FJR1300ES - Review from a motorcycle enthusiast

HOLY SMOKES!
I did not know what to expect but I was not expecting to be this thrilled with a bike right out of the box. I wish my bike was more like this in some ways. Watch to find out!

[@jimcallahan981]

So I've done 7 "long distance" trips of 7500 to 10,000 miles, each 18 to 30 days long. Several bikes, DL1000 V-Strom, Super Tenere, Harley, a Goldwing and even 2 on Gen II KLR's. I was going to buy the FJR but the seating position puts me leaning too far forward in the "sport-bike" position and it would not work for me. As a "sport-touring bike", I need a little more Touring and a little less Sport.

[@RRatedCustoms]

Great input! Just to help viewers put it in perspective, what height, inseam, and approximate weight are you?

[@jimcallahan981]

6'0', 32 inseam, 250 lbs.. I also road around S/E Australia last year on a rented 2015 GS 1200 and found it to be almost identical to my current Super Tenere in riding position. I put about 3000 miles on the GS with comfort. People say that you can change out the handle bars on the FJR but I measured about 4 inches of difference in my preferred riding position which is too large of a variation in the handlebar geometry in my opinion...but we're all different and that's why they make more than one bike, right? Thanks for the review.

[@RRatedCustoms]

Thank you for the input!

[@stano5102]

Anthony. My 2 cents. I own a 2013. I’m 6’6” 265 36”inseam. I absolutely Love mine. I installed the riser bars moving handlebars up and back 1 inch. Huge difference almost straight up riding. Very comfortable. In addition I installed a taller windscreen, Laam seat, backrest, top trunk, crash bars with hwy pegs. Ram mounts for phone, gps, go pro, drink holder. Not as smooth as my st1100 but the handling power and cornering are amazing. No super long trips but many 3-500 mile days. Best all around bike I’ve owned.

[@RRatedCustoms]

Makes me want one! Thank you for the tips on mods.

[@davidjansen9209]

I sold mine when 4 surgeons all said I only had a few weeks before I would be unable to ever walk again. Sold it, of course. Best bike I ever had. Power, smooth, with trunk had room for stuff. Electric windshield was great. Had 9 bikes over the yrs. Just got my spine opened up and can walk some now. Trying to order a 2022 and ride again. I am 65 and I have missed it so much!

[@RRatedCustoms]

Sorry to hear that you had to to go through that. It is good that you are feeling better!

[@D-Almighty]

I am 6'4 300lbs and this bike is beyond comfortable. Best bike for the buck

[@RRatedCustoms]

👍

[@letitrest4662]

I love my 2013 fjr1300a. Over 57,000 miles, and have done two multi-thousand mile trips. The last one was 7835 miles in 20 days. What a joy, and comfortable. I was 56 years old during my last trip. I had several 400+ mile days, and even a 952 mile day. Can't say enough good about my 9th motorcycle.

[@RRatedCustoms]

9th motorcycle! That is quite a stable of bikes. 👍

[@bcuzicancuellar5478]

I logged 75,000 miles on my 2009 FJR 1300 AE (no clutch lever) and 4 cross country solo rides that average 6-7,000 miles in a 2 week period. Would ride at least 500 miles a day back to back with no issues. AWESOME touring bike if you live to go fast and enjoy the twisties. This bike doesn’t wake up until it hits 90mph which is usually my “cruising” speed. Never had a heat issue on my legs, and I ran this bike hard! Btw, I was 57 yrs young when I bought this rocket ( 0-100mph in 6.7 seconds) 5’6” and only one good arm (right) left arm pretty useless due to childhood accident. Lots of ppl thought the bike was too big and powerful for me. Lol, I rode more miles in 2 years than most had ridden in their lifetimes…

[@RRatedCustoms]

That is awesome!

