Thanks for all the comments folks! I've just got back from a 5000 mile tour to the Arctic Circle in Norway and the bike didn't miss a beat. Video will be on the channel soon.
Thanks for an honest review and letting everyone know about crappy reliability of BMW bikes. I don't think any other manufacturer comes close to Yamaha in build quality and reliability
Reliability - it's the primary reason many people I know (including myself) have moved away from BMW OR seriously thinking on moving away from the brand. This goes for bikes and cars.
Fits right in with me. I bought a BMW R1200RT and now am in the process of offing it - it's gone into limp mode one to many times. If I can't trust it, it's of no use to me. I'm going back to Japanese. I had a ST1300 up to 90k miles and never a problem; I'll likely go for the FJR since Honda has abandoned the sport touring market.
Had the ST1300 in Colorado where it was awesome going over passes, and to WY, and NM on weekend trips. Moved to MS, and now ride a 2018 FJR1300ES. Both are awesome, to bad Honda discontinued the ST. Rode a BMW 1200 RT, and loved the feel, just didn't think it was worth the asking price.
I would totally agree with you. The FJR is one of the most reliable bikes out there and It's a dream to service ( if you do your own). Even at 69, I plan to drive my four year old FJR for as long as I can. :)
69, you've got me by 8 years, Bill. You don't have to convince me. I own a 2013 Yamaha Fjr1300a. When I bought it, in 2013, used, it had 2832 miles on it. Now today I have over 56,000 miles on it. The only problem I've ever had is the cruise control cancel switch, located in the front brake lever, recently went bad. Co-incidentally, Yamaha has issued a recall on the bike for that. The Yamaha dealer replaced it for free. It took about two hours. I do my own periodic maintenance, and even if I didn't, the Yamaha doesn't break your piggy bank. I've owned eleven motorcycles. I'm nearly sixty-one years old, and have been riding for 42 years. This will be my last motorcycle. The Fjr that is. If I ever replace it, it will be for another Fjr. I've traveled on my bike, and will do more trips. My last long trip was in 2016. Nearly 8000 miles, in 20 days. One day I rode from Peoria, Illinois, to Rapid City, South Dakota. It ended up being 952 miles. In one day folks. The Fjr is comfortable, smooth, absolutely reliable, fast, and if like myself you install a top box, and have a roll top bag, will carry whatever you need for an extended journey. I've never owned a BMW, motorcycle or car. Before retirement, I was an federally licensed aircraft mechanic for 33 years. Before that I was a trained automotive mechanic. I've seen it all. I've worked on German cars, American cars, Italian cars, Swedish cars(Volvo, and Saab), as well as French Peugeot, and Japanese cars. I wouldn't own a European car, neither would I own a European motorcycle. It really sort of "grates on me" how some of the automobile and motorcycle magazines, over the years, have always written with a bias toward European vehicles. Obviously the writers never owned them, and had to keep them running. Imagine owning a k1600, coming from a very reliable Japanese bike, and thinking that you're sort of graduating up to a more expensive BMW, that supposedly is a better performer than your Japanese machine. Then you discover, that BMW seems to be more oriented toward taking your money, than to providing you with a truly superior brand machine, like they'd have you believe. I know two dealerships, that sell several brands of bikes, that no longer handle BMW's. I can imagine why. If you're the owner of that dealership, trying to build a loyal customer following, for repeat business, and you're selling something that is more expensive than the competition, that you know darn well, is going to break, you can't in good conscience, or as a smart business man, handle a machine, that's going to disappoint your customer, and leave them pissed off at you for selling it. My bottom line is this folks............. Stop buying BMW's, unless you're wealthy and can afford to throw money out the window, for the dubious distinction of saying you own a German motorcycle. Just maybe, BMW will then get the message, that we're tired of them selling C-R-A-P to people who work for a living.
Couldn't agree more! I just got rid of my second BMW R1200RT (2011) in favor of an amazing FJR 1300AE (2007) (My second FJR). I LOVE IT! My BMWs proved to be WAY too expensive to operate and maintain. I loved the handling of the RT, and the FJR is a little tougher in turns, but WAY more powerful. Best of luck with your FJR!
FJR is the best motorcycle ever made in my opinion! I have A2016 ES model I'm in Canada. Moved to this bike from a Yamaha venturer, classic styling. The electronics, abs and cruise control, along with the suspention options make this bike the nearest thing to perfection! Too many other factors to mention here, is simply the best there is! ❤
Hey Steve thanks for your comment. Even after a couple of days, I already know I'll be keeping this beauty for a very very long time. It's everything I loved about my 2006 FJR, but with a few modern improvements that takes it to a whole new level of perfection. Take care.
I've watched quite a few k1600 videos now as I was considering buying one. I'm glad I found your video! No one else has mentioned the reliability of the Beemer at all!
I’d speculate BMWs get better reliability marks than they deserve due to owners are older, mechanically inclined, well heeled with lots of spare time on their hands
@@coastalhillbilly3419 Personally, I think once they commit to a "brand", like a team, they stick with it. For better or worse. Sort of like Jeep owners. The breakdown rate on them is outrageous, but the owners will never complain. They just shovel money into them, hoping... "this is the last time"! LOL! And it never is. I don't understand it? I'm loyal to reliability, not a brand. Cheers
Watch teapotone here on youtube where Bruce borrows a new K1600 from a dealership with a view to tour around the UK within 24hrs non stop. He was having great fun on it until he was being towed back to the dealership in the middle of the night!
You won’t regret the FJR Steve. Had one for years and it was solid, no issues. My mate also dumped his K1600 GT for similar reasons. Thanks for the VR vids, really enjoying the channel, it’s really enhancing the hobby. Keep the shiny side up and stay safe!
Hey Richard cheers mate I loved my old FJR and rode the wheels off the thing, never went wrong. I can't believe the trouble I've had with the Beemer already. Really appreciate your support to the channel it means a lot, more flight sim vids are inbound. Take care.
I have heard the same comments from MANY owners of the BMW K1600GT/L re switch gear issues and coil problems. NO thanks BMW! I like the FJR, I had a 2003 one but I found it small and I felt like I was sitting on top of it. Love the power of RUclips!
I have had multiple oil and coolant leak issues with my 2018 F850GS. I am tired of service visits and getting overcharged for basic maintenance... I ride mostly on asphalt commuting / short trips on weekends. I may consider an FJR before they are discontinued. My experience with BMW has been disappointing and expensive as well. BMW spent their time on shiny TFT screens, complicated electronics and forgot to build proper trouble free machines. Mine has an engine built in china that leaks at 9200kms - valve cover gasket is being replaced for the 2nd time. Fellow rider , flight simmer and rc modeler ✌️
I agree with you. Very timely video. I'm getting back into motorcycles after being away from them for 11 yrs. I'm in my 50s now with a wife so I was looking at more of a sport touring bike. I had the BMW 1600B or the GT on my list. After watching this video they are no longer on my list. By the time you finish choosing options on these beemers they are near 30k. I have an old friend of mine that has an FJR1300 with over 100,000 miles on it and still riding it. For 30k the beemers should run flawlessly not in the shop every couple of months.... 😡🤬
@@jamesmelendez4549 You've made the right choice James. Glad I stopped you making a huge mistake. This is not good enough from BMW. They need to get their act together. I'm absolutely loving my FJR. Safe riding
Thank you. you’ve brought my dilemma to an end after thinking and over thinking Bmw or Yamaha FJR I’m going for the FJR. Never had a tourer before so here goes. Thanks again for you review.
Cheers. I have a 74k 2002 fjr. And was looking at a k1600 with 10k on it. After watching this. I sticking with the FJR, don't fix what ain't broke as they say.
Interesting take. I just traded my 2020 FJR 1300 for a 2022 BMW K1600GT. Huge upgrade! I loved the FJR, but it has it’s fair share of issues. I just got back from a 6000km trip on my FJR which opened my eyes to a few issues unfortunately, long distance comfort being the biggest. The other issue of note was an oil leak that only surfaced when the machine got hot. Very annoying to say the least. You could literally see the oil seeping out from the engine seals and it kept splattering across my left boot and pant leg. Unacceptable for a bike with only ~5000km on it at the time. The other thing that I noticed is how top heavy and hard to handle the FJR can be at low parking lot speeds. The K1600 is substantially better in this regard, which is really quite an accomplishment given it’s size and weight. I was truly shocked at how much better the K1600 handles over the FJR. The engine and gearbox is infinitely smoother and the K1600 is a few levels higher in terms of refinement, as it should be given the price difference. You get what you pay for as they say. We’ll see how the K1600 fairs when it comes to reliability, as I’m planning to keep this one long term.
I had to laugh whilst reading this, since my opinion is the polar opposite, it sounds like you had a bad egg in this case I'm sorry to hear. However, so long as you're happy with your new K16 that's all that matters. I hope you enjoy the ride for many many years to come.
No doubt. I had to laugh as well. Sounds like you yourself had a bad egg with the K1600. The FJR is still a great bike, but I’m much happier with the K1600GT. Enjoy your FJR!
2018 K1600 GTL here, outside of the transmission recall, I've replaced the tires once in 10k miles. Oh, it has LED lightning except for the halogen high beams and HID low beams.
Sure am glad I ran across this video. When I first saw the K1600 around 6 months ago, I knew that I wanted one. That was until I discovered that the nearest dealerships to me were Atlanta, GA and Charleston, SC. Roughly 200 miles to Atlanta and 140 to Charleston. Then, there's the cost of maintenance. I quickly decided I didn't need a BMW that bad. I did not know about reliability issues.
the early k1600’s did have water pump leaks and switchgear issues but usually anything after 14 is safe coils do go but extended warranty covers it. that’s an older k16 so a little apples to oranges. i actually traded a 15 fjr for a leftover 15 k1600. i found the k1600 way more comfortable and easier to ride.
Sorry to bother,,,are you saying the new BMWk1600GTL has fixed those problems now ,,,please advice ,, I am looking to purchase one ,,,but still not sure yet because of bad review I hear ,,,looking forward to hear your advice, thanks
My FJR was born April 6th of this year and she has been AWESOME! She is one of the first in the U.S. fro Japan. I hope that you enjoy yours as much as I do mine. Keep both wheels down! 👍😎
I've had my FJR1300 for 14years now and loved every mile on it. Unfortunately I needed to downsize two year ago and very reluctant to sell her but I need the space back. If anyone has a FJR1300 or older FJR my best advice is to have it serviced at the FJR centre near Bristol as I can 100% recommend them. Well worth travelling if you need to and make ot a day out as the guys really know them inside and out 👍
just watched your vid, and would just like to say. I'm a convert to the FJR 1300, and I was immediately impressed with the bike. Now I'm looking forward to the spring to get back out on it. ride safe Bro.
I rented a K1600GT in London and toured over 2400 miles through France, Switzerland, and Italy. I found the bike extremely heavy, bags were heavy without anything in them. The acceleration did not merit the huge inline six engine. It overheated continuously in Cassis as I struggled to find my hotel driving slowly through hills. Only plus was it had cruise control. Never got comfortable with the controls, especially for the stereo. FJR or Concours all the way!!!
Interesting comments. I'm on my second FJR, the latest I've owned since 2006 with no major issues. Toured with it all over EU, and as far as Armenia and Russia without any problems and not even a puncture! I've been looking at changing it for years but I haven't found anything in the same league with a shaft. Boy was I annoyed when they decided to stop production.
Love the FJR (as you know😉). Although that’s a little newer than mine. I really like the dash layout and the menus are the same as my Super Tenere. Very intuitive. Really interesting video, thanks for sharing.
