TG MotoRider Yamaha FJR 1300 ES Review, Rocket Ship Daily Sport Tourer?

Highway ride and review of the FJR 1300 ES.

[@mightyjoe3849]

Been on Harleys my entire life and had a chance to ride an FJR and honestly I cried for about 3 days afterward. I loved it! Gonna keep on of my Harleys and get an FJR in the Stable!!!!

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

Same here. I was an early adapter. Rode it non stop Reno to Seattle. A little sore but couldn’t do it on anything short of a gold wing.

[@LooxJJ]

If you are a practical guy, and need ONE bike that does it all (except off road) - that you can daily, long/short range tour, canyon, and even track - this is the bike to get. Reliability, and quality of buildmanship is just a bonus - you take care of this bike, chances are it will outlive you.

[@stevesmith756]

I’ve been riding and racing for over 40 years. You are right. This has to be the best overall all bike made. Performance reliability it has it all

[@danielweatherford3243]

I agree. I’ve been riding my 2013 FJR1300A for 11 years perfect all around bike

[@TheZoefje1987]

I already have such a bike, and its not a FJR 😜

[@roko8936]

Good review! I have a 2011 FJR and wanted to say changing the air filter and oil is extremely easy. The sparkplugs are surprisingly easy as well. Its harder to change the headlight bulb. My 2011 is an amazing bike, I could only imagine the 23!

[@MichaelJones-ir3cc]

New subscriber! Love your sense of humor. I own an 04' in Cerulean Silver for a little over 10 years. I have put over 20,000 trouble free miles on her on many multi-state tours. Like you, I can't find anything wrong with it 😁😎 Best sport touring machine ever produced!

[@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480]

Thank you for subscribing!

[@mariomora7773]

I’m 68 yrs old and got my motorcycle license in 1972, been riding since...had too many bikes to remember (presently 2013 Victory Cross Country, 2015 Victory Vision, 2007 Honda VTX 1300) and I really like this bike. I just might get one...thanks for a great review.

[@340phil3]

I'm 68 also and 3 of my last 9 bikes have been FJR. My current is a 2014 because it has cruise control. If you like smooth like I do the FJR is that. And it's not as heavy as a Gold wing or a 35,000$ Indian.

[@pentachronic]

If my ST1300 stops working this would be my replacement. But Honda’s don’t stop working very often so I might have to wait!!! This is a great bike.

[@Nimibriggs74]

Putting Jesus on the front is the greatest safety thank you brother.

[@davenehilla9610]

Now that’s a reviewer! Beautiful, beautiful job and a great voice to boot. I started looking for one the moment I finished watching. Alas, at this time they are nowhere to be found. Bummer. Oh, and love the sign off. God Bless bro!

[@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480]

Thank you for watching!

[@cookielover1018TM]

Shout out from KC Mo, like your review on the 2023, I got the 2009, I would want the 6th gear and cruise control, but satisfied with the 2009 for now, safe riding my friend

[@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480]

Thank you for watching!

[@rogerbird2208]

I absolutely 💯 love my 2022 FJR1300. Pretty much perfect.

[@bcuzicancuellar5478]

Great review. Love my 09 AE. Logged 76,000 miles in 2.5 years. Brilliant bike. Can’t understand why Yamaha didn’t continue to make the AE model. Ride safe. Subscribed

[@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480]

Thank you for watching!

[@Little_Raff]

Great review. I ride my second one. Used to oen 2009, now I ride 2019 AS with automatic clutch. I'm 5'10 put vstrem sport touring windshield , yamaha comfort seat, foot shields, top rack on the top box. Daily milage reckord with the wife at the back - 700 miles.

[@jackbao1231]

I'm riding a 2022 one, it's my second bike so not very experienced on bikes, but really feel amazing when riding it.

