Yamaha FJR 1300 - the "Weapon"

 Well have just come off the Iron Butt Rally 2023, where I rode a 2008 Yamaha FJR 1300 AE, to non-victory - I did not quite get enough points and am viewed as a "non-finisher". I had bought the bike four years earlier, with multi-day rallies in mind, but covid and flight restrictions got in the way. But that is not what this blog is about;

When Yamaha released the first Generation 1 FJR in 2001, it was an instant hit. Sports bike riders finally had a mean-machine which also came with a comfortable seat, electronic screen, panniers - and 154 BHP of power on tap. Yamaha effectively created the category "Sports Tourer" and others have followed, such as BMW with the K1600 GT or the Kawasaki 1400GT.

My first experience with my (two) FJRs was not all joy. This is a big, heavy bike with 1300 cc four-cylinder engine. (295 Kg wet, 650 pounds). At Australian speeds of 65mph (110km/hr) it is just so un-necessary - when you twist the throttle, you get tyre-tearing speed and acceleration. This bike is truly a "weapon" for experienced riders. Top speed is 154 mph (!) and that is nearly 250km/hour. So for many, getting over 100 mph is half the joy and it is truly useful trying to pass large trucks on the interstate - a "safety feature" sometimes in the USA. But it will definitely get you a speeding ticket in Australia. Riding the US interstates I suddenly "got it" when I needed to pass a truck at about 75mph - above this speed, the bike really comes alive and is an absolute joy to ride over 90 mph. The opposite is also true - bring your best counter-steering skills at slow speeds and try very hard not to drop the bike on grass or gravel. 

The seating position is very good, upright and quite neutral. My bike had small bar-risers, and a Russell Day-Long heated seat, but very useful. I had added peg-lowers to get the footpegs to a height suiting my 6 foot frame, and these assisted too, but made tight cornering in the hills of West Virginia, a little more problematic - raise my toes on each corner! As a side benefit, I can comfortably stand on the pegs on this bike just like an offroad model, which allows another option for leg-stretching. 

My bike also has a very neat auxilliary tank, where the pillion passenger would sit. This was a buying feature for me, along with the seat. It needed a backrest, which I added care of a garden knealer from Lowes. The main tank is 6.6 US Gallons (25 Litres) and is good for 200 miles. The combined set-up was 11.5 gallons and good for about 330 miles - not enough for this long distance rider - I would have preferred the 30 or 35 litre tanks on the GSA. If I was making the FJR a long term bike, I would purchase a Gen3 model and create a "FrankenTank" from the main one via a stretch of the main tank.

The newer models have a six speed clutch and modern dash, factory cruise-control but also different suspension and lights. If you want one of these, buy a General 3 model and get the many benefits that Yamaha has added to the new bikes. Mine was fitted with the MC Cruise system from Melbourne (on both bikes) which is excellent and almost ubiquitous on the earlier models.

The bike does not come with any protection bars either for protecting the panniers, or the engine plastics - I recommend somthing, and chose the RGAZA Russion options, which were beautifully made and allowed mounting of some touring pegs rather nicely. The Garand Italian versions are no longer made, but maybe we can see new versions of these soon. 

The suspension is OK. It certainly beats anything Harley, especially at the rear. The front is no comparison to the BMW and dives a little under harsh braking. Similarly fior the lighting which is very much improved on the latest versions. I have added the simply brilliant Clearwater "Erica's" which I cannot recommend enough and clearly saved my bacon in the pouring rain of South Carolina recently. 

It would be possible to write a whole article on maintenance. Suffice it to say that the battery is in a slightly awkward position under plastic on the front right bar, so bring the right Allen Keys. However, the bike is a shaft drive, which has all sorts of advantages - just remember to change the drive oil, as many owners do not.

In summary - 

Pluses - bulk power on tap, a great screen, incredibly reliable engine, comfortable ride position.

Negatives - A heavy bike, high gas useage low in height, average wind protection, ordinary suspension and lights. On the earlier models, only five gears. Many of these items were resolved in the Generation 3 version of the bike. 

So if you want to cross the continent with a passenger and a load of luggage, this may well be the bike for you. 

BMW R1250RT versus the BMWR1250GS Adventure?

So you think you want to buy a BMW Bike?

It's a great choice, whichever model you purchase. BMW make extraordinary motorcycles with the finest technology, at a very high quality. Fact. Their software came right of the BMW World Superbikes of a few years back. If you are used to Harley Davidson by comparison, you will be astounded by the quality improvements on the BMW. Its that simple.  You will also be very aware of the lighter weight too. I will give you some examples below.

