Yamaha FJR1300 review, a happy medium between my Goldwing GL1800 and Ninja ZX14R? Lets find out!

I just bought a 2015 low mile Yamaha FJR1300. Can I replace two bikes with one that fits both needs? Can a Sports Touring bike replace both a touring bike and a sports bike? Here's the first extended test ride! @JS Project Wild

[@JSProjectWild]

Here is a link to my Yamaha FJR1300 stock exhaust vs Delkevac review---kzbin.info/www/bejne/mae7nZ-iaZp4p5Y Link to BMW K1600GTL First Ride---kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipPaYYaBqNKIqsU Here is a link to my Honda Goldwing GL1800 "Ripping The Curves" video---kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2GUcmyVmdWoY7M Here is a link to my Kawasaki Ninja ZX14R "Let's Get After It" video--kzbin.info/www/bejne/lau2lal3bc5_qqc Check out my three playlists---Animals. Motorcycles and Tractors/Equipment. Thanks for visiting my channel!

[@peterblacklin9174]

The FJR has a high center of gravity. When you are stopped the amount of lean you can hold is small. This is what dropping is all about, no speed, just falls. Then try picking it up! Ask me how I know. I have over 100k miles on FJR s a 2007 and a 2019. I have a strap on a folding pole to lift the beast if it goes down and no one is around to help. By the way the FJR with 6 gears is very appropriate. Don't worry about the 2nd gear, it still tears your eye balls out. FYI the tires you have make a big difference. I am running Michelin RP 5 GT. 5,000 miles in and they look brand new. Anyway have fun the more you ride it the more you'll love it.

[@JSProjectWild]

Great comment! Surely appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@user-xm3pz7tn9n]

I should put crash bars?

[@orionswitness]

Had a 1986/87 FJ1200 the red and white one …never fell off at idle …but did once on the centrestand.😅 Now in 2024 have a Versys 650 …and have dropped it twice at standstill …your right top heavy bikes big front wheel …don’t ever take one arm off handlebars with engine running and not on the side stand . I did the one arm thing twice fumbling to put a gate fob in my pocket .

[@marcusdickson209]

Within a few minutes, I knew you were a very intelligent and well spoken man. Subscribed! I rode a Concours 14, then an FJR1300 both 08. The FJR feels better in the handling department, more low end grunt albeit less top end. Concours had a higher center of gravity as well. Stock exhaust for right now, but am looking at akrapovic ASAP. Sounds like a quiet jetsons mobile. I'm 30 and have owned a Vulcan, Versys and now this, and I really don't know what I would want after this. It checks all the boxes.

[@JSProjectWild]

Thanks Marcus! You are less than half my age and I was 33 when I bought my first Goldwing. I've had so many other bikes I can't remember them all but most always had a Wing in the garage. Appreciate your comment!

[@stanadams8718]

I had the Ivan's tune done on my 2014 FJR and it completely TRANSFORMED it. I also have aftermarket slip-ons and he accounted for them. I run a stock air filter. Totally worth the money to me. Also, my gas mileage increased slightly. YMMV

[@JSProjectWild]

Thanks for that info Stan!

[@NOTHOTlanta]

Great video! I bought a pristine silver 2011 FJR last year with 8000 miles on it. Beautiful bike ! I get it up to 100 every time I take it out, even if it's only for a minute (Georgia). That's really a smooth speed for this bike, albeit I cant afford too many tickets at that speed 😊.

[@JSProjectWild]

Agreed, FJR's love to break the law 😁. Thanks for watching and commenting!!!

[@rodneybarcus2233]

My first bike was the same as yours. I think i was nine years old. It was 1972 when i got that bike as a birthday gift and I've had motorcycles every sense. I agree with everything you said in the video. It sounds like you've owned a few bikes. For touring i have a 2019 altra limited. Never have had more than one motorcycle at a time. The time came last year when i saw a 2007 low mileage clean fjr 1300A. After getting the bike its now my primary bike. The harley sits and is used for long trips and two up riding. The fjr doesn't have cruise control and that totally fine with me. Trips that are long enough for cruise control im on tne touring bike.

