Kawasaki Concours Forum

Riding => It's not a Concours - other Bikes => Topic started by: tbunder on August 27, 2011, 08:10:26 PM

Title: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: tbunder on August 27, 2011, 08:10:26 PM
thanks to this forum, I realized the FJR1300 existed. I really like the blue '05. I like my C10, but ever since riding that C14 I can't get the taste of the instant power out of my mouth. tell me why, if I DO upgrade, I should NOT buy a FJR? is it a good bike? I like the twin pipes over the C14 plus, I saw an '05 for $5500 on ebay.
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: B.D.F. on August 27, 2011, 08:44:38 PM
Actually I think most of us here on a Kawasaki Concours forum reccomend Hondas or Suzukis.

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f82/BDF08012008/Trollspray.jpg)

Brian


thanks to this forum, I realized the FJR1300 existed. I really like the blue '05. I like my C10, but ever since riding that C14 I can't get the taste of the instant power out of my mouth. tell me why, if I DO upgrade, I should NOT buy a FJR? is it a good bike? I like the twin pipes over the C14 plus, I saw an '05 for $5500 on ebay.
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: DonB on August 27, 2011, 08:54:58 PM
The FJR and C14 are both good bikes. I have had them both. go ride em both and pick the one you like. they are pretty much Ford Chevy
we can go on and on and about this one has that and that one has this. it comes down to which one you like
they both have more power than most of us can handle
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: Pokey on August 27, 2011, 09:08:15 PM
I think you should go out and buy one, they are obviously a superior choice over the C14......look at all the awards and shootouts it has won since the C14 came out?
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: sherob on August 27, 2011, 09:13:53 PM
I think you should go out and buy one, they are obviously a superior choice over the C14......look at all the awards and shootouts it has won since the C14 came out?

 :goodpost: +1. The ST1300 has dual exhaust as well... and it won an award, once or twice a while back. 8)
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: DaveO on August 27, 2011, 09:18:18 PM
id go with fjr . not quite as heavey as c-14 and i think workmanship will be better w/yamaha.
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: lt1 on August 27, 2011, 09:52:48 PM
Actually I think most of us here on a Kawasaki Concours forum reccomend Hondas or Suzukis.
Brian
I think you should go out and buy one, they are obviously a superior choice over the C14......look at all the awards and shootouts it has won since the C14 came out?
:goodpost: +1. The ST1300 has dual exhaust as well... and it won an award, once or twice a while back. 8)
QCTM
I guess I need to recommend the award-winning Suzuki sport-tourer.  It's a great bike and very affordable.  Oddly enough, the name slips my mind at the moment.   ::)
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: sherob on August 27, 2011, 10:12:28 PM
QCTM
I guess I need to recommend the award-winning Suzuki sport-tourer.  It's a great bike and very affordable.  Oddly enough, the name slips my mind at the moment.   ::)

(http://www.bikebandit.com/assets/marketing/pages/about-us/images/aboutus_bandit.jpg)

 :rotflmao:
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: soyjim on August 27, 2011, 10:17:58 PM
If you are going to buy a used bike to replace your c10, $5500 for a 2005fjr is a reasonable deal. Sport touring bikes over the last few years don't seem to be depreciating much. I think you would be hard pressed to find a c14 for less than $7000. If you have the urge to replace the old reliable C10 and you have the money go ahead.

It does seem that if you get the fjr you will tick off some people on this forum though. The c10 meets my needs, and I like having the $5000 or so difference in the bank.

I had a chance to ride a c14 at the ticket to ride event, and I passed on it. I knew it would make me want one.
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: ZG on August 27, 2011, 10:45:28 PM
I like the twin pipes over the C14 plus

(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/confused1.gif) I'm confused, my C14 does have dual exhaust... (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_dunno.gif)
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG00404-20110713-1804.jpg)
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG00385-20110713-1735.jpg)
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG00396-20110713-1747.jpg)
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG00390-20110713-1741.jpg)
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: tbunder on August 27, 2011, 11:08:54 PM
thanks for the honest replies to you few. Instead of being a garage queen, I actually ride my bike so flashy exhausts and making my ST into a sportbike are not in my interests. The FJR seems to have a cult following like the Concours. The only downfall, if even one, is it having a 5-spd tranny. The FJR does seem to weigh around 30-40lbs. give or take less than the C14. It's going to be a long winter.  ;D
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: tbunder on August 27, 2011, 11:10:53 PM
Actually I think most of us here on a Kawasaki Concours forum reccomend Hondas or Suzukis.

