Former FJR owner, new proud S10 Owner from WI

[Hfjeff]

Hello, all. I am former Yamaha FJR owner and my love/hate relationship with this bike steered me to the S10. I came across a deal I just could not pass up and so I took the plunge. The FJR is a great bike with many many great features, but there were a few things I could not overcome and so I am here. The Tenere was one of the few bikes that had all of the features I was looking for. I am a big fan of Yamaha and look forward to learning a lot about this bike. I have already done quite a bit of research and already have a list of farkles that will be going on shortly, but still have a few questions. I look forward to meeting this crew and hope that I can also provide some useful info and feedback. My new bike is a: 2016 Super Tenere ES with 230 miles on it. Love the ES, Cruise, heated grips, and Shaft Drive (my minimum requirements).

 

[barkingllizard]

congrats on your new ride, and your minimum requirements, Hfjeff, with a simple hello.....

 

[VRODE]

From one 2016 owner to another, welcome!

 

[magic]

Welcome to the forum from another Wisconsinite. I remember seeing that bike on Craigslist. Get some miles on it before winter! ::004::

 

[Sierra1]

::004:: I'm sure you're going to be happy with your Tenere. The Tenere is my favorite bike ever....but I do love the turbine like power of the FJR. ::001::

 

[Cycledude]

Welcome aboard, Sounds like you got a great deal. Sure wish mine had cruise control, are you planning to add luggage ? Mine has one of those tank bags that mounts to the ring around the gas filler cap and I really like that setup .

 

[Nikolajsen]

::004::

 

[RCinNC]

As someone who's flirted on and off with the idea of getting an FJR, what didn't you like about it?

 

[Paletes3]

::004::

 

[Hfjeff]

For me ultimately it was the forward seating position and cramped leg position. I installed a Mottarad riser block and it helped, but my throttle hand would start to cramp and go numb in about 20 minutes. It was my first bike as a returning rider after over 20 years away so it is hard to eval everything in a quick 20 minute ride. Mine is a 2011 so it does not have cruise (that was added standard in 2013). I debated getting a new leftover 2016 in dark blue and had approval from my better half, but decided to change course as a new FJR would not improve seating position or leg room. It is an awesome highway cruiser or weekend tourer. The FJR is a great bike and the 1300cc 4-cyl is a rush. I am definitely going to miss the exhilarating onramp acceleration-even with my wife and full luggage on the back.

 

[Sierra1]

As someone who's flirted on and off with the idea of getting an FJR, what didn't you like about it?

I've owned both. I still love the FJR, but after riding the Tenere for 10 months, I don't miss it. Compared to the Tenere, the FJR feels heavy at slower speeds & not as roomy. If you're thinking about ADDING the FJR, you'll be happy, but if you're going TRADE FOR the FJR, you may be disappointed. I rode the FJR the other day, and was amazed at how much more I liked the Tenere than the FJR. Now that the Tenere and I are broken in....no other bike.... ::001::

 

[RCinNC]

I was surprised how cramped the FJR felt when I sat on one last year, but I figured it was just my muscle memory from riding the S10. I considered getting the bike anyway and trying to develop new muscle memory, but I ultimately didn't want to take a $15,000 gamble that I'd become accustomed to it. It was a shame, because I really liked the bike, and read a lot of good stuff about it.

 

[Squibb]

I am lucky enough to run both an FJR & S10. Both are great bikes, but the FJRs role is clearly more focussed on sport/touring, whereas the S10 can cover a broad spectrum. Both are great fun, but I do enjoy the occasional power rush fix from that big 4.

However, reading the OPs issues with the FJR, a comfy armchair of a bike IMHO, made me wonder whether he might have a CTS problem brewing ................ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpal_tunnel_syndrome.

Really none of my business I know, but a buddy of mine, a keen micro-light pilot, found he had the symptoms of CTS coming on, which he managed to deal with through special exercises (as mentioned in the wiki link) rather than endure the surgical procedure.

Anyway, enjoy the new ride ...................... KEN

 

[Checkswrecks]

Welcome aboard.
We've got a lot of folks here who've owned FJRs and other sport tourers, so you are in like company. I had an '04 and an '07 FJR before the two Teneres.

 

[RIDEMYST]

Welcome from South Florida. Going to a rally next June in your neck of the woods, La Crosse. -JEP-


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[Hfjeff]

For some reason the FJR is very tricky to balance at low speeds. I think it has to do with the weight distribution front and back-too much up front. It is a compact (somewhat cramped) top heavy bike so balance is deceiving. With my short experiene with the S10, it is just more fun and less work to ride then the FJR. I jump right on for short errands which I would not do with the FJR. I am having fun with this new bike.

RIDEMYST, you will enjoy La Crosse. It is a nice clean college town with relatively low crime. Also quite scenic on the western part of the state along the Mississippi river.

 

[RIDEMYST]

I stopped there for a few days to recon the rally area. Yes a really nice downtown and great surrounding roads.
I hope it won't be to hot in mid June as I plan on doing a lot of riding that week.
Rod's Ride On Powersports is going to be the host dealership with Honda doing demo ride of the new Goldwing, so lots planned.
Stop by if you are in the area. -JEP-

 

[WJBertrand]

Welcome, a lot of us have come from sport touring bikes, in my case an ST1300, which I still have. My friend went from an ST1300 to an FJR1300 and he's pretty happy with the FJR I think. He let me ride it and it's fast as stink and smooth as glass, but I was surprised how cramped it felt even compared to my ST1300. With my arthritic knees, one of which is due for replacement (I procrastinate), I'm not sure if I could adapt. If I ever replace my ST1300, I'll probably scout about for a garage queen or keep my fingers crossed Honda will someday introduce a new one with similar ergos to the current model.

 

[Sierra1]

....keep my fingers crossed Honda will someday introduce a new one with similar ergos to the current model.

I will never understand why Honda turned the ST1300 into the CTX1300. It was a good, economical, solid performer that was a viable alternative to BMW for LE use. More and more departments were switching over from BMW & HD. Now, the Honda riders are having to go back to BMW. "I" prefer the FJR to the ST1300 for comfort and power, but the ST is way more nimble in town at slower speeds. But they both suck compared to my Tenere. ::025::

 

[Checkswrecks]

Honda was showing this whatever-it-is at the AIMExpo display. I tend to agree with the look on the face of the guy walking away.