Fjr 1300

[MichiganMan]

I've heard all kinds of good things about Yamaha's "Supersport Tourer", but I have some questions for any owners...

I've heard that overheating/getting hot can be an issue if you get stuck in traffic. Is this a specific issue with the FJR or most touring bikes in general?

I've been planning on getting one soon. Are there any issues specific to this bike I should be aware of?

Thanks for the help.

[Penguin1300]

The "heat issue" is about the amount of heat that passes by you. I find it to be annoying when temps are above 85F and I'm stuck in traffic. Anytime it is below 80F, I never even notice the heat. If it is below 40F, I actually hug the tank with my legs and pray for more heat to pass my legs.

My experience is that touring bikes typically do run a bit warmer in the saddle then sportbikes. However, most say the FJR is warmer then say a ST1300. I too find the FJR a bit warmer then the ST1300 I've been on. Yet, a friend of mine with a ST1100 thinks my FJR is cooler. YMMV.

Now, let me discuss the "valve tick" issue. Once you enter the FJR boards, this will immediately be in your face. There is an issue with a small percentage of units developing excessively worn exhaust valve guides. This is an extremely sensitive topic amoung some instrumental people in the FJR community. Be prepared to hear/read about this issue.

Unfortunately, this issue has been sooo taunted by the few that actually had a legitiment problem that many riders are overly sensitive to it. Many owners proclaim they have "a ticker" when, in fact, they are being overly sensative to the tick. The FJR's valvetrain isn't the quietest on the planet to begin with. So, it's hard to determine if there is a major issue here.

For the individuals that had real failures, oil was leaking into the cylinder causing it to blow blue smoke. This issue has never stranded anyone on the side of the road. And, for the most part, Yamaha has been there to cover the repair under warranty. Also, it has been suggested by some "insiders" that the issue is being investigated very closely.

Also, we have zero clue on the percentage of units that have developed this issue. Like I said earlier, it is very cloudy. Trying to weed between the ones that "think" they have a problem and the ones that really do. My guess is that less then 5% of the units actually get to a point where they completely fail.

To cover my arse, I sprung for the extended warranty. If for some reason mine becomes a ticker, I feel comfortable that Yamaha will have an appropriate solution in place and will take care of it for me. Your attitude may differ.

Beyond that, be prepared to purchase rear tires. The bike is a torque monster!!! She will loft the front wheel with ease. If you are hard on the gas, it will eat rear tires!

Overall, I love mine. Hard bags are great (and have been extremely watertight for me), two-up riding is great, take it on a long trip and then rail some twisties. Acceleration is right up there. Even smoked a squid on a FZ-1 at Deal's Gap with my tent strapped to the back, muhahaha! Great do-it-all bike! I wouldn't give it up for the world!

[MrVvrroomm]

It must just be one person's tolerance of heat being different from another's. I picked up my '04 FJR on a 96 degree day in August and spent the next 2 days riding it. I have no idea what anyone is talking about when they say the bike is too hot.

I traded in my '01 GL1800 on the FJR. In my opinion the 'Wing was warmer during slow speed riding.

My FJR has been one of the best bikes I've ever owned. It does what it's designed to very well. In my opinion, even at retail, the FJR is the best deal out there for an all-around sport-tourer.

Just buy one, you'll love it.

[BlazenFire]

I have a buddy whos selling an FJR . lemme know ...

[MichiganMan]

Would love to, but can't this year. Thanks.

[Squid Killer]

I sell the 2005 model now and it has some things done to address excessive heat that the previous years models didnt have.