[@JasonCarmichael]

You are now ruined. Everything else is less. 😆

[@BiblicResurces]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@sandeepramlakshmanan3646]

Great Review. This is a great bike and I own a 2023 as well. Looks like it is even faster than Yamaha Raider. Not sure about the Vmax though.

[@BernardAnderson]

Great opening line!!! "... just won't die." So true!.... Also great review....many thanks.

[@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480]

Thank you for watching!

[@akagent6343]

I've got an 06 AE. The perfect bike - built for riders!

[@sonics747]

FJR or ZX14 makes perfect sense for midwest USA, powerful bikes with it being heavy gets blown less by cross wind and does well in less congested area.

[@pf126969]

Love my 2018. Came over from a Big Vulcan 1700. First test ride I was sold. Smooth endless power. Also a Mo resident, bought the extended FJR windscreen. I keep trying to go back to a cruiser but my inner 15 year old(im 53) wont let me. Its better than coffee in the morning. Plus a local dealer was having a tent sale. I bought my 2018 in 2019,from the show room, 0 miles on the ticker, $13,000.

[@3520Rick]

I'm thinking of moving on from my Vulcan Voyager and was wondering how the riding position is. I have always heard of good things about the fjr. Stay safe my friend.

[@pentachronic]

You basically did the same transition as me. Had a Vulcan 1500 and then went to a Honda ST1300. No regrets.

[@MLZ1957]

I own a 2014 FJR 1300A, which still looks and rides like the day I bought her. The most misunderstood sport tourer. Not a lot of people where I live understand its capability.

[@fanlaz959]

What is your opinion about the new coming RT 1300 ? Which one between the 2 ?

[@robertgagne9355]

I much prefer a touring bike that doesn't look like it was designed by Jeep. This would be a great bike for me to tour with. The only issue I have is the weight. I went with a Ninga 1000SX. Great review and thank you.

[@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480]

@@robertgagne9355 thank you for watching

[@MiguelRPD]

How do you like your 1000sx ?

[@robertgagne9355]

@@MiguelRPD I like it very much. It performs well for everything I care about. Very smooth, responsive and reliable engine.

[@dogpark5122]

Sold mine last April for no real reason other than to not pay insurance on a second bike but now I really regret it.

[@madisonmcquilling4561]

thanks for the review!!!

[@trailingarm63]

This bike was the only alternative I considered to the 1250RT I bought. I love its slimness - for filtering, its performance and durability. But in Europe it has been discontinued due (I think) to pollution regs. Also, funny policy about replacement keys, and as you say the lack of satnav. But I agree with you that it's a great bike.

[@Roger-e9u7m]

Great review on the FJR 1300

[@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480]

Thank you for watching!

[@bigralph1968]

Amen brother...Jesus first! Love your attitude and channel!

[@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480]

Thank you for watching!

[@JasonCarmichael]

Someone I know once went 155mph on a 07. I took it to a dyno and it had 125hp at the tire, and did 165mph. I did a Saddle Sore 1500 on it. :) The air filter is very easy to access behind one panel on the left. Accessing the plugs is not terrible, the tank is rather easy to lift off.

[@markbennett9392]

GPS can be mounted by adding a ball mount on left handlebar. There is a threaded point on the OEM bar.

[@fanlaz959]

What i really like in this bike, is the traditional tachometer. Making everything digital today and the majic is gone...However, it s a hard decision between this and the RT

[@Ritte13]

Great review…… now I want one 😂

[@arthurfoyt6727]

I own a couple of FJR's; one is a daily rider and the pretty one is for sunny days only. Best thing is that they take 87 unleaded gas so they are really cheap to run. Worst thing is that they seem to go through starter relays every couple of years.

