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Who's owned a sports tourer? (like FJR, etc.)

16K views 69 replies 22 participants last post by  somanyroads 
#1 ·
I want to get into long distance touring…

And my priorities consist of: Agility, Speed, nimbleness, basically a bike I don’t have to manhandle on every turn.

So I’m thinking swapping one of my cruisers for a sports tourer. The FJR1300 is probably one to look at, if I can find one used, but I’m willing to consider anything really. Just want something nimble and comfortable.

So, has anyone here had or have a sports tourer? Am I in for a complete shell shock coming off a cruiser?
 
#2 ·
Not at all. They do sit you higher off the ground, so if you have short legs, you may have to get used to not being able to flat foot both feet at stops.

The FJR is considerably more powerful than a stock cruiser, but it is totally docile so long as you don't get silly with your throttle hand.

Comfort wise, I didn't find the stock FJR very good.

The windscreen was too little and aerodynamically poorly designed. I bought a V-stream for mine that is phenomenally good.

The handlebars are too sporty for a bike with a windscreen (no airblast in the chest to take the weight off your wrists). I put a set of Helibars on and they too are fantastic. Inline engines are inherently buzzy. The mass of the Helibars along with some weighted bar ends all but eliminate that too. Also, the right bar end also acts as a throttle lock.

The footpegs give you a one position choice for your legs. I put a set of highway pegs on mine.

The suspension wasn't that compliant, but very stiff. I put Hyperpro springs in the forks and $1000 Hyperpro rear shock on it. Very competent now.

The centerstand lift was in the way when I'd put my toes on the pegs during aggressive cornering. I ended up having to saw it down and reapply the foot pad with JB weld. It's held up just fine after several years, though it does require a little more effort to get it up on the centerstand now.

The stock seat was alright, but I put a Corbin on mine because it is much smoother when making side to side transitions on the bike when riding the twisties.

The fueling on my year model was not too good and resulted in jerkiness during on/off throttle application. I added a Power Commander to smooth that out. It had the side benefit of giving it a much stronger feel in the meat of the powerband.

The trunk they sell for it was junk. Mine broke off with nothing in it with only about 1000 miles on the bike. I put a Givi on mine and never had another problem.

But are they great bikes, yeah, they're pretty fun:

 
#3 ·
Oh man, thats outstanding input, SB!

I kind of hoped that suspension mods would not be necessary given that these are "touring" bikes. I guess stock is minimal in most cases on most bikes.

So let me ask this: if you were to go on a 1000 mile trip tomorrow, in this rather cool weather, would u take the xr or the fjr?
 
#4 ·
The stock suspensions are fine, I'm just a performance junkie. That's not to say I'm a power junkie. The XR is plenty fast for riding our country's byways. But I love a bike to be as compliant and confidence inspiring as it can be.

What's wonderful about the XR is I don't need any of the crap to make it work right. Victory engineers have my utmost respect. They built the bike about as well I could hope they could.

1000 mile trip is only a two or three day jaunt. Either bike would be fine.

Comparing the two, the XR is more comfortable as the day wears on and better on/off throttle manners.

The FJR has better wind protection, three large, hard, locking, waterproof bags, more power, and a little better ground clearance.

I'd say the FJR is probably the more practical of the two. I plan to do a trip out to Colorado on the XR next year, so I guess I'll get to test out the luggage then. Mama loves the comfort of the XR.

Here's the FJR shock. Ain't she sexy?

 
#5 · (Edited)
That sure is purty...

Its interesting that every time I try to find an alternative to a big heavy cruiser-tourer, I end up right back where I started. From what you're telling me and looking at the picture makes me think that the forward lean and knees being bent will get old real quick for me. I can't imagine this being a very relaxing seating position. It makes sense that you're saying that towards the end of a long riding day you might be more comfortable on the XR. I guess I need to go sit on one and see for myself.

BTW:

Found a very interesting site that shows you what your ergos might be like on many different bikes, based on your hight and waist size. Check it out:

http://cycle-ergo.com/
 
#8 ·
Keep in mind, I'm acting "racy" for the camera and that was a pre-Helibar photo. It actually sits quite upright now. The reason I give the nod to the XR is that it's suspension is plusher, the seat fits me perfectly, it has cruise control and much less stiff throttle springs. I get considerably more buffeting on the XR which would be tiring on long highway rides, but on either bike, I try to avoid highways when we travel when it's practical.

I was thinking about the bag thing. The XR's luggage actually is hard plastic covered with vinyl/leather. I did ride home in about a 4 hour storm from eastern Ohio shortly after I got it and nothing got wet. I've since added a lock to my trunk to store the GPS and other valuables in when we stop to eat or sight see.

And yeah I love that website except when it reminds me I'm too short for adventure bikes. :(
 
#6 ·
hmmm... based on that site the BMW K1600GT would give me a 0 degree forward lean angle... That site is pretty cool!
 
#9 ·
The BMW does seem rather hefty, could be too big once I see it in person. An fjr1300 parks next to me at work, and it's size seems fairly manageable.