Hey mate thanks for popping over to watch my little video, what an honour :) I've yet to go for a "proper" ride on my new FJR to mess around with its fancy features. I may even do a vlog or two. Take care and thanks for watching :)
I was going to buy a new K1600GT back in 2012 then I heard about the transmission problems with bikes needing whole new modified gearboxes. Not what I expected from BMW. I bought a Yamaha FJR1300 instead and it ran like a Swiss watch for 8 years/85,000 miles. So, now I look again at the K1600 and, surprise surprise, they still have transmission issues
Last bike I owned was the original GPZ900R. Saw Tom Cruise ride it in Top Gun and next day I owned a copy :) Too old for biking now and too dangerous where I live but God do I miss not only the biking but the nods from other bikers, the fact if you dropped it or had a breakdown, another biker would stop and help no matter the weather. Good times. Sad to see someone say the BM has so many problems. Time was when they were the standard for quality, comfort, safety and while every red blooded male on a GT250 or RD250 hated them, we secretly admired them too. The old boxer twins were bomb proof.
Hey Jeff, I wonder if they'll recreate that scene in the new Top Gun with the modern equivalent! Riding is in my blood, I'd really struggle without a bike that's for sure. I think BMW make bullet proof Twins, it's mainly this particular engine design, being a straight 6 it's a relatively new design for them and it's been fraught with problems sadly. Having said all that, most of their newer range has some kind of reoccurring issues these days, it's just not acceptable for the money you pay. Take care!
I have a couple of FJR's, one driven daily and pretty one only used for long trips. As long as you carry a spare starter relay then you'll be fine on the FJR.
Prior to my recently obtained 2016 K 1600 GT I had my 09 FJR 1300 as my only bike from August 2009. In the 11+ years I've owned my FJR I only had one fairly simple problem; 1!. In the one year I've owned the K1600 GT I've had three problems but fortunately all were covered under warranty. With that said, i tend to agree with your reasons to switch bikes; I don't like expensive headaches either. I wanted a BMW (in particular a K1200 RS) for so many years but was afraid of maintrnance costs. I have a bit more money now so I took a chance on the K which despite a few shortcomings is really a terrific upper echelon sport tourer. Whenever the K was in the shop and I had to ride my FJR I really missed it because it does everything better than the FJR! That's not easy to say because the FJR is more than capable. However, if you read any of the sport tourer comparisons most prefer the big K to everything else except when it comes to price. Nevertheless, you will enjoy your FJR and certainly won't have the same headaches the K can give when it's not right, but you will miss the power of that 6 cylinder engine, the seat comfort , ease at which you can carve up twisties without having to constantly downshift, etc. In the end, no matter what you ride just enjoy and be safe out there.
This mirrors my early impressions going from the FJR to the K1600GT. Simply put, it does everything better. The K1600GT has addressed all the issues that I had with my FJR. If reliability holds up, I will be a happy camper for many years to come.
You don't have to convince me. I own a 2013 Yamaha Fjr1300a. When I bought it, in 2013, used, it had 2832 miles on it. Now today I have over 56,000 miles on it. The only problem I've ever had is the cruise control cancel switch, located in the front brake lever, recently went bad. Co-incidentally, Yamaha has issued a recall on the bike for that. The Yamaha dealer replaced it for free. It took about two hours. I do my own periodic maintenance, and even if I didn't, the Yamaha doesn't break your piggy bank. I've owned eleven motorcycles. I'm nearly sixty-one years old, and have been riding for 42 years. This will be my last motorcycle. The Fjr that is. If I ever replace it, it will be for another Fjr. I've traveled on my bike, and will do more trips. My last long trip was in 2016. Nearly 8000 miles, in 20 days. One day I rode from Peoria, Illinois, to Rapid City, South Dakota. It ended up being 952 miles. In one day folks. The Fjr is comfortable, smooth, absolutely reliable, fast, and if like myself you install a top box, and have a roll top bag, will carry whatever you need for an extended journey. I've never owned a BMW, motorcycle or car. Before retirement, I was an federally licensed aircraft mechanic for 33 years. Before that I was a trained automotive mechanic. I've seen it all. I've worked on German cars, American cars, Italian cars, Swedish cars(Volvo, and Saab), as well as French Peugeot, and Japanese cars. I wouldn't own a European car, neither would I own a European motorcycle. It really sort of "grates on me" how some of the automobile and motorcycle magazines, over the years, have always written with a bias toward European vehicles. Obviously the writers never owned them, and had to keep them running. Imagine owning a k1600, coming from a very reliable Japanese bike, and thinking that you're sort of graduating up to a more expensive BMW, that supposedly is a better performer than your Japanese machine. Then you discover, that BMW seems to be more oriented toward taking your money, than to providing you with a truly superior brand machine, like they'd have you believe. I know two dealerships, that sell several brands of bikes, that no longer handle BMW's. I can imagine why. If you're the owner of that dealership, trying to build a loyal customer following, for repeat business, and you're selling something that is more expensive than the competition, that you know darn well, is going to break, you can't in good conscience, or as a smart business man, handle a machine, that's going to disappoint your customer, and leave them pissed off at you for selling it. My bottom line is this folks............. Stop buying BMW's, unless you're wealthy and can afford to throw money out the window, for the dubious distinction of saying you own a German motorcycle. Just maybe, BMW will then get the message, that we're tired of them selling C-R-A-P to people who work for a living.
I was never a big Yammie fan, until I bought a 2007 XT660R with 104,000km on the clock. That bike changed my perception of Yamaha. Truly bulletproof. Last year I upgraded to the XT1200Z (2012), and loving it. Will keep it for another few years, and then decide of I'm sticking with XT1200 or changing to FJR. I love the look of the FJR. Goldwing is my absolute dream bike, but can't afford a newish model just yet.
So glad I watched your vid, I’ve been thinking about upgrading from my 2nd Gen FJR and was thinking BMW but I’ve heard of reliability issues with BMW. I think a 3rd Gen FJR seems on the cards now
@@VRFlightSimGuy thanks. I found a nice 2015 for $10k I think I’m gonna pull the trigger on. I know it doesn’t have the slipper clutch or the 6 gear but I think it’s still a good deal with only 1500 miles
I bought a 2014 FJR 1300 back in March of this year and I absolutely love this bike, Drove it today to work actually, it smokes all my buddy's Harley's with ease lol
Yamaha was rated the number 1 most reliable even above Honda which surprised me. The service ,parts ,& labor r much less expensive. . Yamaha is my favorite as I have 3 . Raptor 700 4 wheeler fjr & a new tracer 9 GT . 👍
A "no brainer", isn't it ? Sticking to the reliability and performance, you know....... You don't have to convince me. I own a 2013 Yamaha Fjr1300a. When I bought it, in 2013, used, it had 2832 miles on it. Now today I have over 56,000 miles on it. The only problem I've ever had is the cruise control cancel switch, located in the front brake lever, recently went bad. Co-incidentally, Yamaha has issued a recall on the bike for that. The Yamaha dealer replaced it for free. It took about two hours. I do my own periodic maintenance, and even if I didn't, the Yamaha doesn't break your piggy bank. I've owned eleven motorcycles. I'm nearly sixty-one years old, and have been riding for 42 years. This will be my last motorcycle. The Fjr that is. If I ever replace it, it will be for another Fjr. I've traveled on my bike, and will do more trips. My last long trip was in 2016. Nearly 8000 miles, in 20 days. One day I rode from Peoria, Illinois, to Rapid City, South Dakota. It ended up being 952 miles. In one day folks. The Fjr is comfortable, smooth, absolutely reliable, fast, and if like myself you install a top box, and have a roll top bag, will carry whatever you need for an extended journey. I've never owned a BMW, motorcycle or car. Before retirement, I was an federally licensed aircraft mechanic for 33 years. Before that I was a trained automotive mechanic. I've seen it all. I've worked on German cars, American cars, Italian cars, Swedish cars(Volvo, and Saab), as well as French Peugeot, and Japanese cars. I wouldn't own a European car, neither would I own a European motorcycle. It really sort of "grates on me" how some of the automobile and motorcycle magazines, over the years, have always written with a bias toward European vehicles. Obviously the writers never owned them, and had to keep them running. Imagine owning a k1600, coming from a very reliable Japanese bike, and thinking that you're sort of graduating up to a more expensive BMW, that supposedly is a better performer than your Japanese machine. Then you discover, that BMW seems to be more oriented toward taking your money, than to providing you with a truly superior brand machine, like they'd have you believe. I know two dealerships, that sell several brands of bikes, that no longer handle BMW's. I can imagine why. If you're the owner of that dealership, trying to build a loyal customer following, for repeat business, and you're selling something that is more expensive than the competition, that you know darn well, is going to break, you can't in good conscience, or as a smart business man, handle a machine, that's going to disappoint your customer, and leave them pissed off at you for selling it. My bottom line is this folks............. Stop buying BMW's, unless you're wealthy and can afford to throw money out the window, for the dubious distinction of saying you own a German motorcycle. Just maybe, BMW will then get the message, that we're tired of them selling C-R-A-P to people who work for a living.
Adding a FJR to my garage. I ride a Goldwing which is an outstanding machine. FJR is the alter ego of a Wing, lighter and faster, faster and lighter! Performaning the vast majority of service myself the FJR is notably easier having much less plastic to remove. Two completely different bikes that are difficult to group together but perfect garage mates.
The FJR is an Iron Butt favorite. Just sublime. Ride safe and ride often. Japanese know reliability. Sure wished they’d believe in the solid Sport Touring market. If they did they would most assuredly have a TFT screen.
I'm just about to buy my third FJR. Don't know why I bought anything else, frankly. Thought I'd get one more before they discontinue them. Great bikes.
I owned a ST1100 for 20 years without any issues and had a look ar the BMW as well, but I also heard other people mentioning the reliability issues and changed my ST1100 for a VFR1200F. A fantastic machine. Wish you many happy miles on your FJR
As a proud owner of a trouble-free FJR1300AE (1919 model) for over 26,000 km so far, I fully agree with the views expressed in the video and comments below. I test rode many bikes, including the BMW K1600GT, before the purchase and chose the FJR because it had crisper throttle response (the K1600 felt sluggish) and I liked the smoothness and silence of the engine / exhaust combination more than the K1600 combo. Price was not a consideration (I actually wanted to spend big) but the FJR seemed to be the better bike for me. Its lower price was a bonus. Now that there are many reports of unreliability with the K1600, I'm glad I made the decision I did. The BMW K1600 is a nice concept, but clearly it is not as rigorously executed as its Japanese rival. The Japanese really are fantastic engineers. I've owned many other Japanese bikes and one R series BMW (R100RT) over the years (I've been riding for nearly 50 years) and the only bike i ever had any trouble with was the BMW. Not good enough BMW, please lift your game, your engineering thus far is grossly overrated.
