Kawasaki Concours Forum

Riding => It's not a Concours - other Bikes => Topic started by: sherob on September 06, 2013, 10:58:52 AM

Title: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: sherob on September 06, 2013, 10:58:52 AM
They up the game now with Electronic Suspension...

http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/products/modelhome/689/0/home.aspx (http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/products/modelhome/689/0/home.aspx)
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: gPink on September 06, 2013, 11:24:05 AM
Deal killers

Transmission   5-speed; multiplate wet clutch
Warranty           1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: JoeRau on September 06, 2013, 11:25:36 AM
Deal killers

Transmission   5-speed; multiplate wet clutch
Warranty           1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)

That and the red color.... Man I hate red!
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: Sgt Mac on September 06, 2013, 11:28:08 AM
I just don't really care for the looks, right on down to the reflectors on the bags.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: Mr Orange on September 06, 2013, 11:44:12 AM
Red, small tank, small bags, red, cost, warranty, red, too much chrome…. No thanks! I'll keep my C10!  8)
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: Caffeinated on September 06, 2013, 12:09:41 PM
I just hope this will prod Kawasaki to add some new features to the C14. Cruise would be nice, ES is problematic since it probably costs $$$ to get fixed. Ask a BMW owner  :P
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: George R. Young on September 06, 2013, 12:35:26 PM
Deal killers

Transmission   5-speed; multiplate wet clutch
Warranty           1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
Agreed, cars are ok with 5 speeds, bikes should have 6.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: Gumby on September 06, 2013, 01:41:59 PM
I'm going to have to go test ride on of these for the fun of it.  :cool:

I'll keep my C14 though.  ;D
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: MrPepsi on September 06, 2013, 02:39:03 PM
Yeah cause that think looks so much different than a 2004 FJR.
So glad their keeping things fresh.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: sherob on September 06, 2013, 03:27:37 PM
Yeah cause that think looks so much different than a 2004 FJR.
So glad their keeping things fresh.

2004 FJR

(http://www.motorcycledaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2003/04/041703fjrmiddle.jpg)

2014 FJR/ES

(http://www.cycleworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/2014-Yamaha-FJR1300ES_lead.jpg)

Looks totally different to me... sorry.  :o
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: MrPepsi on September 06, 2013, 03:29:48 PM
Looks totally different to me... sorry.  :o

Ummm, ok...
You did notice one is red and other is silver right?
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: sherob on September 06, 2013, 03:40:59 PM
Look at the body work... front fairing has been reworked for better heat management, and air intake is totally different... mirrors are totally different... seat is totally different... rims are black now... front fender, different... I can keep going, but it's different besides the fact it's red.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: MrPepsi on September 06, 2013, 03:43:32 PM
You're taking me too seriously.
But in my opionion this is more like a refresh than a real change.
Imagine a motorcycle company making essentially the same model for 20 years, who could do such a thing?
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: sherob on September 06, 2013, 03:57:01 PM
You're taking me too seriously.
But in my opionion this is more like a refresh than a real change.
Imagine a motorcycle company making essentially the same model for 20 years, who could do such a thing?

LOL!!!  Um... uh... let me think... um...
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: CADMAN97 on September 06, 2013, 06:29:19 PM
Red, small tank, small bags, red, cost, warranty, red, too much chrome…. No thanks! I'll keep my C10!  8)
The FJR's tank is actually larger than the 2008+ C14's  >:(
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: Mr Orange on September 06, 2013, 07:54:51 PM
The FJR's tank is actually larger than the 2008+ C14's  >:(

True but it is still smaller than my C10 tank. This is a prime reason I wouldn't buy a C14 either. On this point though it is easier to add an aux tank to the FJ because of the split seat, see the link. I would still have to pony up for a paint job thought because I really don't like red on bikes or actually anything.

http://www.fjr1300.info/misc/tanji.html (http://www.fjr1300.info/misc/tanji.html)
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: 2fast on September 06, 2013, 08:16:38 PM
So......I bought an
03 FJR this spring. If you have not ridden one, please try it before you put it down. The 5 speed tranny is not a negative. Final gear ratios are pretty close to most 6 speeds. The ratio is far more important than the gear number. I can pass pretty much anything in top gear, and still pull down 38-43 ish running around 85 mph. I've only been up to about 140, but there is plenty left. Don't get me wrong, I am a major Kaw fan, but the FJR is the new Connie. Huge performance for low low prices. Look around at a rally and see how many FJR's you see. Then check out the number of them in the Ironbutt rally. I can go 250 miles easy before looking for gas. A recent cross country with a couple of C14's proved that they can not make the same distance.

