FJR1300 Mileage

[TN2Wheeler]

Jim, I agree with you in principle but for some reason most manufactures have issues in getting their FI right AND meet EPA guidelines. Not only did the FJR have these issues, Triumph Tigers and most BMW's do. Those are the ones I know of and IIRC a bunch of various crotch rockets have them. After watching the crew of the Enterprise cure the common cold in under five minutes, we tend to think some engineering problems are a lot easier than they are. IMO, unlike a car that has a lot of mass to dampen acceleration jerkiness, a bike has a pretty high power to weight ratio. Just a guess, it may be pretty difficult to smooth that out.

True. And automatic transmissions can cover a world of sins.

Jim Randall

[CliffC]

Indeed taking the thread off course, but in response to the bike choices observation, I also have an SV Suzuki with 34,000 miles and a KLR Kaw with 30,000. Have had two FJR's with combined total of 75,000. I love the FJR, especially in winter, and indeed for longer distance, but were it not low to the ground favoring geriatric mounting by me and mate (maybe I should search for better phrasing), I would look around more.

Thx Brick and CliffC.

NOTE: Still not trying to hijack thread....

I know about the PCs for the FJR. It simply sticks in my craw to spend another $400-$500 (or more?) for an aftermarket ECU plug-in for a damn modern, expensive, EFI motor that should run flawlessly out'a the box! I know, I know...EPA and Fed emissions regs. So how hard would it have been for Yamaha to design an ECU with read/write capability to cure the lean stumble all these bikes come with? That's essentially what the PCs do--override the stock fuel maps. As it stands now, I'm fairly happy with the fueling. I may still try the BJ mod, tho.

What's funny is that I bought a used '09 Weestrom last fall and since I've had it in the stable, I haven't ridden the FJR more than 1500 miles. I put 5000 miles on the Suz over the winter and still choose it for a day ride over the FJR. It's still a hoot to take the big girl out and twist the right grip every so often, but I'm trying to convince myself that I don't need her anymore. I may end up selling it and freeing up some space in the garage for the next impulse!

[OldButNotDead]

Hi Cliff,
I'm with both you and Badjuju. The FJR is the best long distance fast mover and cold weather bike I ever had. That extra 150lbs plus over the Tiger and GS that followed it just shaved a bunch of the fun off for me. Weight, IMO is why there are so many Wee Stroms and SV's out there. FJR's handle great for a bike of their size, but they don't have the flick-a-bility of those lighter bikes which just makes them fun.

[TN2Wheeler]

A lot of factors go into making a motorcycle enjoyable. I loved power and long legs of my ST1100 for distance touring but the primary reason I replaced it with a Wee-Strom was weight. For me weight is one of the most important characteristics of a bike and I've never missed the ST (well, maybe once following Norm at 100+ for many miles). In fact, nowadays I find myself choosing one of my single cylinder bikes over the Wee most of the time for that same reason. I know a number of people who've never owned a <400 lb bike. IMO they're missing a lot.

Jim Randall