FJR 1300 vs Norge 1200

[PJPR01]

I have to admit I like the looks and performance specs of the FJR 1300, same Sport Touring class of bike…curious if any Norge owners have ridden one and any impressions on short or long rides?

Looking for something a bit more comfortable than the Norge for my wife to ride longer distances…the Norge even with a Corbin just doesn’t really do it for her anymore.

If that doesn’t work, may have to get a Gold Wing for Comfort.

Thanks!

[twowheeladdict]

If you are truly considering the FJR1300, get a late model one with Cruise Control and Electronically Adjustable suspension. 

I had those on my Triumph Trophy SE and the adjustable suspension is a game changer.  You set the preload based on rider, rider plus luggage, rider plus passenger, rider plus passenger plus luggage.  Then you adjust the rebound and compression damping on the fly.  The Trophy had only 3 modes; sport, normal and comfort.  Comfort soaked up the bumps and Sport kept it from wallowing on a twisty road. 

And of course electronic cruise control means you can set it and pay attention to road instead of constantly checking your speed. 

[fotoguzzi]

 A lot of those FIRs are used in Iron Butt competition. First woman to win the Iron butt rally was on a 2005 FJR. 2019

[moto-uno]

  Caution ! Do a warranty search on these . Many have a transmission recall, I did 6 last winter . It's an enormous job !
  Verify if they've been done and it'd be nice to know of the shops and mechanics experiences in doing this task. It's
right down to splitting the cases and replacing both gear shafts and gears clusters .
   They are amazing motorcycles , just too many parts  . Peter
ps: I'm making reference to the FJR 1300

[JL Rich]

I rode one for a short ride Paul, I felt like I was sitting on top of the bike rather than in it.  The Concours 14 felt better to me but I did not have my wife along to get her impression on either. 

[twowheeladdict]

I rode one for a short ride Paul, I felt like I was sitting on top of the bike rather than in it.  The Concours 14 felt better to me but I did not have my wife along to get her impression on either.

I owned the Concours 1400 for 30,000 miles.  Amazing motorcycle, but definitely top heavy.  There was a thread on the forum specific to dropping the bike.  That sold a lot of tip over protection to the riders. 

The negatives were not feeling how fast you are going so I would find myself exceeding the speed limit by way too much when there was no traffic around to gauge my speed.  The bike really needs electronic cruise control.  Another negative is they tend to get a valve cover leak around 30,000 miles, and doing the valve adjustments was like doing open heart surgery. 

[LowRyter]

For two up, I'm a little more touring oriented.  I've considered the Beemer 1200/1250 RT (water cooled series) and Triumph Trophy SE.

These two are comfy for two up but lighter than a full on Gold Wing or Glide.  No question that the FJR/Concourse/Norge will eat a lot of miles and stay frisky when the road is challenging but more comfort features might be desirable for two up.

Now the reasons I never pulled the trigger: cost, two-up distance riding is no longer a serious option for us.  I'd still consider both bikes as a sport touring alternative to the other three.  My Ducati almost fills the bill and is outstanding as comfy sporting bike but is more austere as a tourer (than even the Norge) and is no use for two up riding.   That's the riding that I do most and have my toy hauler for distance. 

[flip]

I owned a Breva 1100 for 9 years, not quite a Norge but close, minus a bit of power. A few years ago, a somewhat local multi brand dealer had a Yamaha demo truck there for a couple of days. I rode an FJR1300(and a few others) for about a 40 minute ride, city streets and interstate hwy. One of the smoothest motorcycle engines I've ever experienced. I felt almost no vibrations. The engine felt like it had more torque at idle than my Breva had at peak. The riding position was a bit towards the sporty side and not much legroom.

[blackcat]

"One of the smoothest motorcycle engines I've ever experienced. I felt almost no vibrations."

I'm sure this is great for some people but not a selling point for me. 

[Snowman]

I love my Norge but not 2 up, it is too small. I only got the Norge after she stopped riding with me. There are better two up bikes that she will like a lot more.