[@JSProjectWild]

Since I bought the FJR I sometimes have a hard time deciding whether to ride it or the Wing on riding days. Sometimes I ride one in the morning then go home and get the other one to ride in the afternoon. Seems I like one almost equally as well as the other, but for slightly different reasons. Great comment you posted Rodney and thanks for watching!

[@brucemorrison3563]

Picking up a 07 FJR in a couple days.07 cherry color,25000 miles in great condition for 4300.00 Cant wait.Currently riding a Honda NT700V.Great bike but not a cross country cruiser.Thanks for the real world review.

[@JSProjectWild]

You will thoroughly enjoy that FJR and that's a great color. Ride safe Bruce and thanks for commenting!

[@boenq1908]

I love the FJR, it is so easy to ride on a very slow speed which I practice a lot. On higher speed, it moves just like car. Love it's sound, smooth in corners and straight line. I just picked mine up 2 days ago, 2023 FJR 1300 ES, the suspension tuning is great. I ride my 2007 Honda VTX 1300 C, IT is great in its own way. FJR is a taller bike for sure, I can't flat footed, but it is great to ride. Great review.

[@JSProjectWild]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@mikeborrelli193]

Weird, I'm currently looking at a 2004.VTX1300S w/12kmiles for $3400.and a 2003 FJR1300 w/38k miles for $2800.and can't make up my mind.. Want to try a big V twin but my last bike was a 1991 VFR750 and I'm not sure I'm going to agree with the feet forward cruiser position.. Curious if you could keep only one which would you chose?

[@boenq1908]

@mikeborrelli193 it depends on your preference and riding style . Cruiser is lower than FJR for sure. Position of feet on cruiser is forward and FJR is straight down. Both are great to be honest. I owned 2 VTX 1300, C AND R. I sold R and bought 2023 FJR because I just want one new bike. I will choose FJR. AS I said, it is very easy to maneuver by its own nature as bike was designed. As to the VTX, you feel more weight on top, especially on the slow speed maneuver and straight line. When leaning, just put a little effort by pushing the bar as part of countersteering. Honda Goldwing (I just mention it as an additional example) has more weight at the bottom for a good reason but not fun in slow speed. So I found FJR meets in the middle and it is fun to ride in any situation. In your case, I choose FJR. Regarding maintenance, VTX is so simple and very basic with carburetor. FJR is electronic fuel injection and the first thing you need to do is the adjustment of throttle opening, tune that first, of course oil change and rear drive shaft oil as well. Sparkplug, replace, air filter. Then everything else should be easier to maintain. Make sure the high mileage FJR has no issue. Have fun.

[@aa7jc]

I was not sure that the Corbin seat was lower but people on the forums were saying that it was so I bought one (for my 21 FJR). Well I now think for sure that it actually is lower based on when I put both seats on the floor side by side, the stock seat sat about about an inch higher than the Corbin. Also, the stock seat sits on a plastic spacer when it is on the bike. The Corbin doesn't use that spacer. The stock seat is softer but it seems wider which forces your legs out further. Back when I had the stock seat on, I dropped the bike as I was backing up in a gravel parking lot with the handle bars turned (lost footing @31.5 inseam). BTW, I have T-Rex engine guards and they do stop the bike at a 45 degree angle but guess what.. when that bike gets to falling, it has so much weight up high that it can go all the way over especially if the handlebars are turned. My mirror mount broke down where it was anchored into the fairing. Except for the mirror, the damage was all cosmetic and even the mirror functioned well enough for me to take a 1,500 mile trip before getting it all repaired.. Gotta love the unobtainium Yamaha plastic .. been waiting over a year now to get the last piece. That FJR of yours looks brand new. 4000 miles? wow.. Your tires are already eight years old.. Hopefully it was garaged. One thing I really like about the FJR (that is rarely mentioned) is that it is designed to burn good ole 87 octane. My first bike was a beautiful 72 CL350 bought brand new for about $800 in Michigan back in the day. It cost about 75 cents to fill the tank Lol!

