2010 Yamaha FJR Intro

[charismaticmegafauna]

Is this new on the "10"?:

(from 'hoggboy's link) "Special scissors-type primary driven gear helps prevent drivetrain backlash and significantly reduces transmission noise for greater rider comfort."

(A 2-piece, spring-loaded, quiet, straight-cut gear on the outer clutch basket)

 

[SouthernCruizer]

My '08 has the vent.

In reading the site info, I came across this bit -

a central vent beneath the instrument panel cools the rider and reduces negative pressure for less buffeting

Does this exist on the '06-09 bikes and I just didn't notice?
Also -

Glove box contains a 12V outlet for phones, GPS units, electric vests, etc.

Wonder if that means they upgraded the fuse for that outlet?

*******************************************

After 10 months and 24,000 miles, the only thing the vent on my 2008 seems to do is give water a place to collect when I wash it, then spit it out at me while under way!

 

[deagle]

Someone asked if we would buy a new bike just with a color change?

Well, in some cases, sure. I wanted the Gen II bike to replace my 2004 (which I was very happy with except with having to go through the tick debacle). In 2007 I didn't fall in love with the color (that year's color was way too fast) so I waited. I didn't want black in 2008 so I waited. When 2009 came and black again, I couldn't wait any more and bought a leftover 2008 which I am very happy with, but would like it red. Enough to paint it red? Of course not (would ruin the bargain I got on the leftover).

I guess I don't think it's too much to ask for a new color if all else remains the same. But I guess if you look at the ST1100 and the ST1300 you're not getting much in color choices either.

At least it's not black again.....

 

[Fred W]

NOW, let me address a couple of your comments. A new model has little bearing on resale of vehicle that is more than one or two years old. My 06 resale value right now is around $7,000. Do you really think that someone who is looking at a used $7,000 bike is going to suddenly decide to buy a new $15,000 bike? No - they have $7,000 to spend, that's why they are looking at a 4 year old used bike to begin with.

I disagree. To begin with your example is specious. Your bike should probably be worth more than you represent and let's face it, nobody pays MSRP for a new bike. So instead let's say your bike is worth 8k and a new bike can be had for 12k. These are more realistic numbers.

But the main point that you seem to be missing is that many people (me as an example) may have the wherewithal or adequate credit worthiness to buy a brand new bike, but prefer to buy a lightly used bike to avoid the big first years depreciation. However, and here's the important part, if the new bike is a significantly different model, well that sort of forces them into the new bike to get those features.

Handling - BMW vs FJR. Read the test in the current Sport Rider magazine. They highly praised the K1300S handling and said the tweaks made over the 1200 transformed the bike.

Apples and oranges. Compare a K1300S to a Yamaha sport bike. Compare the FJR to a K1300GT or R1200RT. Those are their sport touring bikes.

This is strictly a personal issue for me - I would never tell anyone not to buy and FJR - it's a great bike. I'm just trying to explain why Yamaha is not likely to sell me a 2010 FJR, whereas they would have even with some minor upgrades. I'm not saying I'm right and your wrong, I'm just saying how I want to spend my money on a new bike.

It sounds like you really want a sport bike. You should go buy one. I don't think Yamaha will be changing the FJR into a sport bike any time soon.

 

[KYRider]

I'm sooo glad I got an 08 black beauty with the silver wheels, just sayin.
doctorj

+1 on what doctorj said.

 

[jjsC6]

NOW, let me address a couple of your comments. A new model has little bearing on resale of vehicle that is more than one or two years old. My 06 resale value right now is around $7,000. Do you really think that someone who is looking at a used $7,000 bike is going to suddenly decide to buy a new $15,000 bike? No - they have $7,000 to spend, that's why they are looking at a 4 year old used bike to begin with.

I disagree. To begin with your example is specious. Your bike should probably be worth more than you represent and let's face it, nobody pays MSRP for a new bike. So instead let's say your bike is worth 8k and a new bike can be had for 12k. These are more realistic numbers.

But the main point that you seem to be missing is that many people (me as an example) may have the wherewithal or adequate credit worthiness to buy a brand new bike, but prefer to buy a lightly used bike to avoid the big first years depreciation. However, and here's the important part, if the new bike is a significantly different model, well that sort of forces them into the new bike to get those features.

Handling - BMW vs FJR. Read the test in the current Sport Rider magazine. They highly praised the K1300S handling and said the tweaks made over the 1200 transformed the bike.

