I've talked a lot of shit about the V12 but I just can't connect with my FJR, it's just too massive and seems like overkill. The good news is that my experience with a clutchless shifting bike, I know now I can live without it and the weight/handling difference between an FJR1300AE and standard VFR1200 should be significant. Before, I would have forced myself to get a DCT and therefore a 2012 since I wouldn't put up with the 1st and 2nd issue. Now I can get away with a 2010 and re-flash.
Soooo, will I be happy? I wasn't blown away with the test ride I took, but I'm also never happy until I change the suspension and steering geometry. Since I would be doing this to get a smaller, lighter bike, does anyone know what the VFR weights wet?
Once the thing starts moving you couldn't even tell the weight bro. I loathe pushing it into the garage but when riding I can't even tell it weighs that much. Like you I had all sorts of reservations. At $10k, and a couple of rides you'll know it's right. As you already know, it will need suspension work. My plans for that are pretty involved but when done it's going to an absolute MF'er. I'm planning to flash the ECU as well.
I was in the same boat as you. I purchased an FJR with the hopes of doing some longer distance riding. I liked the FJR, but it just didn't have that excitement factor. I always hoped it would grow on me... but it didn't.
When I saw the VFR1200, it was love at first sight. On paper it was the same specs that drove me towards the FJR. 1200cc motor (V-4 BONUS!), shaft drive, discrete saddlebag mounting points, and it was a HONDA!
I wound up with the VFR out of dumb luck. I walked into the dealer that still had a new 2010 (listed on cycletrader for $14k) just to take a rest ride. The old lady gave me the go-ahead to trade in the FJR since I was never happy with it. The dealer had to go FIND the bike stored out in their warehouse... the bike had little to no interest and they weren't wasting floor space with it. After the test ride, I knew I had to have it. When that exhaust valve opens up I was provided with instant gratification (gigidy) and a huge smile on my face. The icing on the cake is the dealer REALLY wanted to get rid of the bike since they were paying interest on the bike... OTD price was under $10k.
I've never looked back. The VFR1200 could use some refinements, but it's like dating a stripper. She might have some daddy issues, but she always puts a smile on your face.
I love mine too... Had two 6th gens, and they don't compare to the new 1200. My only issue so far is the ECU mapping but that will soon be fixed too. Just like Luvtoleanit said.
I had an '07 FJR, put 34,000 miles on it in 20 months. One of my all time favorite bikes.....because it was sportier than the ST, cheap maintenance, etc.
It's in my top five.
So is bike #61, the VFR12. Like was said above, it hides it weight better than almost anything I've ridden.
It's not light, but it doesn't feel heavy. I didn't think the FJR was a pig though, and I come from a sportbike background. It did fine hustling around the backroads.
The VFR doesn't have the range the FJR did, but it's not bad...I have a real 225 mile range and that's liveable with me.
I put just under 8,000 miles on it in the first two months - it's the kind of bike you just want to get on and ride.
My only suggestion - go for a deal on a leftover 2012.....the changes are worth it.
225 is no better than my XX, is there a consensus on the updated bikes getting better mileage? Most of the figures I've seen are on the Red ones.
I am a FJR owner (08 & previously a 05). Both Yamahas have been reliable decent handling bikes that had all the necessary basic equipment for sport touring.
I loved the looks & innovation of the VFR12 in 2010 when it came out. the pricing however was ridiculious when you compared it to it's competition. That was the second issue (what was honda competing with). The VFR12 was (is) not a direct competitor in the sport touring market or the sport bike segment. It should have come standard with at a minimum detachable hard bags and a adjustable wind screen to compete against the FJR, the Concours, and a host of BMW models. Every honda dealer I have talked to about this bike say they can't sell it because it is overpriced & under equipped to compete in the sport touring segment and to slow & heavy to compete as a sportbike. The two honda dealers in my area didn't order any VFR's after most of the 2010's sat on their floors for over two years.
I don't say any of these things because I don't like Honda. I currently own three Honda products (car, motor scooter & a generator). Over half of the 53 motorcycles I have owned since 1965 have been Honda's.
Having had my rant (are you listening Honda) I am still thinking about buying one, either used or a new 2012 standard model. Given the stiff competition though the only way I am buying one is at a steep discount to cover all the expense to make it into a decent sport touring bike not to mention the poor resale value especially for those that paid close to MSRP prices in 2010.
John
FJR has some very loyal devotees and is arguably one of the sportiest STs that is actually a sport TOURER. That is IMO not what the VFR1200 is. The Viffer lives in the nether region between sportbikes and sport tourers. This identity crisis is (partly) why it doesn't sell well and the source of most of its criticisms. But for folks like me that want a gentleman's sportbike that can do long day rides and short tours thru twisty backroads occasionally, it is just right. I've had the FJR's closest rival - the C14 - and it was too big, too heavy, and too much of a tourer. FJR tills a bit farther towards the sport side but still stays pretty much on the traditional ST formula. I test rode an '07 and later the newest '13 FJR. I took it easy on the '07 since it was somebody else's bike, but I did carve me some corners with the factory demo '13. At 6/10th pace and up is where the differences show up. Bikes like the VFR1200 and Sprint ST felt very composed at that pace, whereas the FJR's legs starts to feel a bit wobbly. Not in a dangerous way, but enough to remind me I'm on a sport TOURER and best to back off the go juice a little.
In the end, it's not about which is the better bike. They are both excellent machines. All depends on what you want to do and how you intend to ride it.
This is an interesting topic to me because I was thinking about upgrading my 5th gen to either a leftover 12 VFR (manual) or a 13 FJR next year........Wish I could ride a VFR1200, lol