I too, "couldn't agree more". You don't have to convince me. I own a 2013 Yamaha Fjr1300a. When I bought it, in 2013, used, it had 2832 miles on it. Now today I have over 56,000 miles on it. The only problem I've ever had is the cruise control cancel switch, located in the front brake lever, recently went bad. Co-incidentally, Yamaha has issued a recall on the bike for that. The Yamaha dealer replaced it for free. It took about two hours. I do my own periodic maintenance, and even if I didn't, the Yamaha doesn't break your piggy bank. I've owned eleven motorcycles. I'm nearly sixty-one years old, and have been riding for 42 years. This will be my last motorcycle. The Fjr that is. If I ever replace it, it will be for another Fjr. I've traveled on my bike, and will do more trips. My last long trip was in 2016. Nearly 8000 miles, in 20 days. One day I rode from Peoria, Illinois, to Rapid City, South Dakota. It ended up being 952 miles. In one day folks. The Fjr is comfortable, smooth, absolutely reliable, fast, and if like myself you install a top box, and have a roll top bag, will carry whatever you need for an extended journey. I've never owned a BMW, motorcycle or car. Before retirement, I was an federally licensed aircraft mechanic for 33 years. Before that I was a trained automotive mechanic. I've seen it all. I've worked on German cars, American cars, Italian cars, Swedish cars(Volvo, and Saab), as well as French Peugeot, and Japanese cars. I wouldn't own a European car, neither would I own a European motorcycle. It really sort of "grates on me" how some of the automobile and motorcycle magazines, over the years, have always written with a bias toward European vehicles. Obviously the writers never owned them, and had to keep them running. Imagine owning a k1600, coming from a very reliable Japanese bike, and thinking that you're sort of graduating up to a more expensive BMW, that supposedly is a better performer than your Japanese machine. Then you discover, that BMW seems to be more oriented toward taking your money, than to providing you with a truly superior brand machine, like they'd have you believe. I know two dealerships, that sell several brands of bikes, that no longer handle BMW's. I can imagine why. If you're the owner of that dealership, trying to build a loyal customer following, for repeat business, and you're selling something that is more expensive than the competition, that you know darn well, is going to break, you can't in good conscience, or as a smart business man, handle a machine, that's going to disappoint your customer, and leave them pissed off at you for selling it. My bottom line is this folks............. Stop buying BMW's, unless you're wealthy and can afford to throw money out the window, for the dubious distinction of saying you own a German motorcycle. Just maybe, BMW will then get the message, that we're tired of them selling C-R-A-P to people who work for a living.
@letitrest4662 Good Lord, totally tribal response...we vs them, Coke vs Pepsi and HD vs the rest😂😂😂. As if he spoke for all of us 🙄. I got to own both, GT and FJR, GS and Supertenere, MT-01 and RT.....each one of them put a smile on my face, heaven on earth. Ideology has no foundation, period.
After looking through numerous replies, I was reminded of something. First of all, before I go into this, I'm going to tell the folks who didn't read my long reply, below, that I'm almost 61 years old, and a retired aircraft mechanic. I worked for Delta Airlines, for 32 years. From the time I was a kid, I was always tinkering with gasoline powered machines. It sort of started with my old neighbor, a retired machinist from Caterpillar Tractor Company, giving me an old Lawnboy two stroke engine, mounted to a small pallet. I was about 10 years old. I must have taken that apart and put it back together, a dozen times, using my dads tools. From the time I was about 14, for Christmas my folks bought me hand tools. My family had a few old cars, one of which was an "oil burner", that would foul the spark plugs, every few weeks. So I would take the plugs out, and either wire brush and clean them with gasoline, or take them to a local service station of a friend, and use his spark plug sand blaster to clean them. From then on, I was the 14 year old, in the neighborhood, that was tuning up cars. Points, plugs, spark plug wires, you name it........ Rebuilding carburetors too. I always enjoyed reading, Car and Driver, Road and Track, Motor Trend, Wards Auto Week, Cycle Guide, and a few other motorcycle magazines. I was into it. My oldest brother had an engineering degree, and worked for Caterpillar. He once told me, that I should study engineering, but I was hands on. A gear head. Back in the late 1970's- or early 1980's, I can't remember now, exactly when, I read an article in one of the motorcycle magazines, about the "Iron Butt Motorcycle Rally". An invitational rally. Then.... it was thirty participants, with a $1000 dollar entrance fee. The first place prize was $30,000 The writer, wrote about the rally that year, which at the time was 10,000 miles in ten days. There was a few photos. I was INTO IT ! So cool. He mentioned someone on a Goldwing, having fallen asleep, and riding off the road into a swamp in Mississippi. How does this relate to motorcycle reliability, you may be asking ? One of the reasons, I remember this, is because I was ALL into the idea of German car performance. I was seeing and working on the C-R-A-P that Detroit was putting out, in the 1970's, that for me was seriously depressing, after the 60's muscle cars, and so I idolized the BMW's especially. I would have given my right arm for a 3 series, back then. What stuck in my mind, the most, at that point, having just read about the, Iron Butt Rally, was that the writer stated that, " The only motorcycles that broke down in the rally, were, Harley Davidson's, and BMW's" ... I knew ahead of time that Harley's were not reliable. Especially back then, when AMF owned them, but "BMW"....... That was my first eye opener.
Good vid Sry you had a bad experience with K1600. So far I’ve been very impressed with with my K1600GA I’ve had her for over a year from new done over 4000 miles, mostly two up and touring. No issues sweet as a nut. I’ve also found BMW customer service to be one of the best including services at most of the dealers I’ve been to except one.. I also own a Honda very reliable Honda service very depent on the Dealership you use. But am a Honda and a converted BMW fan. But Yamahas are good bikes but some can be expensive to repair like BMW if go Wong also down to dealership you use. Hope you enjoy you’re new beast👍 I’ve also found with ant Vechles I’ve with so called reliable ones you can always have a Bad Egg eg Friday afternoon one.
Hey Tiger thanks for your comment and congrats on your beautiful K16GT. I'm glad you are enjoying it. Like you say its always a gamble whichever machine you buy! Take care and I hope you can get out and ride with all this lock down stuff.
I have never understood the snob appeal of a BMW car or bike when they have so many reliability issues. What good is a car or bike that leaves you sitting on the side of the road? For me, that is the most important job of your transportation is to always get you back home, but the BMW's constantly break down and that goes for every friend that's owned one. However, everyone I've known with a Toyota/Lexus or Honda/Yamaha, has zero issues with break downs. I would think the word would have gotten out to everyone by now but nope, BMW's are still getting suckers everyday to buy their beautiful crap that breaks and also costs way more to buy and service. I had the very first Yamaha 1100 in Miami in 1978 and rode it all over the country and my state for years, no problems. It was the most advance bike of the day back then and the fastest too. I was living large at 20 years old and I almost bought another bike two years ago after a long time off. Between the Gold Wing, FJR and the BMW 1600, I like them all but after much research it was between Honda and Yamaha just because I won't buy something that breaks and leaves me stranded. I ended up buying a Lexus GS F. I love it. 467 HP, and fantastic everything on it, it is fun, but it's not a bike so I'm back to thinking about getting one. Hard to justify two expensive machines to drive though. Half the year in Miami it's too hot and wet to ride in comfort but the winters are great, I might try it one more time just because that FJR seems so sweat to ride. I know I would love it.
Very strange you had all those issues with the K1600. Is yours a 2012? I own a 2017 GTL with about 6,000 mi now, purchased brand new, and I had absolutely zero issues with it. That 160hp in line six is absolutely incredible, quick shift works like a charm, very hard to see any other bikes on the road that pull like it (crotch rockets being the exception).
You won't have any issues at such low mileage (or at least I hope not). But I expect to get at least 100,000 miles out of a motorcycle, hence why it wasn't for me. Enjoy your K16, I still think they're an awesome steed.
Thinking of getting more of a touring bike as plan on doing more touring here in UK and Europe if things settle down next year. I have an ST sprint 1050 but I find that to small for wife, myself, luggage and kitchen sink with 20 pairs of shoes.Also have ZZR 1400 which is such a beast and I love it but now 62 years old and knees start to creak after long day riding. FJR is sort of topping the list now but I find it hard to bid farewell to the mighty ZZR and all that power. Power that can't really use if you want to keep your licence. Was looking at those BMW as well but not an option now, I need reliability.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I used to have a Sprint. Lovely bikes! Never ridden the mighty ZZR but I had a Blackbird for many years (put over 100k miles on two), but I'd recommend test riding the latest gen 3 FJR. They're the best of both worlds really, stonking inline power, but built to last and take you and your partner's 100 pairs of shoes to the south of France (I only know as I have the same packing issue haha).Cheers!
Me too ! You don't have to convince me. I own a 2013 Yamaha Fjr1300a. When I bought it, in 2013, used, it had 2832 miles on it. Now today I have over 56,000 miles on it. The only problem I've ever had is the cruise control cancel switch, located in the front brake lever, recently went bad. Co-incidentally, Yamaha has issued a recall on the bike for that. The Yamaha dealer replaced it for free. It took about two hours. I do my own periodic maintenance, and even if I didn't, the Yamaha doesn't break your piggy bank. I've owned eleven motorcycles. I'm nearly sixty-one years old, and have been riding for 42 years. This will be my last motorcycle. The Fjr that is. If I ever replace it, it will be for another Fjr. I've traveled on my bike, and will do more trips. My last long trip was in 2016. Nearly 8000 miles, in 20 days. One day I rode from Peoria, Illinois, to Rapid City, South Dakota. It ended up being 952 miles. In one day folks. The Fjr is comfortable, smooth, absolutely reliable, fast, and if like myself you install a top box, and have a roll top bag, will carry whatever you need for an extended journey. I've never owned a BMW, motorcycle or car. Before retirement, I was an federally licensed aircraft mechanic for 33 years. Before that I was a trained automotive mechanic. I've seen it all. I've worked on German cars, American cars, Italian cars, Swedish cars(Volvo, and Saab), as well as French Peugeot, and Japanese cars. I wouldn't own a European car, neither would I own a European motorcycle. It really sort of "grates on me" how some of the automobile and motorcycle magazines, over the years, have always written with a bias toward European vehicles. Obviously the writers never owned them, and had to keep them running. Imagine owning a k1600, coming from a very reliable Japanese bike, and thinking that you're sort of graduating up to a more expensive BMW, that supposedly is a better performer than your Japanese machine. Then you discover, that BMW seems to be more oriented toward taking your money, than to providing you with a truly superior brand machine, like they'd have you believe. I know two dealerships, that sell several brands of bikes, that no longer handle BMW's. I can imagine why. If you're the owner of that dealership, trying to build a loyal customer following, for repeat business, and you're selling something that is more expensive than the competition, that you know darn well, is going to break, you can't in good conscience, or as a smart business man, handle a machine, that's going to disappoint your customer, and leave them pissed off at you for selling it. My bottom line is this folks............. Stop buying BMW's, unless you're wealthy and can afford to throw money out the window, for the dubious distinction of saying you own a German motorcycle. Just maybe, BMW will then get the message, that we're tired of them selling C-R-A-P to people who work for a living.
Not properly an FJR , but a 15 year old japanese bike, 2006 1st gen Kawasaki ZZR1400 owner here, completely stock, except for Leo Vinci pipes. I purchased her on 2015 with 79k km (49k ml). I didn't know her previous history, but that didn't put me off, as I'm used to japanese bikes. By now it shows 151k km (roughly 94k ml) on the clocks. I do my own maintenance. Since I own it, besides regular consumables, I've had a shorted battery, a fused bulb (city light bulb, one of those small bulbs on the top sides of the headlights) and both sides plastic air duct covers have had their top fixing tabs broken. Would a K1600 be as reliable? Online reports, to be belived, tell they wouldn't. Older bikes, such as my ZZR (it even isn't the ABS model) are more simple electronically. Modern bikes, particularly BMW's are loaded with electronic gizmos that I'm sure some will fail on the long run. Only time and miles will tell if they can be as reliable as older, more simple machines. One other issue is that Japanese bikes are designed to be easy and economical to maintain and in most cases they require regular tools. But comparing it to BMW in general, proprietary or special tools are required, in many cases. In my bike's particular case, due to the over the engine top monocoque frame design, spark plug change and valve adjustment are not the easiest jobs to do, due to engine top/frame clearance, but that is an exception. Air filtre replacement/maintenance is a breeze, though. All my maintenance is done with regular metric and general tools. Also, in general, japanese engines valve adjustments require shims to be replaced and aftermarket shims are available, if you wish; BMW K series engines require tappets/buckets to be replaced, as in BMW's case, tappets have different thicknesses and there are no shims. Much more expensive and a proprietary design. As others have sated, my opinion is that a K1600 must be an outstanding bike to own while warranty lasts, if you can afford it and ride/tour a lot, mainly on open road. But do you really need a radio?! And is the bike's design right, since reverse was introduced on the 2nd gen?! Ride safe everyone
I switched from an FJR a K1600 GT about a year ago and haven’t looked back. The FJR does fine on long rides, but the BMW is a night and day difference. Then there’s the recalls. The FJR had to many recalls that came with a “DO NOT RIDE” disclaimer, oh but no parts available for the recall for several months to a year. On top of that no compensation for spending $15000 for a brand new bike that, according to the manufacturer should not be ridden. My K1600 has been bullet proof, and the dealer service is heads and tails above the Yamaha/Honda/Kawasaki/Kimco/Spyder/Slingshot dealer that I had to go to for maintenance. Not to mention that the FJR’s tech really hasn’t been upgraded in 15-20 years. No thanks. I’ll keep my Big K.