[Scott of the Sahara]

Funny, I bought the Norge for two up riding.
The year was 2010 and I had some money to buy a Motorcycle. I sat on the following: BMW touring 1200 RT, Kawasaki Concourse 1400, FJR 1300, Honda ST 1300, and maybe some others.
Every one of them had a too tall seat height. If I am going to have a passenger, I need to touch the ground at a stop. The Norge fit me much better than the other bikes and except for the BMW I prefer a 2 Cylinder engine over a L-4. 43,000 miles later, I am still happy with the Norge.
My wife is not... Now she rides in the Ural Sidecar. She will not ride on the Norge any more.

[twowheeladdict]

For two up, I'm a little more touring oriented.  I've considered the Beemer 1200/1250 RT (water cooled series) and Triumph Trophy SE.

These two are comfy for two up but lighter than a full on Gold Wing or Glide.  No question that the FJR/Concourse/Norge will eat a lot of miles and stay frisky when the road is challenging but more comfort features might be desirable for two up.

Now the reasons I never pulled the trigger: cost, two-up distance riding is no longer a serious option for us.  I'd still consider both bikes as a sport touring alternative to the other three.  My Ducati almost fills the bill and is outstanding as comfy sporting bike but is more austere as a tourer (than even the Norge) and is no use for two up riding.   That's the riding that I do most and have my toy hauler for distance.

The Trophy SE is actually more "frisky" than the Concours 1400.  At least that was my experience with it.  The Concours was designed for high speed stability and it took some muscle to run it through the curves. 

[SmithSwede]

Be careful.  I had a 2005 FJR for 3 years and hated it.  It was like riding on a cast iron camp stove.  The engine heat was unbearable.   I’m told they worked on this problem in later models. 

I found it very heavy.  Top heavy.  Too smooth.  Boring.   

Yes, it was pretty fast.  But in a dangerous and boring way.  You could find yourself running 95 and not know it.

For all it’s size and weight, it was not a roomy bike.  Saddle bags were smaller than on my little Guzzi. 

If you are looking for room for long distance 2 up riding, I think there are better options.

[Bulldog9]

I rode an FJR(2005) for 8 years/ 50k miles before my Norge. Performance wise, on paper, by féel and in reality, other than brakes the FJR is head and shoulders over the Norge. I ran a power commander and 2 brothers pipes, and the bike was a monster. Fast, competent, unflappable (for my riding level), and comfortable.

Ultimately, I grew bored with the FJR. The bike was so powerful, and capable, that you HAD to always be pushing it to unsafe speeds to 'feel' something. It almost made me give up riding. After all, I was riding the pinnacle of supersport touring, and only rode because I had a bike. I decided to sell and buy a naked bike for day plunking and easier to stick in the corner of the garage. Bought a Griso, fell in love with motorcycling again, and added a Norge 2 months later.

On our first two up ride my wife commented on slow the bike felt compared to the FJR. The Norge is no slouch, but is far more sedate. Passing vehicles on the FJR was effortless and fast, the Norge takes a bit longer. But as I said, it was boring. IMO, unless you are riding at the limit, the FJR is soulless, has no character, and was boring. The Norge (and Guzzi) calls to me and the upper performance difference doesn't matter.

 I found the stock seat to foot peg position on the Norge very cramped by comparison. The FJR had perfect spacing for me, (later models have adjustable seat height and handlebar settings) but I had to drop the pegs on the Norge and if I would have kept it would have sent the seat out to be built up.

As anyone who's ridden a Norge/Breva or 1200 sport, it is a very sweet smooth enjoyable chassis nothing wrong with it at all, though stock suspension is barely adequate.

Final point, I toured up to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island two Sumers ago. I was on my Norge, and my long time riding buddy was on his FJR. In most cases the Norge easily held its own in acceleration and Twisties, but when he really dropped the hammer he walked away from me.

It's all in what you want.

[PJPR01]

Really great feedback here guys...thank you so much.  Some great takeaways to keep in mind.  If I were to get one, it would be a new one, and I"d be keeping my Norge, Griso and Scura as they all do something different in a fantastic way.