Apples and oranges. Compare a K1300S to a Yamaha sport bike. Compare the FJR to a K1300GT or R1200RT. Those are their sport touring bikes.

This is strictly a personal issue for me - I would never tell anyone not to buy and FJR - it's a great bike. I'm just trying to explain why Yamaha is not likely to sell me a 2010 FJR, whereas they would have even with some minor upgrades. I'm not saying I'm right and your wrong, I'm just saying how I want to spend my money on a new bike.

It sounds like you really want a sport bike. You should go buy one. I don't think Yamaha will be changing the FJR into a sport bike any time soon.

Yeah, we are never going to find common ground. Do your homework on the value of a 2006 model (I have). If my bike is worth $8,000, let the record show that I'll take that for the bike today - and yes, I"m serious. But if you do some homework, you'll see what I mean. A new 2010 will be available for 13,190 - 2,000 off at D&H. Yes, you might buy a used bike because you'd prefer to, but it still doesn't change the fact that a new model has extremely little difference in the used price on a four year old bike. I've bought and sold about 70 vehicles in my life - I'm pretty good at understanding resale value.

I want a SPORTtouring bike. You might be surprised to know that BMW considers the 1300S a ST bike. We could debate all day long whether it is or not. Yes, it obviously leans more towards the Sport side than a FJR - but it's all a matter of degree. Maybe it would help if you know how I ride. Most Saturdays I put 300-350 miles on my bike. Because of where I live, I have to slog about 100 fairly mundane miles at each end of the day. In between we find some winding roads and run them pretty hard. Scarping pegs is a regular thing, and seldom do I come home without my GPS showing a max speed of at least 130 for the day. Once a year we take a eight day trip where we log 3500 miles or so - usually to the Rockies or the Smokies. So yes, I have to have a bike that can serve all those purposes (BTW, you might also keep in mind that I have a 2009 Goldwing for two up riding - how does that affect your opinion of what I really want?)

You've been on the forum a long time and I respect your opinion - I always appreciate a good debate.

 

[jjsC6]

Perhaps you need to go back to my first post - I am talking about the "S".
No need in even responding to the 6-speed issue. I guess you'd be happy to have a bike with a 2-speed "Powerglide" transmission. :blink:

On the "S" Good thinking, sorry I missed that. It should suit you well.

2 speed? If the final ratio is the same, it's fine. I spend far more time in 5th than any other gear. Personally, 4-speeds were more than enough for anyone. After that you're just rowing through the gears more than necessary to get the same results. Splitting the ratios more and more is un-necessary. After all, the transmission is a torque multiplier, give the same rpm. Vary the rpm to get the torque you want. (not to say I don't down shift in the slower corners)

You are conveniently leaving out some aspects of gear ratios and how more can help. Keeping the engine is a narrow rpm band certainly can help both performance and economy. Why do you think many cars now have 6, 7, and even 8 speed transmissions, and continuously variable transmissions? I suppose you could say for marketing reasons, but I know enough about it to know that there truly are benefits.

 

[palerider]

Perhaps you need to go back to my first post - I am talking about the "S".
No need in even responding to the 6-speed issue. I guess you'd be happy to have a bike with a 2-speed "Powerglide" transmission. :blink:

On the "S" Good thinking, sorry I missed that. It should suit you well.

2 speed? If the final ratio is the same, it's fine. I spend far more time in 5th than any other gear. Personally, 4-speeds were more than enough for anyone. After that you're just rowing through the gears more than necessary to get the same results. Splitting the ratios more and more is un-necessary. After all, the transmission is a torque multiplier, give the same rpm. Vary the rpm to get the torque you want. (not to say I don't down shift in the slower corners)

You are conveniently leaving out some aspects of gear ratios and how more can help. Keeping the engine is a narrow rpm band certainly can help both performance and economy. Why do you think many cars now have 6, 7, and even 8 speed transmissions, and continuously variable transmissions? I suppose you could say for marketing reasons, but I know enough about it to know that there truly are benefits.

What the anti-6th crowd doesn't get is that it doesn't matter whether it's a 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 speed bike. What we want is an overdrive. The FJR happens to be a 5-speed, so people say they want a sixth. What they mean is a true-overdrive top gear. If it were a 3-speed, people would say they wanted a 4th for slab-cruising. The point is to lower RPMs on the interstate.

