Well, after my first 1000kms;
The FJR IS a world away from the S, it's maybe not the best looking bike around, but it's certainly the best bike i've ever ridden. (and I like to keep an open mind)
The power is truely a world away from the S;
I quote the german MOTORRAD Magazine
( who, by the way think this is the best bike they have ever tested, and they are thourough!)
0-100kmh (62mph) 2.9 sec S 3.4sec
0-200kmh (124mph)9.8 sec S 14.0sec
more important:
60-100 (37-62mph) 4.0 S 4.7 CBR1100XX 5.1
100-140 (62-87mph) 3.9 S 5.2 4.7
140-180 (87-111mph)4.5 S 5.8 5.1
This is all solo, if you take a pilion the FJR from 60 -180kmh out-accelerates even the Kawa ZX-12R and stays witin 1 second of a Suzuki GSX-R1000 from 60kmh till 180kmh in top gear and is the equal of the R1. (nuf said)
The engine has 2 balance shafts and emits only light vibrations compared to the S.
( alittle more than the CBR1100XX)
In Europe heated grip are available but not standard, but that's the same with the S overhere. ( costs;240US$, variable heat adjustment)
ABS is not available yet , but according to yamaha europe will be from model 2002. ( the police in europe is very intrested in the FJR and they won't order any bike without ABS.
The list goes on;
compared to the S;
Starting, no choke, all automatic
Clutch; much better
Gearbox; much better
Straightline stability; same
Stability in corners; same
Steeringprecision; same
handling; slightly heavier on Mezeler me-z 4 tyres
Suspension; same
With pilion; better
groundclearance; comparable with stock S with centerstand, otherwise S better
Brakes: New EVO brakes on S foolproof but it's hard to brake with some feling, FJR lots of feeling, but a little more force needed R1 brakes but the bike is heavier.
Comfort; Bye bye BMW, not the sit up and beg of the R1100RT, more ST1100, slightly sportier but soooo comfortable.
Electric screen better than ST1100 but R1150RT is better still, but I love it ( I owned an ST1100 and A R1100RT, and testdrove a R1150RT only weeks ago).
Light; 4 times as much as the S
Range; incl reserve 270 miles excl reserve; 220 miles this is in backroad mode.
Loading capacity 201kg same as S.
2year waranty, inspection every 6200 miles
I've read 3 comparo's between the K1200RS and the FJR and it's no comparo...
The K is tons heavier in the handling department, vibrates a lot more is not as sporty in the engine and suspension department and is way more expensive and is not nearly as comfortable.
What i really like is the bottompower, the suspension and the comfort,
What I don't like is the heat coming from the engine on a hot day( is nice when it's colder though and not terribly annoying) and I think the S has more character when it comes to looks, but what a small price to pay for such a magnificent allrounder.
Usually when I buy a bike I have a shortlist of modifications ready, On this bike? maybe play around with different tyres like the BT010/020 or the new Metzeler Sportec, which don't have the constant radius of an ME-Z4 and would improver the already great handling.
I'm a happy man.
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