I have a feeling that the FJR would be speed bullet, so I'll find some time to do a test drive 1 up and then 2 up and see how it compares.  For those 2 up trips, I don't mind the "smoothness" component compared to the lovely vibes of the Guzzi big block V-twin, it might make it more enjoyable for my wife for sure as a passenger.  Will definitely have to check out the knee position, as like most here, I put Goldwing pegs on the Norge to provide more leg/knee room, so I'll have to see what the position on the FJR is.

I did ride a K1600GTL and a R1150RT a few years ago each over a weekend in California down the coast from Palo Alto to San Luis Obispo on Highway 1, putting about 500 miles on each one over the course of the weekends, both I think would also be adequate for 2 up touring, but I've not had a modern Japanese bike since the 80's, and it seems like the modern technology, smoothness and capability might be a nice combination for comfortable 2 up riding.

Test rides to be scheduled soon!  Thank you all for the great insights and experiences.

[LowRyter]

I might add that there is a night and day difference riding the oil cooled 1150RT vs the liquid cooled 1200/1250RT.  The later bikes have quite bit stronger engines and the ergos are for "normal" sized folks (riders don't need to be 6'6", perhaps not your issue Paul). 

The Trophies have been out of production for 5 years, so used is the only route.  They are a little sportier than the RT.  I think both offer a bit more amenities and comfort for 2-up than the FJR/Concourse/Norge.   No question the Yammie and Kaw are faster bikes.  I've never ridden the FJR but I have ridden the Kaw and Norge.  To me they seemed quite a bit alike.  Riding position seemed very much the same and so did the power up to about 7k rpm.  I never got on the Kaw powerband where it would likely go like a rocket but that's the situation for group rides.

[Motormike]

I ride often with two friends that have FJR's.  One has an older 5 speed, the other the newer 6 speed, which was subject to the big recall involving pulling the engine out of the frame and splitting the cases.  Big, big job, but his hasn't given him any problems since.  Both riders are very fast and very competent riders.   I'm talking go-to-jail speeds.  One of them in particular tosses the bike around in the twisties like it's 200 pounds lighter.  I can't quite hang with him, even when I'm on a much lighter bike.  Neither of them every complain about heat, or anything, about the bikes. The older bike (my speed-demon friend) has over 40,000 miles on it, and other than oil and tires, it's never been touched, never a valve check, nothing, and zero problems.  I've ridden one myself, and other than the wonderful torque the engine puts out, find it as bland as any other Japanese entry.   But for those that like the wail of an inline 4 cylinder engine, and like to ride far and fast (I think the FJR holds 6 gallons) the FJR is the best of the breed out there, I'd say.  If you prefer a less manic ride, I'm sure the Norge is fine.  If it had a real cruise control, there'd be one parked in my garage. 

[kballowe]

Never rode a Norge.  Had a Breva 11, though.

I loved all four of my FJR1300s.   They are powerful mile eaters.  Never had a passenger, so I don't know anything about that.

Here's the 2007 model, all shined up.

[alanp]

Be careful.  I had a 2005 FJR for 3 years and hated it.  It was like riding on a cast iron camp stove.  The engine heat was unbearable.   I’m told they worked on this problem in later models. 

I found it very heavy.  Top heavy.  Too smooth.  Boring.   

Yes, it was pretty fast.  But in a dangerous and boring way.  You could find yourself running 95 and not know it.

For all it’s size and weight, it was not a roomy bike.  Saddle bags were smaller than on my little Guzzi. 

If you are looking for room for long distance 2 up riding, I think there are better options.

I agree with the above.  I have owned a 2 valve Norge and an FJR1300 (later model with cruise).
The Norge was more comfortable both one up and 2 up.  FJR is pretty aggressive position for a touring bike.  Norge had better wind protection.  Norge had less engine heat.  The only major advantages of the FJR were power (pretty much unbelievable) and mechanical reliability.  It seemed bulletproof, but was neither comfortable or particularly enjoyable except when passing uphill on a twisty road; 60 to 100 in the blink of an eye.

[Scout63]

Never rode a Norge.  Had a Breva 11, though.

I loved all four of my FJR1300s.   They are powerful mile eaters.  Never had a passenger, so I don't know anything about that.

