Bee. Emm beater

“Bee. Emm beater”

Written on: 25/09/2011 by 1200rt (1 review written)

After 15 years on BMWs of all types, I was getting fed up of the same old stories of corrosion and failures and being fobbed off by the usual apathy (they all do that sir). The final strw came whem my 2 year old 1200RT started having the paint peel off the engine, cylinder heads and rear drive. So i traded it in for the FJR. And what a revelation. Forget all the gizmos of the BMWs, this is proper riding on a properly built and finished motorcycle. I have had not one corrosion issue or problem at all with the Yam, she looks as good today as when she was built (can't say that about the 1200RT despite the mileages being similar) She has ample power and is truly all day comfortable. Iam a member of the Iron Butt and regularly do 1000 mile days so can say that the Yam is one of the most comfortable bikes I have ridden. There is a little bit of tingling through the bars at high speed but nothing serious, I have to say that I have ridden the bike in heavy rain and remained dry, and also high winds and it remained calm and unruffled. (the BMW GS used to sray the back of your legs with water and muck which went down your boot tops, even with a hugger). the headlights are superb and are easily adjustable. I have the Auto clutch version which can be a problem in low speed manouvering but just drag the back brake and you have better control. It does tend to 'clonk' going into first gear but if youv'e ever had a beemer then you get used to 'clonking' in EVERY gear The trade off is you don't have a tired left hand from using the clutch in heavy traffic, every other gear change is silky smooth.
The panniers felt a little flimsy at first but they have proved to be very durable and spacious. I did find that with the top box fitted, it tended to be affected just a fraction by cross-winds but I suppose that is to be expected.
Overall the bike has exceeded my expectations in comfort, use-ability, build quality and she looks good too.