Years later we've been on many tours (shown on the channel), including Norway, Ireland and Croatia. Best bike in the world. I hope the viewing goes well :)
Nearly 60,000 miles on my 2013 FJR1300a now. Never a breakdown, A bad cruise control cancel switch in the front brake lever, last year. Yamaha replaced it free of charge, on a recall. NO ONE has to convince this 43 year motorcyclist...... the FJR is "the cat's pajamas". I love mine a little more, every time I ride.
It's shame you've had so many problems with your K1600. Nevertheless I believe people tend to get biased based on their one time experiences. I've owned 8 Ducatis which aren't well-known for their reliability either, but the 2 Kawasakis I also had caused many more issues than these 8 Ducatis alltogether...
3 года назад
Since VW took control over Ducati years ago, reliability issus are much much less..
I love the Yammie but yes it is a bit too sporty in its ergonomics for me, seriously thought about getting one, then I rode the RT wow what a great bike, so of course I bought the GSA! Better dash, better lighting, heaps of suspension travel and since I live in Australia the massive fuel tank comes in handy too. Things we do. Nice bike though👍
You just inadvertently answered a question I have been asking myself for a while now: The power of the BMW GS or a less powerful Honda Africa Twin. I'm going to settle for the less powerful but more reliable Honda. I've never had an issue with my FJR. It's an amazing machine and I've never owned something that makes me laugh the way my FJR does. Comfortable, reliable and very powerful. It's hard to beat the Japanese bikes.
@@freedomisntfree131 Absolutely. Since this video we have ridden her all the way up to the Arctic Circle in Norway, all around Europe and Ireland and she hasn't missed a beat.
Looks like the FJR 1300 is having a major recall on all their 6 speed motorcycles for a problem that has been reported for years. So much for the hype of Japanese reliability. It always seems like the only reason to get a Japanese motorcycle over a bmw well now it’s pretty clear anything made by man can and do fail but when you compare spec for spec the bmw k1600 is far and away the superior motorcycle which is why it has so many haters.
The recall was sorted in two days. No problem. My point really is the FJR is a bike that will last you well over 100k miles with ease and has plenty of tech to keep you happy. The K16 is a great bike, but feels like it's been made in someone's shed in comparison to the Yamaha. That's not good enough.
3 года назад
Wrong, all machines could fail, but some fail more, I ride with many BMW and Honda, Yamaha Owners and the truth is the Bimmeres fail more, oil consumption, and shaft failure are common issues on 1600 gt.
If your FJR IS A 2016 -2020. There’s been a recall on the second gear. It can break locking up the whole engine. Complete tear down to fix. Hope your dealer has certified mechanics. Glad I found a 2006 model with only 15 k miles.
Hey Rick all sorted buddy, thankyou for the heads up. She is running as good as new with a brand new gear box. Very happy. For me this model is a massive step up from my previous fjr.
I agree that the FJR is a super bike, but a reverse is missing, I had one for 6 months a AE 14 reg but got rid of it because its a devil to turn on narrow roads. Now I have a K16GTL a heavier bike but with the reverse its so much easier to turn also the hill start is great. I have now done 12800 miles without any problems and much prefer the silky smooth 6 to the FJR's 4, no wonder they are no longer made.
Funny I'm reading this whilst on a tour on my FJR and I kept thinking all the way here how I'm so pleased I got rid of my K16GT. At 12,800 I expect you won't! However it's rare you see them make 100k miles. Anyway enjoy your ride.
3 года назад+2
Reverse??? are you a biker?, a coment like this in europe is a joke unless you are handicapped
@ Sorry for having upset you, glad you got your Yama when you did because they are no longer available, no wonder with no updates for years............
BMW’s are great if you have deep pockets, don’t do your own maintenance, and if reliability isn’t important to you. It’s unfortunate, as the styling of most of their bikes is really very nice, and the fit and finish is exceptional, better than most Japanese makes.
Nice bike. But personally I’m still impressed with my k GA and touch wood she stays sweet. I wasn’t aware that the k bikes had mager issues with the engine. Also maybe due to her being 19 reg they have sorted the issues. To be honest I get my bike looked after by BMW and I find the service in general the best bar some independent garages. Also the reassurance if I where to have an issue in Europe the most likely be a BMW Moterad near by and parts. Carnot wait to get back out touring even if it’s limited to just UK 🇬🇧 this year. But Yamaha’s are nice bikes as well. Fjr looks equally a awesome bike. At the end of the day bikes are personal and depending on the task or use and the enjoyment you get from it. Maybe may consider one in the future. Ride safe and enjoy.
Thanks for this review mate, I have the 2004 K1200LT and I really feel the weight also I have had issues with fuel leaking and bushing gone bad... so I think might be the choice...
Hi buddy I was thinking on buying a k1600gt I just seen your review and just gone to some bmw Forums the bike as excellent reviews on reliability are your sure it’s not the place where you take you bike to sounds like there fleecing you have you had second opinion.
I've just bought a 2006 semiautomatic Yamaha FJR1300. Is taking me a bit of time to get used to not having a clutch, but it's a fantastic bike to ride. I will appreciate if you give me your opinion? And perhaps other riders that read this also. Thanks and happy and safe riding.
I owned a FJR 1300 for years. Great bike, no problems at all. I now own a k1600 Gt ( new version) no comparison , Just because these are two totally different range of bikes. Yamaha stopped building the FJR, which is a shame. Both great bikes in their own leaugue.
I've got a BMW K1600gtl, also with problems and 30k miles. It smokes like a steam train and bmw dealer doesn't know how to fix it without a full engine strip. I thought they could just plug in their computer...obviously not or perhaps a way of making money. I'm also considering an FJR 1300. 🤷🏽♂️
Good video, thanks. Seriously thinking about buying a tourer. What year did the FJR gain the 6th gear & electronically adjustable suspension? How does the Honda ST1300 compare with the FJR? Cheers.
Hey Phil, 2016 I think, alongside a slipper clutch, LED lights (and cornering lights) and those helicut gears. Just make sure it's had the transmission recall work done. Mine has just been in and the whole process was very smooth.
Hi there! Your FJR looks fantastic and I really enjoy your motor biking videos. 🙂 Please could you offer your experience on whether the GT and the FJR are comparable when riding big miles on the autobahn with luggage and passenger at 140kph+? Is the (heavier) GT worth the extra cash for this application, and is the FJR just as (or more) comfortable these speeds? Cheers!
Thankyou :) Your comment is very timely as we have just got back from a 5000 mile trip across to Norway on the mighty FJR. We travelled through Germany on the autobahns and she felt very stable at high speed. I often found the K16GT's head would start to shake and wobble after around 80mph when equipped with full luggage, something I forgot to mention on this video. For me, the FJR is a much better all round sports tourer for my needs. I hope that helps!
Thanks for all the comments folks! I've just got back from a 5000 mile tour to the Arctic Circle in Norway and the bike didn't miss a beat. Video will be on the channel soon.
Thanks for an honest review and letting everyone know about crappy reliability of BMW bikes. I don't think any other manufacturer comes close to Yamaha in build quality and reliability
This video sums up perfectly why I rent the K1600GT when I'm far away from home on vacation... but I have an FJR1300 in my garage.
Makes total sense! It's a wonderful touring toy, so long as you can give it back at the end of the day :D
Shes that one night stand you only want once or twice a year 🤭
Reliability - it's the primary reason many people I know (including myself) have moved away from BMW OR seriously thinking on moving away from the brand. This goes for bikes and cars.
Bmw reliability ? Wtf is that ? I have partef with them for the same reasons. Never again
Germans are joke for reliability, japans nr1 easily
I guess I have been lucky with mine.
Honestly, they all have their fair share of issues. My FJR was leaking oil from the engine seals at the 5000km mark. Unacceptable.
Fits right in with me. I bought a BMW R1200RT and now am in the process of offing it - it's gone into limp mode one to many times. If I can't trust it, it's of no use to me. I'm going back to Japanese. I had a ST1300 up to 90k miles and never a problem; I'll likely go for the FJR since Honda has abandoned the sport touring market.
Really good video and answers so many of the things I wondered about , thank you , now know why I dont need one
Had the ST1300 in Colorado where it was awesome going over passes, and to WY, and NM on weekend trips. Moved to MS, and now ride a 2018 FJR1300ES. Both are awesome, to bad Honda discontinued the ST. Rode a BMW 1200 RT, and loved the feel, just didn't think it was worth the asking price.
I would totally agree with you. The FJR is one of the most reliable bikes out there and It's a dream to service ( if you do your own). Even at 69, I plan to drive my four year old FJR for as long as I can. :)
Well said Bill, I wish I was more confident to do my own service. Ride safe out there.
69, you've got me by 8 years, Bill. You don't have to convince me. I own a 2013 Yamaha Fjr1300a. When I bought it, in 2013, used, it had 2832 miles on it. Now today I have over 56,000 miles on it. The only problem I've ever had is the cruise control cancel switch, located in the front brake lever, recently went bad. Co-incidentally, Yamaha has issued a recall on the bike for that. The Yamaha dealer replaced it for free. It took about two hours. I do my own periodic maintenance, and even if I didn't, the Yamaha doesn't break your piggy bank. I've owned eleven motorcycles. I'm nearly sixty-one years old, and have been riding for 42 years. This will be my last motorcycle. The Fjr that is. If I ever replace it, it will be for another Fjr.
I've traveled on my bike, and will do more trips. My last long trip was in 2016. Nearly 8000 miles, in 20 days. One day I rode from Peoria, Illinois, to Rapid City, South Dakota. It ended up being 952 miles. In one day folks. The Fjr is comfortable, smooth, absolutely reliable, fast, and if like myself you install a top box, and have a roll top bag, will carry whatever you need for an extended journey.
I've never owned a BMW, motorcycle or car. Before retirement, I was an federally licensed aircraft mechanic for 33 years. Before that I was a trained automotive mechanic. I've seen it all. I've worked on German cars, American cars, Italian cars, Swedish cars(Volvo, and Saab), as well as French Peugeot, and Japanese cars.
I wouldn't own a European car, neither would I own a European motorcycle. It really sort of "grates on me" how some of the automobile and motorcycle magazines, over the years, have always written with a bias toward European vehicles. Obviously the writers never owned them, and had to keep them running.
Imagine owning a k1600, coming from a very reliable Japanese bike, and thinking that you're sort of graduating up to a more expensive BMW, that supposedly is a better performer than your Japanese machine. Then you discover, that BMW seems to be more oriented toward taking your money, than to providing you with a truly superior brand machine, like they'd have you believe.
I know two dealerships, that sell several brands of bikes, that no longer handle BMW's. I can imagine why. If you're the owner of that dealership, trying to build a loyal customer following, for repeat business, and you're selling something that is more expensive than the competition, that you know darn well, is going to break, you can't in good conscience, or as a smart business man, handle a machine, that's going to disappoint your customer, and leave them pissed off at you for selling it.
