StromTrooper banner

Wee vs. FJR - apples and oranges, but hear me out

16K views 73 replies 48 participants last post by  RCinNC 
#1 ·
It seems several people on this forum own or have owned both a V-Strom 650 and an FJR 1300. I'd love to hear from anyone who has ever owned an FJR. Believe it or not, I'm thinking of buying one or the other as my next bike. I think I'd be happy with either one, but for different reasons.

I plan on taking some extended 2-up trips this summer, from Colorado to the Northwest, including British Columbia. I am 160 lbs and my wife is 105 lbs. We are both about 60 years old but very fit and active. We will camp; but seldom in campgrounds. We will pull off the road and set up a tent. We will use motels rarely; maybe once a week. We hate cities and anything urban. We love remote places. We are outdoor, country folks. We try to avoid any place crowded. We will be on some dirt roads; if only to find a place to set up our tent.

I've done a few 5000+ mile trips exactly like this before on a 2007 Triumph Sprint 1050, but alone. My wife has taken a few longish (1000 mile) trips on the back of the Sprint, but it was just not a great bike for 2-up. Not enough room on the seat. She kept sliding into me, pushing me forward into the gas tank. We were constantly "adjusting". I want more comfort and a bit more upright posture. The Sprint was just a little too much on the "sport" side of the spectrum. She does not complain, but I want more comfort for her too. Sold the Sprint.

Price of the bike is not much of a consideration, mostly because used FJRs are an incredible value. It seems everyone wants "Adventure" bikes instead. I've weighed some of the pros and cons of both bikes. I would enjoy the extra power of the FJR. I like the excitement of whipping around a car to pass, while going uphill at 10,000 feet elevation. If I get one, l'll try to contain myself better than I did on the Sprint. I think I've gotten that out of my system. No more 140 mph two-up with luggage. I've only done that in the middle of nowhere, on straightaways, for very short duration. I have however traveled at 90 to 110 mph sustained for over an hour at a time, many times.

I will probably hate the considerable extra weight of the FJR, especially when pulling off the road to camp, or on gravel or dirt roads. I think the FJR would restrict my routes a bit more.

I like the better gas mileage of the Wee-Strom, but the difference between 40 mpg and 50 mpg over 5000 miles is 25 gallons of gas, or about $100. I'm very frugal, but that is not an issue.

I've owned many dual-purpose bikes. We both ride dirt bikes, but she's a beginner at it and short, so does not want to ride a dual-purpose bike of her own on a long trip. I'd love to explore dirt roads I find along the way. I was thinking of a Wee because of this. However, riding 2-up with full camping gear, I don't see how this is possible, even on the Wee. If I can't do it on the Wee, then maybe I should just get an FJR. Does this make sense?

If I were going alone, I'd take my DR650, do a lot more dirt, and be happy. However, going 2-up changes everything.

I go back and forth. I convince myself that I am getting a Wee, then I start wondering if the FJR will make me happier. However, I've never owned a bike that heavy. Wet weight on an FJR is 644 lbs. I don't know if that weight even includes the empty side cases or not. That's about 100 lbs more than my Sprint weighed without the side cases.

By the way, I NEVER take Interstates on a bike, unless it is the ONLY way between point A and point B, and then only for as short a distance as possible. I'd rather take a dirt side road than an Interstate.

Right now, I just started leaning toward the FJR, and this post probably reflects that. Yesterday, I was totally convinced the Wee is the better choice.

Please give me some insights I may not have thought about. One thing I don't know is how 2-up comfort compares between the two bikes. I'd love some thoughts on that.

THANKS!
 
See less See more
#2 ·
fully loaded

Riding 2-up and with camping gear you will be fully loaded to the max!
I do know that there are many options for huge side cases ( like my Happy Trails) that will fit a either a Vee or a Wee. You will need some of the biggest ugliest cases made. I do tour lots solo with camping gear and other times 2-up with my wife and we B&B, find motels or stay with friends.
 