(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f82/BDF08012008/Trollspray.jpg)

Brian

...........and I recommend dictionary.com. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: B.D.F. on August 28, 2011, 07:15:10 AM
Yeah, I think I will go to Oxford's dictionary site and ask if there is any reason I should NOT go to Webster and get a dictionary....

 ;)

Brian


...........and I recommend dictionary.com. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: MIST on August 28, 2011, 11:12:37 AM
I've owned an '07 FJR, an '08 FJR and now the '10 Concours. In my opinion the Concours is a better looking motorcycle than the FJR, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The 6 speed transmission of the Concours is an advantage over the 5 speed FJR. With the Yamaha I was quite frequently looking to upshift, only to glance at the gear display and realize I was already in top gear. The riding position was pretty much the same on both motorcycles, however I have found the Concours seat much more comfortable than the FJR. I put handlebar risers on all three of them. I found wind management on the Concours slightly better than the FJR however the heat is more noticeable on the Concours than the FJR. The fit and finish of the Concours is better than the FJR. These are a few of the observations I've made in my ownership experience of both motorcycles. I really liked both of my FJRs, but I absolutely love my Concours. For me it's the better of the two. But I wouldn't hesitate to take a second glance at the FJR if Yamaha were to come out with an electronic cruise control. 
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: Pokey on August 28, 2011, 01:32:28 PM
QCTM
I guess I need to recommend the award-winning Suzuki sport-tourer.  It's a great bike and very affordable.  Oddly enough, the name slips my mind at the moment.   ::)

Suzuki sucks......all they do is add a lower fairing and some bags to a Bandit 1250 and call it a sport touring bike, it is a great bike but is apples to oranges when compared to the real sport touring bikes out there. All Zuk cares about are Gixxers and MX, their cruisers suck too. I would take a new Ninja 1000 "anyday" over the Bandit, but I doubt I will get another chain driven street bike.
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: kdm on August 28, 2011, 04:29:17 PM
Yeah, I think I will go to Oxford's dictionary site and ask if there is any reason I should NOT go to Webster and get a dictionary....

 ;)

Brian
Don't mean to be a smartaxx , Brian , but he is on the "other bikes" section... ::)
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: manowarwi on August 28, 2011, 07:06:30 PM
thanks to this forum, I realized the FJR1300 existed. I really like the blue '05. I like my C10, but ever since riding that C14 I can't get the taste of the instant power out of my mouth. tell me why, if I DO upgrade, I should NOT buy a FJR? is it a good bike? I like the twin pipes over the C14 plus, I saw an '05 for $5500 on ebay.

As already stated the biggest gripe with the fjr is the 5 spd tranny.  I test drove two different fjrs on two occasions and both times it bugged me - especially since my last two bikes ( both yamahas ironically ) had 6 speed gear boxes.  It also didnt feel as sporty as the c14 either.  Of course with that said had there been a clean fjr for sale in my area for $5500 when i bought my c14 this spring there is a damn good chance I would have jumped on it.  Up here is WI c14s are a lot more common and are much cheaper new or used.  Looking back I'm very happy I ended up with a connie even though originally it wasnt my top choice because of my prior brand loyalty.
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: So Cal Joe on August 28, 2011, 07:34:49 PM
When I went from 26 years on 6 different Gold Wings I looked at the FJR, ST1300 and the concours. In my opinion the concours was a clear winner. The FJR and ST1300 only have a 5 speed tranny and both in my eyes were ugly. The C14 had  almost everything I wanted, I wish it had a 7.7 gas tank like the ST1300 and of course a cruise control.
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: booger on August 29, 2011, 03:40:33 AM
The FJR and C14 are both good bikes. I have had them both. go ride em both and pick the one you like. they are pretty much Ford Chevy
we can go on and on and about this one has that and that one has this. it comes down to which one you like
they both have more power than most of us can handle

Actually it's not like Ford/Chevy.  It's like Kawasaki/Yamaha. ;D
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: Awaz on August 29, 2011, 07:59:08 AM
When I was doing my research on sport touring bikes, I came across a few reports on a fuel injection bug (I think) on some of the earlier FJRs. So, if you are thinking of picking up the 05, check on that first.
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: GTRrob on August 29, 2011, 08:09:58 AM
When I was doing my research on sport touring bikes, I came across a few reports on a fuel injection bug (I think) on some of the earlier FJRs. So, if you are thinking of picking up the 05, check on that first.