My bottom line is this folks............. Stop buying BMW's, unless you're wealthy and can afford to throw money out the window, for the dubious distinction of saying you own a German motorcycle. Just maybe, BMW will then get the message, that we're tired of them selling C-R-A-P to people who work for a living.
@@VRFlightSimGuy what year was your bmw,
100%.
Couldn't agree more! I just got rid of my second BMW R1200RT (2011) in favor of an amazing FJR 1300AE (2007) (My second FJR). I LOVE IT! My BMWs proved to be WAY too expensive to operate and maintain. I loved the handling of the RT, and the FJR is a little tougher in turns, but WAY more powerful. Best of luck with your FJR!
I love my FJR... no maintenance problems, especially with Yamaha motorcycles. Great video. Ride safe my friend.
Thanks, you too!
FJR is the best motorcycle ever made in my opinion! I have A2016 ES model I'm in Canada. Moved to this bike from a Yamaha venturer, classic styling. The electronics, abs and cruise control, along with the suspention options make this bike the nearest thing to perfection! Too many other factors to mention here, is simply the best there is! ❤
Hey Steve thanks for your comment. Even after a couple of days, I already know I'll be keeping this beauty for a very very long time. It's everything I loved about my 2006 FJR, but with a few modern improvements that takes it to a whole new level of perfection. Take care.
I wouldn't call an inverted front fork a great suspension.
You have no idea what you're talking about buddy! Jealous? Me thinks 😃😂🤣
@@stevekitella4781 If all I had was my KLR-650, yes I'd be jealous but since I have a 2018 K1600 GTL jealousy is the farthest thing from what I feel!
AAAAH! The legendary FJR, a great bike still getting greater
Couldn't agree more :)
I've watched quite a few k1600 videos now as I was considering buying one. I'm glad I found your video! No one else has mentioned the reliability of the Beemer at all!
Pleasure Daniel I'm really glad I've stopped you making an expensive mistake
I’d speculate BMWs get better reliability marks than they deserve due to owners are older, mechanically inclined, well heeled with lots of spare time on their hands
@@coastalhillbilly3419 Personally, I think once they commit to a "brand", like a team, they stick with it. For better or worse. Sort of like Jeep owners. The breakdown rate on them is outrageous, but the owners will never complain. They just shovel money into them, hoping... "this is the last time"! LOL! And it never is. I don't understand it? I'm loyal to reliability, not a brand. Cheers
Watch teapotone here on youtube where Bruce borrows a new K1600 from a dealership with a view to tour around the UK within 24hrs non stop. He was having great fun on it until he was being towed back to the dealership in the middle of the night!
I was contemplating the BMW K1600 GTL, but after reading the consumer reviews on reliability I went with a 2016 Goldwing.
You made the right choice sir! I'd love to ride one of those beasts one day. Thanks and take care :)
You won’t regret the FJR Steve. Had one for years and it was solid, no issues. My mate also dumped his K1600 GT for similar reasons.
Thanks for the VR vids, really enjoying the channel, it’s really enhancing the hobby. Keep the shiny side up and stay safe!
Hey Richard cheers mate I loved my old FJR and rode the wheels off the thing, never went wrong. I can't believe the trouble I've had with the Beemer already. Really appreciate your support to the channel it means a lot, more flight sim vids are inbound. Take care.
I have heard the same comments from MANY owners of the BMW K1600GT/L re switch gear issues and coil problems. NO thanks BMW! I like the FJR, I had a 2003 one but I found it small and I felt like I was sitting on top of it. Love the power of RUclips!
Yamaha for life !! F J R the King of the road !! awesome !! love it !!!
I have had multiple oil and coolant leak issues with my 2018 F850GS. I am tired of service visits and getting overcharged for basic maintenance... I ride mostly on asphalt commuting / short trips on weekends.
I may consider an FJR before they are discontinued. My experience with BMW has been disappointing and expensive as well.
BMW spent their time on shiny TFT screens, complicated electronics and forgot to build proper trouble free machines. Mine has an engine built in china that leaks at 9200kms - valve cover gasket is being replaced for the 2nd time.
Fellow rider , flight simmer and rc modeler ✌️
2022 FJR out for sale now!
Don’t buy an FJR then. My 2020 was leaking oil after only 5000km. Ridiculous.
Really glad I found your video, very timely. I'll take the K off my list!!! FJR looks ace
Cheers Phil, if I've helped you out it was worth it. :)
same here.. I came here happy thinking I found a lighter version of goldwing...but not so much
I agree with you. Very timely video. I'm getting back into motorcycles after being away from them for 11 yrs. I'm in my 50s now with a wife so I was looking at more of a sport touring bike. I had the BMW 1600B or the GT on my list. After watching this video they are no longer on my list. By the time you finish choosing options on these beemers they are near 30k. I have an old friend of mine that has an FJR1300 with over 100,000 miles on it and still riding it. For 30k the beemers should run flawlessly not in the shop every couple of months.... 😡🤬
@@jamesmelendez4549 You've made the right choice James. Glad I stopped you making a huge mistake. This is not good enough from BMW. They need to get their act together. I'm absolutely loving my FJR. Safe riding
Me too!
Thank you. you’ve brought my dilemma to an end after thinking and over thinking Bmw or Yamaha
FJR I’m going for the FJR. Never had a tourer before so here goes. Thanks again for you review.
Glad I could help!
You're gonna love it.
Cheers. I have a 74k 2002 fjr. And was looking at a k1600 with 10k on it. After watching this. I sticking with the FJR, don't fix what ain't broke as they say.
I just bought a 2020 FJR last month and I love it! Glad you enjoy yours too.
Congrats Brian I have no doubt she will serve you well for many many years to come. Thanks for watching
Can you buy new FJR now, I thought it put in rest from 2019 because of new EU5 regulation,,,can you advise please
@@hr5526 I am in the US, and yes we still can buy them.
Thanks for your reply, enjoy your FJR,,,for second I got so happy I thought there are new FJR available in UK to buy,,,,,
Until I saw this, I thought I might get the bmw. Not anymore. Thanks bro!
My pleasure :)
FJR easier to do your own maintained and WAY cheaper to run. Easy WIN... IMO
Spot on!
Interesting take. I just traded my 2020 FJR 1300 for a 2022 BMW K1600GT. Huge upgrade! I loved the FJR, but it has it’s fair share of issues. I just got back from a 6000km trip on my FJR which opened my eyes to a few issues unfortunately, long distance comfort being the biggest. The other issue of note was an oil leak that only surfaced when the machine got hot. Very annoying to say the least. You could literally see the oil seeping out from the engine seals and it kept splattering across my left boot and pant leg. Unacceptable for a bike with only ~5000km on it at the time. The other thing that I noticed is how top heavy and hard to handle the FJR can be at low parking lot speeds. The K1600 is substantially better in this regard, which is really quite an accomplishment given it’s size and weight. I was truly shocked at how much better the K1600 handles over the FJR. The engine and gearbox is infinitely smoother and the K1600 is a few levels higher in terms of refinement, as it should be given the price difference. You get what you pay for as they say. We’ll see how the K1600 fairs when it comes to reliability, as I’m planning to keep this one long term.
I had to laugh whilst reading this, since my opinion is the polar opposite, it sounds like you had a bad egg in this case I'm sorry to hear. However, so long as you're happy with your new K16 that's all that matters. I hope you enjoy the ride for many many years to come.
No doubt. I had to laugh as well. Sounds like you yourself had a bad egg with the K1600. The FJR is still a great bike, but I’m much happier with the K1600GT. Enjoy your FJR!
2018 K1600 GTL here, outside of the transmission recall, I've replaced the tires once in 10k miles. Oh, it has LED lightning except for the halogen high beams and HID low beams.
Was struggling with the idea of the BMW.... this confirms my suspicions! I went for the FJR myself, and never looked in the rearview!
Thanks a lot. I am changing for a FJR 2016 I will get it on August. I am pretty sure I am doing the right choice .
Sure am glad I ran across this video. When I first saw the K1600 around 6 months ago, I knew that I wanted one. That was until I discovered that the nearest dealerships to me were Atlanta, GA and Charleston, SC. Roughly 200 miles to Atlanta and 140 to Charleston. Then, there's the cost of maintenance. I quickly decided I didn't need a BMW that bad. I did not know about reliability issues.
the early k1600’s did have water pump leaks and switchgear issues but usually anything after 14 is safe coils do go but extended warranty covers it. that’s an older k16 so a little apples to oranges. i actually traded a 15 fjr for a leftover 15 k1600. i found the k1600 way more comfortable and easier to ride.
Cheers Michael for your thoughts. Glad you are happy with your K16
VR Flight Sim Guy same to you the fjr is a wonderful ride.
Sorry to bother,,,are you saying the new BMWk1600GTL has fixed those problems now ,,,please advice ,, I am looking to purchase one ,,,but still not sure yet because of bad review I hear ,,,looking forward to hear your advice, thanks
@@hr5526 buy ride never look back i’ve always traded bikes every other year until i bought my k1600 now owning 4 years and completely happy.
My FJR was born April 6th of this year and she has been AWESOME! She is one of the first in the U.S. fro Japan. I hope that you enjoy yours as much as I do mine. Keep both wheels down! 👍😎
That is awesome! Thanks so much, loving my gen 3 so far, I just wish the weather would behave so I can put some serious miles on her!
I've had my FJR1300 for 14years now and loved every mile on it. Unfortunately I needed to downsize two year ago and very reluctant to sell her but I need the space back. If anyone has a FJR1300 or older FJR my best advice is to have it serviced at the FJR centre near Bristol as I can 100% recommend them.
Well worth travelling if you need to and make ot a day out as the guys really know them inside and out 👍
Sorry to hear you had to sell your pride and joy.
just watched your vid, and would just like to say. I'm a convert to the FJR 1300, and I was immediately impressed with the bike. Now I'm looking forward to the spring to get back out on it. ride safe Bro.
Thanks Andy. No other bike ticks the boxes quite like the FJR for my needs. Roll on Spring!
I rented a K1600GT in London and toured over 2400 miles through France, Switzerland, and Italy. I found the bike extremely heavy, bags were heavy without anything in them. The acceleration did not merit the huge inline six engine. It overheated continuously in Cassis as I struggled to find my hotel driving slowly through hills. Only plus was it had cruise control. Never got comfortable with the controls, especially for the stereo. FJR or Concours all the way!!!
Interesting comments. I'm on my second FJR, the latest I've owned since 2006 with no major issues. Toured with it all over EU, and as far as Armenia and Russia without any problems and not even a puncture! I've been looking at changing it for years but I haven't found anything in the same league with a shaft. Boy was I annoyed when they decided to stop production.
Love the FJR (as you know😉). Although that’s a little newer than mine. I really like the dash layout and the menus are the same as my Super Tenere. Very intuitive. Really interesting video, thanks for sharing.
Hey mate thanks for popping over to watch my little video, what an honour :) I've yet to go for a "proper" ride on my new FJR to mess around with its fancy features. I may even do a vlog or two. Take care and thanks for watching :)
I was going to buy a new K1600GT back in 2012 then I heard about the transmission problems with bikes needing whole new modified gearboxes. Not what I expected from BMW. I bought a Yamaha FJR1300 instead and it ran like a Swiss watch for 8 years/85,000 miles. So, now I look again at the K1600 and, surprise surprise, they still have transmission issues
D Casteaux I have a 2018 K1600 GTL just had the transmission recall done luckily under warranty. Lost confidence on it, switching to a gold wing soon
Last bike I owned was the original GPZ900R. Saw Tom Cruise ride it in Top Gun and next day I owned a copy :) Too old for biking now and too dangerous where I live but God do I miss not only the biking but the nods from other bikers, the fact if you dropped it or had a breakdown, another biker would stop and help no matter the weather. Good times.
