2002 Yamaha FJR1300 from Republic of Ireland

Summary:

Overrated, borders on dangerous

Faults:

Oversensitive handling.

General Comments:

Looks great, but is very highly strung.

This bike just doesn't hug the road, you have to keep pulling it around even gradual bends, and it really suffers in the wind.

Also, the handlebars are seriously uncomfortable, my hands get numb after 30 minutes. People rave about this bike, but I have to admit I don't get it.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st March, 2008

18th May 2008, 10:22

Try the GenII bike; much improved.

8th Sep 2008, 07:33

Amazed at your comments, have had mine since 2001 to date 2008 and see no reason to change it, changed my bike yearly up until I got the FJR, there are minor annoyance's but then again what is perfect?

Previous Bikes prior to the FJR were Fazer 1000, R1200c, Fazer 600, R100GSPD and have ridden, blades, R1's GSXR's etc etc etc. And have yet to find any one general all rounder. In fact rode 1028 miles in 22 hours two up and loaded to the gills. So I really don't see how you are having these issues unless your FJR is a weird one.

9th Sep 2008, 21:59

I just bought a 2006 and put 1200k on it.

Two of my concerns are the rear suspension seems a little "loose", (it was in the middle dampening position, but on hard setting) and at 6 feet tall, although the windscreen at its lowest setting gives me the wind in my face, it seems a little dirty. This doesn't seem to change at any height, unless I stand on the pegs, then I get clean air.

Otherwise, it purrs like a kitten and can roar when you want it to.

12th Jun 2013, 15:01

Put on bar extenders (most owner do) and a decent set of (heavy) bar weights.

2002 Yamaha FJR1300 from United Kingdom

Summary:

It’s a basic bike compared to other tourers eg Pan European or BMW RT, but it goes like a rocket

Faults:

I felt the seat was uncomfortable so I had the foam adjusted and softened, and the seat recovered, and now it is just fine.

I also felt the handle bars were too low (I am 6’ 4”), so I raised them by 20mm. They now feel much better.

For no apparent reason, the whole bike just dies. Usually on starting, but occasionally at junctions. I turn it off and back on and its OK, but the clocks are zeroed. My dealer has checked it and says there is no fault.

General Comments:

The engine area is warm, but not overly so. The heat is most noticeable in July, in town, in traffic. Nice in spring/ autumn though.

The 2002 windscreen has just enough protection, even at high speed. It's not windy enough to justify replacing.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd February, 2006