#3 ·
Out of curiousity, why is the Vee not in consideration? I own a Concours, and 2 of my riding buddies have had 3 FJRs each, so I have a little knowlege. The FJR is heavy at slow speed and can be a handfull on gravel and loose dirt roads when riding single, much less packing double and gear. Hardpack dirt is okay. The weight of you and your wife is low, but I have to think the two of you and gear might tax a wee going over passes and the accompanying steep grades. BTW: one of the FJR owners is converting to a 2014 Vee if and when they come out. That will make 3 of us out of 5 in our group. Our last trip to Arkansas was the eye opener. We traveled quite a few Forest Service roads through the Ozark Natl. Forest, and the FJR got quite tiresome and was always quite a ways back.
 
#4 · (Edited)
By the way, I NEVER take Interstates on a bike, unless it is the ONLY way between point A and point B, and then only for as short a distance as possible. I'd rather take a dirt side road than an Interstate.
Having owned an almost 600lb bike, I can attest that they are a bit of a pain to back up, move around, and putter about on.....and judging from your preference, I really can't imagine an FJR would suit you....seems like a Vstrom 1000 would be just about perfect for you - a little more zip, and it would eat dirt side roads for lunch.....

That said, my wife loves riding on the back of the Wee, ever since I got a custom seat (her passenger portion tailored to her hip dimensions), and she can lean back on my topcase and veg out a bit. It's kinda funny that she said that the pad on my topcase was too hard - but I replied that she's wearing a jacket with a padded back protector, so who's gonna know the difference?.....The Wee is a great touring bike, if you're not an HP junkie. I'm not - I just like riding my bike.

Or, if you're set on beating the sheit out of your sport tour bike, Sheesh, you might as well get an old 1000cc Concours for 3-4k and call it a day. (btw - I typed this without reading the post above....interesting, huh?)
 
#6 ·
This ain't Apples to Oranges... this is Apples to Bag Pipes. Two completely different bikes. Not even fair to either bike to compare them together in the same paragraph. Anything more than they both have two wheels would be pushing it. My useless $0.02
 
#37 ·
Aint that the truth

This ain't Apples to Oranges... this is Apples to Bag Pipes. Two completely different bikes. Not even fair to either bike to compare them together in the same paragraph. Anything more than they both have two wheels would be pushing it.
aint that the truth. general biker rule of thumb is, ''lighter is better''. but, sometimes you can make heavy work for you. enter the heavy FJR sport-touring bike, make for high speed long distance interstate travel. iow's if you got a long way to go and want to get there really fast.
 
#8 ·
I have owned 2 FJRs. The newer one had much better heat management, important for the long haul. I found the riding position to place a great deal of stress on the wrists and needed frequent riding breaks to alleviate this. Risers did not help. No cruise control. Other than that the bike is almost perfect. Gobs of power...super smooth...handles exceptionally well...takes on anything but harsh gravel and wins. If it wasn't for the wrist thing I'd still have one. I now have a 2009 BMW 1200RT and 2012 650 VStrom. Both different tools for different jobs. The Strom is more fun to ride but not as comfortable for the long haul in my opinion. The FJR is no where near as comfortable as the BMW and in the used market about the same price. From what you said I would buy the VStrom as it sounds like the right tool for the job.
 
#13 ·
Why not Wee?

I have owned 2 FJRs. The newer one had much better heat management, important for the long haul. I found the riding position to place a great deal of stress on the wrists and needed frequent riding breaks to alleviate this. Risers did not help. No cruise control. Other than that the bike is almost perfect. Gobs of power...super smooth...handles exceptionally well...takes on anything but harsh gravel and wins.
I had an FJR and my experience as that above was almost exactly the same...... For slab riding and high speed interstate touring its really hard to beat. But after a 500 mile day, it wore me out; wrists, back, and shoulders. I'm 46, 170 lbs, and in good physical shape.

Like others have said, this really isn't a fair comparison. Kinda like putting a single prop Cesna up against a F16 fighter jet. Both have their intended purposes but can't be compared against each other fairly.

IMO, for 2-up riding and camping, the Vstrom is the right bike for what you have in mind. But if it were my money, in this situation I'd go with a Vee. You'll be much happier with the additional power for 2-up riding, and the Stroms in general have oodles more farkles to suit a camping travel style......
 
#9 ·
What about a Sprint GT? Longer and flatter seat, larger bags and still that sweet 1050. Or, yes, get a used Concours 1000 and a Wee! The person I bought my Wee from in Lomgmont was selling his older Connie for just a little over 2k as recently as last month. Not sure if he still has it.
 