Sad to see someone say the BM has so many problems. Time was when they were the standard for quality, comfort, safety and while every red blooded male on a GT250 or RD250 hated them, we secretly admired them too. The old boxer twins were bomb proof.
Hey Jeff, I wonder if they'll recreate that scene in the new Top Gun with the modern equivalent! Riding is in my blood, I'd really struggle without a bike that's for sure. I think BMW make bullet proof Twins, it's mainly this particular engine design, being a straight 6 it's a relatively new design for them and it's been fraught with problems sadly. Having said all that, most of their newer range has some kind of reoccurring issues these days, it's just not acceptable for the money you pay. Take care!
I have a couple of FJR's, one driven daily and pretty one only used for long trips. As long as you carry a spare starter relay then you'll be fine on the FJR.
Much thanks…what an eye opener…no one likes inferior machines…
Prior to my recently obtained 2016 K 1600 GT I had my 09 FJR 1300 as my only bike from August 2009. In the 11+ years I've owned my FJR I only had one fairly simple problem; 1!. In the one year I've owned the K1600 GT I've had three problems but fortunately all were covered under warranty. With that said, i tend to agree with your reasons to switch bikes; I don't like expensive headaches either. I wanted a BMW (in particular a K1200 RS) for so many years but was afraid of maintrnance costs. I have a bit more money now so I took a chance on the K which despite a few shortcomings is really a terrific upper echelon sport tourer. Whenever the K was in the shop and I had to ride my FJR I really missed it because it does everything better than the FJR! That's not easy to say because the FJR is more than capable. However, if you read any of the sport tourer comparisons most prefer the big K to everything else except when it comes to price. Nevertheless, you will enjoy your FJR and certainly won't have the same headaches the K can give when it's not right, but you will miss the power of that 6 cylinder engine, the seat comfort , ease at which you can carve up twisties without having to constantly downshift, etc. In the end, no matter what you ride just enjoy and be safe out there.
Thanks for your comments. Shame I can't have both 😁😁
This mirrors my early impressions going from the FJR to the K1600GT. Simply put, it does everything better. The K1600GT has addressed all the issues that I had with my FJR. If reliability holds up, I will be a happy camper for many years to come.
You don't have to convince me. I own a 2013 Yamaha Fjr1300a. When I bought it, in 2013, used, it had 2832 miles on it. Now today I have over 56,000 miles on it. The only problem I've ever had is the cruise control cancel switch, located in the front brake lever, recently went bad. Co-incidentally, Yamaha has issued a recall on the bike for that. The Yamaha dealer replaced it for free. It took about two hours. I do my own periodic maintenance, and even if I didn't, the Yamaha doesn't break your piggy bank. I've owned eleven motorcycles. I'm nearly sixty-one years old, and have been riding for 42 years. This will be my last motorcycle. The Fjr that is. If I ever replace it, it will be for another Fjr.
I've traveled on my bike, and will do more trips. My last long trip was in 2016. Nearly 8000 miles, in 20 days. One day I rode from Peoria, Illinois, to Rapid City, South Dakota. It ended up being 952 miles. In one day folks. The Fjr is comfortable, smooth, absolutely reliable, fast, and if like myself you install a top box, and have a roll top bag, will carry whatever you need for an extended journey.
I've never owned a BMW, motorcycle or car. Before retirement, I was an federally licensed aircraft mechanic for 33 years. Before that I was a trained automotive mechanic. I've seen it all. I've worked on German cars, American cars, Italian cars, Swedish cars(Volvo, and Saab), as well as French Peugeot, and Japanese cars.
I wouldn't own a European car, neither would I own a European motorcycle. It really sort of "grates on me" how some of the automobile and motorcycle magazines, over the years, have always written with a bias toward European vehicles. Obviously the writers never owned them, and had to keep them running.
Imagine owning a k1600, coming from a very reliable Japanese bike, and thinking that you're sort of graduating up to a more expensive BMW, that supposedly is a better performer than your Japanese machine. Then you discover, that BMW seems to be more oriented toward taking your money, than to providing you with a truly superior brand machine, like they'd have you believe.
I know two dealerships, that sell several brands of bikes, that no longer handle BMW's. I can imagine why. If you're the owner of that dealership, trying to build a loyal customer following, for repeat business, and you're selling something that is more expensive than the competition, that you know darn well, is going to break, you can't in good conscience, or as a smart business man, handle a machine, that's going to disappoint your customer, and leave them pissed off at you for selling it.
My bottom line is this folks............. Stop buying BMW's, unless you're wealthy and can afford to throw money out the window, for the dubious distinction of saying you own a German motorcycle. Just maybe, BMW will then get the message, that we're tired of them selling C-R-A-P to people who work for a living.
Yamaha 1300 truly is a fantastic, reliable sports touring bike. The looks are also stellar. BMW just looks boring and very heavy. Thanks for sharing.
Couldn't agree more! Thanks for watching :)
great review - I'm looking for a commuter (52mile round trip) and was choosing between these two - FJR is narrow so better to filtering in traffic.
I was never a big Yammie fan, until I bought a 2007 XT660R with 104,000km on the clock. That bike changed my perception of Yamaha. Truly bulletproof. Last year I upgraded to the XT1200Z (2012), and loving it. Will keep it for another few years, and then decide of I'm sticking with XT1200 or changing to FJR. I love the look of the FJR. Goldwing is my absolute dream bike, but can't afford a newish model just yet.
So glad I watched your vid, I’ve been thinking about upgrading from my 2nd Gen FJR and was thinking BMW but I’ve heard of reliability issues with BMW. I think a 3rd Gen FJR seems on the cards now
Thanks Andrew. Don't make the same mistake I did. Buy yourself a nice tidy gen 3 FJR. They're absolutely stunning.
@@VRFlightSimGuy the gen 3 started in 2016 correct?
@@kevinsmith2747 2013, however in 2016 is received a host of updates
@@VRFlightSimGuy thanks. I found a nice 2015 for $10k I think I’m gonna pull the trigger on. I know it doesn’t have the slipper clutch or the 6 gear but I think it’s still a good deal with only 1500 miles
I bought a 2014 FJR 1300 back in March of this year and I absolutely love this bike, Drove it today to work actually, it smokes all my buddy's Harley's with ease lol
Yamaha was rated the number 1 most reliable even above Honda which surprised me. The service ,parts ,& labor r much less expensive. . Yamaha is my favorite as I have 3 . Raptor 700 4 wheeler fjr & a new tracer 9 GT . 👍
A "no brainer", isn't it ? Sticking to the reliability and performance, you know....... You don't have to convince me. I own a 2013 Yamaha Fjr1300a. When I bought it, in 2013, used, it had 2832 miles on it. Now today I have over 56,000 miles on it. The only problem I've ever had is the cruise control cancel switch, located in the front brake lever, recently went bad. Co-incidentally, Yamaha has issued a recall on the bike for that. The Yamaha dealer replaced it for free. It took about two hours. I do my own periodic maintenance, and even if I didn't, the Yamaha doesn't break your piggy bank. I've owned eleven motorcycles. I'm nearly sixty-one years old, and have been riding for 42 years. This will be my last motorcycle. The Fjr that is. If I ever replace it, it will be for another Fjr.
I've traveled on my bike, and will do more trips. My last long trip was in 2016. Nearly 8000 miles, in 20 days. One day I rode from Peoria, Illinois, to Rapid City, South Dakota. It ended up being 952 miles. In one day folks. The Fjr is comfortable, smooth, absolutely reliable, fast, and if like myself you install a top box, and have a roll top bag, will carry whatever you need for an extended journey.
I've never owned a BMW, motorcycle or car. Before retirement, I was an federally licensed aircraft mechanic for 33 years. Before that I was a trained automotive mechanic. I've seen it all. I've worked on German cars, American cars, Italian cars, Swedish cars(Volvo, and Saab), as well as French Peugeot, and Japanese cars.
I wouldn't own a European car, neither would I own a European motorcycle. It really sort of "grates on me" how some of the automobile and motorcycle magazines, over the years, have always written with a bias toward European vehicles. Obviously the writers never owned them, and had to keep them running.
Imagine owning a k1600, coming from a very reliable Japanese bike, and thinking that you're sort of graduating up to a more expensive BMW, that supposedly is a better performer than your Japanese machine. Then you discover, that BMW seems to be more oriented toward taking your money, than to providing you with a truly superior brand machine, like they'd have you believe.
I know two dealerships, that sell several brands of bikes, that no longer handle BMW's. I can imagine why. If you're the owner of that dealership, trying to build a loyal customer following, for repeat business, and you're selling something that is more expensive than the competition, that you know darn well, is going to break, you can't in good conscience, or as a smart business man, handle a machine, that's going to disappoint your customer, and leave them pissed off at you for selling it.
My bottom line is this folks............. Stop buying BMW's, unless you're wealthy and can afford to throw money out the window, for the dubious distinction of saying you own a German motorcycle. Just maybe, BMW will then get the message, that we're tired of them selling C-R-A-P to people who work for a living.
Adding a FJR to my garage. I ride a Goldwing which is an outstanding machine. FJR is the alter ego of a Wing, lighter and faster, faster and lighter! Performaning the vast majority of service myself the FJR is notably easier having much less plastic to remove. Two completely different bikes that are difficult to group together but perfect garage mates.
I love my fjr but have had problems with spider connectors inside left fairing and it is a Common problem on them
Only problem I’ve had with my FJR is a flat tire once
I've seen many 1600 burning oil at just 50.000km, and oil consumption since new more than one liter between changes...
The FJR is an Iron Butt favorite. Just sublime. Ride safe and ride often. Japanese know reliability. Sure wished they’d believe in the solid Sport Touring market. If they did they would most assuredly have a TFT screen.
Thankyou :)
Great bit of information, very surprising about the BMW. I'm currently looking for a BMW RT but the FJR might be in the running now. 👍
I'm just about to buy my third FJR. Don't know why I bought anything else, frankly. Thought I'd get one more before they discontinue them. Great bikes.
I owned a ST1100 for 20 years without any issues and had a look ar the BMW as well, but I also heard other people mentioning the reliability issues and changed my ST1100 for a VFR1200F. A fantastic machine. Wish you many happy miles on your FJR
Thanks Henk, I love the VFRs
Glad you found the right bike for you. Get the like that is right for you and enjoy the ride.
As a proud owner of a trouble-free FJR1300AE (1919 model) for over 26,000 km so far, I fully agree with the views expressed in the video and comments below. I test rode many bikes, including the BMW K1600GT, before the purchase and chose the FJR because it had crisper throttle response (the K1600 felt sluggish) and I liked the smoothness and silence of the engine / exhaust combination more than the K1600 combo. Price was not a consideration (I actually wanted to spend big) but the FJR seemed to be the better bike for me. Its lower price was a bonus. Now that there are many reports of unreliability with the K1600, I'm glad I made the decision I did. The BMW K1600 is a nice concept, but clearly it is not as rigorously executed as its Japanese rival. The Japanese really are fantastic engineers. I've owned many other Japanese bikes and one R series BMW (R100RT) over the years (I've been riding for nearly 50 years) and the only bike i ever had any trouble with was the BMW. Not good enough BMW, please lift your game, your engineering thus far is grossly overrated.
Couldn't agree more, thanks for sharing your experiences. Congrats on your beautiful FJR.
I too, "couldn't agree more". You don't have to convince me. I own a 2013 Yamaha Fjr1300a. When I bought it, in 2013, used, it had 2832 miles on it. Now today I have over 56,000 miles on it. The only problem I've ever had is the cruise control cancel switch, located in the front brake lever, recently went bad. Co-incidentally, Yamaha has issued a recall on the bike for that. The Yamaha dealer replaced it for free. It took about two hours. I do my own periodic maintenance, and even if I didn't, the Yamaha doesn't break your piggy bank. I've owned eleven motorcycles. I'm nearly sixty-one years old, and have been riding for 42 years. This will be my last motorcycle. The Fjr that is. If I ever replace it, it will be for another Fjr.