Curious what models you are considering?
 
#11 ·
I went from an FJR to the CCT. Love both bikes but since I ride 2up alot and the wife likes the comfort of the Victory I don't see me going back to the FJR. If it were just me riding alone I'd have kept the FJR. With the VStream windshield and added electronic cruise it was a great touring bike. Didn't realize another Dayton Victory owner use to ride an FJR.:)
 
#13 · (Edited)
I haven't ridden an FJR since this afternoon!

Are you familiar with Clinton County Motorsports? They are near Wilmington and sell Yamis, Kawis, Vics, Suzis, and KTMs. They are great folks and do monthly rides in the summer and even feed everyone afterwards. Might want to check them out sometime if you haven't already.
 
#14 · (Edited)
I have not owned any of those bikes you guys are talking about. However, I ride with a couple of guys that have FJR's; 1 is an '04 and the other an '08 model. They both love them BUT say they have ridden the new Kawasaki 1400 Concurs and hands down it's the way they'll go next time.
 
#15 ·
This is a pretty cool short review of the 3 majors (Councourse 14, FJR1300 and BMW 1300GT). Looks like scootin' around on these is pretty effortless and fun. The BMW keeps winning every year it seems, and I guess for the money, it better! It's just so freakin' ugly...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiBn2SmjDV4&feature=relmfu

I really need to find a way to ride one.
 
#23 ·
That BMW is an inline 4. There twins have much more character. If you're going to get an inline, buy a Jap bike, that's there thing.

To me, Kawis have two things going for them. They have the liveliest of the inline engines with the best top end scream. The engineers go out of their way to make them serviceable.

I owned a ZRX1200 that was great fun until the engine cylinders deplated and left me with a smoking bike that cost me about $1500 to fix. Cheap when I think back on all that had to be done to fix it.

Kawis were no nonsense machines. They seemed built for their purpose and to hell with the fit and finish fanatics.

I present the he Kawi during the good times:

 
#16 ·
I had an FJR1300 and loved it. Rode it all over the place... Only sold it when my knees no longer liked being bent after 7 knee operations.. So I bought my first motorized couch, the Kingpin........ I don't remember sitting too far forward on the FJR... Reasonably upright. Great in the twisties..... Good power and MPG.. It was my first and only shaft drive and THAT did take some getting used too...... Overall tough, loved the bike.....
 
#18 ·
The idea of this bike would be to able to hop on and hit the road for a week, more or less. Solo 99% of the time. A bike i wouldnt be dreading to ride the next day. I want to make the trip from New orleans to Miami and Key west about 1000 miles each way), and many other long distance trips next year.

The thing i like about sports tourers is u can keep up a very nice speed for an extended period of time. The question is only are they comfortable enough for that.
 
#20 ·
Hmmm... There's a ducati/triumph dealership just a few blocks down from work. I will have to stop over on my way home and see if they carry the one's you mention, and probably hit up other dealerships this weekend to see the fjr and concours.
 
#26 ·
Has no one given any consideration to the Honda st1300? I had one for a while and it was quick ( not as quick as the fjr or Concourse), huge tank, great handling, very quiet if you like that sort of thing. These things are practically unbreakable. They haven't been putting them in the compares lately because they have not changed in about 9 or 10 years.
Just throwing out another possibility
Jack
 
#31 ·
Ninja 1000 with the hard bag option would be my choice. Ride all day comfort but sporty enough to do a track day + fast enough to keep the smile on your face...
 
#32 ·
My buddy and I ride together a fair bit. He's got a '01 Concours 1000. It runs off and leaves my XCT. Being able to get to 8k rpm makes it no contest. It's also quite comfortable and he's never complained about ergos.

I'm 5'8" (while he's 5'10") and all the sport tourers are a bit tall for me. I'd rather not give up a plush seat or suspension mods to bring it down to my height...

I'll take the XCT all day long! The ability to sit upright with my feet on the rear of the boards, or stretch out into a clamshell is fantastic. Give me a LOT of seating positions in between for those long rides. Did I mention the ipod?

Good luck!
 
#34 · (Edited)
Might want to check out the Suzuki V-stroms as well. I've got the 650 version w/ a sergeant seat, bar backs, Jesse aluminum paniers (saddle bags) and taller windshield and its comfortable for 600 mile days. Engines are bullet proof and is faster and much more nimble than my XR. The foot pegs are also lower and further forward (more comfortable) than the sport tourers. The journalist love them. I lowered it 3/4" because of my short legs (easy 50 dollar fix). I'm 55,5'9", 175lb.s. Don't let the 650cc's throw you, it puts out 68 hp which is more than adequate for a 450lb bike. These engines have been used in club racing for years in Suzuki's SV 650 and are extremely reliable even after um.. well.. multiple get offs shall we say.
 