That's true. I don't think Yamaha fixed that until the 06 or 07 models. I good buddy of mine had an 05 FJR and couldn't make it up Mt St Helens until he got a PC3 added. His bike would bog down and cut out before we would get even half way up!

Good luck with you decision OP. It came down to the FJR and Connie for me too, and I prefer Yams and Hondas. This is my first Kaw and I am very happy. Eats up the miles like nothing else.
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: JetJock on August 29, 2011, 12:32:47 PM
I think you should go out and buy one, they are obviously a superior choice over the C14......look at all the awards and shootouts it has won since the C14 came out?

Pokey, you done forget to include the sarcasm icon again . . . :P
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: Son of Pappy on August 29, 2011, 01:06:37 PM
Go for it, FJRs taste just like chicken ;D
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: B.D.F. on August 29, 2011, 01:49:31 PM
The thread was started in Open Forum and moved to Other Bikes by a moderator.

Either way, this IS a Kawasaki Concours forum so I find the question regarding why someone should not buy an FJR to be on the 'trolling' side. Nothing terrible about it but I would not go on a forum about the German language and ask why I should not choose French as my primary language.

In the end, no big deal either way but I just happened to have that trolling photo handy when I tripped over this thread anyway. I would not have bothered to look it up just for this thread so think of it as a 'no cost extra'.

 ;)

Brian


Don't mean to be a smartaxx , Brian , but he is on the "other bikes" section... ::)
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: roger dodger on August 29, 2011, 02:54:20 PM
Re: 5 speed tranny- I actually prefer the 5 speed (all 4 bikes have 5 speeds) as I have less shifting to manage in daily driving. On the road a 5 spd ends up about the same rpms, just less effort to get there. BTW the FJR has enough torque to never care about the wider gear ratios.

Re: Bugs in the FJR- the gen1 (03,04,05) has a ticking in a (very) few models, and excess heat. The gen2 (06+) has the altitude issue, some ignition issues, and less heat.

Overall both are great bikes...more newer gadgets = C14   lower prices for used = FJR     YMMV
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: kdm on August 29, 2011, 06:12:36 PM
The thread was started in Open Forum and moved to Other Bikes by a moderator.

Either way, this IS a Kawasaki Concours forum so I find the question regarding why someone should not buy an FJR to be on the 'trolling' side. Nothing terrible about it but I would not go on a forum about the German language and ask why I should not choose French as my primary language.

In the end, no big deal either way but I just happened to have that trolling photo handy when I tripped over this thread anyway. I would not have bothered to look it up just for this thread so think of it as a 'no cost extra'.

 ;)

Brian
\

Cool Beans ! ;D
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: Pokey on August 29, 2011, 06:19:13 PM
Pokey, you done forget to include the sarcasm icon again . . . :P

I just figured that most of ya have figured me out by now. ;)
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: PatM on September 18, 2011, 01:32:57 PM
Comparing the two bikes, in '11, the C14 is ahead.
The FJR is a 10 year old design that was updated in '06. The C-14 is a fresh design from '07 with some redesign to fix issues in '10.

If you're considering used, the '03 - '05 FJR were pretty reliable bikes. The major issue was heat and valves ticking in '03 - '05 bikes. The same issue (heat) is reported for the '08 - '09 C-14. Some reported second degree burns. I wouldn't buy an '05 because of that.
I would look at the second generation FJR, '06 or newer if heat bothers you.
I'd say all the major issues were fixed in '09 and on. Having a sixth gear would be a nice to have.
I'd rather have a factory installed cruise control.

Personally, I chose the FJR in '09 because of the heat issue in the C-14, larger gas tank and lower seat height.
My choice could have been different if I'd waited another year. Both are great bikes.
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: B.D.F. on September 18, 2011, 04:42:11 PM
Both are certainly fine bikes but I don't think Yamaha has ironed out the problems with the second generation series. In fact, there is a recall coming for 2011 models regarding the front brake switch. There are numerous other ongoing recalls for that model well beyond the start of the second generation.

Brian


Comparing the two bikes, in '11, the C14 is ahead.
The FJR is a 10 year old design that was updated in '06. The C-14 is a fresh design from '07 with some redesign to fix issues in '10.