[@alp3781]

Amazing...amazing machine. I am soooo glad I took my 18 FJR and not the Honda ST. I enjoy every min riding. I do an hour to work each way daily. Fantastic machine all around. I am 6'4", 198 lbs. No issues at all. I am going to change the seat to a gel one. I also do recommend to get the higher windscreen. Perfect upgrade. Other then that, it is a perfect ride in all condition for a price of 16,900 out the door. I was told by 2 dealers, no crazy maint on those. Just to stay on the oil change and reg Yamaha oil and normal riding will take this bike to very high miles with an ease. Headlights at night are DAY LIGHT, as simple as that. You do not even need to use high beams. To all, Do not hesitate to get this bike. Happy riding to all.

[@RRatedCustoms]

Thank you for the feedback. This I ine of the few bikes I have reviewed that I keep coming back to when I think of my next bike.

[@alp3781]

To own it, you will not regret it !!!! Great value, my friend.

[@daisy8luke]

That stock seat was pretty firm. Instead of popping $450 for a gel seat, I spent about $35 and got a gel and foam insert. It's 1/2 inch gel and 1/2 inch foam padding. I peeled the seat cover back and dug the seat foam out deep enough to put the gel pad in there and make it flush with the rest of the seat. Totally comfortable no matter how long I ride.

[@RRatedCustoms]

Thank you for the top tip. Is there a particular brand?

[@alexjames6805]

The fjr is for sport bike riders that have gotten older and don’t want to move to the old man bikes like Harleys. I love my fjr!

[@RRatedCustoms]

I agree with that. My Harley does not move as fast this beast did.👍

[@couchgaming5577]

no shot i find a FJR review filmed in murfreesboro! thats sick man

[@RRatedCustoms]

I am glad you found it! This was before Yamaha cracked down on people filming during demo rides. I guess they are selling too many bikes to need word of mouth. :P

[@nbasit]

What's wrong with 2-up touring on the FJR1300?? I've done it plenty. Nice gardening gloves, by the way.

[@RRatedCustoms]

Gardening gloves? No, those were Government Issue from the one and only Ft. Hood, Texas during my wonderful time there decades ago. Thanks for watching though!😂

[@RRatedCustoms]

If you want to know more why I wear these gloves in hot weather - kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4XQnohorLl5osk

[@laurencemathewriggs8023]

I when to a local upholstery place. I think I paid 120 he opened the seat up cut the stock foam placed the pad in there and put it back together. Its awsome I can go a lot longer now and helps back as well.

[@ahbalone]

Pretty sure those are goatskin gloves, which is thin but very tough and tear-resistant. American-made deerskin work gloves are actually nice for riding if they fit well. Much softer yet thicker and tougher than cow leather and even washable. Deerskin has air cells so they have some natural warmth. Cheap and easy to replace at the farm and ranch stores. The money they charge for the China-made road-riding gloves is a joke. Many fancy-priced road gloves aren't sized right for avg American hands.

[@plpwheeler]

I bought a used 2007 and love it!

[@RRatedCustoms]

That is cool! There was a used 2014 recently for sale about 60 miles from me. Before I got to go check it out - it sold!

[@MaurizioBeltrami]

I don't know what you mean by long distance. I drive this bike with my wife on the back seat, 10 days on the road, 2000 miles (on twisty European mountain roads. That makes 7 -8 hours a day with the engine on). If you drive on the motorway you can keep a good pace between 100-110 mph (that's legal in Germany) with passenger, side bags and top case. The sixth gear make it pretty smooth. It is rock solid, very stable, virtually vibration free. I find it a pretty good bike for long distances. But each one has different requirements may be. What I find less good? The center of gravity is relatively high (compared to a BMW), more with the top case, the saddle is broad, so that makes reaching the ground a bit more challenging. So the balance while still may become critical. I'm 5' 7"', and I have been in trouble more than once.

