“Arguably the best sports touring bike on the road great engine, powerful smooth and easy to ride. down side expensive to service if done at a garage 1.1/2 hours labour to get faring off before they start, battery and head light bulbs are a nightmare to access.”
“Great bike but does suffer with build quality issues, especially electrical items. My advise, do NOT mess about with them by putting on after market alarms etc. It is not worth the hassle of it shorting out the ECU. The alarm on my fjr was a thacham approved device fitted by an approved installer (before my purchase) Apart from the electrical problems (no neutral light either!) the engine is great and pulls like a train, even 2 up. Handles especially well, again even 2 up in all weathers. If buying used, even with full main dealer history be mindful of the rear suspension linkages. If not serviced regularly they seize and can snap with disastrous results. Buy from the FJ owners club or a bike that has been serviced there. They do the job properly!! All in all a great bike with a few annoyances, get a good one and you'll love it!!”
“FJR is very heavy when manhandling or for making tight u'turns however after 44000 miles still runs like new & returns 60 MPG for my style of riding (observing speed limits)
Has had three sets of rear brake pads fronts still in good nick.
Always used semi synthetic oil every 6000 miles , never used any always on the mark.
Used 6 sets of tyres. Paint work easily damaged or rubbed off with cutting compound.
Overall I believe I have had good value for money.”
“I have ridden motorcycles for over 54 years and intend to ride for many more in the future!
The FJR was purchased new in 2005 it has now done 60,000 miles it has never let me down. it is very comfortable, I am over 6 feet tall and there is plenty of room even with pillion
I have often driven well over 600 miles in a day when touring on the continent.
The one thing that lets the bike down is the panniers. The side boxes are solid and secure, but are very heavy to carry about.
The top box is a very different matter! The box is double skinned therefore is large but the carrying capacity is small. The box has twice detached from the bike whilst riding despite being locked on properly. the first time when the bike was a few months old and Yamaha did eventually replace it as a gesture of goodwill although would accept no responsibility for the damage.
More recently this happened again when the fixing brackets on the bottom broke away.
Yamaha would not entertain repairs or replacement this time but they did admit they have strengthened the boxes with a reinforcing plate from 2008.
A biking colleague had the same problem with his bike - same age - far less miles though
We have both now changed to Givi top boxes bigger lighter cheaper better fixing system!”
“The bike has a fantastic engine with great torque but it could do with another gear as I find it reves to high great handling breaks could be a lot better also for me the standed seat needs tobe more comfy as I am also short in the arms I have fitted raisers but still not as comfy as my BMW but a great work horse and very reliable and I still like the alot.”
“This is a 2002 bike, bought 2nd hand in 2005 with 16k miles on the clock now up to 97k miles. Front brakes on the older ones are not too good so changed the discs which made a big difference. I do my own servicing and the main thing here is to ensure the rear suspension linkages are done every 12k miles. The bike has never broken down, it's been used as a daily commuter, (100 miles), and touring abroad, (3000 mile trips). Comfortable to ride, handles very well and all the performance you need. I know people who use theirs for track days and say it's very good.”