If you're considering used, the '03 - '05 FJR were pretty reliable bikes. The major issue was heat and valves ticking in '03 - '05 bikes. The same issue (heat) is reported for the '08 - '09 C-14. Some reported second degree burns. I wouldn't buy an '05 because of that.
I would look at the second generation FJR, '06 or newer if heat bothers you.
I'd say all the major issues were fixed in '09 and on. Having a sixth gear would be a nice to have.
I'd rather have a factory installed cruise control.

Personally, I chose the FJR in '09 because of the heat issue in the C-14, larger gas tank and lower seat height.
My choice could have been different if I'd waited another year. Both are great bikes.
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: booger on September 18, 2011, 06:15:56 PM
If you want a FJR over a C-14,  Iwould go for it.

Probably one of the bigger mistakes you will make in your life, but at least it's reversible.

You can trade it in on a C-14 next year. :-\
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: TownsendsFJR1300 on October 02, 2011, 03:06:53 PM
The FJR does have a lower seat height and you can see behind you using the mirrors.  I looked at 1/3 of my shoulders ridng my friends 09 Concours. 

BTW, that 09 Concours was hotter than my 04 FJR... A limited # of 03-05's did have exhaust valve guides that would fail over time and cause the dreaded tick...  Yamaha, even thou the bike is way out of warranty, WILL FIX the valve guides to this day... 

 The Gen I FJR will power wheelie in the first 2 gears (not using the clutch) and requires valve checks at 25,000 miles, not 7,500 miles.  The Gen II is geared slightly higher for lower RPMs on the highway but has basically the same engine...

Having worked on both the Concours and several FJR's (Gen I and Gen II's), the FJR is easier to work on having a gas tank that tilts up after removing 2 bolts...  The Concours is a little bit quicker, however I don't want all the bells and whistles, just more things to break down the road if you keep the bike... 
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: CRocker on October 03, 2011, 06:00:26 PM
 :popcorn:

I love my C10...but the leaves are changing...the nights are getting cooler...and the prices on '08 C14s are coming down...they are still $2k above an '05 FJR (yes, I've been watching both)...but, nothing's frozen yet...so, we'll just have to see...as things get colder...what comes along...

I have to admit...a $5k '08 C14 might just make me pull the trigger!
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: olie on October 13, 2011, 07:22:37 AM
..... The C14 had  almost everything I wanted, I wish it had a 7.7 gas tank like the ST1300 and of course a cruise control.
+1, the 2 most important misses.
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: martin_14 on October 25, 2011, 07:42:47 AM
The FJR does have a lower seat height and you can see behind you using the mirrors.  I looked at 1/3 of my shoulders ridng my friends 09 Concours.
I drove both bikes and liked the FJR in one or two aspects (engine sound and looks, for instance) very much, but the C14 was clearly the winner, for the reasons already mentioned, plus wind protection for the passenger is better (so I've been told by my better half).

The Gen I FJR will power wheelie in the first 2 gears (not using the clutch) and requires valve checks at 25,000 miles, not 7,500 miles.  The Gen II is geared slightly higher for lower RPMs on the highway but has basically the same engine...
I'm not sure I understand what you imply:
a) that the FJR Gen I needs valve check at 7500 miles ---> wow!
b) that the C14 needs valve check at 7500 miles ---> incorrect: 26000 miles

Having worked on both the Concours and several FJR's (Gen I and Gen II's), the FJR is easier to work on having a gas tank that tilts up after removing 2 bolts...  The Concours is a little bit quicker, however I don't want all the bells and whistles, just more things to break down the road if you keep the bike...
I keep the bike, and the bells and whistles have not changed one bit so far, braking down or otherwise.

All that said, I wouldn't hesitate jumping on a FJR for a good price if I was shopping around. Yes, 6th gear is neat, but not a deal braker. We are buying bikes, not wash machines, and taste or "clicking" with this or that model plays a huge roll.
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: TownsendsFJR1300 on October 27, 2011, 06:15:15 AM
I drove both bikes and liked the FJR in one or two aspects (engine sound and looks, for instance) very much, but the C14 was clearly the winner, for the reasons already mentioned, plus wind protection for the passenger is better (so I've been told by my better half).
I'm not sure I understand what you imply:
a) that the FJR Gen I needs valve check at 7500 miles ---> wow!
b) that the C14 needs valve check at 7500 miles ---> incorrect: 26000 miles
I keep the bike, and the bells and whistles have not changed one bit so far, braking down or otherwise.