[@RRatedCustoms]

+Maurizio Beltrami +Maurizio Beltrami Wow! I stand corrected. Here in America, we do not have as high of speed limits. Otherwise you described what I was referring as long distance riding. I just could not imagine the passenger not being able to move around as much as on a Harley touring bike or Goldwing. I know that my wife and daughter both have nodded off on the back of my Harley. Perhaps the more twisty roads would keep them awake. Thank you for your insight! This is one the bikes that is on my radar if/when I get another

[@MaurizioBeltrami]

if it is about nodding off, a little less room would keep you safer in position... by the way my son used to get asleep on the FJ1200, then later on the Honda CBR1000, and then on the FJR. No problem with that. But if you look to a bike more suitable for 4 hours straight on a like of the 93 in Nevada, then my first choice would be the BMW K1600GT. Because that would still offer you a very sporty character on twisty roads the few times you meet them, superb and rigorous handling in any road situation (well, I just had a test ride and i'm really touched).

[@vanislerider7311]

I've done long distance and two-up touring with my 2006 and it works just sweet. My longest trip was 2 months and 26664km door to door around North America (Canada and the Us). Week long two-up rides are no problem at all.

[@RRatedCustoms]

That is awesome!

[@iancurnow9060]

Good review, Anthony. Thanks.

[@RRatedCustoms]

Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@jspope2008]

Many thanks for getting back to me and clarifying things. I have had Harley-Davidson’s which I have enjoyed, but, I do think they are very overpriced, maybe not in the US but in the UK and certainly in Europe. This is a case in point when I think one is paying for a name or lifestyle statement! Fortunately for Harley-Davidson they have a huge following so good for them. I just found with mine that if you have a nice bit of road with nothing around over 80MPH and things start to get a bit all over the place. At the end of the day everyone likes different things which is just as well. The other point about the Harley-Davidson is that one can look a bit of a cock riding one. Studs on the bags and all that. Very much an old boys bike but non the less likeable. Anyway thanks again and I will keep an eye on what you are up to!

[@RRatedCustoms]

+jspope2008 You are right about HD marketing. Check out Matt Laidlaw's video of the new Softail unveiling in LA. HD said they are scaling back production which means prices go up even in used. As far as innovation, they did improve some but worsened in other areas. Sorry to hear about the handling. I have experienced that on the 99 a lot and the 14 (only a little bit). Regardless of zinc studs, any rider can look like a cock on any bike if they try hard enough. 😉 So what is your current ride and what part of the world are you in? Check out motovlog.com because those motovloggers are spread around the globe for the most part. There are some great ones you might enjoy.

[@patrickdecambra2219]

I bought an 05 about 6 months ago. I have owned a lot of bikes. This one is quickly becoming my favorite. It does everything I wanted to Reliable and fast. I find it comfortable for long rides and I've been told I've got an Iron Butt LOL. Can't go wrong with this one.

[@RRatedCustoms]

They must be great bikes because I have trouble finding them used! It is like people actually keep these for some reason 👍🏍

[@patrickdecambra2219]

@@RRatedCustoms I wasn't even looking for one I was browsing through Craigslist $2,500 17000 miles and very clean never dropped he had other offers I was the first one there. Seriously Best bike I ever owned. I've had V Max's ninjas magna's gold wings this is the best bike lol

[@RRatedCustoms]

I am officially jealous of such great luck😄 So cool you found it!

[@heesanoice7637]

The FJR's stock seat is a bit firm. Nut otherwise, it's a pretty comfy ride. I got some gel/foam pad and installed it into my seat padding. That made it a lot more comfortable. But there's after market seats you can get that are pretty sweet and make longer rides much more enjoyable. As it is, it's not bad. Just not plush. But it will haul ass, gets great mileage, and handles like a dream. I've been riding since I was 17, which was 36 years ago. This is the best bike I've ever owned, and I'll be keeping it for a very long time if possible !

[@RRatedCustoms]

This bike is still on my top 5 list for possible next bike.

[@heesanoice7637]

You'll never regret getting this bike.