[@kemelinux]

As others mention here, there is an extended FJR windscreen but for me it is still not tall enough... (I am 1,88 meters tall). That is my only problem with this bike, it is very good. I bought mine in 2009, with the heavier clutch and 5 gears, which is OK. I immediately noticed the balance and how easy it is to manoeuvre in town. And if you need to drive in town a lot, the steering wheel is more narrow than bikes like BMW R and K series. It comes standard with many the options like cruise controle, heated handlebars. The second downside I found so far is that it is so smooth and good that I am missing some of the experience. When I picked up mine, I wondered why everyone was driving so slow... but it was just the bike that was so quiet and smooth. You need to drive 160km/h on the the highway to get a more "thrilling" feeling of driving fast... and even than you can still open the throttle and be pushed back in your seat. This thing just loves speed and curvy roads... I have a hard time deciding what my next bike will be. PS. for a GPS I bought a nut with a RAM mount ball, a bit like this one techmounts.com/shop/ols/products/yamaha-fjr-replacement-stem-nut-mount-with-1-25mm-ball-mount-only

[@solidsnake3861]

i own a 2002 model love with bigger givi screen tank bag its perfect bike for me and love the power and shaft drive the next big will be the newer model i have now 60,000 miles so far

[@rcafmaintainer3723]

I looked at them in 2022. Funny thing, I wanted that colour but Yamaha only had black. I went with the Tracer 9 GT. Both nice bikes for commuting and some weekend touring. That was is a 2023? Bummer, that was the colour I wanted or the silver.

[@ItalianStallion1415]

I test drove a 2014 FJR and I noticed the front heavy thing. The 2014 is $7500. I don't feel like buying a newer model yet :P

[@davhuf3496]

Love the bike, but as I try to get bike again my bane has always been my 27" inseam. Blessings!

[@TeamTurpin]

Great review. I love mine.

[@kevinmatthews365]

I’ve had 3 of these. A 2012, a 2017, and now a 2020. Bought the 2020 new in spring of 2021. Now has 25,000 miles in 3+ seasons. And we only have a three season riding season. I’m now daily riding it to work and back as well. Amazing bike. Only suggestion is to straight away get a Sargent aftermarket seat for the FJR. I can’t imagine not having it. The OEM seat will kill your arse.

[@trbig67]

Not sure what you’re smoking, but… I have a 2016 with a Sargent seat. BEAUTIFUL seat with blue piping to match the bike. I have had bikes my whole life and this is without doubt the very worst/hardest seat I have ever sat on, let alone owned. It’s like sitting on a really pretty park bench. I just hate to go back to stock because the seat looks so good, but man, I have to do something. I think I’ll try a cushion first, but just 400 miles on it last Friday I was DONE! I have lots and lots of 1,000 mile days. 1280 was my highest mileage day, so when I say 400 and I was done.. that’s saying something. Sargent sucks! lol.

[@kevinmatthews365]

@@trbig67 , I guess a disclaimer is that everyone has a different arse. A seat that works for one rider won’t work for another. But I know many in the sport touring ridership who are glad they have a Sargent. Just because it doesn’t work for you doesn’t mean I’m the one smoking something . 😂 Cheers mate.

[@trbig67]

@@kevinmatthews365 LOL. Yeah, that was a bit harsh. My apologies. I was a bit butthurt... literally! from my Sargent seat. HAHA!! I just couldn't believe that something so pretty and expensive could be so terrible. Like there is ZERO padding. I've got a ton of years and somewhere between 250-300k miles on bikes and this is honestly the hardest seat I've ever sat on, let alone owned. My son just bought a 2006 with a Corbin seat he likes, but got the original seat as well. I may have to try that out or get a pad of some kind. I've tried Airhawks before, but it feels weird to me and like you're just kinda floating around and not connected to the bike. Anyway, again, my apologies and cheers right back!

