Yamaha FJR1300 (ABS) reviews

Previously owned a Honda ST1100 (one of the best bikes ever built). The FJR1300 is a large bike but much lighter than the ST1100 and it makes a big difference in riding ability and enjoyment. I can pass about 5 or so cars and feel confident in the FJR's acceleration and speed (passing safely of course!). The bike does get a bit hot on the left side but if I put my heel on the center stand foot press that serves as a spacing point. Actually the heat isn't really that bad. It is a beautiful bike and runs great. Can't go wrong with this motorcycle. Show less

I've had a chance to put some 150-200 mile day trips and the bike just eats up the miles on the highway. Around town it's just as much fun. I was thinking about the Goldwing, but I don't think I'd use that when going out for stamps or small errands for how big the thing is. With the bags on and the suspension setting on soft, I ride for hours and am never tired. With it on hard and the bags off, it's much more aerodynamic and can keep up with anything out there, it's really like having 2 bikes in one. I've only noticed the heat problem on hot days, when the gas tank is close to empty, and stuck in a traffic jam. The hard bags are nice but I wish they were top loading, they hold plenty for a weekend trip and you'll be amazed how handy it is to have a bike with hard luggage for stuff like shopping if you're moving up from a sport bike with zero cargo capacity, it's a real luxury. Power from the engine is almost limitless, it's just like others have said. Dump the throttle in third gear and you'll start to time travel. Shaft drive and fuel injection means silky smooth power. The ABS already saved my butt once when a lady in a Toyota swerved right into me, it felt like a parachute got deployed and I heard the chirp chirp chirp of the ABS kicking in as the light came on. Get the ABS model, don't skimp on that, especially in the rain it's gonna save you from at least one accident over the years. Downsides? There's not many, and all of them can be fixed with aftermarket goodies. I may go for a taller windscreen, the stock one does a pretty good job though, it's much better than some who complain about it and the taller one is only like $124 bucks. I wish the pegs were larger and don't know of any aftermarket ones (but also I have big feet. Also I had the bike painted red as the silver color was too boring. The new '05s look great in blue. Summary: This bike offers astounding performance as a sport bike, and also eats up the miles for long trips. I checked out the H-D Fatboy and rented one for a day, and when I got back on the FJR it was like "so glad I didn't buy the Fatboy!". The suspension is confidence inspiring, and the fairing lockable compartment is so handy to have. I just don't think they will ever come out with a bike that's better than this, it's a keeper! Show less

This bike rides like a tour bike but has power like a sport bike. Smooth. With a ride in town I still seem to have more power than I need. And this is with only 200 miles!! Show less

Finally I'm no longer a waiter. I had this bike for 2 weeks now. Smooth, Power, Agility!! It is one of the most powerful Sport-Touring bikes, lots of torque. I love this bike!! Show less

The best so far for Yamaha. I have riden motorcycles for over 30 years, since age 11. I Have owned the following: IT250, YZ250, YZF426, FZ600, FZ700, YZF750, and now the FJR1300. I have come to appreciate the accurate handling of the Yamaha. Having owned both Honda & Kawasaki in the past (BY = Before Yamaha). In my opinion Yamaha has them beat hands down. There will always be a Yamaha in my Hanger. Show less

The 2005 Yamaha FJR1300 is one the best motorcycles I have ever ridden and I give it a 5 star rating. My last bike was an '02 GSXR-1000 (a great bike in itself!) but the FJR is a welcome change of pace. Great power, comfort, handling, and storage are what this bike offers along with great styling and quality of build. This bike has the smoothest shifting 5 speed I've ever experienced on a motorcycle, even smoother than my Dad's '94 Goldwing. The power adjustable windscreen is a cool feature and really does work well in its fully extended position. Also, the suspension dampening switch works well. I could really tell the difference when riding 2 up using the firm setting. I've added some options like GenMar bar extenders and a Vista Cruise throttle lock. The bar extenders look OEM factory made and do a lot in making the bike comfortable on long rides. I'm very happy with my '05 FJR1300 and I plan on enjoying it for a long time. This bike is a keeper! Show less

I have been looking for a bike that would satisfy my needs for week long camping trips as well as local canyon carving. I had narrowed it down to the 2004 Honda ST1300 and the Yamaha FJR, both of which I had ridden. In August I saw the Galaxy Blue 2005 FJR and decided to get it. I have since put 6,000 miles on it including a 2,000 miler through California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona. The styling of the bike is beautiful and strangers in parking lots come up to me and tell me so. When you sit on the FJR the gas tank greets you and when you put your hands on the handlebars you are ready to blast off. Start the 145 hp engine and the nice rumble from the pipes tells you it's ready to go. Acceleration and torque is plenty on this rocket and at 90 mph the engine is purring at 5k rpm. The limiter kicks in at 150 mph. MPG is 40/50 and with the 6.6 gallon tank you can go 250 miles before you need to fill up. This is a long range for a motorcycle. Your butt does get a little sore at 220 miles so you would want to pull over anyway. The FJR also feels good in the canyons with generous clearance, which you will need since this bike, with Metzlers tires, really wants to lean and take you and your co-rider through the curves quickly! The sidebags come with 2 nice Yamaha duffle bags which I use a lot. You can also fit a fullface helmet in each sidebag. The finish and styling of this blue bike is beautiful and it's FUN to ride on the highways and the canyons. The ST1300 is also a very good bike but I prefer the FJR. Show less

I've had this bike for about 1 year and it is great. I have enjoyed the cross between sport bike power and cruiser comfort. Many long trips and drag racing victories at the stoplights. However, even though I feel this is the best bike on the road, there are a few things that I have seen that need improvement. First, I don't think the tank is really 6.6 gallons. Every time I fill up after traveling 30 miles on the reserve tank I only get a little over 5 gallons in. Also, the bike kicks out a lot of heat on your shins, there is little protection from the engine. Great in the winter, not so good in the summer. Finally the plastic underbody traps rocks behind the front wheel causing them to bounce around in the engine. All said, this bike is awesome. Show less

Just got back at the end of August from a 16 day, 6100+ mile tour of the western US. Only about 500 miles was on interstate. We covered 17 states, 3 time zones, 9 National Parks and still had time to hang out in Sturgis for 3 days. It was a great ride and reflected greatly on the FJR. The engine, chassis and suspension are incredible. More power under better control, awesome steering at speed or poking along, rock solid in twisties, over bumps and railroad tracks. My pillion's only complaint is that it rides too much like a car! Smooth, powerful and well protected by the fairing (I added a Rifle windscreen). My only complaint is in the handlebar ergos which I've seen others comment on. The height and angle just didn't work for me until I got the Gen Mar 2 risers and switched the grips. There is some heat from the engine but with the gear I ride with, it wasn't bothersome. I highly recommend anyone interested in an incredible machine for long distance touring, as well as commuting, running twisties, and having fun, give this one a consideration. Show less

This bike is absolutely awesome! Comfort, performance, gas mileage are all there. I have been riding since '61 and have had touring bikes, sport bikes, cruisers, etc., and this is the best all around bike that I have ever owned. Heat, yes, there is some... but it is a motorcycle! My wife loves the trunk and when I can ride by myself, off come the bags and away I go. Cannot fault the bike in any way. Show less