[@JSProjectWild]

I agree with the FJR being top heavy and was surprised to see the battery was mounted way up high behind the forks. Yes, FJR has about 4100 miles on it and will go up today. My first bike was a '69 Honda 50 mini trail. My part time job in high school was at a gas station and regular was $.33/9 which included full service gas pumped, windows cleaned, oil level checked along with tire pressure. A larger nearby town had a gas war in the summer of '73 and a bunch of us drove 30 miles to fill everything we had for $.19/9 a gallon. Loved your comment Ken, thanks!

[@altec19]

Yes I was having a hard time deciding between the FJR and the concourse 14 but the dealbreaker for me was the fact that the FJR was made to run on regular 87 octane gas ! And you had to have 90+ octane for the concourse Plus cruise control on the FJR and I did not like the looks of the single exhaust pipe on the concourse 14

[@JSProjectWild]

I have always been a little partial to Kawa but you make three great points! The lack of cruise is huge to me. Kawa claims the Concours doesn't sell well enough to adopt Fly-By-Wire to add cruise, DUH, maybe it would if it had cruise! The Concours may be on the way out, just sayin. Thanks for watching and commenting altec19!

[@dihskursiv]

The crash bars on your bike are t-rex, I believe. Great review and thanks for uploading it.

[@JSProjectWild]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@darkventhead581]

I find motorcycles only do that when the neck bearing are ever so slightly loose from perfect. May want to check them out! Giving it just the lightest of bumps will fix this issue.

[@JSProjectWild]

Yes of course you are right but with only 3400 miles on the bike that never occurred to me. I will check that out. Both of my Harley Breakouts did the same thing, one had 3100 miles and the other only 1600 miles. I thought it was because of the amount of steering rake they were designed with. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@mikeo5064]

I have a 2007AE so no clutch lever. It’s weird at first but it’s great if you are in traffic. Mine has the FZ1 mirrors they are out fatter so you can actually see out of the whole mirror. Most bikes I’ve had you get half a mirror and half of your shoulder.

[@JSProjectWild]

I here ya, I sometimes skip upshift past 2nd and 4th because I get tired of shifting. Thanks for commenting!

[@MichaelJones-ir3cc]

I agree with the tire pressure comments below: I have owned an 04' FJR 1300A for years. I used to run 40 PSI in the rear and 39 PSI in front. I find that 40 PSI in the front makes a lot of difference in the low speed handling. Late to the show, but congrats on your FJR. I own (4) bikes as we speak and the FJR is my absolute favorite! I have put over 25,000 trouble free miles on it on dozens of multi-state trips. And don't listen to the naysayers, I ride my FJR everywhere, it is an extremely capable bike whether you are riding across town, or across the country. I am looking to buy a newer model in the very immediate future. And, my first bike was also a Honda Trail 70 😁. Cheers!

[@JSProjectWild]

I run 42 in the front, bike is still top heavy at crawl speed. No big deal but something I really noticed when compared to my other bikes. Thanks for watching and commenting!!!

[@user-on2md7gk4b]

That drop is the most beautiful thing that can happen, I had a Electraglide limited and would let it fall in the turn ,then as soon as it would get to the point of "No return" I would hit the throttle and "voila" the turn had been done by itself with no efforts.

[@JSProjectWild]

Interesting.

[@allanweseman5433]

You sound a bit like me at 75 years old. My top bike is a 2010 VFR 1200 Honda (1,237cc) which weighs around 605lbs to your 537lbs. It is a V-4. Recently I laid it over at a stop scratching my right saddlebag and a couple of small scratches on the fairing. I am surprised that my pannier bags look almost exactly like the Yamaha. I am in central western Florida where every day is 93 or better and appreciate electric fans for cooling. I also have a 2014 CB1100 inline 4 cylinder that is air cooled and just bought a '23 Honda GROM for 'getting around town". I had a '94 Yamaha V-Max I traded in on the GROM. My wife (75 years old also) had a 2015 Yamaha MT09 she recently traded in on a Kawasaki KLX 230 dirt bike as we both are begining to have problems rolling things around at a stop. I wish I had all these great bikes when I was younger, but now I am in a very rural environment that is less dangerous to ride. I enjoyed your video.