GENERAL COMMENTS

1. The engine is essentially the same. The "Boxer" two cyclinder works because the heads are cooled in the breeze. They also stop the bike falling "Right over" if you drop it, making it easier to bring up-right. Over the years (since my 1985 R800RT) they have made many small but significant changes to the boxer such as liquid cooled and dual spark plugs. (BTW, the "R" series has the boxer engine, the "F" series BMW bikes are parallel twins, and the "K" series are the inline sixes.)
2. Both bikes use Shaft Drive which makes for easy maintenance. 
3. The suspension on both bikes is particularly fine. It is longer on the GSA, but both will surprise you. Read up on the "Duolever" and "Paralever".
4. The new ten-inch  TFT screen on both bikes is exceptional.
5. Both bikes have a side stand and centre stand, which makes wheel changes a breeze.
6. The horsepower is similar at 134 HP on the GSA (136 on the RT), and top speed is "well in excess" of 200km/hour - you dont need more. These figures make HD look slow, if you want to use the top-end.
7. Both have adjustable ride modes like "sport" or "rain" and I use them. 
8. They both have the same quick-shifter, same shaft drive, same engine etc, so there are many things that are identical. I should note that the engine gets better and better the more it is ridden to about 40,000 km. Many people have kept their bikes well past 400,000 km. My 1985 R80RT was sold when it had 283,000 km on the clock and was running perfectly. 

THE "RT" bonuses

1. The RT is a sealed road, highway-and-corners bike. While you can take it on the gravel, its not made for that. Cleaning it would be real work!
2. Protection from the weather is unbelievable. 
3. The RT is incredibly comfortable with both an adjustable screen and adjustable seat (which can be heated if you want). The standard seat needs no alteration.
4. The ride position is very neutral and balanced. My knees are at 90 degress with the seat in the middle or high position. You can buy bar-risers from Touratech or others if you want to lift the handlebars, but I doubt you will need it.
5. The RT has central locking for the controls and the panniers. This is very convenient. The GSA does not - you need to individually lock those huge metal panniers or top-box.
6. The RT is a sports tourer. It's handling is exceptionally good. It's overall highway and corners handling will leave almost all other bikes in their wake. The "rake and trail" for this bike is made for corners and highways on sealed roads.
7. The bike comes with cruise control. I happen to think that the BMW Cruise control is by far the easiest to use. But more importantly, for the RT has "adaptive cruise" making the highway ride quite special, as the bike slows for traffic in front.
8. The lights on both bikes are LEDs of very high quality and considerable brightness, but the patterns are different, and very identifiable when coming towards you. 
9. The front wheel is a 17 inch on the RT, vs a 19 on the GSA. The rear tyre is wider on the RT. 
10. Tank size is 25 litres which is plenty for well over 400km of range. (vs 30 on the GSA)

The GS Adventure or "GSA"

1. The BMW R1250GS Adventure (GSA) is the most popular BMW bike bar-none. The reason is probably that Charlie Boreman movie! They say "if you stand on any corner in the world from Ushaia to Vladivostock, one will eventually drive past you" - and I can believe that. 
2. The GSA is, in  my opinion, the best "all round bike" in the world. It is the "Swiss Army Knife" of motorcycles, and therein lies the negatives - it is not perfect at any one thing. It is NOT a dirt bike (too big and too heavy) but its also NOT a dedicated highway machine, even all though it works brilliantly at the latter. 
3. As for the RT, the seat is very special, but different.
4. The suspension has huge travel and that it nice. Its also very adjustable. 
5. The technology on both bikes comes straight off the BMW race bikes like lean-angle-traction control and ABS. 
6. The riding position is taller. It is also very comfortable, but it makes it more of a challenge to get onto the bike, especially if you are shorter.
7. The screen is adjustable, but not electronically like the RT. I also changed my screen to a larger one.
8. The TFT dash is the same. 

Conclusion

I have owned three GSAs (2007, 2014 and 2016) and two RT's (R800RT and R1150RT) and loved them all over 21 years. The technology has advanced so much, it is time to upgrade. 

But the decision is simple, if you want the best highway bike then the R1250RT is unbeatable. Frankly I would buy it over the GSA then own a smaller (non BMW Bike) for the dirt trails. 

John Ryan, Super-Rider 14 October 2013

 I didn't write the following text, but I love it. So it's copied here with deep affection.

John Ryan was not just a great motorcycle rider, he was extraordinary like Davo Jones (or the very-much-alive-and-riding Dan Simmonds). What these guys achieve on a motorcycle goes waaaaay beyond the ordinary. So here goes:

"The Promised Land"

“John Ryan died today in a motorcycle crash.”

What? This can’t possibly be true. John Ryan, the guy who was one of the best long distance motorcyclists ever, and a friend of mine, is dead? And he died on the freeway near his house, not at the tail end of some monstrous ride. It doesn’t make sense, yet it’s true.