I still have my 86 Connie which I love and will probably never sell.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: Pokey on September 06, 2013, 10:28:19 PM
So......I bought an
03 FJR this spring. If you have not ridden one, please try it before you put it down. The 5 speed tranny is not a negative. Final gear ratios are pretty close to most 6 speeds. The ratio is far more important than the gear number. I can pass pretty much anything in top gear, and still pull down 38-43 ish running around 85 mph. I've only been up to about 140, but there is plenty left. Don't get me wrong, I am a major Kaw fan, but the FJR is the new Connie. Huge performance for low low prices. Look around at a rally and see how many FJR's you see. Then check out the number of them in the Ironbutt rally. I can go 250 miles easy before looking for gas. A recent cross country with a couple of C14's proved that they can not make the same distance.

I still have my 86 Connie which I love and will probably never sell.


I am a pretty big fan of Yamaha in general.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: concoursbdh on September 07, 2013, 11:38:37 AM
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AlfR4TQEGTU (http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AlfR4TQEGTU)

Nice, short video showing the options.  I have had 5, and 2 C14's.  I love the FJR gearing, would never want it changed.  At least from the 2006 2nd gen and on.  The first gen was a little low...
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: wrichstrom on September 12, 2013, 06:01:41 AM
I have had two FJRs and the manual transmission version was great, and the auto-clutch version was horrible.  I do believe the shocks and adjustability of my 2012 C-14 outshines the FJR.  The fueling of the C-14 is better, the 2007 FJR I had was slightly "twitchy".  Both are great long day riding motorcycles.  The range of the FJR over the C-14 is nice.

I would still be a Yamaha guy but I had a condescending dealer owner to deal with on my auto-clutch purchase that just wasn't going to work with me who had been a long-time loyal customer at his store.  The Kawi dealer was willing to work with me right out of the blue who hadn't spent thousands at his dealership previously.  So now I'm a very happy Kawi C-14 owner!

Both the FJR and C-14 motorcycles are great.  I don't believe the 5-speed is an issue.  Look at the final gear ratio of the FJR 5th to the Kawi 6th and you will find they are nearly identical.  As far as cruise control I will take my C-14 and its throttle lock any day. 
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: wally_games on September 12, 2013, 11:43:58 AM
Agreed, cars are ok with 5 speeds, bikes should have 6.

Both my Malibu and my Silverado have 6-speed auto trannies. I saw an ad for some car on TV yesterday that had and 8-speed auto.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: MrPepsi on September 12, 2013, 11:56:49 AM
Both my Malibu and my Silverado have 6-speed auto trannies. I saw an ad for some car on TV yesterday that had and 8-speed auto.

ZF just developed a 9-speed auto for Range Rover.
Looks like Chrysler will also have a 9-speed.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: CADMAN97 on September 12, 2013, 03:18:26 PM
I drive a Nissan Maxima with an infinite amount of gears  ;) ;D. CVT's are pretty nice  :)

Id consider an FJR, I have nothing against Yamaha. The updates for 2014 look very nice...but I'm kinda eyein the 2014 Kaw Ninja 1000 now
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: Pokey on September 12, 2013, 11:13:14 PM
I have had two FJRs and the manual transmission version was great, and the auto-clutch version was horrible.  I do believe the shocks and adjustability of my 2012 C-14 outshines the FJR.  The fueling of the C-14 is better, the 2007 FJR I had was slightly "twitchy".  Both are great long day riding motorcycles.  The range of the FJR over the C-14 is nice.

I would still be a Yamaha guy but I had a condescending dealer owner to deal with on my auto-clutch purchase that just wasn't going to work with me who had been a long-time loyal customer at his store.  The Kawi dealer was willing to work with me right out of the blue who hadn't spent thousands at his dealership previously.  So now I'm a very happy Kawi C-14 owner!

