Both Madson and Harley tapped out the Yamaha FJR1300 as their For My Money selections.
Ken Hutchison
MCUSA Editorial Director
FMM: Kawasaki
I don't always like to go with the trendy pick but the Kawasaki really is a great Sport-Touring bike. Not only is it one of the best deals here, but it is a performer as well. Looks good, hauls butt, and is a comfy long-haul ride.
Bart Madson
MCUSA Managing Editor
FMM: Yamaha
For me it's the Yamaha regular FJR, without question. It's one of the cheapest bikes in our test, which is a huge factor in all my FMM pick. But even if money was no object, I think I'd still pick the Yamaha because I loved riding it the most.
Bryan Harley
MCUSA Cruiser Editor
FMM: Yamaha
Paul Bunyan and Babe pose with our super sport-touring entourage in Northern California.
For my money, the standard Yamaha FJR1300 is a steal. I was sold on the bike while chasing Ken on a big sweeper coming out of Taft, CA. He was carving an aggressive line on the BMW with me in close pursuit. A quick peek at the speedo surprised me. We were right at triple digits but the FJR was dialed in tight and arced through the turn effortlessly. Later in the day when we did some canyon carving, the bike stuck solidly through the tighter corners and required little effort to toss side-to-side. It's got enough low-end to lift the front tire in the first few gears and had plenty of mid-range power to boot. I was also impressed with the brakes. A one-finger pull is all that you need on the grippy front brakes.
The FJR doesn't have as many frills and extras as some of the other sport-tourers, but one feature I did like was its lift-out Yamaha carrying cases that tuck neatly within the saddlebags. Overall, its combination of readily available power, a well-balanced chassis, and great brakes on a sharp-looking bike that was comfortable after hours in the saddle makes the Yamaha a bike that is ready for the long haul and will get you there with a smile on your face. Throw in the fact that it's got one of the lowest MSRPs and dollar for dollar the FJR1300 is a bargain.
Robin Haldane
The sleek looking Kawasaki Concours 14 gets the For My Money nod from MCUSA's Hutch and Robin, who could decide between the Kawi and Yamaha.
FMM: Tie between Yamaha and Kawasaki
I have a tie so I may have to find a way to buy both. I have been a fan of the FJR since last year when I first rode it, it handles great, has plenty of power and my wife enjoyed riding on the back. On the other hand there is a new Concours on the market that really is a blast to ride and is actually cheaper that the Yamaha. While the Yamaha handles slightly better and is a little more comfortable, the Kawi has the power and is still pretty comfortable and stable. Neither come standard with heated grips though so I may have to add them on.
Return to the
2008 Super Sport-Touring Comparo.
