FJR versus GTR 1400

[simo]

About 12 months ago I was trying to decide if I should buy a Yamaha FJR or the GTR 1400.  After much deliberation I decided to buy the FJR. The bike has performed brilliantly in most aspects and probably one of the best sport / tourers I have ridden.

However, There is an issue with the bike that has make me decide to sell it.  Apparently the gear box has square cut gears and they make a terrible whining sound through all gears. It sounds ok at highway speed but very noisy when riding through the hills, going up and down gears. I am not the only person disappointed with this aspect of the bike, there are plenty of postings on the forums.
Not everyone dislikes this gearbox noise, but a lot do, including myself. The FJR forum members say it is caused because the gears are square cut.  The sound is like a car when it goes in reverse quickly.

My Question is this:  Has anyone had any experience like this with the GTR 1400 as far as gearbox noise goes?  I like the GTR 1400 as a sports tourer but I don't want to make the same mistake as I did on this one. 

A few years ago I had a Honda ST1300 and the gearbox on that bike was very smooth and quiet.

Any experience from member would be appreciated.

John

[Charlie747]

Hi John

The best man to ask will be Ant as he:-

1 Has an early FJR (Ocean)

2 Has ridern over 18000miles/annum on his GTR (Marmite)

3 Has just purchased the latest FJR (Blaze)

He's a top bloke and sure to help answer your question 

[Ant]

Hi Simo, ( and Charles )

Yep both fantastic bikes,,,the whine as you put it is what the FJR sounds like and is a trade mark sound of the bike. You either like it or you don't.
The GTR is one imposing bike and will turn heads where ever you go and eat up miles without a problem, with plenty of space around the bike to add things to.
The weight is higher up and feels heavier than the FJR, you can throw the Gen 4 FJR around easier and get better wind protection with the right screen on, without putting a surfboard on there.
No noise from the GTR that i have noticed, but then again its a motorbike, if it sounds noisy around the engine, stick a louder pipe on.
No stock exhausts on my bikes.
Out of the 2 IMHO, the FJR is a more reliable bike and easier to work on, mpg is about the same and no real difference in performance until you get above 130, which you shouldn't be doing anyway ! 

Best thing you can do is get both 

[Charlie747]

"Best thing you can do is get both  "

................................To go with your tax haven home on the French Riviera 

Hey Ant are you and Loz up for the Lakes15 Meet ?

[Burchy]

I think you will find that ALL Kawasaki gearboxes are straight cut

[Ant]

Hey Ant are you and Loz up for the Lakes15 Meet ?

Now let me see.......Brolly, waders, wind block, hat and coat,, or,, sun cream, , smooth roads and more sun   

Wont know until after Xmas really.....

[Charlie747]

Now let me see.......Brolly, waders, wind block, hat and coat,, or,, sun cream, , smooth roads and more sun   

Wont know until after Xmas really.....

Tough choice mate........................

[simo]

OK, Thanks guys and Ant for your input.  That's the problem each bike has a trade off. I will have to decide which is the best to live with.

Apart from the noise, I find the FJR an excellent bike.  I need to get a GTR for a weekend. A test ride from the dealer is not long enough.

[scoobs1963]

Hi, im a complete newby on here, ive been toying with the idea of an FJR for a while now , I presently own a very nice Versys 1000, but last week my local dealer in Grimsby let me go out on an FJR just for a jolly, Well if im totally honest I wasnt overly impressed so that put that one to bed , then I went in again yesterday and he has just taken a 14 plate GTR 1400 back in.........6 miles on it,       yes SIX miles,          its owner I believe has been poorly and now wants something a little smaller (sx1000) so on saturday im taking that out for a run and I think now that after sitting on it and riding it around the forecourt that im gunna like it........alot      so as long he's not talking daft money I can feel a new bike coming before the backside gets kicked out of mine in terms of value because of the launch of the new Versys 1000,cant wait for  saturday   

[Lonewolf]

scoobs, hi & welcome. Just be aware that some dealers seem able to sell new GTR's for £11699 approx. and others seem to charge £13.5 approx.  Potential madness I know, apart from a colour change, each bike will be identical.! The bike you're looking at is obviously as near as damn it, new. Don't get ripped off. There are many 2012 & 2013 models knocking around especially at this time of the year with very low mileage on them, <4000 for about the 9 or 10K mark.

They're always worth investigating.

[100milesaway]

Scoobs, the arse will not fall out of yours just because the new model is coming. Your bike is utterly and completely mint, and as I have seen it, and own a mint big Versys myself know what a mint bike looks like. By all means go and try the GTR, but ask to have the bike for at least half a day. And do lots of miles on the kind of roads that you would normally ride on. The GTR is a big heavy beast, so you will need to make certain that it is the bike for you. If you decide a GTR is for you, barter long and hard. They will be getting  in swop a bike that could go straight into their showroom, and selling a bike that at this time of year would normally be hard to shift.     good luck     Geoff.   

[O.C.]

+1 geoff

Scoobs try the GTR its a great bike, but very different to the V1K    

O.C (a.k.a. Tyke)

[Winston Smith]

Scoobs, I take it you're dealing with RobSpeed?  Good dealers IMO.

The FJR is far more nimble and smaller than the GTR, so getting off your Versys would be completely alien!

The FJR is quite heavy and does tend to under steer at slow speed, but comes alive when you get going.

The GTR carries it's weight quite high.  It feels almost as solid as the FJR (again after the Versys it will feel like a small planet in density!) but rides more neutrally.

However, you will need to 'push' or 'ride' the front end to get the best out of it.

Superb machine, but you do need a good ride out over varying terrains to understand it!

Also think about what sort of riding you want to do.  It's great for long distances, very comfortable if slightly the sports side of sport/touring (as is the FJR).  ABout 160-180 to a tankful (to be on safe side) good carrying capacity and reasonable weather protection (better than the Adventure style)
Great continental tourer that will let you play on the twisties when you get there.
Think about passenger comfort too as the rear pegs are quite high.  FJR's are lower and the saddle is probably better for passengers.

I can't recommend the GTR enough, just be aware and give it a good ride to get your head around it.

[100milesaway]

Scoobs, at the end of the day, it depends on what kind of biking you do/or intend to do. If you need to sit on motorways for hundreds of miles at a time then a GTR will fit the bill. If on the other hand you do most of your biking on A/B roads, the bike that you already have is better. A GTR wont carry anymore luggage, nor be better on fuel, or be anymore comfortable, especially for a pillion. Of course you may want to change because you just fancy/or like the look of another bike. Keep us informed.

[Lonewolf]

However the GTR does have a certain road presence, it is a formidable machine and other motorists certainly notice you on it. If in doubt check this out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tJwrmYStYE&list=UUfR_4o1R78RgUVqWRbcKPPw