Both the FJR and C-14 motorcycles are great.  I don't believe the 5-speed is an issue.  Look at the final gear ratio of the FJR 5th to the Kawi 6th and you will find they are nearly identical.  As far as cruise control I will take my C-14 and its throttle lock any day.


Interesting...wonder if you would prefer a throttle lock if you had electronic cruise control?  ;)
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: wrichstrom on September 13, 2013, 05:14:11 AM
You have a point Pokey.  I should have written I will take my paid off C-14 and throttle lock anyday.  I just don't see selling a motorcycle after two years and with a trade in paying another 6 - 8K to get an FJR with electronic cruise control.
 
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: Rhino on September 13, 2013, 10:26:22 AM

Interesting...wonder if you would prefer a throttle lock if you had electronic cruise control?  ;)

Why choose? I have both. Electronic CC is great solo but doesn't work well when riding with a group unless you are the lead. I still use my vista cruise for quick right hand off the throttle to stretch or scratch or whatever.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: eng943 on September 19, 2013, 12:29:36 PM
I just hope this will prod Kawasaki to add some new features to the C14. Cruise would be nice, ES is problematic since it probably costs $$$ to get fixed. Ask a BMW owner  :P

ESA has not been at all problematic, and I can tell you first hand that ESA is incredibly useful. It is so nice to be able to dial in Buick cush for slab, or sport for the twisties, or two up at the push of a button.

Kudos to Yamaha for trying to be more competitive with Triumph and BMW. The FJR is still too much of a compromise for me, but it is inching closer to something I would consider. It still needs more wind protection, and the revision of the silly over 80 mph and no cruise feature.

17K is getting close to the euro stuff.       
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: pistole on September 19, 2013, 05:08:19 PM
nevermind , before the ESA fails , the switchgear will fail first.

.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: eng943 on September 20, 2013, 08:42:38 AM
nevermind , before the ESA fails , the switchgear will fail first.

.

Peanut butter...and jelly.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: CADMAN97 on October 13, 2013, 11:43:55 AM
To those of you that have not rode an FJR all I have to say is don't knock it till you try it :)

I had the opportunity to rent a 2013 this weekend and I must say yeah its a pretty nice bike. The electronic cruise control is nice but there's more to it than just that. My impressions...

The first thing i noticed is how much lighter it is than the C14. I know Its only around 50lb, but it feels like more because the FJR has a much lower center of gravity. Isn't top heavy like the C14. I didn't feel soo worn out after a days ride. Parking lot speeds/maneuvering is easy and very controllable.

Plain & simple, its just easier to get on & off the FJR. My wife also confirms this. She had a much easier time swinging a leg over. The passenger seat is lower and seems closer to the rider, & just overall lower to the ground. She said she felt very secure & liked how much lower & easier it was to get on & off the bike. The adjustable rider seat is pretty nice & pretty simple to adjust. I rode in both positions, but preferred the lower seat height. I felt like I was riding in the bike, and not on it...also was able to flat foot it at stops better (Im 5'11"). The seat itself was pretty supportive for my weight (205 with riding gear on) and had really no discomfort. I didn't travel the country on it, but the amount of time i did spend on it I did like it more than the OEM seat on the C14.

For those of you who think it needs a 6 speed tranny, think again. I also thought this prior to my riding experience. The gears are spaced wider than the C14, and at highway speeds the RPM's are no higher than on the C14. Shifting is pretty smooth, tranny is not clunky, overall a nice experience. Yes the engine is slightly smaller than the C14, but you never notice it. The power to weight ratio's are pretty close. The FJR has plenty of power to put a ear to ear grin on your face. The other nice thing the FJR has is two different driving modes. T for touring & S for sport. I used both modes, and ultimately preferred S, but T mode came in handy riding in busy Columbus traffic. It softens power delivery and really helps in around town/heavy traffic situations. Once out of the city, it was S mode all the way baby!

