2014 fjr1300 es

[madmax-im]

Heres the write up...
http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/01/20...-photos-specs/

[IanDMacDonald]

I'm not diggin' it. The front-end looks like a scooter, and the windshield looks goofy. In-fact, the front-end looks like it does not even go with the rest of the bike.

[madmax-im]

well I am digging it... there are times when I just wish i had a modern bike and the heck with the old bikes...as always YMMV

[MPittma100]

Fjr 1300

I'm sure that this is a nice bike. Lots of engineering within that framework. With one of these, you would (theoretically) not need anything else.

To me, all new bikes look the same, but all old bikes DON'T look the same. And the old bikes look better to me than the new ones. Why is that? Is it just me?

Cars are the same way. Certain models of all car makers look TOO MUCH alike?

[Mathh]

I'm not diggin' it. The front-end looks like a scooter, and the windshield looks goofy. In-fact, the front-end looks like it does not even go with the rest of the bike.

I think that is because the windshield is in the highest position. But I agree, I like the previous one more.

[Prisoner6]

I think that is because the windshield is in the highest position. But I agree, I like the previous one more.

+1 ...

Here are 2 pics of the FJR (2014 model and 2012 model) ...

First, the 2014 ES model:


And now, the 2012 ABS model:


Speaking from a purely aesthetic point of view, every square inch of the 2012 model's fairing looks much better than the 2014 fairing.

The earlier model's front fender is different as well, and the combination of the fairing/fender differences make the 2012 look, IMO, much more pleasing to the eye.

The complete look just flows better, from front to back ...

[madmax-im]

you all are fortunate to not have been spoiled by a modern sport tour machine...to me all the arguments about aesthetics are moot and fine nit picking...you either love it or you dont....Having owned 2 modern sport tourers...I can appreciate what this bike represents and offers...I dont really care if i can see the engine or not. Dont y'all ever ride a modern sport tour machine....

[Prisoner6]

you all are fortunate to not have been spoiled by a modern sport tour machine...to me all the arguments about aesthetics are moot and fine nit picking...you either love it or you dont....Having owned 2 modern sport tourers...I can appreciate what this bike represents and offers...I dont really care if i can see the engine or not. Dont y'all ever ride a modern sport tour machine....

Hi, Ben -

I was merely responding to Mathh's comment (about liking the previous version more) ...

I thought it would be interesting to see a direct comparison of the two models ... then people could judge for themselves which they prefer.

2012 FJR ... 2014 FJR... both incredible modern sport tourers!

But from my perspective, if I was in the market for an FJR, I would look for a used 2012 instead of a new 2014, because I prefer it's looks ...

Just trying to have an interesting discussion about the bike ...

I realize everyone's tastes are different ... when it comes to my motorcycles, aesthetics are very important to me.

I wouldn't want to own the most comfortable/best-handling/quickest, etc. bike if I hated how it looked!

And by the way, I've never owned a modern sport-touring bike, but I have ridden a few... the most memorable, a BMW K1300GT ... 2011, IIRC ...

A friend and I swapped bikes when we took a 400 mi. trip a few years ago ... rode it the entire 400 miles.

And yes, I was impressed ... WOW! Wonderful machine in every way! So I can definitely appreciate what these bikes offer, and understand their appeal.


But I still love my old bikes ... so much charm and character!

[Mathh]

you all are fortunate to not have been spoiled by a modern sport tour machine...to me all the arguments about aesthetics are moot and fine nit picking...you either love it or you dont....Having owned 2 modern sport tourers...I can appreciate what this bike represents and offers...I dont really care if i can see the engine or not. Dont y'all ever ride a modern sport tour machine....

Check my signature, bottom line

[madmax-im]

Yes Math...I know.... My point about sporttouring bikes is that Yamaha has always been an innovator...they never ignore their customers criticisms and they always strive to improve their product... A sore point with Honda ST1100and 1300 owners is that Honda has left this segment for dead...Their ST1300 is 13 model years old with no...none...zero..zilch improvements or upgrades. So to see others moving forward with new technology is exciting...
Now as to wether or not this current generation looks better than the previous generation thats entirely subjective...I will say that I would be happy with either generation of FJR...and now that the new model is out there the chance to pick up a late model FJR might have just gotten better... So having said all that I still love the XS1100 but nonetheless there are times when I wish for a more modern ride...y'all enjoy the ride rergardless of what you're riding...

[XJOK2PLAY]

Hey Ben,
I like it.
And I dig the red.

This year FJR has been very improved.

It's a great bike, in spite of it's older platform.

Hey, at least Yamaha seems to be listening to owners and the forum comments about needed improvements. I can't figure out what Kawasaki's problem has been concerning the Concours 14.

I was very disappointed when they changed nothing on the 2014.

Hopefully, like they usually do... they're about to release the next ground breaking model for 2015. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

[madmax-im]

Hey Ben,
I like it.
And I dig the red.

This year FJR has been very improved.

It's a great bike, in spite of it's older platform.

Hey, at least Yamaha seems to be listening to owners and the forum comments about needed improvements. I can't figure out what Kawasaki's problem has been concerning the Concours 14.

I was very disappointed when they changed nothing on the 2014.

Hopefully, like they usually do... they're about to release the next ground breaking model for 2015. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

Bob... even as slow as Kawasaki has been they are light years ahead of Honda...i mean for 2015 you can still buy a brand new ST1300 that is the same 2003 design for $18K...Why would one want to spend that much for an outdated design when they could have brand new up to date technology for even less money??? Many ST owners that were looking for a new Honda have moved on to the FJR1300...

[Prisoner6]

... I can't figure out what Kawasaki's problem has been concerning the Concours 14.

I was very disappointed when they changed nothing on the 2014.

Hopefully, like they usually do... they're about to release the next ground breaking model for 2015. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

Kawasaki did just that recently, Bob ...

Not in the sport-touring segment, but in the sportbike segment ... see the new thread about the 2015 Ninja H2R in this section of the Forums.

[Mathh]

Now where is that supercharged Concours 14 ?

[Prisoner6]

Now where is that supercharged Concours 14 ?

Hey, Mathh -

Now that I would like to see!

If history is any indicator, some of the technology the Japanese put into their flagship sportbikes usually "trickles down" into their other model offerings ...

So, who knows what tasty bits may come our way as a result of the new Ninja H2R ... ???