[@fightman49]

I’ve been riding since 1963 with layoffs from 1969-1975 and 1988-1997. I’m 70 now and ride a 2004 fjr that i bought new, which has 93K miles on it. The fjr1300 is by far the best of the 9 bikes I have owned! It’s performance and reliability are what keep me riding. Second on that list was my 1965 Honda 160 “baby hawk”. That bike was stock, but was a tremendous overachiever.

[@RRatedCustoms]

That's quite a history! Thank you for the insight. These are getting a bit hard to find locally so maybe that's why.

[@pjmtts]

The lights on the 2016 and up is fantastic unlike many other Yamaha models

[@RRatedCustoms]

I did a few more demo rides on since other bikes and this one is still among my top picks.

[@pjmtts]

Anthony C. Roberson ever risen one with the bags off? If not I highly recommend it. The bags are stupidly heavy (though functional) and once removed it’s like riding a different motorcycle. Actually takes a moment to get used to the handling if I go back and forth.

[@RRatedCustoms]

I have not tried one with bags off, but I will add it to my list!

[@NoWay-xu1ie]

I have 2013 that i bought new. First thing i put bar risers on . Then canyon cages. With highway pegs. That cures any heat issues. At about 20k miles I took it out to Shasta lake California to Russell Seats. What a awesome seat they built. And super nice people to deal with. I've tried them all and nothing compares to the Russell Seat. Just my opinion. It was funny when he commented about long distance riding on a FJR . He probably didn't know it was probably one of the best Iron butt motorcycle's. Out of the crate it's one of best sport touring motorcycle's ever. I've owned Beemers and liked them but they don't come close to the FJRs price and dependability. I would own a Concours if Kawasaki would put cruise on it. I also ride a 2018 1000 Vstrom XT. It's about due for a trip to Russell Seats. I got it to ride the rough Texas Hill country farm roads in the winter. I've done it on the FJR but the Vstrom does it a lot easier But if you stay on the main roads the FJR is fine. I just rode a Niken at a Yamaha demo ride in Council bluffs Ia. Once you are in the seat you don't you know have 2 wheels in front of you. Very stable when cornering. Hats off to Yamaha for the Niken. Very well engineered. Don't knock it till you ride one.

[@RRatedCustoms]

I was referring to riding two up long distance touring. How do the highway pegs help with heat in stop and go traffic?

[@NoWay-xu1ie]

As far as 2 up long distance riding, I've seen people do it on KLRs. And were perfectly happy. Personally I not a fan of 2 up riding . I have done a lot of long distance rides. And I've been riding consistently for 50 year's that's just me. Your wright highway pegs don't help in stop and go traffic. Nice to be retired i can avoid stop and go traffic. I have owned a 650 Bergman that pretty much eliminated the heat issues. I know some people think they are to manly to ride a scooter.

[@RRatedCustoms]

The Bergman is no slouch. I like the Maxi Scooters like that and the Morpheus. I started riding cross country about 25 years ago on a 1973 Honda CB750 which I thought was awesome considering I started riding about 5 years earlier on a Honda Trail 70. When you are young and single, any bike is a touring bike but when you want that special someone to join you on long rides, better be sure they are comfortable for the journey.

[@stevekitella4781]

Update to my comment. January 12 2019, I bought a 2016 ES model. I added seat warmers to the seats and the covering to a marine grade dark sky blue color to compliment the cobalt blue colour of the bike. Adding a sub panel off the battery for all the extra components I'm adding and plan to add. Seat heaters, dash cam ( go pro style Chinese model $40) gps, phone holder/charger, radar detector etc. I'm in B.C. Canada so will get out soon! Yay for me and the fun ahead. 😂🤣😎

[@RRatedCustoms]

Well done! Anything to make the bike better. Do you have a video or anything showing the steps?

[@123JumpingJacks]

Not long distance...needed to hear that...thanks. I never considered that when I reviewed this bike. =)

[@RRatedCustoms]

Thank you. I will have to check out your take on the machine!