One of the least liked features about the C14 here on the forum, has to be the linked brakes. Ive def gottin used/adjusted to using them on my C14, but the linked brakes on the FJR are hands down absolutely 100% better. Yamaha routes two brake lines to the front right caliper, and when pressing the rear brake it activates two pistons in the front right caliper along with the rear caliper, and OMG what a night & day difference from the C14. The braking is sooooo much smoother, linear & stronger. There is 0 weirdness feel in the pedal like there is in the C14. My wife & I absolutely LOVED the brakes on the FJR. My wife commented to me on more than one occasion how much nicer the ride was because the brakes were soo much smoother. I was able to ride as fast and aggressive as i wanted and slow the bike smoothly as "one" unit. Even in somewhat quick/aggressive braking situations, the FJR came to a stop with 0 drama. What you put into the pedal is exactly what you get back. No weird pedal diving to the ground, no grabbing too much brake force when you didn't ask for it. Absolutely smooth linear braking force. Good job Yamaha! I am aware of this type of linked brakes, my 03 VFR had it, but it is the first time experiencing it on the FJR.

One of the negatives about the FJR is that the suspension is too soft. I had preload, rebound, & compression pretty much maxed out, and it def felt much better, but I still felt it was a bit soft. Im prob 205 & my wife is around 140 with full riding gear on. I do feel more confident in the corners on my C14 on riddin known roads, but Ive owned my C14 for 3.5yrs as well, plus I have PR2's on it too, which are awesome tires.

The other nit picks are that the windshield and heated grips are now located in the menu on the right side dash...so if you want to adjust the windshield height you have to toggle the menu to make sure its on the windshield adjustment, and then toggle over to heated grips & hit the up & down switch for high med & low. Seems to be more complicated than it needs to be especially on a motorcycle. A designated windshield switch and heated grip switch like they used to do would be much better. Also the toggle switch used to adjust the windshield/heated grips is in a really weird location & has an unnatural feeling to it operating it at speed. Over time I did get used to it and did became easier to use once I learned where all the switches were, but it just seems like it could have been done better.

Overall the FJR is a really nice sport tourer, despite the couple of negatives I could def see one of these parked in the garage?? Even tho its a 10yr old chassis/engine, its still a very competent ST. If you happen to get a chance to ride one, I highly recommend it.
   
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: VirginiaJim on October 13, 2013, 04:20:49 PM
I'm going to have to go test ride on of these for the fun of it.  :cool:

I'll keep my C14 though.  ;D

 :yikes:

So......I bought an
03 FJR this spring.

 :yikes: :yikes:


I am a pretty big fan of Yamaha in general.

 :yikes: :yikes: and  :censored: :yikes:

You have a point Pokey. 
 

No he doesn't  :nuts:

To those of you that have not rode an FJR all I have to say is don't knock it till you try it :)

Cold day in  :censored: before that happens.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: Gumby on October 13, 2013, 05:58:23 PM
Cold day in  :censored: before that happens.
Tell us how you really feel!
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: ZG on October 13, 2013, 06:25:25 PM
Tell us how you really feel!


 :rotflmao:

Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: Caffeinated on October 13, 2013, 06:32:55 PM
He seems to really like the  :censored: smiley!

I'm seriously considering giving and FJR a try. Just trying to decide which year is the best before 2013, so I could afford one.

Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: CADMAN97 on October 13, 2013, 06:51:16 PM
He seems to really like the  :censored: smiley!

I'm seriously considering giving and FJR a try. Just trying to decide which year is the best before 2013, so I could afford one.
I would recommend 2006 or newer. Yamaha revised it in 06 to better control the heat into the rider cockpit. I did feel some heat on the 2013, but nothing that wasn't manageable. My ride happened with temps in the 50's & 60's tho.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: VirginiaJim on October 14, 2013, 04:52:19 AM
He seems to really like the  :censored: smiley!

I'm seriously considering giving and FJR a try. Just trying to decide which year is the best before 2013, so I could afford one.

Actually I do... ;)
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: concoursbdh on October 19, 2013, 08:57:45 AM

I'm seriously considering giving and FJR a try. Just trying to decide which year is the best before 2013, so I could afford one.