 

[user 213]

What the anti-6th crowd doesn't get is that it doesn't matter whether it's a 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 speed bike. What we want is an overdrive. The FJR happens to be a 5-speed, so people say they want a sixth. What they mean is a true-overdrive top gear. If it were a 3-speed, people would say they wanted a 4th for slab-cruising. The point is to lower RPMs on the interstate.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: Nah Palerider, we do get that. We keep pulling your chain because you "I wanna 6th gear" guys don't get that you're never going to see a double overdrive 6-speed trans. You bitch loud enough, long enough, and you'll get what the K1300GT has, a 6-speed trans where the 6th gear is equal to the FJR's 5th gear. IOW, no fricking change at all in top gear rpm, just another shift to get there.

As far as I know, in the motorcycling world there is only one double overdrive trans. That's the new Baker 6th OD unit for HD and similar V-twins.

Now go use all of your rpms and come back when you can take corners w/o scraping hard parts.

 

[jjsC6]

What the anti-6th crowd doesn't get is that it doesn't matter whether it's a 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 speed bike. What we want is an overdrive. The FJR happens to be a 5-speed, so people say they want a sixth. What they mean is a true-overdrive top gear. If it were a 3-speed, people would say they wanted a 4th for slab-cruising. The point is to lower RPMs on the interstate.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: Nah Palerider, we do get that. We keep pulling your chain because you "I wanna 6th gear" guys don't get that you're never going to see a double overdrive 6-speed trans. You bitch loud enough, long enough, and you'll get what the K1300GT has, a 6-speed trans where the 6th gear is equal to the FJR's 5th gear. IOW, no fricking change at all in top gear rpm, just another shift to get there.

As far as I know, in the motorcycling world there is only one double overdrive trans. That's the new Baker 6th OD unit for HD and similar V-twins.

Now go use all of your rpms and come back when you can take corners w/o scraping hard parts.

Talking about single and double over drives does not take into account that you can change the rear axle ratio to a taller ratio, and put in lower gear ratios in the transmission. Remember, Yamaha changed the rear ratio starting in 06 for less rpms cruising - but it also effects acceleration from a stop (also reduced wheelies! :angry2: ).

 

[Constant Mesh]

If you want a lower top gear rpm you should get a Kaw Concours.

Kaw Crankshaft to Wheel Gear Ratio (6th gear) = 3.402

FJR (5th gear) = 3.914

So in top gear the Kaw engine is turning 13.1 % slower for a given road speed.

The Kaw's 6th gear ratio = 1.074

FJR's 5th gear ratio = 0.929

 

[Fred W]

I want a SPORTtouring bike. You might be surprised to know that BMW considers the 1300S a ST bike. We could debate all day long whether it is or not. Yes, it obviously leans more towards the Sport side than a FJR - but it's all a matter of degree.

Exactly! I should modify my prior statement by saying that what you want a SPORT(touring) bike, not a crotch rocket. I consider the FJR, and their ilk to be sportTOURING bikes, though lots of folks claim otherwise. If you already have a 2-up TOURING machine (Gold Wing) then the FJR is just too close in functionality to that. A bike that leans more to the sporty side would help fill out the holes in the garage better. It is the reason I keep my VFR hanging around.

If I were in your shoes, rather than considering a new BMW K1300S, why not go with something even sportier with some tour capability, like a nice Ducati? Not sure if you are set on having it be a new bike, but I'd think hard about getting a a nice copy of one of their STx's Now there's a bike with some SPORTtouring soul.

 

[jjsC6]

I want a SPORTtouring bike. You might be surprised to know that BMW considers the 1300S a ST bike. We could debate all day long whether it is or not. Yes, it obviously leans more towards the Sport side than a FJR - but it's all a matter of degree.

Exactly! I should modify my prior statement by saying that what you want a SPORT(touring) bike, not a crotch rocket. I consider the FJR, and their ilk to be sportTOURING bikes, though lots of folks claim otherwise. If you already have a 2-up TOURING machine (Gold Wing) then the FJR is just too close in functionality to that. A bike that leans more to the sporty side would help fill out the holes in the garage better. It is the reason I keep my VFR hanging around.

If I were in your shoes, rather than considering a new BMW K1300S, why not go with something even sportier with some tour capability, like a nice Ducati? Not sure if you are set on having it be a new bike, but I'd think hard about getting a a nice copy of one of their STx's Now there's a bike with some SPORTtouring soul.

