[Panther Dash]

Saw some people talking about this bike around the forum so I thought I would post up some info on it for comparison's sake.

Yamaha FJR - MSRP $15,890

Engine Type: Horizontal in-line, four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 79mm x 66.2mm
Compression ratio: 1298cc
Valve Train: 16-valve, Dual Overhead Camshafts
Induction: Electronic Fuel Injection
Ignition: Electric
Transmission: Five-speed, hydraulically actuated wet clutch
Final Drive: Shaft

Fuel Capacity: 6.6 gallons
Estimated Fuel Economy: 39 mpg
Brakes (Front): Dual hydraulic discs with ABS
Brakes (Rear): 11.1 inch hydraulic disc with ABS
Suspension (Front): Adjustable pre-loaded Soki telescopic fork with adjustable rebound damping
Suspension (Rear): Twin sided swing arm with adjustable rebound damping and shock absorber and a pre-loaded spring

Wheelbase: 60.8 inches
Rake: 26 degrees
Trail: 4.3 inches
Seat Height: 31.7 inches
Curb Weight: 644 pounds
Tires (Front): Metzeler 120/70 ZR17
Tires (Rear): Metzeler 180/55 ZR17

Honda CTX 1300

ENGINE TYPE: 1261cc liquid-cooled longitudinally mounted 90-degree V-4
BORE x STROKE: 78.0 x 66.0mm
COMPRESSION RATIO: 10.0:1
VALVE TRAIN: DOHC; four valves per cylinder
INDUCTION: PGM-FI with electronic control IACV, four 36mm throttle bodies, eight holes per injector
IGNITION: computer-controlled digital with 3-D mapping and electronic advance
TRANSMISSION: five-speed
FINAL DRIVE: shaft

FRONT SUSPENSION: inverted 45mm fork
REAR SUSPENSION: twin rear shocks with spring preload
FRONT BRAKES: dual 310mm discs
REAR BRAKES: single 315mm disc (Deluxe model fitted with CBS ABS)
FRONT TIRE: 130/70R-18
REAR TIRE: 200/50R-17

WHEELBASE: 64.5 in.
RAKE: 28 degrees 5’
TRAIL: 4.5 in.
SEAT HEIGHT: 29.1 in.
FUEL CAPACITY: 5.1 gal.
COLORS: Metallic Black; Gray Blue Metallic; Candy Red
CURB WEIGHT: 724 lb. (CTX1300) / 731 lb. (CTX1300 Deluxe)

 

[rosy thorn]

ergos look comfier on the CTX1300 TBH. The FJR looks a little more hunched over..

 

[SoCalRyder]

Seems like the rider on the Yamaha is leaning forward a bit, they should have shown how sitting on both bikes is like. So far it seems like the CTX is the more comfortable one.

 

[rosy thorn]

yea look how straight up this guy is...

 

[Panther Dash]

I think that the overall styling of the Yamaha looks better, but I do agree that the CTX looks more comfortable. A different picture of the FJR might show the riding position better. no word on CTX fuel economy either. Do you guys expect it to be better or worse than the FJR's 39 mpg?

 

[soggybottom]

Straight up seating is worse on your back than a slight lean forward, most cruiser riders may disagree. The mpg's that are listed on todays manuf web sites seem somewhat lower than what is to be expected, I find the average for most bikes is around 42ish. BMW boxers can be 50+ as many other 2 cyl big bikes. My NC700dct can get 70+!! I'll bet the CTX1300 will be on par with the Yam at 42+- on regular gas, BMW's require premium.

 

[TennesseeSmith]

Motorcycle Ergonomics

You can use this site to see how you might fit on various bikes. You tell it your height and inseam, then select some bikes. It shows a drawing of a person sitting on the bikes.

 

[SoCalRyder]

Straight up seating is worse on your back than a slight lean forward, most cruiser riders may disagree. The mpg's that are listed on todays manuf web sites seem somewhat lower than what is to be expected, I find the average for most bikes is around 42ish. BMW boxers can be 50+ as many other 2 cyl big bikes. My NC700dct can get 70+!! I'll bet the CTX1300 will be on par with the Yam at 42+- on regular gas, BMW's require premium.

that is true, but i do know of some people that are fine with it. seems like it just depends on the rider.

 

[irhawk]

The FJR is an awesome bike, especially with all the enhancements that were added to the 2013 model, as well as the electronic suspension to the 14 model. But dang is it a top heavy beast!

 

[soggybottom]

The FJR is an awesome bike, especially with all the enhancements that were added to the 2013 model, as well as the electronic suspension to the 14 model. But dang is it a top heavy beast!

If it is top heavy I would walk away, that is something I can't deal with in my old age...

 

[irhawk]

If it is top heavy I would walk away, that is something I can't deal with in my old age...

Well I'm 59 and I think I can still handle the FJR, but a bike loses some of its appeal when you have to be so worried about dropping it all the time. That's why I'm looking at the CTX. I want a lower seat height and lower CG but would like something sportier than a cruiser.

As an aside, once its rolling, the FJR is a riot. The engine is phenomenal. I miss the power. Still can't believe I was never ticketed when I had mine!

 

[cheeken]

I like the retro looking front end on the CTX.

 

[rosy thorn]

what about the Kawasaki Concours or the Suzuki Boulevard?

 

[Gizmo]

what about the Kawasaki Concours or the Suzuki Boulevard?

The Concours is ANOTHER top-heavy monster, the Boulevard not so much.

 

[cheeken]

The Boulevard is a nice motorcycle.

Always admired them from afar. I don't think it'll be as comfortable as the CTX though

 

[rosy thorn]

yea boulevard is more of a bare bones cruiser. Are CTX1300s at showrooms yet? would love to have a sit on one...

 

[Gizmo]

yea boulevard is more of a bare bones cruiser. Are CTX1300s at showrooms yet? would love to have a sit on one...

Checked out the local Honda dealership here in Jacksonville, FL today. They have NO clue as to WHEN or how many of the CTX 1300s they will get. They told me that you can't even pre-order one of them. Needless to say, what will probably happen .... the Honda semi will just pull up and unload them. My advice: visit your local Honda dealer(s) OFTEN!

 

[cheeken]

my dealership salespersons has never even heard of the thing

 

[Gizmo]

my dealership salespersons has never even heard of the thing

Same thing here when I visited the local Honda dealership a few weeks back. I did get to see a Grom and even got to sit on it which are cool as ****. As soon as they come in, they're gone in few days! The same "salesperson" who had no clue about the CTX 1300, "tried" to educate me about the CTX 700s. They should at least have people on the floor who "know" what they are selling ... all my "smarts" come for the Internet so it's not that hard to learn! I want to sit on a CTX 1300, like YESTERDAY, is that like asking too much?

 

[SoCalRyder]

Same thing here when I visited the local Honda dealership a few weeks back. I did get to see a Grom and even got to sit on it which are cool as ****. As soon as they come in, they're gone in few days! The same "salesperson" who had no clue about the CTX 1300, "tried" to educate me about the CTX 700s. They should at least have people on the floor who "know" what they are selling ... all my "smarts" come for the Internet so it's not that hard to learn! I want to sit on a CTX 1300, like YESTERDAY, is that like asking too much?

Grom's are wicked, everyone's loving them. from young guys getting on a bike for the first time to long time riders that have a wide collection of bikes.