All that said, I wouldn't hesitate jumping on a FJR for a good price if I was shopping around. Yes, 6th gear is neat, but not a deal braker. We are buying bikes, not wash machines, and taste or "clicking" with this or that model plays a huge roll.


That's not what I posted, please re-read... 

The FJR does NOT require valve check/adjustments until 25,000 miles. 

I've driven two stock Concours and found with the stock windshield, protection is great up to my chest, non existant above that.  My stock winshield on my 04 FJR provides considerably much more protection. 

As for the gen I's (03-05) some of them had bad exhaust valve guides that causing the dreaded tick...  So far mine has not...    BTW, Yamaha to this date, even thou my bike is way out of warranty, will STILL REPAIR the guides should they fail...  As for another gear, it would be nice, but the bike has enough torque and doesn't need it.  For me, the bike sits lower than the Concours however the Concours is a little quicker, shifts smoother however it is 6 years newer with newer technology.  I keep my bikes so I personally don't want all the extra goodies that may eventually need fixing/repair.  My brakes are not linked nor did I order it with ABS. KISS.  Much easier to flush brakes, maintain, etc.  I am the only one to wrench on my bikes (not counting a local Honda dealer who screwed up my last, 04 Goldwing).  I will not own another Honda after dealing with Honda corp as they tried to get out repairing a new oil leak (among other things) caused by the dealership.  A lawsuit threat finally got things fixed at another dealership...

I currently own two Yamaha's (04 FJR and an 07 FZ6) and have also owned several Kawasaki's to include a black/gold 2000 ZRX 1100 and several KLR's that I have gotten over 100,000 miles between the ZRX, 2 KLR 250's and a KLR 650,  so I consider myself fairly knowledgable in both.   Both KLR's have been torn down for engine repairs, The 1989 250, every 32,000 miles would have the left crank roller bearing fail-a compleat engine tear down at 32,000 and again at 64,000 miles.  My last 2005 250, with 28,000 miles had the same bearing start to fail.  I loved the bike but I'm done rebuilding the engine every 32,000 miles....

I have worked on several Concours as well as "MIST's" two FJR's and another friends FJR. 

For me, I prefer the FJR, for others the Concours is a great bike, just not my style... 

BTW, there are numerous FJR's that gone well over 100,000 miles without any major repairs, a pretty good track record.  I'd be curious how well the Concours does once its 8 years old...
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: CADMAN97 on November 04, 2011, 09:28:11 PM
thanks to this forum, I realized the FJR1300 existed. I really like the blue '05. I like my C10, but ever since riding that C14 I can't get the taste of the instant power out of my mouth. tell me why, if I DO upgrade, I should NOT buy a FJR? is it a good bike? I like the twin pipes over the C14 plus, I saw an '05 for $5500 on ebay.
If your gonna get an FJR, I'd recommend an '06 or newer. They gave it a refresh, and took care of the heat issues. But yes it does only have a 5 speed tranny  ???

Both bikes are great rides, but considering you are posting on a Concours owners forum, which one do you think we are gonna recommend?? ;)

Just my $0.2
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: TownsendsFJR1300 on November 05, 2011, 05:55:02 AM
If your gonna get an FJR, I'd recommend an '06 or newer. They gave it a refresh, and took care of the heat issues. But yes it does only have a 5 speed tranny  ???

Both bikes are great rides, but considering you are posting on a Concours owners forum, which one do you think we are gonna recommend?? ;)

Just my $0.2

Someone asked about the FJR, I responded and gave my opinions. One respondant took part of my response out of text (which was NOT approprate, but expected- :(   ). 

As this is a Concours forum, of course I know how folks are going to re-act, its the same on any FJR forum...

No bike is perfect, read the tech section on any bike forum, (including here and the FJR sites) there are problems and usually fixes... 

BTW, as a favor to MIST, (a Concours owner), I designed and manufactured a helmet lock bracket specific for the Concours (as I do for all FJR's and have a distributor for BMW's-"Pirates Lair), non of which have a keyed helmet lock.  He wanted a mounted to the frame, lock assembly that he could re-key to fit the ignition.  Using a Helmet Guardian assembly, I made him one and a couple extra's..

There are still a couple left, after that, their discontinued (under dealer accesssory section). 

        Ride safe...