#10 ·
I've been close to buying an FJR before, and have owned 2 Wees and a Vee.

They are nice bikes, and good choices for long hauls on smooth roads with 2 people, but the extra 150-200lbs was simply something I could not get over, specifically at low speeds, parking lot stuff, and really tight twisties.

Even going back to a Wee, from the Vee, I vowed that I would not be buying a heavy bike for a long time, as the nimbleness of a light bike makes it so effortless to ride.

They are great value considering what I've some seen used ones listed for, but much harder to sell unless a screaming deal.
 
#11 ·
One thing for certain, you won't be doing 120mph on a wee. They are running around 7 or 8k RMP at 80 mph. You could change out the gears to correct that somewhat, but that changes the gearing at slower speeds too. Two up with gear on a Wee is definately pushing it. Probably no benefit there on dirt either.

The DL1000 might be what you need really... for 2 up, or go for the FJR, or ST1300, or the Concourse, or even the R1200GS if you can afford it.
 
#12 ·
I had a choice of my buddy's EXTREMELY well-maintained, and upgraded FJR, or the 2012 DL650...for the same money. As much as that FJR tempted me, I opted for the G-Strom, and have never looked back. I LOVE the engine...it's not FJR strong by any means, but, it's tame when it counts (at low speeds with low throttle requirements) with a wild side if you let her wind up a bit.

HOWEVER, get whichever one makes you salivate. That's the right one for YOU....

Congratulations on whatever bike you pick!
 
#14 ·
As you and others have pointed out, you contrast an FJR to a DL rather than compare. I currently own both, and have for the last combined approximately 155,000 miles. I don't really consider the seat to be an issue. If only because if you are riding multi-1000 mile trips 2-up you will probably end up with an aftermarket or modified seat that will eliminate the "bumping and sliding" issue.

I love the FJR; the smooth power delivery and output is seductive, the smooth ride is phenomenal and with risers and the Audiovox Cruise Control I find the "wrist" issue is moot and the back issue is greatly reduced. But, and this is a big but, if you really are going to be doing quite a bit of soft packed dirt, hard packed dirt and gravel then the massive torque, smooth power and 640lb weight is a definite problem. Even with both of you at 160 and 110 lbs each, if you drop that bike it is work to get it up.

I like most of the people here find the DL650 is a 90% bike. It fulfills every need have. But, if you are doing mountains, hills and lots of wind than 650lbs of rocket will handle handle those issues better than the 650. I suspect you are also a much more accomplished dirt and gravel rider than I am. Accordingly, you may not find handling close to 950 lbs (bike 650 + owners 270, plus luggage, tent and gear approx 50lbs ) around dirt and gravel campsites difficult.

If so, I would get the FJR. On the other hand if you find manhandling all that weight difficult, and/or your wife wants to pilot rather than pillion occasionally, I would get a "Strom". If nothing else for the weight alone.
 
#15 ·
Never had a FJR but I do have a 1400 Concours which has a certain similarity.
I expect the Concours is going to be a superb touring bike, I don't think I've ever ridden anything that is so well sorted out of the box. The power is intoxicating, suspension is very good, brakes are spectacular. The bike is going to be quite comfortable once I have it tailored, which I seem to end up doing with all bikes. I can't imagine the FJR wouldn't be pretty much in the same vein, especially given their popularity, they would have to be pretty easy to set up to taste.
My Connie is a few pounds heavier than an FJR but I find no difficulty in managing it, the bike is lower in CG and its just not a big deal. Then again I've owned my share of heavy bikes so maybe I think differently.
I consider the Wee to be borderline gutless in high speed highway use. I know thats not a popular opinion on here but I call it like I see it. I can't imagine using it two up fully loaded and being happy with it. Its fine for how I use it, back road touring, dirt roads and as little high speed highway as possible.
I would say for two up it also has pretty marginal brakes and the supension would be far too soft, plan on upgrading.
Now, if you're sold on the idea of 'adventure tourer' then I think I would look hard at the 1000 Vstrom, that would solve the power issue.
As a former Triumph owner you could consider the 1050 Tiger, power is no problem, I've never ran two up with mine but some of the guys tell me they have and that its not a very comfortable two person bike which i can believe.
If it were me I would want a FJR for the power, wind management, passenger comfort, shaft drive, sophisticated braking and much better high speed handling. The only reason I can even fathom not to would be if you are going to do a lot of dirt roads.
 