After the initial shock and grief, the next thing I thought, probably what everyone thought who knew John, was, “If it can happen to him, it sure as shit can happen to me. I better re-think some things.” I had to tell Sally the news about John. It was not a happy day in our house with regard to my motorcycling career.

Then Bob Mutchler put a different spin on it. He said, “I’m changing my riding habits because of John’s death. I’m increasing my riding. I’m riding today and tomorrow and the next day.” Bob’s older and wiser than I am (much, much older) and he has outlived his doctor’s death sentence by decades. Maybe he’s on to something.

This also happens to be the time of year for the IBA Memorial Ride – a couple weeks in the fall where people are encouraged to do a certificate ride in honor of someone who has passed on. On Wednesday I said, “Maybe I’ll do one for John. It’ll help me heal.” On Thursday I fooled around with some maps. On Friday I rode. (One of the LDRiders is making some memorial stickers that say JWJR – John Would Just Ride. No need for detailed prep and months of planning. Just ride.)

John was remembered for frequently saying, “Cars suck.” How ironic that he was killed by one. He didn’t own one, though, and hadn’t for years. This is pretty hardcore when you consider that he lives in New Jersey, which has a thing called winter. I planned a route that featured many small roads between nowhere and nowhere else, to avoid cars. It did have some interstate at the beginning and end, which is a necessary evil unless you want your Saddlesore to take all 24 hours. I didn’t. I’m not as hardcore as he was.

Friday morning, as I rode along, I intermittently talked to John. It was as though I was taking him for a ride and showing him what I saw. “Hey John, check out this cool road. Woah, what a view over there!” I mostly avoided stopping for photos because JWJR. We really dug the small highway between Delano and Wofford Heights – also known as nowhere and nowhere else. It was many miles of lightly traveled mountain roads. A bit hairy in spots because Caltrans lays down a lot of sand during the snow season. We were careful and it was fun.

In Kernville I had a nice visit with Wendy Crockett. She is one of the most real, down to earth people I know. Also she runs her own motorcycle shop. She’s a very skilled mechanic, and has worked on my FJR (which is now Derek Dickson’s FJR, and you know how that worked out for him.) Oh, and the wall of fame in her shop includes her THIRD PLACE TROPHY from this year’s IBR. No biggie, just THE FRICKIN’ PODIUM! Highest finishing woman since Fran Crane. You go, girl. And I love your dogs. (2019 update: Wendy has updated her garage bling considerably.)

From Wendy’s place I took John to Death Valley. I thought he might appreciate the solitude and grandeur. The eastbound road from Highway 395 crosses two mountain ranges before hitting the valley floor. That highway was perfect! Brand new pavement, smooth and perfectly banked. Sharp drop-offs (with guard rails) that gave way to dramatic vistas. I peeked at the views but mostly watched where I was going, and talked to John. “Wow, dude, isn’t this road awesome?!”

We had gone from over 6000 feet in the lower Sierras outside Kernville, to -21 feet on my GPS in DV. The temps had changed from high 40s when we left to 85 on the valley floor. We had seen the fall colors and the harsh desert rock. It was a great palette of motorcycling to enjoy. I was happy and I think he was too.

On the Nevada side of Death Valley we visited Beatty (where I left a geocache for Mitch Palmer and Del Brand, who are doing a JR memorial ride the day after mine.) Then we took Lida Pass and Westgard Pass back into California. These two passes were more endless miles of whoop-de-do’s and mountain twisties. It was a ball. We saw five cars the whole time.

We went north on US 395 toward Carson City. That’s one of my favorite California roads because it’s beautiful, fast, and lightly traveled. Sensing a theme here? We started seeing signs for 7000 and 8000 foot summits. The desert changed to pine forest. It got chilly again. We smelled hay, skunk, and cow turds. More variety for my riding partner.

At dusk I looked to the east and saw a gorgeous full moon rising into the sunset colors. It was so pretty I had to stop for a quick photo. Right after I took the photo and resumed riding, we came upon Mono Lake. After Lake Tahoe, this is the prettiest lake in California. And it’s right by the highway, how convenient. Mono has these distinctive salt towers sticking up out of the water, called tufa. The moon was behind the lake, reflecting in the still water. The sunset colors made the tufa look magical. It was one of the most gorgeous sights I’ve ever seen while motorcycling, like I was living inside a postcard. These words are not doing it justice. It was magnificent, and I was moved. I make it a habit to never stop and photograph sights like this because it spoils the moment for me, and the photos don’t ever capture the sights. So I kept riding. I marveled to John, “Look at that. Wow! Just wow!” Then out of the blue I said, angrily, “But you’re not here to see it, you A-hole! You’re dead! Can you even see this?!”