[@JSProjectWild]

Wow, you are living the life! Thanks much for watching and commenting! 🦾

[@allanweseman5433]

@@JSProjectWild The VFR is 170 horsepower, which I surely don't need. I just got out of the hospital for open heart surgery and while I was in there my wife bought the Kawasaki totally on her own. I love the shaft drive on the VFR

[@soccerdad93446]

Your comment about the front falling over at slow speeds makes me think you need a new front tire. New tires make it so smooth in transition.

[@JSProjectWild]

Front tire is in excellent condition with only 3900 miles on the bike.

[@Harleyforever20]

I had a few Harleys over the years, My last bagger had tendencies to go left and was difficult to make it go right. I ended up doing a complete alignment to completely fix the problem…

[@JSProjectWild]

Thanks for commenting!

[@DRMVM1]

I like your video as an older rider. I fell the same . Just looking for something more comfortable than a sport bike and do t like bagger Harley’s. I have my eye on the fjr rhanks

[@JSProjectWild]

Hey thanks Michael! I'm getting ready to upload a shorter follow up review hopefully today. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@mortenrongsted7006]

Thanks for sharing to a rookie! I am gonna get one. 😃

[@JSProjectWild]

You bet! Enjoy it and thanks for watching!

[@Jagshemasher]

If you get slight vibration check that the throttle bodies are in sync. If the balance gets out of tolerance the increase in vibration gets noticeable.

[@JSProjectWild]

Thanks for that comment! Yes, another viewer mentioned that. At only 3400 miles I wouldn't think I should have to worry about that but maybe that's a Yamaha thing that I hadn't heard about before. 😒

[@Jagshemasher]

@@JSProjectWild - yes - seems odd but maybe changing the exhaust affected the TB sync somehow. I do know from experience that is there is a very perceptible difference in how smoothly the engine runs when everything is in sync vs. being out of sync even by a small amount.

[@BroBob1254]

Great Video, just picked up a 2024 FJR ES 1300, love the bike! I just fabricated a bracket for my GPS that mounts to the front Gas Tank bracket, I was wondering how yours is mounted? I'm probably around the same age as you? My first new bike was a 1974 Yamaha XS 650, followed by a 1975 Kawasaki Z1 900, and many bikes since. I presently own a 1990 Yamaha VMax 1200 with self cancelling turn signals!!! LOL! Also a Custom 1998 Suzuki 1500 LC. I've already adjusted the handlebars back, but I'm looking to bring them back further and up. I will have to wait , because of the electric suspension on this bike no one is making that setup that I know of?

[@JSProjectWild]

My GPS is fitted via a Ram ball mount adapter that fits the center of the handlebar mount---just back of the key switch. Self-cancellers on the VMax 😉👍. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!!! 🦾

[@optimusprime919]

Beautiful, a mean machine.

[@JSProjectWild]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@marklloyd4153]

I like the quiet stock exhaust . Just me . Fjr fan but Goldwing rider . Think I may buy one this year 2024. Yamaha quality is so much better than Kawasaki

[@JSProjectWild]

Thanks for watching.

[@fat-hand]

What has ben your experience on seat comfort on your FJR for long rides? I really want one, but torn between thet FJR and a Honda VTX 1800 or maybe even a Goldwing. I want the FJR because its lighter. I want the Goldwing for the reverse gear, but 1000 lbs. seems really heavy.

[@JSProjectWild]

Rode the Wing 60 miles yesterday morning then the FJR 60 miles in the afternoon. Butt got sore on the FJR with Corbin seat but that was after 120 miles total ride. Just a different riding position between the two bikes. I seldom use reverse on the Wing. Before you buy, go to a friend or dealer and test ride a wing---you may be surprised. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@lovetoflylovetofly3843]

Have you tried 40psi in the front tire, makes it much lighter feeling. I have a 2014, and its so much fun.

[@JSProjectWild]

Have 36 in front tire, have not tried 40. Thanks for that suggestion! And thanks for watching!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Do you still have it? How many miles did you cover till now? Thanks for sharing this video. Cheers.

[@JSProjectWild]

I sold it. Thanks for watching!