I would go for '08 or newer if you can.  They made a few more small changes from the 06 and 07 that I like better.  They are not much but make the bike overall a more fun and easier ride.  The main fix was the throttle abruptness on the first 2 years of the 2nd gen that are gone with '08 and up!  The black on black of the '09 really looks great too!
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: CADMAN97 on October 22, 2013, 06:14:32 AM
I was reading over on the FJR forum that Yamaha upped the cruse control limit to 100mph on the 2014's. The 2013 I rented would only set up to 82 (indicated), so actual was prob just 75. I guess a lot of FJR owners complained so it was increased for 2014.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: eng943 on October 25, 2013, 03:59:09 PM
I was reading over on the FJR forum that Yamaha upped the cruse control limit to 100mph on the 2014's. The 2013 I rented would only set up to 82 (indicated), so actual was prob just 75. I guess a lot of FJR owners complained so it was increased for 2014.

That is really good to hear. Yamaha has really got something now with this FJR.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: martin_14 on November 04, 2013, 10:53:01 AM
That is really good to hear. Yamaha has really got something now with this FJR.

it would be even better if there could be a firmware update at the dealers, so the 2013 model buyers can also benefit.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: stevewfl on November 04, 2013, 11:40:08 AM
Unless the japs up their game and soon, its euro bikes for me going forward
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: VirginiaJim on November 10, 2013, 03:18:04 PM
You have got to be kidding, Steve, unless you're thinking Italian.  Then I could see it.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: Bergmen on November 12, 2013, 10:18:19 AM
Well, I just bought a 2014 FJR1300A this past Saturday. I pick it up this coming Saturday.

(http://i1322.photobucket.com/albums/u580/Bergmen/Motorcycling/Misc/2014FJR1300_zps7a48c591.jpg) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/Bergmen/media/Motorcycling/Misc/2014FJR1300_zps7a48c591.jpg.html)

The ES model (Electronic Suspension) won't show up before February or March next year and only a few will be allocated to California and no dealer will budge on full list (and some were hinting at a dealer markup). I was initially trying to get an ES but punted to the A.

It matches my riding gear:

(http://i1322.photobucket.com/albums/u580/Bergmen/Motorcycling/Misc/IMG_3129_zps4e54a3c1.jpg) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/Bergmen/media/Motorcycling/Misc/IMG_3129_zps4e54a3c1.jpg.html)

Dan
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: jayke on November 12, 2013, 02:31:41 PM
Congrats......

I've got a '13 FJR.  You'll like it.

If you're coming from a C14, don't expect much of a difference.  They're pretty close.


Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: Bergmen on November 12, 2013, 03:41:47 PM
I'll be coming from this:

(http://i1322.photobucket.com/albums/u580/Bergmen/Motorcycling/ZGRX%201200%20Concours%20Project/IMG_1042_zps5fcf361d.jpg) (http://s1322.photobucket.com/user/Bergmen/media/Motorcycling/ZGRX%201200%20Concours%20Project/IMG_1042_zps5fcf361d.jpg.html)

Dan
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: gPink on November 12, 2013, 03:56:23 PM
Dan, what were the deciding factors the led to the FJ instead of a C14?
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: Ant on November 12, 2013, 04:29:12 PM
You guys are really lucky to have the ES in that colour. It is beautiful. I don't think we are getting it in 2014 here in the UK. But our main show starts next week so we will see…….. Just wish the GTR1400 had those colours…..

I am fortunate enough to own both the FJR and GTR ( C14 ), although the FJR is an earlier model.

which is best ?  Both have their differences and its a personal choice only i think.

Me ?  well I've clocked up 10k since June on the C14, and only 3k on the FJR. So i guess the GTR is best for me at the moment.

I do like the low revving purr of the C14, but miss the cruise control and screen angle that the FJR has. Addicted to the tyre pressure monitors on the C14 and love the seating position with the bar risers on.

Engine braking is better on the C14 i find and the pull when you knock down a gear or 2  ;D
I can sit at this speed all day long in France, 2 up fully loaded……I Just love it    (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sv3tN_ANVw/url)
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: Bergmen on November 12, 2013, 06:30:26 PM
Dan, what were the deciding factors the led to the FJ instead of a C14?

I've never been attracted to the C14 for a number of reasons (small tank being one of them). The potato bazooka is another. Then, I have no use for anything like Kipass (which has stranded a lot of riders). TPMS is raising it's ugly head in expensive, sealed replacements when the batteries die.

