FJR 1300

[Poorboy]

if any one ses a good deal on an FJR 1300 in the midwest please tell me I am looking for one to replace the 919.

[sbeau1960]

I'll repeat my advice to you here and give your thread a bump!

FJR vs 919...that's a tough comparison as they're such entirely different riding experiences. The FJR is considerably heavier of course, but once underway you don't notice. I currently own a 1st gen '04, have also owned a 2nd gen '07. My '04 tips the scales around 550lbs, the '07 was over 600lbs with ABS and other updates.

The FJR handles very well for a large bike, it corners like it's on the proverbial rails, takes a lean and holds it, bumps don't upset it. Its suspension is quite adjustable front and rear, so you can dial it in to your liking, also has a hard/soft lever for quick changes to the rear suspension when adding a passenger or heavy luggage. It might sound crazy, but I think the FJR honesty handles better than the 919, more predictable and a much better suspension.

It's fast, 145hp, the 919 would beat it off the line but the FJR will storm past it at speed. I completed an 1855 mile ride through 10 southern states last month, cruised between 75 and 90 mph most of the time, bike was rock solid in conditions ranging from intense 100 degree heat to severe thunderstorms with heavy rain and strong winds.

Fuel economy is impressive, honestly it will do as well as the 919 at reasonable speeds. While I was cruising at high speed I was only getting about 38mpg, but with more mellow riding it gets in the low to mid 40's.

Maintenance is easy, the oil filter is accessible without removing any fairing pieces, all bikes should be that simple to change the oil. I've never had any failures on either of my FJR's, in my book Yamaha is right up there with Honda as far as quality.

The 1st gens have some heat issues from the engine, I've improved mine with a tank insulation kit, really not bad except when stopped in traffic on a really hot day, but then again that is a 1300cc engine between your legs.

The 2nd gens are more refined, not quite as fast though, and to me have a bit less character and spirit because they are so refined. Both are great bikes though, in my book they're the best sport tourer on the market.