[@kevinmatthews365]

@@trbig67 , all good. Thanks for the note. It is amazing that one seat doesn’t fit all. The stock seat on the FJR seems too soft for me. Ends up giving me sore spots. Like pimples on my butt! The harder, and wider, and lower Sargent seat feels great for me. I’m sorry to hear it doesn’t work for you. It’s too bad that we all have to try out these $1000 aftermarket seats and there is no guarantee. Some like Corbin and some hate it. Some like Russel Day Long and some hate it. Same goes for Sargent. But in the circles I hang with the Sargent seems to be the overall winner. And you are correct, the seat really does look sharp on the bike… whether or not it feels good. Best of luck finding the comfort you deserve. :)

[@wol9ver6ine]

Thanks for the review. I am currently interested in the 2023 FJR1300ES. I'm 6'2" with 32" inseam so a taller windscreen will be a must. Love how you talk about things most reviews miss like how solid it feels on the road etc. Wonder how it compares to the older K1300GT seeing you mentioned the K1200, I imagine it's the same?

[@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480]

The riding position is more comfortable than the K1200. See if you can sit on one at the local dealership, helmet buffeting would be a concern at 6 foot two. But you can aftermarket a bigger screen. Let me know if you pull the trigger on one. Thank you for watching.

[@scottthurman6135]

Funny..I have a 2015 FJR1300A...I traded my 2012 ZX14R for it..Really miss the Kawa but at 72 I wanted some creature comforts i.e.cruise, elect windshield and heated grips..The biggest thing was no more chain! I live a 1/2 mile down a dirt road and constantly had to clean and lube chain..The bike has been bullet proof..I have 50 state legal Yosh slip ons with power commander and dyno at 134 at wheel so not missing the ZX's power too much and the 5 speed works fine for me..Mine is liquid graphite but I also like that blue..Ride safe...God Bless...

[@pentachronic]

Tis FJR looks so similar to an ST1300. Both are great bikes.

[@pentachronic]

BTW, why would you need a GPS on it ? Just mount your phone. Most vehicles today don’t need a lot of BS added by default.

[@dougi1967]

My 2013 is so smooth, always set to SPORT!

[@georgenauss2670]

Touring windscreen would give you the extra height. Also there an aftermarket mount, that screw on the steering nut, you can install a gps on it!

[@wol9ver6ine]

Have something specific in mind seeing I'm looking at one and searching for a decent GPS mount?

[@johnrynders6116]

@@wol9ver6ine It's a Ram Ball on the steering nut. I can't remember where I got it but it works brilliantly. There is also a 12V socket in the little compartment on the left side of the fairing where I plug my Garmin in. The FJR really is a great bike.

[@dww527]

Get a CalSci aftermarket screen I got large had one on 2005 and 2021 1300 ES surprised the guy is still around.

[@dsj4fox]

How about, quick shift, self canceling blinkers, radar assisted cruise like on the tracer 9gt+. Updated colored instrument cluster.

[@nealbeard1]

Who needs all that

[@bertranddefrontenac]

I can confirm that the last gen FJR1300 (with 6 speed) is really great. I had the bigger screen, made a lot of travelling with it. Made 30'000 km, really great. You can drive 260 km/h on the Autobahn... I replaced it with a Multistrada V4 Rally, it offers me an even better wind protection and more ground clearance. If I wouldn't have had the cash for the Ducati, I'd still drive the FJR1300 and be happy with it. For the navigation system: I had quadlock attached to the brake reservoir, it was all right.

[@Thomo_qld]

260 k lol really mine doesn't do that and it's new 😆

[@bertranddefrontenac]

​@@Thomo_qld maybe later, when it's properly broken in. mine was from 2016 (last gen) and had 80'000 km . But in reality (gps) it was probably only 240.

[@Thomo_qld]

@@bertranddefrontenac that's what l was thinking 240

[@bertranddefrontenac]

@@Thomo_qld yes, 260 was the displayed speed, not the real one...

[@kyleturner6829]

Looks great! I would prefer a more colorful display, TFT. And I agree, I would want to put a GPS on it somewhere. A good windscreen is a must! Those 3 things are huge for me. That keeps me from getting one.

[@timsun6810]

you're a funny guy, love the reviews. looking at k1200rs project.

[@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480]

Thank you for watching!