Then it got interesting. John said back to me, “It doesn’t matter if I see it. You see it. You are in the world. You saw everything today. You smelled everything, you felt the warmth and coolness. You leaned the bike, you hit the gas. Enjoy it!”

Wow. I finally understood what Bob meant when he said he was riding more instead of less. Life is here to be lived! Whatever a person’s passion is, they should follow it and enjoy it. Life on this Earth is our gift, not to be frittered away by worrying about this and that, or wasted on fluff and negativity. Make every minute count. It seems so simple, yet I am somehow blown away by this epiphany.

I named this story The Promised Land after a Springsteen song. The chorus goes:

"The dogs on Main Street howl ‘cause they understand

If I can take one moment into my hand

Mister I ain’t a boy, no I’m a man

And I believe in the promised land."

In the Bible, God gave Canaan to the Israelites as their promised land. They took it and they lived in it. It was their “now.” The promised land that Bruce is singing about is our life right now, today. Take it, live in it. And howl like a dog, who has no pretense but lives in the moment. Take this moment into your hand, ride your motorcycle, and howl, baby, howl. It’s just what John would do.

The Promised Land: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJx0HftF6Vk

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 Why do People Ride Harley Davidson Motorcycles?

Well, why do you? 

I am wrestling with this question seriously. I have owned five new Harleys over the last 21 years, and just sold my latest one yesterday (a 2018 CVO Streetglide). I loved it, being the best HD I have ever owned, but the miles were gettting up there, and the offer was too good to refuse, before it turned into scrap metal.

Harley Davidson motorcycles are not the most beautiful (Ducati), not the most reliable (undisputably Honda, especially the Goldwing), not the best engineered (probably BMW) not the cheapest (Enfield or Ural), not the fastest (Yamaha or MV Augusta), not the most classic (Indian or Triumph) and I could go on... So what is it about Harley Davidson that attracts buyers - seriously?

1. The Sound; yep because of that engineering structure, the engine has a very distinct sound - and yes it's great! It comes from the 45 degree cyclinder angle combined with a firing sequence that includes a pause created by a 315 degree to fire the second cylinder, then a 405 degree (the pause). The potato potato potato certainly will attract some and that I do understand.
2. It's Loud; well no the standard Harley is NOT loud at all, but many people change the exhaust pipes from day one - why? because the Dealer tells them to do so, and the margin on those little suckers is so much that any Dealer worth their salt will try very hard to ram them down your - manifolds! And of course, some people want to show off their bike by attracting attention. But real riders who cover any distance do not want this at all.
3. It's American. If you were born a Yankee or live elsewhere in the USA, then there is definitely an attraction to buying a bike made locally - even if it is just that there is a Service depot in almost every reasonably large US City. I get that. But if you live in Europe or Australia - that cuts no ice.
4. The Paint and Finish; well yes the paint is done very well, and overall the finish is not bad - but it no longer compares with any major manufacturer's offering. Just look a the paint job on a BMW "Option 719" model, their equivalent to a CVO from Harley - there is no comparison. And frankly, and I am very strong on this, the colour options from Harley Davidson are (currently) appaling! Black, Gray, Green-Gray and many other variations of gray - when many riders just want orange (which is sometimes available), royal blue or red, or even white which are hard to find. 
5. The Range of Accessories; - well yes, the range from Harley, is truly extraordinary, just flip through that very thick paper catalogue (Seers or IKEA style) that HD provide to every buyer - there is a huge range - if you want to buy from Harley Davidson. But that is no longer a leading point - for example the range of accessories for BMW is also extraordinary - especially from third parties. The quality and range of products from Touratech, Clearwater, Illium Works and a host of others is magnificent. More importantly this is a competitive market and the quality has become insanely good nowadays - just look at anything from those three companies! (And many others)
6. The HD Marketing; Harley does a great job of selling their stuff. Some of their TV adverts are paritcularly wonderful and cheeky. It all started with that "Number 1" logo from Willie G Davidson and went on from there. But do you really want to buy the Sizzle and not the Steak? Or purchase another T shirt for $60?
7. Modern Engineering; Let's face it, a pushrod engine is hardly "modern". True, the new "Revolution Max" engine in the Sportster and the Pan America Adventure bike is a huge step forward, but really - HD is about 10 years behind other manufacturers.
8. The Look, There was a time ten years ago, when everyone rode HD Softails, Dyna's and stripped down bikes with Springer front suspensions, so they DID look like bikies and that was an attraction for some - the "Tough Look". But if you ride a bagger, tri-glide or a sportster, then you dont have this look!

So if the performance of your new Harley Davidson is average at best, the power is low, the engineering is genuinely antique, the look is old fashioned, the reliabilty is questionable, the finish is just average, the paint options are minute - then would any of the points above change your mind and drive you to buy a Harley?