2020 Yamaha FJR1300 Ergonomics & Rider Fit

Yamaha's FJR1300 offers the full package when it comes to sports touring, but how does that equate to ergonomics and general rider fit?
I have a chat about my impressions of the FJR1300 ergonomics as a 180 cm tall rider, and how the bike feels and handles low speed maneuvers, as well as how that almost 300 kg kerb weight translates into real world scenarios.
For a big bike Yamaha have really done an exceptional job with the balance, centre of gravity and general handling on this motorcycle. For a machine that may seem intimidating at a glance the FJR1300 actually offers a very user friendly package, including dual seat heights as standard, of either 805 mm or 825 mm.
Comfort is also a strong point, with long days in the saddle easily handled, for both rider and a pillion, with a luxurious overall feel, and welcome inclusions like an adjustable screen.
Don't forget to subscribe:
motojournokris.com/youtube

[@MichaelJones-ir3cc]

I am in the U.S. and own an 04' FJR for a little over 9 years now. I bought mine from the original owner, with a modest 14,000 miles on it. I now have 43,000 miles on the ODO with multiple multi-state tours. I have owned many bikes over the years and I can honestly say this is the best sport-touring motorcycle on the planet. It is fuel injected, comfortable, ultra reliable, fast, gets great fuel mileage and has tons of storage for long trips. Of course I have added bar risers, an after market seat , tip-over bars and a taller/higher V-Stream wind screen. I average between 38 and 42 MPG and love that this bike will run flawlessly on 87 octane fuel, if that is all you can find. The fairing design, along with the after market windscreen keeps me bone-dry when caught in unexpected T-Storms. I only get wet if I stop. This bike has never let me down mechanically and will go the distance if you maintain it properly! Thanks for sharing the video!

[@MotoJournoKris]

It's such a sleeper of a motorcycle, they really are amazing.

[@bcuzicancuellar5478]

Good review Kris! I’m only 5’6” and could log 8-10 hours on my 2009 FJR 1300 AE model! Put 76,000 miles on it in 2.5 years. Not as comfortable as my 2018 Goldwing, but definitely more exciting. Brilliant sport touring bike! I could do 500 mile days for several back to back days with no issues whatsoever. Not bad for a 60 year old! Ride safe…

[@MotoJournoKris]

They are such a wicked machine aren't they!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Great and useful material in this video.

[@kms6569]

Arguably, best touring bike on the market. I have owned two.

[@TheMakarov9]

Agreed

[@jeffreypoulin3798]

I own a 2004 non-abs straight up machine, all factory, 35K miles. I'm older (69), and I appreciate that it does does everything well. Over 4500 rpm she's just getting going, and you can get up to 200kph speeds at ease. I love hitting apexes, doesn't matter the speed. This bike is a real confidence builder, and has excellent ergos, brakes and road feedback. She's solid leaned over, graceful down the stretch. The first gens were a simpler beast, and I like them for it.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@jeffreypoulin3798 Great to hear that. How tall are you? Can check what I do. You may like it. Cheers.

[@julianbickers]

Thinking about buying a used FJR 1300 in the UK, this was very helpful, thank you

[@adamelhafidi4974]

That's a great video ma brother 📹👍😊

[@stevenwhitaker5477]

Sure you already are aware of this but in the US the 2016-2020 FJRs have been recalled for second gear failures that have the potential to lock up the rear tire. The fix is replacing 2nd and 5th gears under warranty. Yamaha FJRs built after Nov. 2020 have the new gears from the factory.

[@marccopoloo966]

It’s true I Think that the Kawasaki GTR Councours 1400 is better

[@ralphwarom2514]

Love these ergo reviews. So much more real life.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Thanks! Gives me a chance to talk about it in more depth doing a separate video.

[@Raised_by_God]

@@MotoJournoKris Yamaha FJR 1300 or Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS?

[@adamelhafidi4974]

I hope you can do a similar video about the 2020 Yamaha R1

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Nice one Kris! I’m glad you included the seat width (as you don’t really hear any other blogger mention this!). Most just talk about the actual seat height. I’m 6’3”+ with gear so no problem for me. You reminded me about the mid 90’s. Then I had a GSXR-750, my house mate had a VFR-750. I know which of the two I preferred to ride on long trips and am also not a fan of a centre stand. However for bikes like these (inclusive of the old VFR) the centre stand was very handy! Thanks mate, keep your great content coming! 👍😎

[@MotoJournoKris]

Thanks! I definitely think the width comes into it with these larger machines, we're kind of spoilt in some categories that the bikes are super thin, but a wider seat obviously has some benefits for comfort on the tourers.

[@stevenk9930]

ty mate well said , appreciate it my fellow aussie

[@user-hz7zd9sb6o]

Is the FJR suitable for TALL riders .. 6'2" .. looking at the video .. not too sure .. Maybe a few adjustments .. lower footpegs .. handlebar risers .. higher screen .. extending the width of the handlebars .. ?? Maybe , a bit too many adjustments .. ??

[@MotoJournoKris]

Seems like risers for the 'bars and aftermarket seat are the popular mods, alongside the higher screen. It does seem to vary between riders what they consider acceptable ergos and necessary mods though.

[@alphajed7700]

This bike perhaps need an upgrade to cope up against the newly released Suzuki GSX-S 1000GT, Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX, KTM Duke 1290GT, Ducati Supersport, BMW R 1260RS, and Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello.

