once you're into 5th gear as it admittedly does have a better top end and perhaps a higher top speed. I have whopped on a GT and a GTL, but just casually ridden with C14 guys so I can't decidedly say what would happen. 1/4 mile times show it is a toss up anyways between FJR and C14. /benchracing

Yeah, I ain't ridden either of 'em, but from wut I read, theyz faster, smoother, & mor refined. :headbonk:

(Thaz wut the glossy, paid to sell over priced bike mags write anyways?) :tonguesmiley:

Captain Obvious checking in here....

I just sold my other bike (2003 Blackbird) and now have just my 05 FJR. I'm seriously considering trading in on a new sport tourer, not because I need one but because I think I might want one. I'd love to have a K1600GT but the value proposition is questionable in comparison to the new FJR; cost of ownership is through the roof; I would worry all the time about the thin dealer and parts network in case something goes wrong a long way from home and/or a major city (and it will); general quirkiness and complexity of BMW products annoys me. Similar thoughts occur on the R1200RT: Why spend 20k on a bike that's slower than the FJR, vibrates more and lacks its torque? I test rode a 2012 RT earlier this year. Yawned. The C14 is a great bike no doubt, but, how to say it...I think it's ugly. The Trophy is cool; but again, I don't wrench my own bikes and even if I did, the parts and dealer network are awfully thin. ST1300? Nice but soul-less and is overpriced given that it has not been updated at all for eons. VFR 1200 is a platypus, and I just sold my Blackbird because I have accepted that I am no spring chicken any longer. The FJR has spoiled me. I have to admit I do like the whole notion of the K1600GT but I'm haunted by reliability concerns and maintenance costs neither of which is an issue for the FJR. Face it, optioned like you want it, the K1600 is 10 large more than a fully optioned new FJR. I have trouble with that concept, knowing what I know about the FJR.

My FJR is a known quantity. It has never let me down in 42,000 miles. You can find a competent Yamaha shop almost anywhere in the country. You'd better be near a major city and/or interstate junction if you have mechanical issues on a BMW on a 4,500 mile road trip where the whole goal is get away from major cities and/or interstate junctions. I have the greatest service department in the world at Reno Powersports in KC, and they are getting at least one new FJR in early November. I'll be test riding it but probably won't make purchase decision til spring. I have 2001 BMW automobile which is great as long as no maintenance is required and I have been pretty lucky in that department, but when maintenance is needed, jeezus god get the savings checkbook out.... I suspect the K1600GT is just the same. Not so the FJR.

These are GREAT things to be able to whine about....

Great points, you can't beat the over all value of an FJR; 'specially if'n ya find one used. :yes: (Butt with the tasty refinements on the 2013, 't'd purdie tempt'in ta buy new. :yahoo:

 

[Top_Speed1]

No question, bikes are very personal.

I love the FJR particularly the AE but now I have a K1600GT and think it is fantastic.

A 'rational' decision? No, for sure.

Are you my twin? Dude, it's like I'm standing in front of a mirror! :lol:

Seriously, the one BIG feature I would really want carried over from my FJR to my Beemer would be the AE. Some call it lazy, I call it ....priceless. My left forefinger is so use to doing both the up and down shifts (and so fast) it's not funny. One of the main reasons I'm keeping the Feejer, I really love that AE option! Now bring it to the US market again Mama!

AND- somebody give some love to the Tri-Trophy, I'm sure it has somebodies interest?

 

[wheatonFJR]

AND- somebody give some love to the Tri-Trophy, I'm sure it has somebodies interest?

60s Brit bike riders...who long for the good ole days...just in a nicer comfy couch mode.

 

[Fred W]

AND- somebody give some love to the Tri-Trophy, I'm sure it has somebodies interest?

I'll be that guy:

Let's look at the features and expectations for the 2012 Triumph Trophy (whenever it actually starts delivering) as compared to the FJR. All of this information taken from the downloadable Triumph Trophy Brochure

6 speed transmission

Fly by wire throttle

Single side swingarm - easy wheel removal for tire changes.

Electronically adjustable suspension with upside down forks.

132 BHP, 89 ft lbs torque

Fuel tank capacity 26 litres (6.9 US gals) (FJR is 6.6g)

Wet weight 662lbs (FJR is 637/639, 2nd gen was 644?)