[@stephenwilson9999]

Coincidence, I had a 73 Honda Mini Trail-gold tank as my first bike now on my ‘19 FJR after many others. (BTW the bike clocks in@642 rated lbs).

[@JSProjectWild]

Rode my nephew's '74 mini trail last spring and after all these years, still fun 😁. Thanks much for commenting!!!

[@chapusa100]

Thanks for sharing. Have you considered getting a Yamaha Tracer 900GT+ ?. that should be manageable

[@JSProjectWild]

Weird you should mention that---I am looking at a 2015 FJ-09 with 6k miles but I am concerned with the seat. Many say they are almost unrideable without an aftermarket. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!!!

[@donrozette2706]

Nice review. Would you tour on the FJR? I have an '18 Goldwing tour that I am considering getting rid of and opting for a lighter bike, but still wsnt to do long distance touring.

[@JSProjectWild]

I can't imagine doing long-distance touring on anything but my Wing, and it's old. FJR with Corbin seat, yes for maybe 2 or 300 miles. Thanks for watching and commenting!!!

[@Little_Raff]

I'm on my second FJR now, used to own 2009, sold it and bought 2019AS semi automatic. 700 Miles per day is not a problem, done it few times already. Got the Yamaha oem comfort seat for me and wife. I also own 2006 yamaha stratoliner. Both bikes are great, but for fast long distance touring I always prefer FJR. Stratoliner is better for low speed manoeuvre, despite heavier weight, center of gravity is much lower.

[@stanadams8718]

Quick fix for the heavy front end/drops left or right: increase the air pressure in the front tire to at least 40 PSI.

[@JSProjectWild]

Have 42 in it now. Doesn't bother me that much. I just wondered if that is why so many FJR sale ads say they have been dropped.

[@dihskursiv]

Do you know the physics behind why increasing the front tire pressure would help? Very curious?

[@stanadams8718]

@@dihskursiv - I don't know the physics, but when I increased the front tire pressure to 40 psi the heaviness of the front end (especially while moving it around in my garage) was dramatically improved. 😉

[@dihskursiv]

@@stanadams8718 Thanks, I'll give it a try!

[@bubbaknowsstuff]

😅FJR is top heavy so with your 32" inseam if your foot slips at a stop the bike is going down. I've had a 13 & 14 my favorite motorcycle. I've had a Gold Wing two completely different motorcycles I didn't like the Gold Wing

[@a.r.t.4611]

A roundabout in the US. Excellent👍😄

[@JSProjectWild]

It's about time, right? Love the roundabouts. Thanks for commenting!

[@user-jc8cc4ch6w]

Make sure you have the correct tyre pressure 40 and 42 on the front and rear iv noticed a huge difference especially going around a round about i ride an 06 FJR stay safe and upright from Australia 🦘🌏

[@JSProjectWild]

Have always had at least 42 in front. Thanks for watching.

[@douglasgrosch228]

hows this fjr compared to concours 14- you gox zx14 why not get concours??

[@JSProjectWild]

Never owned a Concours so I can't compare. I mentioned in the video about why I chose the FJR. Thanks for watching!

[@loneridar]

That's my baby❤

[@JSProjectWild]

👍Thanks for watching!

[@sandeepramlakshmanan3646]

I currently have a rebel500 and looking to move to this bike. Is this good for wind protection? That is one of the primary reasons I am buying this. Thanks.

[@JSProjectWild]

Yes, good wind protection but it has an aftermarket larger windscreen, thanks.

[@sandeepramlakshmanan3646]

@@JSProjectWild thanks so much for the response. Hopefully I can pick it up tomorrow.

[@banntheman7925]

THANKS FOR THE RIDE I AM 71, AND LAST BIKE ZZR1100 18 YEARS AGO, BUT FOR SOME REASON I KEEP LOOKING AT THE YAMAHA FJR 5FT 7IN AM I TO SMALL?? OR GOING SIMPLE AS MY WIFE KEEPS TELLING ME? THANK YOU AGAIN FROM SUNNY SKEGNESS UK

[@JSProjectWild]

You're from the UK, excellent and thanks for watching and commenting!!! I don't think you would be able to flat foot at stops and the FJR's are known to be top heavy, sooooo.

