Excessive vibrations from 4000RPM up.
Very fast over 6000RPM. Pretty fast up to 6000RPM.
Annoying power plateau at 4000RPM.
Ungodly heat from the engine.
Lots of concern online about valve train issues and "ticking."
Very bad vibrations in the bars and feet, especially around 4500RPM.
Very uncomfortable seat.
Front end feels very heavy coming from a bike with USD forks and a single large disk brake.
Great bags and optional top box. But liners for the bags are soft and do not fit well in the hardbags.
Windshield buffets at all levels.
Uncomfortable seating position. Not good for sport or distance riding.
Low electrical output limits accessories.
Great lights.
Lots of fasteners and panels to remove to do basic maintanence.
Your comments on the Yamaha FJR are rather surprising. I rode a friends bike - who was on his second FJR - and found it to be incredibly smooth and powerful, with none of the vibration or power peaking that you mentioned.
At the time I rode the bike we were traveling on the May long weekend over the North Cascade Mtns. (SR20) in Washington State. It was raining heavily, so I had the opportunity to play with the windshield; only in the most upright position was I free from buffeting and wind noise, but below that the wind noise was significantly louder.
If I was taller than 6ft, then it is highly probable that the wind noise and buffeting would be constant, no matter where the windshield setting was.
Another possibility is the particular bike you rode. My friends previous FJR did have its share of problems, whereas this particular bike has been trouble free.
My main concern has been heat and a ticking sound, only vibrates above 6000 rpm. I have to take it in and see if Yamaha will fix it under warranty with 13000 miles on a 2002 FJR1300. I had a go around with Yamaha with a transmission defect problem on my FJ1100 back in the 80s.
I agree with this comment, the review is very surprising. I have owned a FJR for 4 years now and just have bought a new one (2006 model).
I have not had any vibrations ever, needless to say that with these powerful engines, synchronisation of the inlet is very important!
I agree with the standard seat, as always motorbike makers seem to forget this important thing (I have bought a Corbin seat).
Never had this power problem in the 4000 rpms. It runs smooth through all rpms!!
Riding the new one, I must say that they have improved on the bike, less heat, and the problems with the shield seem to be improved. My partner is not complaining anymore, she even wasn't aware of the speed (less noise and movement of the helmet).
The brakes are very powerful!! More gadgets that make life easier.
Hans.
I bought an 06 model and rode it from Seattle to New Mexico with my gal. It performed very well in every way except for vibration. I could not believe the amount of vibration coming through the bars and body and had to fight it for 2400 miles. Made throttle fatigue even worse.
I have read every possible solution on the matter, and have decided to sell the bike and buy an ST. It is really too bad because everything else about the bike I really like. But the motor vibration is easily as bad as my VFR, and much worse than my CBR1100xx. I will try the two remedies recommended, throttle body synch and bar ends. If that doesn't do it, I'm outa here. Anybody want a slightly used FJR?
Tommie.
Bought the 07 FJR in January and I must comment about the vibration thing. Vibration is non-existent on mine. The bike is incredible. If you want the real low down on this bike try this link:
http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=248384&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=7&fpart=1
When experiencing vibrations at the grips, go for heavier bar ends. The additional weight at the tips of each bar will rob the majority of vibration energy. Steel, lead, these all work.
Others have pulled off the alumiminum ends and filled the bars with steel rods, pellets, anything heavy.
Good luck.
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