Here's the 2007 model, all shined up.

I’m not a huge fan of big inline fours, but that is one great looking bike.

[MarkPell]

Of all the bikes I have owned over the years, my wifes favorite for 2 up riding is the FJR. I bought it with a Bill Mayer seat (highly recommend) added a taller windscreen and an aftermarket backrest for her. She has had multiple knee surgeries and she says the FJR gives her the best knee comfort, although it is a bit tight for me.
I think it really is a perfect combination of sportiness and long range comfort.

[PJPR01]

More great feedback...thanks again guys.

Hunting around the nation...all I see are Gray Graphite ones...trying to find a Burgundy or Blue one anywhere, in fact the farther away the better so I could do a fly and ride! 

I think I've watched about a dozen videos on Youtube, and it looks like it would be a smooth tourer, certainly w/o the pleasant vibes of the Norge or Griso, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Definitely looking at a new one, rather than a used one to also avoid the transmission recall issue (thanks for the heads up on that).

Given how fast this is I think I could make it from Houston to Cedar Vale in about  6 hours!  It's a rocket!

[SmithSwede]

You go ahead and buy a shiny new FJR.   Then sell me that old, leaky, piece of crap Scura.  Who wants a leaky old nasty Scura that is slow?

[PJPR01]

You go ahead and buy a shiny new FJR.   Then sell me that old, leaky, piece of crap Scura.  Who wants a leaky old nasty Scura that is slow?

For a mere $10K you might pry the Scura out of my garage!  Not a penny less, considering how great it runs, but that's DEFINITELY not a two up bike!

[Canuck750]

If your looking for passenger comfort the K1600 GTL is very hard to beat! More passenger room than a GoldWing, the passenger seat is a high step up but my wife sees over my helmet, great luggage capacity, we toured Europe for two months on it two years ago, great two up bike and still sporty and powerful. We also tried a K1600GT two up touring Scotland six years ago, not as comfortable for the passenger but more sporting riding position for the rider. Used to tour two up on a R1150RT, the K bikes are much better two up machines in my opinion and the K has the hp advantage as well.

[Bulldog9]

More great feedback...thanks again guys.

Hunting around the nation...all I see are Gray Graphite ones...trying to find a Burgundy or Blue one anywhere, in fact the farther away the better so I could do a fly and ride! 

I think I've watched about a dozen videos on Youtube, and it looks like it would be a smooth tourer, certainly w/o the pleasant vibes of the Norge or Griso, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Definitely looking at a new one, rather than a used one to also avoid the transmission recall issue (thanks for the heads up on that).

Given how fast this is I think I could make it from Houston to Cedar Vale in about  6 hours!  It's a rocket!

The best blue was the 2005 Galaxy blue.
Pikes Peak in the background circa 2009.

.

[LowRyter]

If your looking for passenger comfort the K1600 GTL is very hard to beat! More passenger room than a GoldWing, the passenger seat is a high step up but my wife sees over my helmet, great luggage capacity, we toured Europe for two months on it two years ago, great two up bike and still sporty and powerful. We also tried a K1600GT two up touring Scotland six years ago, not as comfortable for the passenger but more sporting riding position for the rider. Used to tour two up on a R1150RT, the K bikes are much better two up machines in my opinion and the K has the hp advantage as well.

Ridden my brother's "Exclusive" , that windshield is pretty strange out front.  The R1200 isn't an underpowered bike and is lighter but the 1600 does have lots of go and a queen seat like a GW.   I'm still skeptical of cost of ownership for those big Beemers. 

[Motormike]

The Yamaha is likely to cost you nothing beyond oil changes and tires.  The BMW??? Well, there's a reason owners say BMW stands for "Break My Wallet!"

[twowings]

For a mere $10K you might pry the Scura out of my garage!  Not a penny less, considering how great it runs, but that's DEFINITELY not a two up bike!

Can I have your Norge for parts?? 

[PJPR01]

Can I have your Norge for parts?? 

The Norge is still in perfect shape…just had a few things done at MPH Upon my return from Cedar Vale and still running great!  It’s a keeper!