[@123JumpingJacks]

Anthony C. Roberson honestly, you did a better job. I was just getting started with reviews at the time. But I have plenty of really decent reviews that came after the fjr =]

[@RRatedCustoms]

Thank you. I will have to check out your take on the machine!

[@trevortaylor2778]

Excellent revue all bases covered a mechanic friend of mine thinks the fjr motorcycle engine is the best There is far easier to work on than the BMW 1200 or 1600

[@RRatedCustoms]

That is good news! Thank you. This bike is still on my short list for possible next bike.

[@jag3217]

One bike that’s bulletproof,motor is awesome.Flipped mine end over end three times with out the bags n only thing that broke is the mirror bracer under front nose n windshield it’s a 08 oh rode it home bruised up lol now

[@RRatedCustoms]

Dang it, that is quite a tough bike and rider👍

[@laurencemathewriggs8023]

I have a 2008 its grate for long distance special with the bags on there . I did have to put a jell pad in my seat though.

[@RRatedCustoms]

Did you have the gel pad custom upholstery or did it come like that? If it came like that, what brand saddle is it?

[@laurencemathewriggs8023]

I went to a local upholstery shop in town they put a gel pad in I think all together it was like a hundred and twenty bucks. But huge differences I cant go way longer and I dont get any pain in lower back.

[@RRatedCustoms]

Thanks!

[@vetryder]

I guess when the Yamaha demo truck came to town I missed it. I must’ve been working.

[@donkramer2579]

I've owned many bikes my last two being RC51 & ZX11. It's time to get the wife involved, how is it for 2 up riding? I'll be commuting and light to med touring. I've checked out multiple HD's & Indians...just not my thing. Also looked at the new K1600B & really liked it.....but $26000 is a tough pill to swallow. Thx again for the review & input.

[@RRatedCustoms]

I would be hesitant but there is a small motovlogger called MotorcycleDen that rode 2 up a lot with an FJR1300. I will send the link to their channel next.

[@RRatedCustoms]

kzbin.info

[@jspope2008]

So what bike would you say is better for comfort? It’s a bike made for long distance. I have a feeling you are a cruiser guy.!

[@RRatedCustoms]

+jspope2008 No, I am not necessarily a cruiser guy. Just check out my other videos to see that. What I do know that I look for a bike that can handle not just carve a canyon but also not wear the rider out on the 5 hour ride to the canyon and the other 5 hours back. The FJR1300ES has potential other than than the few flaws I picked up on on just a short ride. Imagine those same flaws after 10 hours in the saddle for days at a time! Stay tuned for more bike reviews! As soon as I find the perfect bike, you know I am going to make it known.

[@jspope2008]

So the FJR you found a tiring bike to ride? That’s interesting. I ask again then what you think is a more comfortable bike, not a bagger or cruiser?

[@RRatedCustoms]

+jspope2008 I do not recall saying it was tiring but apparently you under that impression so let me explain a bit further. Not sure what you consider touring. Some consider 200 to 300 miles a lot to do in a day. Me? I have ridden 15 hours at a time only stopping for gas just to get where I wanted to be. But that is unusual for most riders except iron butt riders. Regardless of time/distance is any bike has a flaw, the tendency is for the rider's mind and body to focus on that flaw. Check the many articles online covering that topic. The FJR1300 IS betterin many ways than my current bike that I average 15 to 20k miles each year. However, it is not perfect and I would not take my wife on a long trip because if the passenger is not comfortable then they are not happy. If they are not happy, the rider will not be happy. So what does the FJR1300 need to make it closer to perfect? I covered that in the video but despite those improvements, the passenger would likely not be happy on long trips day after day. Sorry if you mistake my objective review of the good and bad of any bike as anything other than an objective review. I see you sub to a couple of motovloggers so you seem to not just hang your helmet in the opinion of any one rider. Good for that! A bike is an investment not only of cash but also what the rider will be placing their life literally on. Now as far as finding the perfect bike as far as comfort alone for anything under 200 miles in a go, there are several. For anything more than that. I have not quite found it yet but the search is ongoing! Bikes I have put through 100 miles or more at a go for reviews are the HD Street Glide with the Milwaukee 8 and the Road Glide Special with the same motor. You should check those reviews out. Personal bikes I have toured multiple states on: 1973 Honda CB750 2002 Yamaha Road Star 1999 HD FLHTPI 2009 HD FLHTCU 2014 HD FLHTK ✌

