2013 Yamaha FJR has Factory Cruise, Traction Control - Just Ordered One

[jayke]

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/180/0/home.aspx

I've had a great 40K on my '08 C14 but time for a new bike.  Cruise control is a must for me.  My local Yamaha / Kawasaki dealer is trying to either find or order one for me.  They just came out today.

Had a '05 FJR before the C14 so I know what to expect.  Around 2018 I'll be buying another C14 with factory cruise

[Gumby]

$15,890 and one color choice, Stone gray. Boring 

[ZG]

Maybe now that the Feejer has cruise control as standard mama Kaw will add this for the 2014 Connie... 
 
I thought I heard rumors that the new Feejer was gonna have a bigger engine? Isn't that the same size as before? 

[Son of Pappy]

I hope you enjoy the bike.  My impression is a big yawn.  I don't see this being a competition beating bike.  Did anyone else notice the 4 into 1 into 2 pipe setup?  Screams of unneeded weight for looks alone.  I'm also saddened that it is still a 5 speed.  What I see as potential is the cruise, it will probably chase Kawi to do the same for 2014.  Saddly for me, I don't ever see Kawi offering another C14/15/16 of any kind without unswitchable traction aides (ABS and KTRAC).  I do like the color, almost as sweet as Silverdammit

[Gumby]

My impression is a big yawn. I do like the color, almost as sweet as Silverdammit

Double yawn..........   

[Son of Pappy]

Double yawn..........   

That color would be known as GD-Graydammit   Washing is only required during periods of maintenance activity   More time riding, less time washing

[Scaffolder]

Pretty nice, but not quite 3 year warranty nice.  I'd try one, but I need the warranty.

[COGnosticat0r]

They left it a 5 speed 

6.6 gallon tank 

I like it, but I don't like the color either

[jayke]

My dealer ordered it this afternoon.   Due in January, Feburary, or March.

I'll put another 2K on the C14 before then.

Totaly forgot about the warranty.  Never had a bike that needed repaired under warranty anyway. I hope that continues.

Probally miss the TPS system though.

[jjsC6]

I had a 2006 FJR and put 44,000 miles on it.  I don't consider it quite as good of an all around package as the current Concours, but frankly it will go down as one of my all time favorite bikes.  The point of that is that I expect a new bike to have better technology, so I'm saying I liked the FJR better at that point in time.  Would I buy the 2013?  I like what they have done, but I have a problem investing in what is still 10 year old horsepower and five speed transmission that should have been updated.  This reminds me of the 2012 Goldwing.  They updated it, but on existing mechanicals.  But if I had to have one bike and I had to replace the Concours I would think long and hard about the FJR.  There are several things I like better about the FJR.

[Pokey]

My dealer ordered it this afternoon.   Due in January, Feburary, or March.

I'll put another 2K on the C14 before then.

Totaly forgot about the warranty.  Never had a bike that needed repaired under warranty anyway. I hope that continues.

Probally miss the TPS system though.

No ya won't.   Must admit I was hoping for a bit more from Yamaha, especially upgrading the 5 speed tranny. O2 sensor in the exhaust.....closed loop FI system by chance?

[CADMAN97]

I must admit I do like the updates and styling refresh Yamaha did, & the dash is down right beautiful!  But like others have stated, the chassis, engine & tranny are all 10yrs old. I think Yamaha should have at least added a 6th OD gear. Good job Yamaha, now it's Honda's turn.....

[jimmymac]

Going backwards sux. Good luck with that.

[twowheeladdict]

Congrats.  Enjoy your new ride.  I wonder if Yamaha will ever update the Royal Star Venture.  Still has carbs.  I think it still has a cassette player.

[OCK913]

I had a 2005 FJR and it was my first Sport Touring bike. Like many of the firsts in life,  I wll always have fond memories of her. But I have never regretted the upgrade to my C14. I really do like the addition of cruise, the new body panel design, and the new instrument panel........ but as others have said, the 1300 engine is in need of an update to stay competitive and the fact that they did not update the tranny is just a complete FAIL on mami yammi's part. Mine needed it then, and 8 years later, it still isnt there.
Sadly, until the moto and tranny are updated, if I were to replace the Connie, I would look at the Beemer before the FJR. Hopefully, by the time that bug starts to bite, there will be a C15 / C16 with factory cruise.

[jjsC6]

Congrats.  Enjoy your new ride.  I wonder if Yamaha will ever update the Royal Star Venture.  Still has carbs.  I think it still has a cassette player.

I admit I had to look it up to see if you were right.  It really does still have Carbs!!!  I had no idea that anything bigger than a weed eater still had carbs.

[Pokey]

I admit I had to look it up to see if you were right.  It really does still have Carbs!!!  I had no idea that anything bigger than a weed eater still had carbs.

There are still ATV's out there with carbs as well.

[Rhino]

I just read that it also has adjustable seat and handle bars. High end touring bikes should always have that.

[Pokey]

I just read that it also has adjustable seat and handle bars. High end touring bikes should always have that.

Sounding better and better, but why in the hell they kept the 5 speed is beyond reasoning.

[B.D.F.]

Good luck with the new ride.

Yamaha was smart to change what they did on the '13 models- a great return for the investment on their part. Changing the engine or any significant part of the driveline would have been far more expensive for less return IMO (and apparently their opinion as well :-)  ).  I think it is a nice, reasonable update to the model and probably what should be expected in this soft economy; introducing new models or major changes to the chassis / powertrain is a lot to expect when motorcycle sales are not great, especially in the sport touring segment which has never been the main line of almost any motorcycle manufacturer (BMW excepted).

It is amusing to me to watch some of the improvements though- the first FJR's had windshields that returned to the bottom of their travel when the ignition was shut off and some owners found out how to outsmart that as it annoyed them. The first C-14's had windshields that did not change position unless the operator moved a switch but the second generation C-14 also included that automatic retract feature. The factory page for the FJR mentions that the new model does NOT have the windshield move when the ignition is shut off- perhaps in a year or two Kawasaki will change the windshield on the C-14 to copy the new FJR.... and act the same way it originally did? 

Brian

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/180/0/home.aspx

I've had a great 40K on my '08 C14 but time for a new bike.  Cruise control is a must for me.  My local Yamaha / Kawasaki dealer is trying to either find or order one for me.  They just came out today.

Had a '05 FJR before the C14 so I know what to expect.  Around 2018 I'll be buying another C14 with factory cruise