2020 FJR1300

[Steel_Gin]

Also, I do not see anywhere within the specifications that the 2020 FJR1300 is Euro 5 compliant. If I understand the rules, Euro 5 has to apply to "new models after 1/1/2020". Where does this 2020 FJR fall in this issue? If the current drivetrain is not Euro 5 compliant, and can't be made so with ECU and controls changes (HIGHLY unlikely), then I wonder if that is the end of it? Is it a coincidence that Europe gets the "Ultimate" model, perhaps as the swan song?

This is a pure guess, maybe because they were built before 1/1/2020 they can still sell them??

See this is the last year in Europe make me wonder how strong sales are on this side of the pond. I truly hope they are strong enough to continue production for many years to come. I need a couple more years to convince my bride I need a new one, it ain't easy!!

[wheatonFJR]

If it is the swan song for the FJR coming up she sure had a good run and still elegantly puts you on the other side of the continent, with extreme prejudice if you wish, whether there be mountains or no, passengers or no.

Best bike(s) I've ever owned, with capacities far outstripping my skills. I've lived in a good age to be blest to ride all over this continent on this beautiful beast.

[gixxerjasen]

I'd bet we got a new gen in the works. Just wasn't ready for the new regulations. New from the ground up. You heard it here first!

[Hppants]

I hope you are right, Jasen. But I wouldn't bet on it.

[Uncle Hud]

To all of you with little or no taste: The 2015 color is Liquid Graphite and is beautiful. Gold wheels would look spectacular with that color -- besides, gold wheels would match my gold levers.

Wonder if I can get the 2015 to 100K miles before the 2020s disappear? Wait a minute; that was a dumb question. The 2020s will be around until this time in 2021.

[gixxerjasen]

To all of you with little or no taste:

He's posting to himself...

[gixxerjasen]

I hope you are right, Jasen. But I wouldn't bet on it.

I don't see why not. It's seen a long and successful life, with honestly, very little change from the 2004 model. Yes, there've been changes, but look at sport bikes where they are completely reinvented every 2-3 years, and you'll see that really, the 2020 model is very similar to the 2004. That's a lot of ROI on the initial R&D for the line. We might not see it in the next year or so but I'd bet it happens. If the Niken can happen, a redesigned FJR can happen.

[Festus]

I hope it doesn't end. Until the Kawasaki gets rid of the submarine hanging off one side of it and puts 2 purty cans on it, along with cruise control, the options will be limited if she disappears. The FJR is just a sexy bike. Can't say that about anything else in her class, in my opinion.

[raYzerman]

Regarding the Unified brakes... seems that has been in effect with 2018 and up. Not sure how that works being the rear caliper has only one piston, but one would have to assume there is additional plumbing and perhaps an additional proportioning valve. Hard to tell from the parts diagrams, one would need a 2018 service manual to check further. Parts diagram shows same ABS pump for all Gen3... mystery.
The Honda system was truly unified, 3 pot calipers with the center one activated by using the brakes at the opposite end, i.e, applying rear would activate the center pots on the front calipers, and vice versa, with unique plumbing.

[raYzerman]

Some interesting reading....
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/n ... otorcycles

[SkooterG]

Some interesting reading....
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/n ... otorcycles

That was a great article. Very informative. Thanks for posting.

[gixxerjasen]

Meanwhile over at Honda, they are trying to see how many R's they can add to the CBR.

[Hppants]

That was a fantastic read. Lays out the issue in simple terms, and delves into the most likely solutions.

It would be interesting to see the emissions numbers on a '20 FJR. How close is the current engine design to meeting Euro 5 standards. That might tell a lot in terms of whether the FJR is done or not. I think if Yamaha can make some simple modifications like:

(spit balling)

1. ECU programming to greatly reduce fuel during engine warmup
2. Increase the size and efficiency of the catalytic converter
3. re-grind the camshaft to reduce valve overlap
4. ?????

Then it might (MIGHT) make good business sense. But I doubt it. And I highly doubt that Yamaha will re-design the engine with VVT, turbo, etc. based on current (and projected sales).

It doesn't cost anything to change the paint color, and utilize overstocked parts (or previously shelved parts) to continue the bike. But this will be the end of it.

The other big question I have - Is the 900 cc 3 cylinder motor used in the FZ-09, FJ-09, Nikken, and Tracer Euro 5 compliant? If so, then the handwriting is clear. Yamaha will use that engine in varied platforms to meet its customer demands. Perhaps down the road, when they develop a "superbike" or sportbike liter sized motor that is Euro 5 from the ground up, then it becomes much easier to re-tune that to conform to varied platforms (adventure, naked, sport touring, etc). I've ridden the FZ-09 and the FJ-09 (current gen) and I don't care for either. For me, it would be time to move on to something else (hypothetically - ole red will be staying in the garage for a while longer).

But until then, bye bye FJR.

The FJR has had a successful and wonderful "life". Jasen - you are correct, in 18 years, it's changed very little. But next year, it has to change a LOT, and I'm afraid the juice simply won't be worth the squeeze.....

[danh600]

I have always said I would get one of the last model they make.
I could live with the 2020, it's a nice looking bike.

I am 62 and hope to keep riding for awhile. A 2020 FJR should at least last me until I feel like downsizing.

I just need one more FJR after the one I have. I want to wait. My wife is actually encouraging me to get one now while I am working and making money.

[CraigRegs]

I just need one more FJR after the one I have. I want to wait. My wife is actually encouraging me to get one now while I am working and making money.

Geez Louise, if my wife encouraged me to get a bike now, I'd go get the bike NOW and put it on a shelf until I've worn out the current one.

[raYzerman]

The big question is, is the North American market viable if they kill off the FJR for the EU. I'd be optimistic we may see one for 2021, but motorcycle sales are declining.. especially in the sport tour segment. Who knows.
The special edition (with all the gold treatment) is only for the EU as a last hurrah.... if we see that here, we're done. Meanwhile, Craig, no reason to buy one and put it on the shelf. Wait... I'm sure there will be discounts shortly after introduction as has been done the last handful of years. I try not to buy new anyway, there's always a deal or a low miler around a couple of years later.

[gixxerjasen]

Jasen - you are correct, in 18 years, it's changed very little. But next year, it has to change a LOT, and I'm afraid the juice simply won't be worth the squeeze.....

I bet we don't see one for 2021. They'll spend a few years doing the R&D and then have a rerelease with much fanfare. 18 years of solid sales of a single model of motorcycle is a big success to walk away from. I'd really be surprised if they aren't looking at the next 18 year platform.

Not a lot of bikes have that kind of longevity without major frequent changes. Interesting how we have several members here with at least two of those bikes, the FJR and the DRZ.

[BkerChuck]

One thing I've yet to see mentioned. the use of the FJR platform by police in Europe, Australia, and Asia. I have no clue what the sales figures are like for Mama Yama as far as this market goes but I hope that possibly that could provide at least some impetus to continuing production of our favorite motorcycle. I think combining those sales with what the private sector buys annually might be sufficient for Yamaha to revamp the engine design and keep the platform alive or lead to a rebirth in a year or so. A 900 turbocharged triple sounds like a nice alternative to me.

[Festus]

I say F' the EU and make it a North American product only

FJREXIT

[wheatonFJR]

I say F' the EU and make it a North American product only

FJREXIT

That would work if all the Harley owners would see the light...but not even all the people on an FJR riders board own an FJR...so I think that we've been happy to have it this long as it is. Thanks for this awesomely designed inexpensive (compared to the BMW-Harley lineup) sport-touring machine.