I've traveled on my bike, and will do more trips. My last long trip was in 2016. Nearly 8000 miles, in 20 days. One day I rode from Peoria, Illinois, to Rapid City, South Dakota. It ended up being 952 miles. In one day folks. The Fjr is comfortable, smooth, absolutely reliable, fast, and if like myself you install a top box, and have a roll top bag, will carry whatever you need for an extended journey.
I've never owned a BMW, motorcycle or car. Before retirement, I was an federally licensed aircraft mechanic for 33 years. Before that I was a trained automotive mechanic. I've seen it all. I've worked on German cars, American cars, Italian cars, Swedish cars(Volvo, and Saab), as well as French Peugeot, and Japanese cars.
I wouldn't own a European car, neither would I own a European motorcycle. It really sort of "grates on me" how some of the automobile and motorcycle magazines, over the years, have always written with a bias toward European vehicles. Obviously the writers never owned them, and had to keep them running.
Imagine owning a k1600, coming from a very reliable Japanese bike, and thinking that you're sort of graduating up to a more expensive BMW, that supposedly is a better performer than your Japanese machine. Then you discover, that BMW seems to be more oriented toward taking your money, than to providing you with a truly superior brand machine, like they'd have you believe.
I know two dealerships, that sell several brands of bikes, that no longer handle BMW's. I can imagine why. If you're the owner of that dealership, trying to build a loyal customer following, for repeat business, and you're selling something that is more expensive than the competition, that you know darn well, is going to break, you can't in good conscience, or as a smart business man, handle a machine, that's going to disappoint your customer, and leave them pissed off at you for selling it.
My bottom line is this folks............. Stop buying BMW's, unless you're wealthy and can afford to throw money out the window, for the dubious distinction of saying you own a German motorcycle. Just maybe, BMW will then get the message, that we're tired of them selling C-R-A-P to people who work for a living.
@@letitrest4662 gotta love all the smack talk coming from someone that has never owned one.🤦♂️
@letitrest4662 Good Lord, totally tribal response...we vs them, Coke vs Pepsi and HD vs the rest😂😂😂. As if he spoke for all of us 🙄. I got to own both, GT and FJR, GS and Supertenere, MT-01 and RT.....each one of them put a smile on my face, heaven on earth. Ideology has no foundation, period.
I've had many fjr1300's my current bike is the same as yours with the adjustable suspension 6 speed you have most definitely got the right bike.
Thanks for re confirming my love for this bike. Its 10 times the bike my K1600 was. Take care.
Japanese engineering, best value and the best machines 🇯🇵🏍
After looking through numerous replies, I was reminded of something.
First of all, before I go into this, I'm going to tell the folks who didn't read my long reply, below, that I'm almost 61 years old, and a retired aircraft mechanic. I worked for Delta Airlines, for 32 years.
From the time I was a kid, I was always tinkering with gasoline powered machines. It sort of started with my old neighbor, a retired machinist from Caterpillar Tractor Company, giving me an old Lawnboy two stroke engine, mounted to a small pallet. I was about 10 years old. I must have taken that apart and put it back together, a dozen times, using my dads tools. From the time I was about 14, for Christmas my folks bought me hand tools. My family had a few old cars, one of which was an "oil burner", that would foul the spark plugs, every few weeks. So I would take the plugs out, and either wire brush and clean them with gasoline, or take them to a local service station of a friend, and use his spark plug sand blaster to clean them. From then on, I was the 14 year old, in the neighborhood, that was tuning up cars. Points, plugs, spark plug wires, you name it........ Rebuilding carburetors too.
I always enjoyed reading, Car and Driver, Road and Track, Motor Trend, Wards Auto Week, Cycle Guide, and a few other motorcycle magazines. I was into it. My oldest brother had an engineering degree, and worked for Caterpillar. He once told me, that I should study engineering, but I was hands on. A gear head.
Back in the late 1970's- or early 1980's, I can't remember now, exactly when, I read an article in one of the motorcycle magazines, about the "Iron Butt Motorcycle Rally". An invitational rally. Then.... it was thirty participants, with a $1000 dollar entrance fee. The first place prize was $30,000 The writer, wrote about the rally that year, which at the time was 10,000 miles in ten days. There was a few photos. I was INTO IT ! So cool. He mentioned someone on a Goldwing, having fallen asleep, and riding off the road into a swamp in Mississippi.
How does this relate to motorcycle reliability, you may be asking ? One of the reasons, I remember this, is because I was ALL into the idea of German car performance. I was seeing and working on the C-R-A-P that Detroit was putting out, in the 1970's, that for me was seriously depressing, after the 60's muscle cars, and so I idolized the BMW's especially. I would have given my right arm for a 3 series, back then.
What stuck in my mind, the most, at that point, having just read about the, Iron Butt Rally, was that the writer stated that, " The only motorcycles that broke down in the rally, were, Harley Davidson's, and BMW's" ... I knew ahead of time that Harley's were not reliable. Especially back then, when AMF owned them, but "BMW"....... That was my first eye opener.
Yeah I feel yah. Yamaha a really underated brand .
Good vid Sry you had a bad experience with K1600. So far I’ve been very impressed with with my K1600GA I’ve had her for over a year from new done over 4000 miles, mostly two up and touring. No issues sweet as a nut. I’ve also found BMW customer service to be one of the best including services at most of the dealers I’ve been to except one.. I also own a Honda very reliable Honda service very depent on the Dealership you use. But am a Honda and a converted BMW fan. But Yamahas are good bikes but some can be expensive to repair like BMW if go Wong also down to dealership you use. Hope you enjoy you’re new beast👍 I’ve also found with ant Vechles I’ve with so called reliable ones you can always have a Bad Egg eg Friday afternoon one.
Hey Tiger thanks for your comment and congrats on your beautiful K16GT. I'm glad you are enjoying it. Like you say its always a gamble whichever machine you buy! Take care and I hope you can get out and ride with all this lock down stuff.
wow, I'm in exactly the same situation! changing from K1300S to FJR1300
I have never understood the snob appeal of a BMW car or bike when they have so many reliability issues. What good is a car or bike that leaves you sitting on the side of the road?
For me, that is the most important job of your transportation is to always get you back home, but the BMW's constantly break down and that goes for every friend that's owned one. However, everyone I've known with a Toyota/Lexus or Honda/Yamaha, has zero issues with break downs. I would think the word would have gotten out to everyone by now but nope, BMW's are still getting suckers everyday to buy their beautiful crap that breaks and also costs way more to buy and service.
I had the very first Yamaha 1100 in Miami in 1978 and rode it all over the country and my state for years, no problems. It was the most advance bike of the day back then and the fastest too. I was living large at 20 years old and I almost bought another bike two years ago after a long time off. Between the Gold Wing, FJR and the BMW 1600, I like them all but after much research it was between Honda and Yamaha just because I won't buy something that breaks and leaves me stranded. I ended up buying a Lexus GS F. I love it. 467 HP, and fantastic everything on it, it is fun, but it's not a bike so I'm back to thinking about getting one. Hard to justify two expensive machines to drive though. Half the year in Miami it's too hot and wet to ride in comfort but the winters are great, I might try it one more time just because that FJR seems so sweat to ride. I know I would love it.
Very strange you had all those issues with the K1600. Is yours a 2012? I own a 2017 GTL with about 6,000 mi now, purchased brand new, and I had absolutely zero issues with it. That 160hp in line six is absolutely incredible, quick shift works like a charm, very hard to see any other bikes on the road that pull like it (crotch rockets being the exception).
You won't have any issues at such low mileage (or at least I hope not). But I expect to get at least 100,000 miles out of a motorcycle, hence why it wasn't for me. Enjoy your K16, I still think they're an awesome steed.
6000 mi is nothing
Thinking of getting more of a touring bike as plan on doing more touring here in UK and Europe if things settle down next year.
I have an ST sprint 1050 but I find that to small for wife, myself, luggage and kitchen sink with 20 pairs of shoes.Also have ZZR 1400 which is such a beast and I love it but now 62 years old and knees start to creak after long day riding.
FJR is sort of topping the list now but I find it hard to bid farewell to the mighty ZZR and all that power. Power that can't really use if you want to keep your licence.
Was looking at those BMW as well but not an option now, I need reliability.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I used to have a Sprint. Lovely bikes! Never ridden the mighty ZZR but I had a Blackbird for many years (put over 100k miles on two), but I'd recommend test riding the latest gen 3 FJR. They're the best of both worlds really, stonking inline power, but built to last and take you and your partner's 100 pairs of shoes to the south of France (I only know as I have the same packing issue haha).Cheers!
@@VRFlightSimGuy Yes I had 2 blackbirds just loved those bikes. Thanks for the advice.liked and subbed.
@@youngeroldie5089 Much appreciated thankyou! I generally don't do many bike vids, but a few will go live from time to time. Take care!
Love FJR!!!
Me too ! You don't have to convince me. I own a 2013 Yamaha Fjr1300a. When I bought it, in 2013, used, it had 2832 miles on it. Now today I have over 56,000 miles on it. The only problem I've ever had is the cruise control cancel switch, located in the front brake lever, recently went bad. Co-incidentally, Yamaha has issued a recall on the bike for that. The Yamaha dealer replaced it for free. It took about two hours. I do my own periodic maintenance, and even if I didn't, the Yamaha doesn't break your piggy bank. I've owned eleven motorcycles. I'm nearly sixty-one years old, and have been riding for 42 years. This will be my last motorcycle. The Fjr that is. If I ever replace it, it will be for another Fjr.
I've traveled on my bike, and will do more trips. My last long trip was in 2016. Nearly 8000 miles, in 20 days. One day I rode from Peoria, Illinois, to Rapid City, South Dakota. It ended up being 952 miles. In one day folks. The Fjr is comfortable, smooth, absolutely reliable, fast, and if like myself you install a top box, and have a roll top bag, will carry whatever you need for an extended journey.
I've never owned a BMW, motorcycle or car. Before retirement, I was an federally licensed aircraft mechanic for 33 years. Before that I was a trained automotive mechanic. I've seen it all. I've worked on German cars, American cars, Italian cars, Swedish cars(Volvo, and Saab), as well as French Peugeot, and Japanese cars.
I wouldn't own a European car, neither would I own a European motorcycle. It really sort of "grates on me" how some of the automobile and motorcycle magazines, over the years, have always written with a bias toward European vehicles. Obviously the writers never owned them, and had to keep them running.
Imagine owning a k1600, coming from a very reliable Japanese bike, and thinking that you're sort of graduating up to a more expensive BMW, that supposedly is a better performer than your Japanese machine. Then you discover, that BMW seems to be more oriented toward taking your money, than to providing you with a truly superior brand machine, like they'd have you believe.
I know two dealerships, that sell several brands of bikes, that no longer handle BMW's. I can imagine why. If you're the owner of that dealership, trying to build a loyal customer following, for repeat business, and you're selling something that is more expensive than the competition, that you know darn well, is going to break, you can't in good conscience, or as a smart business man, handle a machine, that's going to disappoint your customer, and leave them pissed off at you for selling it.
My bottom line is this folks............. Stop buying BMW's, unless you're wealthy and can afford to throw money out the window, for the dubious distinction of saying you own a German motorcycle. Just maybe, BMW will then get the message, that we're tired of them selling C-R-A-P to people who work for a living.
