2023 Yamaha FJR1300ES
Installed / added / updated components:
- T-Rex Racing luggage guards and engine crash cages
- Sargent seat
- SW Motech GPS mount
- Delkevic 13" Tri-Oval slip on muffler kit
- Garmin Zumo XT GPS
- Sykik tire pressure monitor
Purchase Date: April 2024
Needless to say, I enjoy motorcycles. Whether it being riding, working on them, reading about them, all of the above or any of the above. I don't know where the obsession came from, but I have it.
As of late I have been going farther and farther on my rides. I suppose it is somewhat a level of exploring, or research for future retirement options, or just simple enjoyment. I have been taking long motorcycle trips on the Griso for several years now and it has been beating me up to say the least. Maybe I'm getting older and my body can't handle the short distance fuel stops, stiff suspension, small windshield; don't know but something has changed and I want more comfort.
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I've been researching sport touring, comfortable motorcycles for a few years, I went back and forth between a few options. The BMW R1250RT was a leading contender but I couldn't justify spending around $30k+ out the door for a new bike with 5 others sitting in the garage. Obviously I'm driving all of them and this is not my primary motorcycle; maybe another time in the future an RT will find its way into my garage. I've looked at the Honda Goldwing but I don't want a DCT transmission (only option for '24) and they come with a hefty price tag as well. I am not one for big cruisers, not my thing (not yet), so HD and Indian are out. There's not much left but large adventure bikes which in my opinion don't have the proper wind protection for doing the distance comfortably, and I just simply don't need one having the fun Norden 901 in the garage. There are a few alternative options out there but for one reason or another they did not make it to the top of my list.
The obvious next option is to purchased used. The RT family '17+ (the only years I'd buy because of the clutch in the front and the final drive problems straightened out) and Goldwing '18+ are both contenders. Thinking on this and digging deep into dealer sales and websites etc... I bumped into the FJR. The Yamaha is definitely dated, but in my opinion there is nothing wrong with that because it has everything I'd want and need in a touring motorcycle. The third generation FJR has been out since 2014, so long that all of the bugs have been worked out. Maintenance is easy, it's a Yamaha! To add, with dealer incentives and factory rebates the final price for a new (leftover '23) comes in under that of a used 2018 RT. I was sold. Griso sold, FJR purchased.
The obvious next option is to purchased used. The RT family '17+ (the only years I'd buy because of the clutch in the front and the final drive problems straightened out) and Goldwing '18+ are both contenders. Thinking on this and digging deep into dealer sales and websites etc... I bumped into the FJR. The Yamaha is definitely dated, but in my opinion there is nothing wrong with that because it has everything I'd want and need in a touring motorcycle. The third generation FJR has been out since 2014, so long that all of the bugs have been worked out. Maintenance is easy, it's a Yamaha! To add, with dealer incentives and factory rebates the final price for a new (leftover '23) comes in under that of a used 2018 RT. I was sold. Griso sold, FJR purchased.
The 2023 FJR1300ES has a 1298cc liquid cooled dual overhead camshaft inline, 16 valve 4-cylinder engine that puts out 146.2 hp and 101.8 lb/ft of torque. This massive engine has proven it's durability and longevity over the years. Compression ratio is 10.8:1 with a bore and stroke of 79.0mm x 66.2mm. This fuel injected heavyweight comes in at 644 lbs. (CA model) and has a 6-speed gearbox with slipper wet clutch and shaft final drive. Electronic suspension all around keeps this monster stable and tame along with "T" for touring and "S" for sport on the fly throttle management options. Standard cruise control, heated grips, adjustable high / low seat, electronically adjustable windshield and a 6.6 gallon fuel tank, together can keep the pilot comfortable and the wheels turning for up around 300 miles between stops.
May 2024
The first thing I notice about the big Yamaha is it's weight. The bike is heavy, pushing it around in the garage I take extra caution so that I don't have a tip over. On the road the weight is not noticed, the FJR feels quite agile for its size. It is very comfortable and handles great. During initial break in I am keeping the revs low and sticking to the back roads. I found myself going and going with minimal fatigue, the first ride I took lasted 5 hours long and I came back with a big smile on my face.