 
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: Uglydog56 on November 14, 2011, 09:03:14 PM
I'm a connie man, but there are a lot of FJR's in the Iron Butt's.  They can eat the miles.  I like a few curves in my miles, which is what led me to the connie.
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: BruceR on November 14, 2011, 09:32:39 PM
I'm a connie man, but there are a lot of FJR's in the Iron Butt's.  They can eat the miles.  I like a few curves in my miles, which is what led me to the connie.
The FJR is an older model therefore there's bound to be more of them on the road and hence in iron butt logs.  I personally know 3 guys who jumped on the FJR from the C10 because Kawasaki was slow to update the Concours.  As was said, both are fine bikes and I seriously considered an FJR but I thought my wife would be more comfy on the C14.
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: martin_14 on November 26, 2011, 04:48:10 PM

That's not what I posted, please re-read... 

The FJR does NOT require valve check/adjustments until 25,000 miles. 

Hi again,
I obviously read your post a few times, but I still didn't make out what you meant. Hence my question: why did you write "and requires valve checks at 25,000 miles, not 7,500 miles."? It is clear that you mean that the FJR needs the valve job at 25 k miles, but why the reference to 7,500 miles? That's the part I didn't get. It seems that by exclusion you believe that the C14 needs a valve job at 7500 miles, which is the part that I think is not correct, my number being 26,000 miles or 42,000 km according to my manual. Care to elaborate? :)
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: Rhino on November 26, 2011, 07:17:08 PM
Hi again,
I obviously read your post a few times, but I still didn't make out what you meant. Hence my question: why did you write "and requires valve checks at 25,000 miles, not 7,500 miles."? It is clear that you mean that the FJR needs the valve job at 25 k miles, but why the reference to 7,500 miles? That's the part I didn't get. It seems that by exclusion you believe that the C14 needs a valve job at 7500 miles, which is the part that I think is not correct, my number being 26,000 miles or 42,000 km according to my manual. Care to elaborate? :)

The US owners manual says 15,000 miles.
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: martin_14 on November 28, 2011, 12:19:57 AM
The US owners manual says 15,000 miles.

Yeah, I've heard of that. Once, on the phone with Kawasaki Germany regarding some vibs on the handlebar, I asked them that and they didn't know. Anybody? As far as I know, the valve train, etc, are identical...  ???
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: gPink on November 28, 2011, 03:57:40 AM
Can you say EPA?
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: Rhino on November 28, 2011, 09:32:39 AM
Can you say EPA?

But this still doesn't make a lot of sense to me. It's not like Europe doesn't also have air quality regulations. In any case I'm using the Europe standard. My C14 has almost 22,000 on it now and I haven't checked the valves yet. I plan to do it this winter sometime.
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: AZBiker on December 02, 2011, 12:32:01 AM
Can you say EPA?

Sure, as long as the words "screw the" are in front of it. ;D
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: michelsmith on December 07, 2011, 03:14:12 AM
FJR came with a much smaller windscreen, I assume for that "sportbike" look.
Title: Re: woops, found out about the FJR
Post by: TownsendsFJR1300 on February 14, 2012, 06:14:23 AM
Hi again,
I obviously read your post a few times, but I still didn't make out what you meant. Hence my question: why did you write "and requires valve checks at 25,000 miles, not 7,500 miles."? It is clear that you mean that the FJR needs the valve job at 25 k miles, but why the reference to 7,500 miles? That's the part I didn't get. It seems that by exclusion you believe that the C14 needs a valve job at 7500 miles, which is the part that I think is not correct, my number being 26,000 miles or 42,000 km according to my manual. Care to elaborate? :)

That is NOT what I said... 

The FJR is scheduled for valve checks at 25,000 miles, Not valve jobs, etc...  Most do NOT need adjustment at that mileage (unless seriously dogged).  To my understanding, the 1400 requires valve checks sooner. I know its considerably easier to get to the valve cover on the FJR to do the checks..

As for 5 or 6 speeds, if the 6 gear was an actual overdrive, that would be great and welcome.  If 6th is geared the same on the top end as a five speed, you'll get a little more acceleration (my FZ6 is a 6 speed) but your just shifting alot more...

 The second generation FJR, the top end gearing is slightly changed lowering highway RPM's some...

I can say both Kawaski and Yamaha address most issues/problems that come up... 

(Note, this forum will NOT send updated replys to my address thus the delay)