[@Jagshemasher]

I have a 2019 which I have owned for 20 months / 10,000 km now and I love it. The side panels in the faring can be moved into different positions which can channel the engine heat towards you or away from you (or so the manual claims). In winter a bit of heat is welcome although I can't honestly say I've noticed a huge difference. There is a taller windscreen available which does keep you completely in the bubble of calm. As you say it is very planted and it will cruise effortlessly all day at any speed you want to go at. There is nothing I dislike about it - my only complaint is the seat is not that great for all day riding and I have the upgraded "comfort" seat. GPS - I have a Zumo XT mounted on mine - there is a bracket you can buy that fits between the handlebars. It is a very easy bike to ride at low speed. Getting to the spark plugs, carbs & air filter is actually quite easy but changing the coolant is a bit more of a faff as the fairings need to come off - not difficult but time consuming. I've done one 3000 mile trip two up with my wife and it easily hauls two people and gear.

[@sandeepramlakshmanan3646]

What is the comfort seat? I also have some pain in my butt or lower back after 2 hours riding and feel the need to get off and take a walk.

[@Little_Raff]

​@@sandeepramlakshmanan3646 i put Yamaha comfort seat, suits well for me, 700miles a day no problem

[@Jagshemasher]

@@sandeepramlakshmanan3646 - it is a standard factory option - or at least it was on the 2019 model. I would get a seat from Corbin or Laam if you want to ride all day without butt pain.

[@Oilerrocker]

It’s this as I’ve always wanted an FJ or the Goldwing . Thoughts?

[@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480]

You really can’t go wrong with either one.

[@kevingallen1678]

Lovely colour we don’t get that colour in the UK.

[@alexugljesic8857]

Is there anyone who had both FJR1300 and Ninja 1000SX that can compare them? I have 2021 1000SX and thinking to switch to FJR1300 so I would appreciate id someone can point out some differences. I hope FJR would be more comfortable for longer trips and like an idea of shaft drive vs chain.

[@dougi1967]

You can rip along all day long, destroy mountain roads, hi desert backroads, and grab enough groceries and beer on the way home to enjoy some killer carne asada tacos!

[@travelinben1966]

I want one!

[@paulantonio740]

So what did you find wrong with the FJR?

[@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480]

The stock windscreen could’ve been a little taller. I was getting some helmet buffeting with it in its highest position. But really it is one of the most complete motorcycles I’ve ever ridden.

[@azrizin]

What about maintenance affordable ? or expensive

[@arthurfoyt6727]

It uses the same tires and oil filters as the little MT-07. Honestly, changing the air filter and spark plugs ARE EASIER on my FJR than on my "naked" MT-07.

[@azrizin]

@@arthurfoyt6727 Great I'll consider to buy one

[@jimmygillenardo2709]

Is it supercharged?

[@rcafmaintainer3723]

Negative, naturally aspirated.

[@jimmygillenardo2709]

@@rcafmaintainer3723 ah I see. That motor sounds very aggressive

[@rcafmaintainer3723]

@@jimmygillenardo2709 beautiful engine! Sounds great even with OEM exhaust.

[@arthurfoyt6727]

No, which is why it can burn regular low octane gas.

[@IleneRokisky]

617 Parisian Hollow

[@MrNew122]

Yamaha calls this bike a "sports TOURING." but it has no room to mount any accessories needed for touring (gps, cup holder, floorboards, etc.) Japanese bikes all have the same problem....nothing changes. That was the problem with the Kawasaki Concourse, which led to its demise.

[@timgerhardt1653]

I've got a GPS mount on FJR. Google "motorcycle ram mount brake reservoir"

[@Jagshemasher]

I have a Zumo XT mounted on mine . . .there is a bracket that fits between the handlebars that works well. Cup holder - who drinks while riding?