I just never warmed up to it. I have always admired the Feejer and I had been thinking of going to a modern bike over the past couple of months or so. Then they came out with Candy Red for 2014 and it was all over.

It is on the truck in the crate on it's way to Lakeport as I type this. Setup Thursday or Friday and I should be able to pick it up on Saturday.

Dan
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: B.D.F. on November 12, 2013, 08:13:25 PM
Good for you Dan. The very best of luck with that new bike and I know you will gain vast knowledge about that one as you have in the past about the C-10. The FJR forum will probably be of much greater benefit to you know but hey, stop back once in a while and say 'hi'.

Brian

I've never been attracted to the C14 for a number of reasons (small tank being one of them). The potato bazooka is another. Then, I have no use for anything like Kipass (which has stranded a lot of riders). TPMS is raising it's ugly head in expensive, sealed replacements when the batteries die.

I just never warmed up to it. I have always admired the Feejer and I had been thinking of going to a modern bike over the past couple of months or so. Then they came out with Candy Red for 2014 and it was all over.

It is on the truck in the crate on it's way to Lakeport as I type this. Setup Thursday or Friday and I should be able to pick it up on Saturday.

Dan
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: okxd45 on November 12, 2013, 08:57:09 PM
Now that I no longer have the C14....I have to admit that I really like the look of the FJR.  My wife and I saw one on the road the other day and she made the comment that it looked more sporty and I think I have to agree.  I like the angular look of the bags and they don't seem to stick out as far.  Anyway I probably shouldn't say too much...since I don't have either and  my new toy is a car.... ;)
(http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o25/revaewffej/20131108_061040.jpg) (http://s116.photobucket.com/user/revaewffej/media/20131108_061040.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: pistole on November 13, 2013, 02:23:32 AM
I've never been attracted to the C14 for a number of reasons (small tank being one of them). The potato bazooka is another. Then, I have no use for anything like Kipass (which has stranded a lot of riders). TPMS is raising it's ugly head in expensive, sealed replacements when the batteries die.

1. Small Tank : my 2012 C14 can cover 310 kms (over 200 miles) on one full tank of fuel. Thats about enough time as well for me (and the bike) to get a short break. I cannot imagine a civilised locale where you can't find a gas station within 200 miles. So , the size of the tank is a non-issue.

2. Potato Bazooka : the stock exhaust is , granted , ugly as heck. Easy to rectify though.

3. Kipass : my experience over many many days on the road touring with the C14 is that Kipass is fine , as long as you learn to do some simple things and get your SOP in order. Its no different from the majority of cars nowadays which come without any keys anymore. As for being stranded by Kipass , well yeah , you can sure strand yourself in many ways , but Kipass is usually operator error (eg , loosing the fob or letting the fob's batt to die).

4. TPMS : I ride alot on lonely bits of road and often at high speeds. TPMS is godsend and its constantly displayed on my dash. Many here have mentioned how they were able to get off the road safely before total deflation occurred. As for the TPMS's battery dying , to me that is part and parcel of the cost of ownership and the convenience of TPMS. Eg , timing belt changes with ducatis, valve work , etc. Its part and parcel of owning something that wears out as you enjoy the ride.

.

That said , the new 2014 FJR with the electronic suspension , throttle by wire , cruise , traction control , abs , etc , really deserves a close look. Unfortunately , over here , we're used to cruising at very high speeds (ie , "cruising" for us starts at 100 mph and above). So , the lack of a 6th gear may just hold some back from taking on the FJR.

.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: Bergmen on November 14, 2013, 07:03:18 PM
Well, the dealer called this afternoon and said the bike arrived and was nearly finished with prep. It will be ready for pickup tomorrow morning. My son is going to drive me over and will get here at 8:30 (it is about a 45 minute drive to the dealer).

My riding gear is in the truck and it's full of gas. Contract and cashiers check is in there too. Weather looks good (partly cloudy, mid 40s to mid 50s).

I'm stoked (to put it mildly). I took the day off tomorow and I have the weekend to get acquainted.

