FJR 1300 vs Norge 1200

[JL Rich]

You can get to new places in a hurry Paul.  One of the guys in Phil Grundy's gang from Wildwood TX. let me take his FJR out for a spin on highway 69 N. of Beaumont.  I was cruising at 70 and came up behind some slower traffic.  I pulled out and passed them, looked down I was doing 100.  Felt pretty effortless for the bike.  The highway up ahead was clear so I bumped it up again to 130, bike was just rock solid and seemed to be enjoying itself and had more to give if asked.  The highway patrol works that road so I cooled it and got back to "not go to jail speeds".  Seems like one of the reasons the Iron Butt competitors like them is they have a robust electrical system that supports all the farkles they like to add to their bikes.

[Motormike]

There's a reason the late John Ryan used an FJR to set his record Prudhoe Bay to Key West run.  His well used bike had over 140,000 miles on it when he started!

[PJPR01]

Thanks guys…great pics everyone and I’m enjoying the stories also!  The blue one is sweet Bulldog!  Burgundy also tickles my fancy…enjoying the hunt and the videos so far.

[LowRyter]

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!

let us know how the FJR compares to the Norge for two-up riding. 

[Canuck750]

I would be cautious with purchasing the FJR, the transmission recalls are well advertized, I would not touch one unless the recall has been done, the cost of that recall must be brutal for Yamaha!

The recall affects 2,285 units – FJR1300 bikes produced between December 9, 2015 and February 2, 2020. ... If the gear does break, the transmission (and thus also the rear wheel) could lock, which would increase the risk of losing control of the motorcycle. To remedy the issue, Yamaha will notify affected FJR1300 owners.

As for BMW's I had my R1150RT for 10 years, never had anything go wrong execpt for the plastic speedo drive sprocket on the front hub. I bought my K1600GTL one year old with 1500 miles on it, had it now for four years, has only cost me tires and oil changes, the big 30,000 Km service was $600, not too bad IMHO. I take my Beemer to a small shop with two mechanics that have many years of Ducati and BMW dealership experience that opened their own shop, very reasonable and competent techs.

[timonbik]

Whatever you buy, FJR, Trophy or Concours make sure service is up to date.  Unlike Guzzi's the valve adjustment on these bikes runs $1000 PLUS!!!!!

[NWrider]

I replaced a 1997 BMW 1100 RT with a 2007 FJR for riding double.    The BMW had about an extra inch in length to the seat than the FJR and I had to replace the top triple clamp with longer cast bars  + lower foot pegs to make it comfortable.  But with those mods I rode about 23000 miles double with it.  I've also had 2 2valve Norges and an 8 valve Norge.   The later model came with bars more like Heli bars on the 2valver.  However, for me, even lowering the pegs with Honda Goldwing pegs,  my legs are too cramped.   The seat area on the Norges are about 1" less than on the FJR and would not work for me riding double.   6'1" and 32" inseam for comparison.  Power wise between the bikes mentioned -- FJR is king.

[PJPR01]

All good observations for sure!

NW...I didn't know you had so many versions of the Norge...interesting that you're back to a 2V now having had an 8V!  I love my 2V Norge, but as you say, it's not the most comfortable for a passenger.

My only disappointment so far, not having ridden one yet which I'm sure will be fun, is trying to find a local dealer that has one in stock and that all the new ones are a boring dark grey graphite, so it doesn't appear that for 2021 there is anything but grey! 

I'm hesitant to get a used one due to the known transmission issue, as far as I can tell, the recall issue is up thru and including the 2020's, but 2021 should be free of the problem...I hope I am reading it correctly.

The search continues...hoping that in the next couple of weekends I can find a local one to take it for a spin.

[Stanok666]

Sorry for going off-topic,  but can anybody confirm that a 17" laptop can be carried in Norge side case?
Thanks.

[Gliderjohn]

Probalby not. My 13" filled it pretty well up.
GliderJohn

[JJ]

Just my humble opinion...the Yamaha FJR 1300 and the Guzzi Norge 1200 are NOT in the same category...

One is a high-speed sport touring bike...and the other is an adventure touring bike...

(...just sayin')

[Motormike]

I've never heard the Norge described as an adventure touring bike...tongue-in-cheek, perhaps?  Besides, everybody knows the FJR is the ultimate in off-road adventure riding:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWng5pEtgkg&t=203s

 

(PS: never buy a used motorcycle from this guy! )

[JJ]

I've never heard the Norge described as an adventure touring bike...tongue-in-cheek, perhaps?  Besides, everybody knows the FJR is the ultimate in off-road adventure riding:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWng5pEtgkg&t=203s

 

(PS: never buy a used motorcycle from this guy! )

OK....you are right...The Stelvio was the more "adventure" touring bike.  

Maybe the Norge is just a plain ol'...."touring bike."