[@gudni66]

i have an 03 fjr last year went from Ottawa to vancover bc and back its a bike that pulls like bull i averaged 1100 km a day and was not tired at the end of the day, as for a radio/ cb you dont need one just a head set Lexin or cardio or senna and a cell phone no one wants to hear your taste in music. as for the vibration the balincer was not set corectly

[@RRatedCustoms]

Thanks for the insight. If someone can hear my taste in music while I am riding then they either: a)really really know me and better not hog the saddle or b) need to back off and follow so close.😄

[@geofherman2]

I wish you provided some details on why you discounted riding 2-up on the FJR?

[@RRatedCustoms]

I thought I did but just in case. When riding long distance it is important to be able to change positions not just due to holding one position long is tiring to muscles from bloodflow but also hitting bumps causes people to shift and need to readjust on the saddle. This bike has just one place to put the feet and the passenger has their legs bent more than 90°. This squatty looking position is going to get very uncomfortable long before the bike runs through a full tank of gas.

[@backoff7659]

Radio? JBL flip 5 Bluetooth speaker and a smart phone is all you need for some pretty sweet tunes !

[@RRatedCustoms]

😆

[@stevekitella4781]

You can't really give a true review in fifteen minutes! I'm a hard cruiser old school rider, but took my brothers FJR on a ride for about two hours total, and I was very impressed with it. The only thing I would add is a gear changer extention, as I found stock to be short. The other thing I'd add is front foot pegs so you could change your position, to ease the muscles from being in the same position all the time. I've done some very long rides on my classics, so I know the importance of changing leg/ body positions. I might add an air hawk seat for longer trips ( I have one for my venturer) and it makes long rides completely bearable. Overall, I'm thinking of changing my ride to one of these FJR's very hard.

[@RRatedCustoms]

So true about the time limit Yamaha puts on these rides. It was more like 30 minutes but regardless - nice to see even you find some improvements can be done. I too have this bike on my short list of possible next motorcycles. It is a shame Yamaha USA won't allow folks to record their rides on videos anymore.

[@THE-APEX]

Highway pegs are an option too.

[@UncategoricallyChristian]

I just bought a 2017, I love everything but the handlebar distance; I would like them a few inches higher and closer, but they only have a 1" riser available.

[@RRatedCustoms]

Thank you for the feedback. What are your measurements (height and inseam) for others to compare?

[@stevekitella4781]

Heli bars give more up and back than an inch, but are a lot more involved to install and cost is high! Not sure if they are worth the money and effort!

[@ambertudor]

go on utube and look for the guy that lives in the ozarks and posts on his 2018 fjr. he shows the install of a riser with 2" up and 3" back, so they are out there to buy.

[@philiplaurell1163]

Do you really have to take the "no lane splitting" laws so seriously in the US? In most countries of Europe none of these bikes, except perhaps the bagger, would have been so boringly patient. It must suck.

[@RRatedCustoms]

Sorry pal - You would need to ask the cop and the judge if the no lane splitting should be taken seriously or not. I am sure they would be happy to answer while you paid the fine.😆

[@philiplaurell1163]

@@RRatedCustoms That answers my question. You see, where I live, Sweden, the cops couldn't care less if you went lane splitting. Freedom is so nice.

[@RRatedCustoms]

@@philiplaurell1163 😆👍