[@banntheman7925]

Thank you I sat on I set on a Kawasaki gtr the same thought came to mind but they both really look great IAM like a kid in a sweet shop 😀 thank for your time loved the scenery on your ride l love to have a ride on a Harley-Davidson 🤔 Thank you again frome Steve Uk

[@JamesShoemaker-my9kv]

You deserve a ride on a 600 or 750 gsx-r. they will amaze you how nimble they are compared to their 1000 bretheren.

[@JSProjectWild]

I definitely would given the opportunity. Thanks for watching James!!!🦾

[@paulsouthgate8954]

Has a good sound.Are those std mufflers.If not wat brand are they?

[@JSProjectWild]

Here is a link to my FJR stock vs. Delkevic muffler comparison video---kzbin.info/www/bejne/mae7nZ-iaZp4p5Y Thanks for watching!!!

[@gamlesleyyillom4244]

Where can I get the Front suspension, Headlight, and the entire fairing plastic body. i got one which had been involved in an accident.

[@JSProjectWild]

www.partzilla.com/catalog/yamaha?msclkid=a232eeb9e50b148e277c8b87d8a17b57&TNT_Text%20-%20Yamaha%20Parts%20-%20OEM&Yamaha%20Parts

[@gamlesleyyillom4244]

thanks let me check the links out @@JSProjectWild

[@bradjd6957]

How is the wind protection and wind buffing?

[@JSProjectWild]

Wind buffeting is actually less with the FJR1300 than my Goldwing however the FJR has an optional V-Stream windscreen whereas the Goldwing's is standard. Thanks for checking it out Brad!

[@f.s.7615]

Hahahha, nice comments on the video. Like your video, thx for sharing

[@JSProjectWild]

Thanks for visiting!!!

[@johnford5568]

I had a 2015 and I almost dropped it the first day wheeling it out of the garage. Barely caught it somehow. I agree that it is front heavy. This is the only motorcycle I've had that needed a front tire before the rear. Regardless, It is the finest motorcycle I've had until I got a 2021 Goldwing B DCT automatic. The wing is much better for around town being a lower center of gravity and automatic. Both are great for all day riding.

[@JSProjectWild]

Thanks for verifying what I experienced---front heavy. Very informative comment in regard to your '21 Wing. Appreciate you watching and commenting John!

[@gueroloco6334]

How many miles on a tank-o-gas?

[@JSProjectWild]

About 230. Thanks for watching.

[@tcam804]

Love the video but really couldn’t hear you talking sadly without Cranking up the volume! Then my tenant bitch to loud😂safe riding 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@JSProjectWild]

Thanks for watching!

[@brotherbrenden]

I think yr flopping at low speed issue, is due to low front wheel pressure .

[@JSProjectWild]

42 P.S.I. should be plenty.

[@chamborespakoka2049]

Hola amigos moteros: Les trasladó mi experiencia desde Europa. Por mi profesión vinculada directamente con las motocicletas con mas de 35años y aproximadamente 1.500.000 km, les puedo proporcionar algun dato. A partir del año 2003, las motocicletas nos fueron sutituidas por las FJR 1300, todo un cambio drástico, vilocidad, estabilidad, confort ect. Yo concrtamente he tendido 5 unidades con las que he recorrido los km anteriomente mencionados, una medía de 280.000km. Hoy me encuentro jubilados, pro tengo la mia propia una FJR 1300 AS del 2019. Durante mi dilatada experiencias con Yamaha, jamás tuvieron que ser retirada por problemas mecánicos.

[@JSProjectWild]

You state "Yamahas never had to be recalled due to mechanical problems"? Here's the 2nd gear recall bulletin for 2016 to 2020 FJR1300's---static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCMN-20V813-8927.pdf Here's another---www.rideapart.com/news/552821/yamaha-fjr-1300-ecu-recall/ Just to name two. You might want to have your 2019 checked out just to be safe.😉

[@johnwhan7288]

SO ur tough/I like to think i am .Prolly not as tough as you bit I am looking at them or a honda.

[@JSProjectWild]

Thanks for watching!