Dan
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: B.D.F. on November 14, 2013, 07:21:51 PM
Good for you Dan, and the very best of luck with the new ride.

I like seeing people acting like kids at Christmas no matter how old they are.... (and that is a compliment, not sarcasm).

Brian

Well, the dealer called this afternoon and said the bike arrived and was nearly finished with prep. It will be ready for pickup tomorrow morning. My son is going to drive me over and will get here at 8:30 (it is about a 45 minute drive to the dealer).

My riding gear is in the truck and it's full of gas. Contract and cashiers check is in there too. Weather looks good (partly cloudy, mid 40s to mid 50s).

I'm stoked (to put it mildly). I took the day off tomorow and I have the weekend to get acquainted.

Dan
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: martin_14 on November 15, 2013, 07:25:18 AM
1. Small Tank : my 2012 C14 can cover 310 kms (over 200 miles) on one full tank of fuel. Thats about enough time as well for me (and the bike) to get a short break. I cannot imagine a civilised locale where you can't find a gas station within 200 miles. So , the size of the tank is a non-issue.

2. Potato Bazooka : the stock exhaust is , granted , ugly as heck. Easy to rectify though.

3. Kipass : my experience over many many days on the road touring with the C14 is that Kipass is fine , as long as you learn to do some simple things and get your SOP in order. Its no different from the majority of cars nowadays which come without any keys anymore. As for being stranded by Kipass , well yeah , you can sure strand yourself in many ways , but Kipass is usually operator error (eg , loosing the fob or letting the fob's batt to die).

4. TPMS : I ride alot on lonely bits of road and often at high speeds. TPMS is godsend and its constantly displayed on my dash. Many here have mentioned how they were able to get off the road safely before total deflation occurred. As for the TPMS's battery dying , to me that is part and parcel of the cost of ownership and the convenience of TPMS. Eg , timing belt changes with ducatis, valve work , etc. Its part and parcel of owning something that wears out as you enjoy the ride.

.

That said , the new 2014 FJR with the electronic suspension , throttle by wire , cruise , traction control , abs , etc , really deserves a close look. Unfortunately , over here , we're used to cruising at very high speeds (ie , "cruising" for us starts at 100 mph and above). So , the lack of a 6th gear may just hold some back from taking on the FJR.

+4
I can actually ride +400 km on mine (+250 miles), and it doesn't have the neat eco mode of later models. But as you well put it, 200 miles is about the limit of my concentration level and I use the fuel stop to stretch, pee and drink some water. 15 minutes that can make a difference later on.
The bazooka rests in peace in my basement. It has been taken care of by a Remus Hexacone that doesn't cease to amaze me with its sound level and quality.
I don't care for KI-PASS, but it doesn't bother me either. The only thing that bothers me is that it would have been nice if Kawasaki use that money to put a CC instead.
TPMS: how did we survive that long without it?! Honestly, I love it. With time I learned to appreciate the difference in handling with 40 or 42 psi.

ESA: I miss that one. I'd love Kawa having it as an option and I'm willing to pay for it.
Title: Re: 2014 FJR1300ES... purdy!
Post by: eng943 on November 15, 2013, 05:52:50 PM
+4
I can actually ride +400 km on mine (+250 miles), and it doesn't have the neat eco mode of later models. But as you well put it, 200 miles is about the limit of my concentration level and I use the fuel stop to stretch, pee and drink some water. 15 minutes that can make a difference later on.
The bazooka rests in peace in my basement. It has been taken care of by a Remus Hexacone that doesn't cease to amaze me with its sound level and quality.
I don't care for KI-PASS, but it doesn't bother me either. The only thing that bothers me is that it would have been nice if Kawasaki use that money to put a CC instead.
TPMS: how did we survive that long without it?! Honestly, I love it. With time I learned to appreciate the difference in handling with 40 or 42 psi.

ESA: I miss that one. I'd love Kawa having it as an option and I'm willing to pay for it.

Kawasaki is positioned nicely to update the C14. They will have the luxury of going to sshool on the improved FJR, and they have the nicer engine/trans in my opinion.

I'm glad Yamaha has finally captured the idea that cruise and ESA are necessary features in the eyes of good portion of the ST market.