[@matthewhaag2138]

REALLY DO U ACTUALLY NEED ALL THOSE THINGS🤔 I’m doing this all wrong then Because I HAV NONE OF THOSE THINGS & I RIDE ALL OVER THE US🫢👍👍

[@betoney1]

Floorboards? Really?

[@RayzMoto]

Yeah the motor runs 30 years tho so ppl don’t rlly care 😂

[@Alice0519M]

Rodriguez Christopher Hernandez Joseph Williams David

[@JoanJack-h8q]

Barton Crossroad

[@swiftadventurer]

fewer quirks

[@PhilemonMortimer-q6o]

Perez Sarah Rodriguez Larry Gonzalez Barbara

[@TobyArvin-f6v]

Streich Pine

[@WildLaura]

0944 Bailey Cape

[@SuzanneFleming-nj5cc]

Young Ruth Miller Linda Martin Jason

[@SuzanneFleming-nj5cc]

Brown Gary Brown Richard Garcia Sarah

[@PepysDuke]

Robinson Lisa Young Robert Jones Robert

[@prof.2248]

This motorcycle have one cons - weight, too heavy. Tracer GT+ better.

[@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480]

In the wind and the rain, I like heavy.

[@prof.2248]

@@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480 if is wind and rain is not pleasure at all driving motorcycle, but in sunny day and mountain road, light motorcycle has better handling.

[@arthurfoyt6727]

It's only "too heavy" if you drop it. Otherwise, how can you say that 0-60 in 2.8 seconds it "too heavy" ?

[@notyrbsns9321]

I owned one of these and it's the bike I despised the most despite its 150+ hp. The high center of gravity, the multiple failing gadget, difficulty to reach the engine for simple maintenance. Lack of stability at high speed. It feels the bike is too heavy for the frame. The worst was, the super hard clutch, literal pain in the neck due to the sport position and the constant distraction cause by the gadgets. It's also hot like an air cooled V Twin in town. My M109R is much cooler at red lights. I was also annoyed by the unstable idle. The sound and tuning of the engine is not cool at all. The wind shield is efficient but the c9nstwnt squeeking at low speed is embarassing. I traded it swiftly for a brand new M109R. My 760 lbs M109R feels much lighter.

[@tgmotorider.narratinglifeo3480]

I test rode one 10 years ago and I would agree with you. But this was a 2023 and I do believe they’ve cleaned up a lot of those issues.

[@msdosnt]

I’ve owned a 2021 and now 2023, basically the same bike since 2016. Neither exhibit anything you mention cept getting to the engine. In fact some of your complaints are so wrong and a lot of people consider good things on this bike, that I’m not sure you actually owned one. The old bikes were notorious for heat on hot days but that was 10+ years ago. Something is very odd about your complaints that basically nobody else has. I suspect just a troll inventing complaints.

[@arthurfoyt6727]

Actually, maintenance was easier on my FJR's than my MT-07 naked bike as far as air filter and plugs. Oil changes are crazy simple and NO chain maintenance! If you had an unstable idle on an FJR then you did not do the maintenance at all.

[@340phil3]

Yeah, you didn't mention year or generation and no FJR has 150 plus HP. I think you have the wrong bike too. I've owned 1 of all 3 generations.

[@Bruce-c3g]

You mentioned spark plugs and valves. This bike is a breeze compared to the concours 14! I had the Kawasaki, which you have to drop the engine to do! The only easy thing to take care of was an oil change, and the FJR is even easier. As far as ride, they are very similar but if I did it over again, I’d take the FJR

[@motoflamingo]

Had me at “Jesus” , I’m subscribed ⚡️😎⚡️

[@HakanPıtır]

Garcia Scott Lopez Brenda Hall Shirley

[@JohoraParveen]

Martin Timothy Wilson William Davis Scott

[@StanislasFleuryStanislasFl-k8w]

Hall Ronald Smith Dorothy Martinez Donald

[@StanleyNewbury-f4i]

Hall Steven Lopez Melissa Davis Jose