2012 FJR or 2012 Concours 14

[BILL N]

Ok boys, time to upgrade from my V-strom. I've narrowed it down to the Concours 14 or the FJR 1300. Pro's and Con's, help me decide....

[1 wheel peel]

Here is a comparison from a guy who owned both at the same time. I am pleased with my FJR but I don't think you would go wrong with either one.

http://fjriders.com/forum/showthread...urs-comparison

There is also much information that has been posted on this topic on this form as well.

If it was me, I would tip towards the FJR.

It has much better fuel capacity and better ergo's. In order to smooth out the throttle issue, I would get a PC3 with a decent dyno tune. The FJR suspension is ok...so they would go plus a new aftermarket seat and larger windscreen. The bike has been around for many motorcycle years with minor issues and has many aftermarket accessories at your fingertips.

I would rent both or test ride each one for a good hour. Ignore issues like seat or windscreen discomfort since it can be easily remedied.

I love Yamaha reliability and performance.

RB

[Desert Skies]

I'm partial to the FJR. When I make some room in the garage by selling the Wing, I'll probably fill the hole with one.

Like Red said, get some seat time on both. It will help with your decision.

Everybody in the world can tell you what to buy, only you should decide...

[FJRMike]

sit on each and see if you can take a test ride to help you decide.

Either will be a fine choice and give you miles of riding in comfort and power.

But, I am kinda biased to an FJR since I own one and it has 90k happy-motoring miles on it..

[cdc]

Difficult choice.
The Conc. is a newer design while the FJR has not chaged since 2006.


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[NorthOfDallas]

I have no personal experience so consider that...After owning many trouble-free Kawasakis and a troubleprone pair of Yamahas I'd take the Conc.

[Texas T]

WHAT do you want to do with the bike? If LD riding or rallys is any part of your future, the Feejer wins it hands down. If you're more into local sport-touring then the Connie has won the accolades of most bike tests, but only beating the FJR by a smidgen.

[JR KLR]

I have had 3 generations of FJRs (2003, 2006, and 2010) and loved them all. Now that I don't own one anymore, I sure wish I hadn't sold it. The FJRs are so smooth and powerful.

BTW: on my combined 3 FJRs I put in about 80K miles- all stock with the exception of a few minor farkles. Never had a problem with the seat or suspension.

[Wolverine]

Which ever one has the better dealer nearby.

[ST/SV]

Originally Posted by Texas T

WHAT do you want to do with the bike? If LD riding or rallys is any part of your future, the Feejer wins it hands down. If you're more into local sport-touring then the Connie has won the accolades of most bike tests, but only beating the FJR by a smidgen.

Heck Brian, you haven't read any of my son's "Tippen Connies" reports, we've taken 2-3500 mile trips and a 4500 mile trip the last 3 years on our '08 Connies with no problems. My younger son had an FJR which also proved to be a good machine but like was said previously, it hasn't been changed in years and seems more old school now to me. Rumors have started now our Connies may see Canada next year.

[Maximus]

I have an '08 Connie. I love it. My new trunk will be here tomorrow. Had to change the seat to a Corbin, but who hasn't gone aftermarket on they're saddle? I've looked at the FJRs. Definitely a nice bike, but I wouldn't trade for my Connie. That's my biased opinion. ;^)


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[Texas T]

Originally Posted by ST/SV

Heck Brian, you haven't read any of my son's "Tippen Connies" reports, we've taken 2-3500 mile trips and a 4500 mile trip the last 3 years on our '08 Connies with no problems. My younger son had an FJR which also proved to be a good machine but like was said previously, it hasn't been changed in years and seems more old school now to me. Rumors have started now our Connies may see Canada next year.

No, I haven't read any Tippen Connies reports. I have read some Trippin Connies reports, though.

Yes, for that type of riding the Connie is more than capable. What I meant by my comments was that if you are going to be running in any LD Rallies the FJR with its larger fuel capacity and proven rally performance - not to mention John Ryan's Prudhoe Bay to Key West run - is the better choice. To my knowledge there have been none to very few Connies in the IBR, although I did see an old school Connie in this year's event.

[kirbykajin]

Connie has better options, FJR has better fit and finish. If you plan on carrying a passenger the FJR is much much better. My wife is 5'7 and the connie was not rideable for any distance.

[ST/SV]

Originally Posted by Texas T

No, I haven't read any Tippen Connies reports. I have read some Trippin Connies reports, though.

Yes, for that type of riding the Connie is more than capable. What I meant by my comments was that if you are going to be running in any LD Rallies the FJR with its larger fuel capacity and proven rally performance - not to mention John Ryan's Prudhoe Bay to Key West run - is the better choice. To my knowledge there have been none to very few Connies in the IBR, although I did see an old school Connie in this year's event.

Dang it, and I always proofread before I push the send button. Well the last Colorado trip was a Tippin Connie because I dropped it twice. Back to StormDude, I didn't realize he would running the Ironbutt. If he does then an auxillary tank could be used. I was thinking there was a Connie running in the top few spots in the IBR last year but crashed close to the end.

[BILL N]

I will mostly be doing the hill country and around town, maybe a few 400 mile days and some overnite trips. No iron butt, no two up riding, my wife doesn't ride. Right now I am leaning towards the Connie for the newer technology like fuel economy mode, tire pressure monitoring, traction control etc. It just seems like a more modern bike. I do like the new off red color for 2012 also....

[pkiser]

FJRDude or ConDude or maybe ConnieDude. I like FJRDude!

[ST/SV]

Originally Posted by StromDude

I will mostly be doing the hill country and around town, maybe a few 400 mile days and some overnite trips. No iron butt, no two up riding, my wife doesn't ride. Right now I am leaning towards the Connie for the newer technology like fuel economy mode, tire pressure monitoring, traction control etc. It just seems like a more modern bike. I do like the new off red color for 2012 also....

We did install a larger windshield on ours, also bar risers, Motorcycle Larry rear passenger footpeg lowering brackets, which the wife says makes all the difference, stock position she says was like riding on back of a crotch rocket. I would love to have a '12 because a lot has been updated since the first 1400 came out in '08.

[kurt]

Originally Posted by pkiser

FJRDude or ConDude or maybe ConnieDude. I like FJRDude!

ConnieDude for the win! I can hear the Kinks in the back of my mind .... L-O-L-A, Lola.....

[jfink]

Originally Posted by 1 wheel peel

Here is a comparison from a guy who owned both at the same time. I am pleased with my FJR but I don't think you would go wrong with either one.

http://fjriders.com/forum/showthread...urs-comparison

There is also much information that has been posted on this topic on this form as well.

I know Jim very well. For reasons stated above I think he leans towards the Connie, but has the 2010 after Kawasaki mod'ed it for heat. One thing I will give Kawasaki is that they didn't wait six or eight years to make mods to the Connie once they started getting feedback from the early 2008 customers.