[@johnehrlich]

Thinking about trading my Aprilia Cap Rally for an FJR, but wonder if it will be that much more comfortable on long rides with my wife

[@MotoJournoKris]

Hmmm hard to say, the FJR has a pretty generous and relaxed pillion seat. It doesn't have the taller adventure feel and ergos of the Caponord though.

[@filthymcnastyazz]

I’ve heard one reviewer say they were bashing their leg on the fairing at stops. Not a tall tall guy. Your shin seemed to be close when you demonstrated the sit on ergos. Any issues?

[@MotoJournoKris]

Not that I ever noticed while riding the bike to be honest, but fitting a bike can vary so much between riders!

[@filthymcnastyazz]

@@MotoJournoKris thanks for the reply, cheers.

[@mohammedsheikh9479]

Please compare FJ 1300 vs BMW R1250 RT

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'll see if I can get my hands on the BMW!

[@mickangel3945]

What is the right way to measure the seat height from the ground? Does the bike need to be on the centre stand?

[@MotoJournoKris]

Centre-stand will add height, seat height should be measured with bike upright, unladen. Generally with rider on board it'll compress the suspension and lower the real world height. Harley for instance sometimes quote seat height and laden seat height.

[@ronwarber9359]

Great review. However I had a FJR 2010 model and the seat wasn't that great. After about2 hours I was ready to jump off.

[@johnharvey8724]

I was wondering if you or anyone else has ever had much issues with helmet buffeting on the FJR?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I didn't, but helmet buffeting tends to vary widely as it's a combination of things, like screen adjustment, rider (torso) height and helmet make, while a pillion can also have an impact there. I know on a Hayabusa two-up years ago the buffeting between rider and pillion helmet was unbelievable, felt like it was trying to shake my head off. Recently I also rode a 390 Adventure with a GT-Air 2 and it was so bad my vision was impaired, but if I moved around enough I could prevent most of the issue. Normally a different screen, or screen extension can do the trick.

[@samihasib]

This or the new Ninja 1000SX ?

[@MotoJournoKris]

I'd lean towards the FJR1300 for really long distances plus two up and probably towards the Ninja 1000 with more focus on commuting and a bit of sportier riding alongside some touring.

[@brendanstuart3824]

SH - you asked the very question on my mind and thank you Kris for the response, it’s good to get the perspective of someone whose road tested both bikes. I’ve previously owned a 2011 Ninja 1000 ABS and have regretted selling it and as I get a little older and am doing more touring I’m considering my options to upgrade from my Yamaha XJR1300. I’m still torn…..time will tell. Cheers 👍

[@intendedconsequences]

Do you have any taller friends who could give their opinion on the ergonomics too? I am 189 cm and really like the FJR on short test rides but cannot take on 8 hour trips. I am curious how a taller person fits.

[@MotoJournoKris]

I just had the bike for a few weeks of testing I'm afraid, and it was just me riding it for that period, so I'm not sure how taller riders would go.

[@craigst1300]

I owned two of these FJR’s over the years and currently have a 2019 model. I’m 198 cm tall and find the economics pretty good for a taller person. The only two things I found is the stock windscreen does not always offer enough protection for my height and seat comfort on a long ride was poor. I purchased the optional tall windscreen and comfort seats which happily addressed these issues. Powerful, comfortable refined bike overall

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@craigst1300 I see. So, being 185 cm tall it should be all right in my opnion. Maybe just putting the seat at the higher position and the screen a bit up. What ya think?

[@craigst1300]

@@RRRRefuelRideRace at 185cm I reckon you’ll actually be a better fit than myself.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@craigst1300 Yeah, I see. Will go for a test ride and check it. It is gonna be the 2005 model, but the ergonomics arent that different I think. Thanks for your answer bro. You can check my content if you feel so. Cheers.

[@kungfucoach4579]

Bought a 23 new in March. Buffeting and wind noise is unbearable for a taller rider. Available taller windscreens are a must. No usable rear rack... had to make one. The vibrations after 3K will have you off the bike in a few hours. Cross country travel? Get a tourer. This is a sport bike with a cruse control, windshield, saddle bags (cheap ones) and a drive shaft.

[@MotoJournoKris]

The FJR1300 is a sports-tourer, and easily usable for touring.

[@mickangel3945]

I don't know what bike you're talking about.

[@robertcaron9181]

Personally this cruiser could have a much bigger impact, but needs someone with vision and creativity. Stock TFT looks old and boring, definitely could use an much up date TFT screen special with Bluetooth and Navigation. The headlight could use a much appeal LED design. The Mufflers look old and boring. Overall the bike could use a much better design, and some updates, It could be a much bigger exit on the cruise category, Unfortunately Yamaha designers are out of good imagination!

[@MotoJournoKris]

I feel like those are probably all on the list of updates, hopefully we see something in the next few years.

[@glennelliott4989]

TFT?

[@toddjacobs5660]

FJR's are nice bikes, but they are kind of ugly, atleast the 2020 is, im going to stick with my Concours, its also cheaper...

[@MotoJournoKris]

Those GTR1400s are wicked machines too! Not sure we get them here anymore sadly.

[@jefflittle8872]

Bloody hell..we get the seat is wide and effects leg reach..move on.

[@thomaseatkinson7088]

Really? Really? A big bike? You got to be kidding me. I watched this video to find tips on how to fold myself up on the little thing. If it seems big to you, time for you to get a scooter or Honda Navi. Go away, a waste of internet connectivity.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Sorry mate this isn't a video for those who can't figure out how to sit on a motorcycle.