Adjustable seat height (20mm).

Panniers 31 litres each.

Coded key immobiliser.

Ride by wire throttle.

Linked brakes (front brakes partially activated by rear),

ABS (non-switchable).

Electronically adjustable screen with memory function.

Sealed,automatically lockable cockpit storage box with 12v power socket.

Small sealed underseat storage box.

Rider and pillion power socket.

Self-cancelling indicators (can be switched to manual).

Cruise control.

Traction control (switchable, always defaults to on).

Dedicated D-lock storage (under seat).

Quick release mountings for accessory tank bag.

Dedicated SatNav mounting bracket location (mount bracket available as accessory).

Electronically adjustable headlight position.

Centre stand.

Audio system. TES. TPMS. 2×20W speakers with digital signal processing and 3 band (bass, mid-range, treble) equalisation with automatic volume

control (AVC) automatically adjusts volume based on vehicle speed.

USB port with flash drive and MP3 player support (file types supported: AAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG and WAV). Compatible with iPod and iPhone (selected devices) via USB port. FM/AM/WX radio tuner with 15 presets per band. Integrated SiriusXM satellite radio receiver, with 15 presets. NOAA weather

alerts.

RDS functionality (alternative frequencies (AF), traffic alerts (TA), regional tuning (RG) and enhanced other networks

(EON) (all markets except Japan). Program type tuning (PTY) i.e. News, Rock, Pop etc. (all markets except Japan).Auxiliary

input allowing sat-nav instructions to be played through vehicle speakers.

Bluetooth® 2.1+EDR , providing: output to up to two compatible headsets (using A2DP profile), input from up to two compatible devices (using A2DP profile), incoming phone call support (compatible phone and headsets required). Low voltage detection (automatic shutdown to preserve battery).

The items I have highlighted above are the things that I have heard other people asking Yamaha for. And yet the Trophy is getting such a luke-warm reception?

 

[Uncle Hud]

Self-cancelling turn signals!! That should light a few candles around here!

 

[Top_Speed1]

AND- somebody give some love to the Tri-Trophy, I'm sure it has somebodies interest?

I'll be that guy:

Let's look at the features.....

It does sound good! Personally I'm not a fan of the aesthetics but this maybe because I drank the other guys Kool-Aid! :lol:

Maybe we can size-up "your" new TT this spring?

Self-cancelling turn signals!! That should light a few candles around here!

You would think so huh?

Lot's of whining here (forum) on this feature NOT being on the new Feej. Personally the jury is still out on whether I consider it a "must have" option... probably when I get older it will be on my list 4 sure! -haha.

 

[beemerdons]

All that this Old Fart Arizona Cowboy knows is the more I rack up miles on my BMW K1600GT the more I do love my Gisele!

I still really love my Miss Lucy Liu 2003 FJR, but Gisele is #1 when it comes to going for a ride: I now tend to pick Gisele first!

I will be riding my FJR to Patagonia, AZ this Thursday with the asshole in the middle of this photo! How to tell when SkooterG is lying, his lips will be moving!

 

[Mark0212]

No question, bikes are very personal.

I love the FJR particularly the AE but now I have a K1600GT and think it is fantastic.

A 'rational' decision? No, for sure.

Are you my twin? Dude, it's like I'm standing in front of a mirror! :lol:

Seriously, the one BIG feature I would really want carried over from my FJR to my Beemer would be the AE. Some call it lazy, I call it ....priceless. My left forefinger is so use to doing both the up and down shifts (and so fast) it's not funny. One of the main reasons I'm keeping the Feejer, I really love that AE option! Now bring it to the US market again Mama!

AND- somebody give some love to the Tri-Trophy, I'm sure it has somebodies interest?

I rented the K1600GT in Germany for three days and loved it. It is a serious touring motorcycle...probably the best I've ever riden. IMHO its over priced, at 27K when all said and done. You can buy 2 FJR's for that price, but alas, it is a better motorcycle. I thought 27K was a lot of money until I bought my 2012 Road King. Afte looking at the CVO models, you culd spend 40K on one of those. Insane, but I love my RK as well.

 

[Top_Speed1]

This just might give away my updated 1600GT color choice... sure do love da smell of new leather!

 

[SkooterG]

Dude, you got some dirt under your lip.......