The ES (electronic suspension) is fantastic. I absolutely love the fact that I can make suspension adjustments that I need without having to pull over with screwdrivers and mathematical equations in my head. And it works! - Thank you Yamaha!
The ES (electronic suspension) is fantastic. I absolutely love the fact that I can make suspension adjustments that I need without having to pull over with screwdrivers and mathematical equations in my head. And it works! - Thank you Yamaha!
Engine / luggage protection:
One of the first things I purchased was a set of T-Rex Racing engine / luggage guards. Basically crash protection. I am happy with the set. The T-Rex guards are thick steel, well made and shipped quickly also very protected during shipping. That's funny to think about, the protection was protected. There are only two main engine mounting points on the front guards per side which I'd prefer three for stability but I don't plan on the bike touching the pavement so I believe two points will do if needed. If this were a stunt bike I probably would be shopping elsewhere.
One of the first things I purchased was a set of T-Rex Racing engine / luggage guards. Basically crash protection. I am happy with the set. The T-Rex guards are thick steel, well made and shipped quickly also very protected during shipping. That's funny to think about, the protection was protected. There are only two main engine mounting points on the front guards per side which I'd prefer three for stability but I don't plan on the bike touching the pavement so I believe two points will do if needed. If this were a stunt bike I probably would be shopping elsewhere.
Seating arrangements:
The stock seat is great, I am not knocking it at all; I think it is a fine seat. For me, I plan on doing long, very long rides and I wanted a wider cushion with more support and also retaining the capability lean off the seat doing some mild canyon carving. Russell Day Long seats are the preferred choice amongst blog sites, and I understand why after having one on another bike; for this bike I didn't want the extra bulk of a Day Long. After more research and pricing I went with a Sargent seat and their standard CFX / black welt option. Another alternative was a Corbin, which I can't speak for but it also looks like a nice seat. I am very happy with the Sargent, the fit is perfect with a nice little paperwork container on the underside. It is very comfortable right out of the gate. Not to mention they were having a seasonal sale which cut the initial price down something in the range of 16%. Very happy with the Sargent seat, my backside is too.
The stock seat is great, I am not knocking it at all; I think it is a fine seat. For me, I plan on doing long, very long rides and I wanted a wider cushion with more support and also retaining the capability lean off the seat doing some mild canyon carving. Russell Day Long seats are the preferred choice amongst blog sites, and I understand why after having one on another bike; for this bike I didn't want the extra bulk of a Day Long. After more research and pricing I went with a Sargent seat and their standard CFX / black welt option. Another alternative was a Corbin, which I can't speak for but it also looks like a nice seat. I am very happy with the Sargent, the fit is perfect with a nice little paperwork container on the underside. It is very comfortable right out of the gate. Not to mention they were having a seasonal sale which cut the initial price down something in the range of 16%. Very happy with the Sargent seat, my backside is too.
GPS Mount:
Where to mount my Garmin XT on this thing? That is the question I asked myself when looking at the dashboard and the oddly shaped handlebars. After hunting online I found that most people use a standard ram style ball mount off their clutch reservoir perch. I personally don't like this method because it hangs the GPS off the left side of the bars, just doesn't feel right to me. The hunt continued and I found other makeshift brackets until I finally came across the SW Motech GPS mount. I don't know why this didn't come up immediately in my searches but I wish it did, it would've saved me some time. The bracket is mounted to the two screws between the tank and the handlebars. When fully assembled the unit is stable and a GPS can be easily read while driving. The mount options accommodate most modern GPS units and is fully adjustable.
As for wiring to the GPS, I added a small waterproof fused switch to my existing battery tender (also, already fused) line. The switch is routed to the backside of the SW Motech bracket which turns the power off and on to the unit. It's nice that the GPS does not try to turn off during gas stops, I can fiddle with directions any time I need.
Where to mount my Garmin XT on this thing? That is the question I asked myself when looking at the dashboard and the oddly shaped handlebars. After hunting online I found that most people use a standard ram style ball mount off their clutch reservoir perch. I personally don't like this method because it hangs the GPS off the left side of the bars, just doesn't feel right to me. The hunt continued and I found other makeshift brackets until I finally came across the SW Motech GPS mount. I don't know why this didn't come up immediately in my searches but I wish it did, it would've saved me some time. The bracket is mounted to the two screws between the tank and the handlebars. When fully assembled the unit is stable and a GPS can be easily read while driving. The mount options accommodate most modern GPS units and is fully adjustable.