#40 ·
If you're only going to ride to 48 states I would buy a Vegas. 49 states - a Kingpin.
You want an adventure touring bike? A vision -

That's a nice pic. Those are definitely the sites I'd love to ride through. Why not take a couple of weeks off and cruise over to yellowstone, through pikes peak in Denver, and whatever else is along the way. God I can't wait till I have a bike ready for this :D

If I were to mod something like a Vegas or a KP for this, then I might as well use my Hammer. I actually think it's a great bike for highway duty. I just love the Hammer too much as it sits, I don't want to cruiser-ise it. You understand... ;)
 
#37 ·
Well... the Triumph/Ducati dealership didn't have any of the sports tourers, and neither did the yamaha/honda/suzuki dealership near my house. They did have a 650vstorm and a Ulysses. All I did was sit on those bikes since they are brand new and didn't even have oil in them. They felt so different! I sat on the Ulysses and really liked the seating potition, my posture, and the angle on my knee bend was acceptable. My legs felt fairly relaxed which was nice. Then I got on the vstorm650 and my knee felt more bent and the overalll position felt more cramped, like a crotch rocket, oh no... not this one. I'm 6ft, and am really weird about having my knees too bent, or bent past a certain angle. Anyway... need to get on one of the real sports tourers, but first I gotta find a place that even carries them...
 
#41 ·
I've done a SS1000 on both a ZZR1200 and a ZX14. Somehow I think that you prefer to spread your thousand miles out over a longer period of time, but it certainly can be done in a day.

Only problem I have ever had with sport tourers on long rides is that you are more or less locked into one leg position. Doesn't matter how comfortable that position is, your knees still get sore from staying in the same position in my case for anything over 600 miles in a shot.

I am seriously considering a Concours 1400 in the future. I started my ST days with a Yamaha FJ1100 followed by two 1200s but the FJR is a bit small for me compared to the Kaw. If it isn't a Concourse, it will be a Triumph trophy. I loved my Speed Triple so I am excited to try one of these bikes out. ST is awesome but I have never been able to bond with Honda.

To go back to your question, if I wanted a touring bike for strictly touring, it would be a Vision or a big ol BMW. The next step down in my eyes puts the CR, XR and Sport Tourers in very similar categories. Although it is shocking at how well some of these ST perform, they also do a great job eating up the roads. Same with the CR and XR although obviously to a lesser degree.
 
#42 ·
Look into a Sv1000 or 600 that'd be a cheap way to try a sport bike and if you like it you could add the bags and taller bars.
 
#43 ·
I've put a lot of miles on the Honda ST1300, and both the Concours 1000 and the 1400. I also have a lot of miles on a newer Honda VFR800. Haven't ridden the FJR more than a few miles...

The ST1300 and both Kawi's are tremendous "all day" bikes. They perform like sport bikes, have great ergos, are great cold weather bikes too with their excellent fairings. The FJR is similar but IMHO isn't quite as comfortable for the long haul (sportier ergos)...

I am 49 yrs old and can only own one bike right now and comfort means more to me now than it did 10 or 20 years ago. I just sold my VFR which is a great sport tourer, although more on the sporty side than the others I listed--ergos more like the FJR, a lot less wind protection than the others.

I bought the XC because I thought it is by far the most comfortable of all these bikes and I like the fact that it can handle a whole lot more gear than the others. Try riding them all if you can!!!!
 
#45 ·
Ducati ST4S ABS - superbike engine, race suspension, all day comfort and luggage good for week+ long trips. It is surprisingly reliable and has never let me down. Maintenance can get pricey unless you're wrenching it yourself. It is pretty darn close to perfection.


Sent from my iPad using MO Free
 
#46 ·
Ducati ST4S ABS - superbike engine, race suspension, all day comfort and luggage good for week+ long trips. It is surprisingly reliable and has never let me down. Maintenance can get pricey unless you're wrenching it yourself. It is pretty darn close to perfection.
A man after my own heart:







After about 70k miles on those things, I developed a bad case of Golfer's elbows. I didn't realize the bike was causing it until I wrecked the last one and lost it in a subsequent fire while it was in the shop. After being off of it several months, my arms started working again. Serendipity.
 
#54 ·
So now I've visited a few dealers in the last few weeks and sat on a variety of bikes, and now that I actually know what i'm looking for in a bike, besides good looks (which was my one and ony criteria in previous bike purchases), I have been very surprised by what I've discovered.

Initially I thought that the likes of the FJR1300 and the Councourse 14 would probably fit the bill. Not so, one dealer had both, and I found myself trying to determine which one was more uncomfortable. Forget it...

But then I got to sit on some taller bikes (which I think look ugly btw) but they fit so much better :)

So now my list is begining to come together. I find that I'm really loving the likes of:

Ducati Multistrada
Triumph tiger 1050
Kawasaki Versys 1000
BMW R1200RT

The new 2013 Aprilia Coponord 1200 also seems mighty interesting (and probably the best looking of the bunch), but no dealers in my area sell this brand.

I'm not gonna pull the trigger for at least another year, but this shopping experience has been very surprising. I use to wonder why such ugly bikes existed and who would ever want to ride one, well, turns out it's likely to be ME.
 
#55 ·
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