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Just took a short test ride on a 2008 Yamaha FJR1300. Very impressive sport-touring machine, and the passing power is just what I'm looking for. I pulled onto the freeway and found myself behind a semi in the slow lane, but just a flick of the wrist and I was up to 90 mph when I blew by the trucker. Although I've read complaints about the weight(650 lbs) and it's effect on parking lot maneuvers, I found the bike easy for slow tight turns when I rode it around the parking lot at the dealer. Much easier than the Speedmaster.
The FJR1300 looks and feels like it was made for the job.


Hi folks – newbie here!
If you're looking at this style of ride have you tried a PAN European?

Stop laffin' - i'm being serious..

Pre-purchase of my TBA i too looked at the FJR1300 for my trip to Spain in 5 weeks time and took a couple out for test rides... to be honest they weren't my cup of tea (now there's a good ol' English saying!)... they weren't brand new but both seemed to be very clunky and dived around corners...although that's probably my riding .. Thinking it might have been that particular bike i visited another dealer and took another one out for a ride but found the same issues (IMHO). When i returned the bike the dealer threw the keys of a Pan European at me which i promptly threw back at him as i'd heard all about the alleged 'high speed wobble' and thought that the bike might turn me into a pipe and slippers man before my time...anyway, the persistant salesman altered the seat height (i'm 6'3") and stuck me on the PAN...the route i took included a section of motorway and also twisties....The motorway saw me hit 135mph with little effort & no hint of a wobble and with the electric adjustable screen set correctly felt as if i could have lit up a cigar whilst riding (even though i don't smoke).
The twisties saw me throw the PAN around the bends FASTER than i could my 1200 bandit! I returned the PAN to the dealer with the biggest grin on my face... pity i simply couldn't afford the deal that was offered...
For me i'd have a PAN over an FJR1300 - but that's just me... just suggesting a possible alternative.

A week later i traded the Bandit in for the 2007 America which is now being prep'd for my 3500 mile journey... and hence the nick 'ExBandit'...

Ian