Fred, honestly you are not so wrong in your thinking, but go back to my post about how I ride. On my long trips, I have to have a sport touring bike. No way could I do 3500 miles in a week on a Ducati (oops, see your comments - you mean the old ST Ducati). I ride the FJR on those trips, not the Goldwing. Truth is that I need three bikes! Oh, I should have stated, I'm not a used vehicle guy - and especially not a used Ducati. I was pissed when they quit offering the ST4s.

If you think about my needs, the K1300S actually is the bike I should get. While I'm seriously interested (I'm hoping to get out today and look at one again), I am a little nervous. I really do love my FJR and it amazes me how at 56 years old I can ride it from sun-up to sun-down for eight straight days and never get tired of it. But I'm wanting to do something different, and I feel like now is the time to move the FJR. It has 40,000 miles on it, and about 20 months left on the YES warranty. If I keep it another year, it will have over 50,000 miles on it and warranty coming to an end - so I think I'll have the easiest time selling it now. Plus that, I just never keep stuff this long. I've been keeping my Corvettes for two years or less and trading them with under 10,000 miles on them. So you can see why I'm itching to move out of a 3.5 year old bike with 40,000 miles on it. I'm not saying I make sense, I'm just saying that's how I am.

Your comments really are appreciated.

 

[Fred W]

You're right. You NEED 3 bikes.

And the quatrodesmo is a thing of beauty. Especially if you enjoy adjusting valves...

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

Is this new on the "10"?:
(from 'hoggboy's link) "Special scissors-type primary driven gear helps prevent drivetrain backlash and significantly reduces transmission noise for greater rider comfort."

(A 2-piece, spring-loaded, quiet, straight-cut gear on the outer clutch basket)

 

[palerider]

What the anti-6th crowd doesn't get is that it doesn't matter whether it's a 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 speed bike. What we want is an overdrive. The FJR happens to be a 5-speed, so people say they want a sixth. What they mean is a true-overdrive top gear. If it were a 3-speed, people would say they wanted a 4th for slab-cruising. The point is to lower RPMs on the interstate.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: Nah Palerider, we do get that. We keep pulling your chain because you "I wanna 6th gear" guys don't get that you're never going to see a double overdrive 6-speed trans. You bitch loud enough, long enough, and you'll get what the K1300GT has, a 6-speed trans where the 6th gear is equal to the FJR's 5th gear. IOW, no fricking change at all in top gear rpm, just another shift to get there.

As far as I know, in the motorcycling world there is only one double overdrive trans. That's the new Baker 6th OD unit for HD and similar V-twins.

Now go use all of your rpms and come back when you can take corners w/o scraping hard parts.

I think all that mucking around with CTs has twisted your otherwise rational thought process. Maybe it's time to restore the PR2s.

:yahoo:

 

[palerider]

Talking about single and double over drives does not take into account that you can change the rear axle ratio to a taller ratio, and put in lower gear ratios in the transmission. Remember, Yamaha changed the rear ratio starting in 06 for less rpms cruising - but it also effects acceleration from a stop (also reduced wheelies! :angry2: ).

This is about a wish list, not reality. Would that I had the power to wish things and make them true, but alas, I don't. Your answer is not a solution I'd want. I don't want JUST taller gearing. I want an overdrive top gear while keeping the other gear ratios the same.

 

[palerider]

If you want a lower top gear rpm you should get a Kaw Concours.
Kaw Crankshaft to Wheel Gear Ratio (6th gear) = 3.402

FJR (5th gear) = 3.914

So in top gear the Kaw engine is turning 13.1 % slower for a given road speed.

The Kaw's 6th gear ratio = 1.074

FJR's 5th gear ratio = 0.929

If my mother had wheels, she'd be a car.

 

[MCRIDER007]

If you think about my needs, the K1300S actually is the bike I should get. While I'm seriously interested (I'm hoping to get out today and look at one again), I am a little nervous.

I would certainly be interested in your impressions of the K1300S if you are able to test ride one since it seems to be (almost) a sport bike with a humane sitting position and something that one could actually tour on...however, both the K1300S and the K1300GT appear to have extremely low overall gearing. The 6 speed transmission isn't much of a plus for use as a touring bike if the engine is running faster in 6th than the FJR is running in 5th. RIDER reported the K1300S as turning 3750 rpms and the K1300GT as turning 3600 rpms at an indicated 60 mph. This is pretty consistent with Cycle World's comparison of the C14 and the K1300GT when they stated that the K1300GT's engine speed in 6th (5000 rpms at an indicated 80 mph) was about the same as the C14's in 4th.

 

[JuiceMcGoose]

Here's one in yellow..., my '05