As for wiring to the GPS, I added a small waterproof fused switch to my existing battery tender (also, already fused) line. The switch is routed to the backside of the SW Motech bracket which turns the power off and on to the unit. It's nice that the GPS does not try to turn off during gas stops, I can fiddle with directions any time I need.
Bring the noise:
Being I am who I am, I typically like a little bit of noise out of my exhaust. The OEM mufflers sound nice and tame, they have a good low hum to them, I wanted a little bit more. I did my research and Delkevic mufflers kept surfacing. Their website is overwhelming with the multitudes of offerings as far as shape and size. I watched a few videos and decided to try out the Delkevic 13" Tri-Oval slip-ons. They are a beautiful set of cans and connecting pipes, nice and light too comparing to the stockers.
Overall the fitment went well, I did have to add a small piece of rubber to my center stand where it resides against the left muffler to avoid interference with the connector pipe, that was a minor nuisance. After fitment I had concerns that the heat from the cans might melt the underside of the luggage because of the close proximity (<1.0") but there are no problems after checking during the Delk's inauguration ride.
Now to the downside, they are loud (baffle in). Borderline too loud for me. They don't seem too bad with earplugs, which I wear 90% of the time so I may be bumping that to 100% of the time. I asked Delkevic if they sold a quieter baffle for the cans, they don't. So I'll just have to wade this one out and see if I can get used to it. They do sound good and there's a real nice burble during deceleration that I greatly enjoy. Time will tell on this one. If I were to purchase over again, I'd probably get the longer ones. I may be singing a different tune after I get used to these.
Being I am who I am, I typically like a little bit of noise out of my exhaust. The OEM mufflers sound nice and tame, they have a good low hum to them, I wanted a little bit more. I did my research and Delkevic mufflers kept surfacing. Their website is overwhelming with the multitudes of offerings as far as shape and size. I watched a few videos and decided to try out the Delkevic 13" Tri-Oval slip-ons. They are a beautiful set of cans and connecting pipes, nice and light too comparing to the stockers.
Overall the fitment went well, I did have to add a small piece of rubber to my center stand where it resides against the left muffler to avoid interference with the connector pipe, that was a minor nuisance. After fitment I had concerns that the heat from the cans might melt the underside of the luggage because of the close proximity (<1.0") but there are no problems after checking during the Delk's inauguration ride.
Now to the downside, they are loud (baffle in). Borderline too loud for me. They don't seem too bad with earplugs, which I wear 90% of the time so I may be bumping that to 100% of the time. I asked Delkevic if they sold a quieter baffle for the cans, they don't. So I'll just have to wade this one out and see if I can get used to it. They do sound good and there's a real nice burble during deceleration that I greatly enjoy. Time will tell on this one. If I were to purchase over again, I'd probably get the longer ones. I may be singing a different tune after I get used to these.
Tire pressure monitoring:
The FJR does not come with tire pressure monitoring, which is a sign the model is dated because this feature comes on quite a few motorcycles these days. Although not to worry for me, I have the Sykik tire pressure monitor that I was using on the Griso. This is an easy installation, install the mount with 3M double sided tape and screw on the valve caps. I like this setup because I am used to it, it's simple and does the trick. Keep the main head unit charged before any big trips and replace the batteries on the valve caps at the same time ensures they keep doing their thing. I haven't had any problems with this setup yet.
The FJR does not come with tire pressure monitoring, which is a sign the model is dated because this feature comes on quite a few motorcycles these days. Although not to worry for me, I have the Sykik tire pressure monitor that I was using on the Griso. This is an easy installation, install the mount with 3M double sided tape and screw on the valve caps. I like this setup because I am used to it, it's simple and does the trick. Keep the main head unit charged before any big trips and replace the batteries on the valve caps at the same time ensures they keep doing their thing. I haven't had any problems with this setup yet.
Photos and details of the Yamaha FJR1300ES will be added as the project matures.