Not properly an FJR , but a 15 year old japanese bike, 2006 1st gen Kawasaki ZZR1400 owner here, completely stock, except for Leo Vinci pipes. I purchased her on 2015 with 79k km (49k ml). I didn't know her previous history, but that didn't put me off, as I'm used to japanese bikes. By now it shows 151k km (roughly 94k ml) on the clocks. I do my own maintenance. Since I own it, besides regular consumables, I've had a shorted battery, a fused bulb (city light bulb, one of those small bulbs on the top sides of the headlights) and both sides plastic air duct covers have had their top fixing tabs broken. Would a K1600 be as reliable? Online reports, to be belived, tell they wouldn't. Older bikes, such as my ZZR (it even isn't the ABS model) are more simple electronically. Modern bikes, particularly BMW's are loaded with electronic gizmos that I'm sure some will fail on the long run. Only time and miles will tell if they can be as reliable as older, more simple machines. One other issue is that Japanese bikes are designed to be easy and economical to maintain and in most cases they require regular tools. But comparing it to BMW in general, proprietary or special tools are required, in many cases. In my bike's particular case, due to the over the engine top monocoque frame design, spark plug change and valve adjustment are not the easiest jobs to do, due to engine top/frame clearance, but that is an exception. Air filtre replacement/maintenance is a breeze, though. All my maintenance is done with regular metric and general tools. Also, in general, japanese engines valve adjustments require shims to be replaced and aftermarket shims are available, if you wish; BMW K series engines require tappets/buckets to be replaced, as in BMW's case, tappets have different thicknesses and there are no shims. Much more expensive and a proprietary design. As others have sated, my opinion is that a K1600 must be an outstanding bike to own while warranty lasts, if you can afford it and ride/tour a lot, mainly on open road. But do you really need a radio?! And is the bike's design right, since reverse was introduced on the 2nd gen?!
Ride safe everyone
I switched from an FJR a K1600 GT about a year ago and haven’t looked back. The FJR does fine on long rides, but the BMW is a night and day difference. Then there’s the recalls. The FJR had to many recalls that came with a “DO NOT RIDE” disclaimer, oh but no parts available for the recall for several months to a year. On top of that no compensation for spending $15000 for a brand new bike that, according to the manufacturer should not be ridden. My K1600 has been bullet proof, and the dealer service is heads and tails above the Yamaha/Honda/Kawasaki/Kimco/Spyder/Slingshot dealer that I had to go to for maintenance. Not to mention that the FJR’s tech really hasn’t been upgraded in 15-20 years. No thanks. I’ll keep my Big K.
Nah, I'd never go back to a K16GT. They feel like a bag of nails in comparison to the FJR. Sorry! But glad you like your new ride.
Useful clip, thanks. Do you still have the FJR? I’m testing a very low mileage 2009 model tomorrow. Anything I should look out for?
Years later we've been on many tours (shown on the channel), including Norway, Ireland and Croatia. Best bike in the world. I hope the viewing goes well :)
Nearly 60,000 miles on my 2013 FJR1300a now. Never a breakdown, A bad cruise control cancel switch in the front brake lever, last year. Yamaha replaced it free of charge, on a recall. NO ONE has to convince this 43 year motorcyclist...... the FJR is "the cat's pajamas". I love mine a little more, every time I ride.
The voice of common sense
Ride safe
It's shame you've had so many problems with your K1600. Nevertheless I believe people tend to get biased based on their one time experiences. I've owned 8 Ducatis which aren't well-known for their reliability either, but the 2 Kawasakis I also had caused many more issues than these 8 Ducatis alltogether...
Since VW took control over Ducati years ago, reliability issus are much much less..
Amazing VR! Almost looked real! 🤣
Haha. I'm using a pre release 3080ti 😅
VR Flight Sim Guy sign me up! I need one..😜
I love the Yammie but yes it is a bit too sporty in its ergonomics for me, seriously thought about getting one, then I rode the RT wow what a great bike, so of course I bought the GSA! Better dash, better lighting, heaps of suspension travel and since I live in Australia the massive fuel tank comes in handy too.
Things we do. Nice bike though👍
Thanks for watching and glad you found the one for you :)
Bingo. Same issue I had with the FJR. Just a bit too aggressive for long distance touring.
You just inadvertently answered a question I have been asking myself for a while now: The power of the BMW GS or a less powerful Honda Africa Twin. I'm going to settle for the less powerful but more reliable Honda.
I've never had an issue with my FJR. It's an amazing machine and I've never owned something that makes me laugh the way my FJR does. Comfortable, reliable and very powerful.
It's hard to beat the Japanese bikes.
I'm so glad I've helped you make the right decision for you, to be honest, I'd also pick the Africa Twin over the GS anyday. Cheers
Are you still happy with the decision to get rid of the BMW for the FJR?
@@freedomisntfree131 Absolutely. Since this video we have ridden her all the way up to the Arctic Circle in Norway, all around Europe and Ireland and she hasn't missed a beat.
Fjr has a huge recall on nearly all 6 speed bikes..they have to remove and tore down the engine to repair the gearbox..HUGE.
No big deal at all... Mine was picked up, dropped off and now runs better than ever, plus I have a brand new gear box. Win.
Exactly. Yamaha gets a pass though.🤦♂️
FJR for the price, liability and it does have 145hp
Looks like the FJR 1300 is having a major recall on all their 6 speed motorcycles for a problem that has been reported for years. So much for the hype of Japanese reliability. It always seems like the only reason to get a Japanese motorcycle over a bmw well now it’s pretty clear anything made by man can and do fail but when you compare spec for spec the bmw k1600 is far and away the superior motorcycle which is why it has so many haters.
The recall was sorted in two days. No problem. My point really is the FJR is a bike that will last you well over 100k miles with ease and has plenty of tech to keep you happy. The K16 is a great bike, but feels like it's been made in someone's shed in comparison to the Yamaha. That's not good enough.
Wrong, all machines could fail, but some fail more, I ride with many BMW and Honda, Yamaha Owners and the truth is the Bimmeres fail more, oil consumption, and shaft failure are common issues on 1600 gt.
You are right. The fact is that the FJR had a major failure and recall. They should not get a free pass.
If your FJR IS A 2016 -2020. There’s been a recall on the second gear. It can break locking up the whole engine. Complete tear down to fix. Hope your dealer has certified mechanics. Glad I found a 2006 model with only 15 k miles.
Hey Rick all sorted buddy, thankyou for the heads up. She is running as good as new with a brand new gear box. Very happy. For me this model is a massive step up from my previous fjr.
Well, congrats that you awaked and put the status aside and went ahead for facts 😂 what year is the FJR?
I agree that the FJR is a super bike, but a reverse is missing, I had one for 6 months a AE 14 reg but got rid of it because its a devil to turn on narrow roads.
Now I have a K16GTL a heavier bike but with the reverse its so much easier to turn also the hill start is great. I have now done 12800 miles without any problems and much prefer the silky smooth 6 to the FJR's 4, no wonder they are no longer made.
Funny I'm reading this whilst on a tour on my FJR and I kept thinking all the way here how I'm so pleased I got rid of my K16GT. At 12,800 I expect you won't! However it's rare you see them make 100k miles. Anyway enjoy your ride.
Reverse??? are you a biker?, a coment like this in europe is a joke unless you are handicapped
@ Sorry for having upset you, glad you got your Yama when you did because they are no longer available, no wonder with no updates for years............
@@leifhorup111 Time to Kawasaki H2 SX then....
I agree, reverse does not belong on a sports tourer, not upset.
BMW’s are great if you have deep pockets, don’t do your own maintenance, and if reliability isn’t important to you. It’s unfortunate, as the styling of most of their bikes is really very nice, and the fit and finish is exceptional, better than most Japanese makes.
Sort of like a Harley. Made to look at.
Nice bike. But personally I’m still impressed with my k GA and touch wood she stays sweet. I wasn’t aware that the k bikes had mager issues with the engine. Also maybe due to her being 19 reg they have sorted the issues. To be honest I get my bike looked after by BMW and I find the service in general the best bar some independent garages. Also the reassurance if I where to have an issue in Europe the most likely be a BMW Moterad near by and parts. Carnot wait to get back out touring even if it’s limited to just UK 🇬🇧 this year. But Yamaha’s are nice bikes as well. Fjr looks equally a awesome bike. At the end of the day bikes are personal and depending on the task or use and the enjoyment you get from it. Maybe may consider one in the future. Ride safe and enjoy.
Thanks for your comments I'd have quite happily have kept both if I had the room. Haha. I feel your pain let's hope we can get out soon. Take care!
Thanks for this review mate, I have the 2004 K1200LT and I really feel the weight also I have had issues with fuel leaking and bushing gone bad... so I think might be the choice...
No problem 👍
Hi buddy I was thinking on buying a k1600gt I just seen your review and just gone to some bmw Forums the bike as excellent reviews on reliability are your sure it’s not the place where you take you bike to sounds like there fleecing you have you had second opinion.
I've just bought a 2006 semiautomatic Yamaha FJR1300. Is taking me a bit of time to get used to not having a clutch, but it's a fantastic bike to ride.
I will appreciate if you give me your opinion? And perhaps other riders that read this also.
Thanks and happy and safe riding.
Hey Frank I've never ridden the auto version but I did have an 07 for years and loved it.
What year is that BMW? I'm picking up my new 2021 soon
I owned a FJR 1300 for years. Great bike, no problems at all.
I now own a k1600 Gt ( new version) no comparison , Just because these are two totally different range of bikes.
Yamaha stopped building the FJR, which is a shame.
Both great bikes in their own leaugue.
2022 FJR out for sale...
Yeah that totally confused me, I thought Yamaha were finishing production?
It's the first review that I see someone talking about the 1600 being no reliable
It's well documented
100k on my gen one fjr
and still a true beast of a bike in every band.
I've got a BMW K1600gtl, also with problems and 30k miles. It smokes like a steam train and bmw dealer doesn't know how to fix it without a full engine strip. I thought they could just plug in their computer...obviously not or perhaps a way of making money. I'm also considering an FJR 1300. 🤷🏽♂️
Really sorry to hear that, I hope you get it sorted.
My choice is easiliy Yamaha, i would buy honda goldwing instead of k1600
New R1200 GS in 2016 and the engine poked at a 1,000 mile , great bikes but not the best for reliability 🤨
fjr everyday will be my next bike now i have gsxf suzuki 750
Good video, thanks. Seriously thinking about buying a tourer. What year did the FJR gain the 6th gear & electronically adjustable suspension? How does the Honda ST1300 compare with the FJR?
Cheers.
Hey Phil, 2016 I think, alongside a slipper clutch, LED lights (and cornering lights) and those helicut gears. Just make sure it's had the transmission recall work done. Mine has just been in and the whole process was very smooth.
@@VRFlightSimGuy Thanks for your prompt reply.
Great to know :-) Owner of a 04' FJR1300 :-)
Did you ever experience any klunking from the BMW drive shaft or box. I think a common issue ?
Yep. Hated it
So when do we get a video of you guys on the new FJR?
Hopefully very soon 😁
Hi there! Your FJR looks fantastic and I really enjoy your motor biking videos. 🙂
Please could you offer your experience on whether the GT and the FJR are comparable when riding big miles on the autobahn with luggage and passenger at 140kph+? Is the (heavier) GT worth the extra cash for this application, and is the FJR just as (or more) comfortable these speeds? Cheers!
Thankyou :) Your comment is very timely as we have just got back from a 5000 mile trip across to Norway on the mighty FJR. We travelled through Germany on the autobahns and she felt very stable at high speed. I often found the K16GT's head would start to shake and wobble after around 80mph when equipped with full luggage, something I forgot to mention on this video. For me, the FJR is a much better all round sports tourer for my needs. I hope that helps!
Love that BMW. Looks gorgeous.
I have no regrets owning it for a year, but at the same time, I don't miss it either!