#16 ·
Having owned a Vee, a Wee, and rode my buddy's FJR many times, I would highly suggest the Vee (DL1000) over the FJR. I don't like the heat that the FJR throws off, the lack of 6th gear, and the weight. I am 57 and the VEE would be the best 2 up touring bike I could imagine.
 
#17 ·
Not an FJR owner but here is my insight. Power has its advantages. Comfort is a necessity. Power is fun. Power is not fun if you are hurting. Nothing is fun if you are worn out. Pain wears you out. Power is fun.

Bill
 
#21 ·
I had a 2004 FJR when you still had to pre-order the bike for the US. It was like a rocket compared to my 96ST1100. Got it up to 142MPH GPS in Wisconsin to see what it could do but was passed by another rider's Hyabusha like I was standing still. Handled great and felt like a much lighter motorcycle. The problem I find with new bikes is catalytic converters that need to run very hot and aluminum frames that work like heat sinks. I sold the FJR after one trip around Lake Superior and kept the ST1100.

The FJR is a great bike but the new model has gone way up in price(17,499) with cruise and traction control. Very complex maching for great all day touring on the superslab. One of the guys Ed from our group put 200,000 miles on his FJR.

I sold my ST this winter and picked up a Glee because I want a lighter motorcycle that is easy to maintain. I'm getting older and I wanted a relativly lighter bike to push around. Also wanted to get off the main road once a while and head down a unpaved county road or fire road in the UP or Ontario.
 
#22 ·
I've owned both and put a bunch of miles on both 2 up (70k+). Both bikes were fully farkled and had luggage (jesse's) topcases, custom suspension, lighting, seats, etc.

The 650 has enough power if you keep it under 80 loaded 2 up and is capable on backroads and gravel etc. Its lighter and more nimble at slow speed. Personally though if you've been riding for awhile its a non issue. Its very comfortable with a passenger (wife and I did multiple 3000 mile trips and comfort was never an issue until we did more than 600 miles in a day), and had a ton of room to store luggage etc.

The FJR has ton's of power for anything including passing uphill fully loaded at 10,000 feet and passing 3-4 cars at at time while fully loaded. The power is very fun, and you don't have to shift unless you want too. The wee makes you wind it out everywhere. Out of the box though for passenger comfort I had to put on footpeg lower's and heatshields, and we had to switch seats. I also added bar risers and that helped. Wind protection is better on the fjr, especially with the electronic screen. Its a bit more cramped than the vstrom with a passenger and puts a little more pressure on the knees. I also had to add a ohlins shock on since rough roads were beating up the passenger (and now its excellent). The handling is more sporty even though it weighs more. At a place like deals gap the FJR is just as fast, but a bit more work to put through tight stuff. Its much faster on corners rate at 20mph+. The brakes are also better, and the suspension more sporty (but slightly less comfortable).

On the newer FJR's (2006+) you also get abs which works well. Heat is no longer an issue after the redesign. You will need to add a $80 electrical harness to fix a grounding deficiency.

Fuel economy on the fjr is around 38 (with pipes and a tune) and the wee is 42 when traveling 2 up so don't let that make much of a difference. At elevatation add 8-10mpg for each.

Maintence is a wash between the two since the wee has 2 valve checks for every one the fjr has. Both can be done by a garage mechanic with no problem. Tires last about 20% longer on the wee.


I'd recommend a fully farkled dl1000. I just helped my boss get one (09 with 15k miles and fully loaded with $3500 of accessories, for $6500). Its still light, has plenty of power for 2 up, and has a more comfortable riding position for 2 people.
 
#23 ·
It's really too bad your wife doesn't want to ride because really, your most comfortable option would be two Wee Stroms, each packed with your own gear.
It's not a matter of what she wants. It's a matter of her physical size and skill. She's 5 foot 2 inches, 105 lbs, and barely touches the ground on her Yamaha TTR125L. She can ride our Yamaha XT225 on the street (tentatively) but finds it too much to handle in the dirt. The weight (265 lbs wet) is too much for her.
She sits on my lowered DR650 (366 lbs wet, 33-inch seat height) and that bike is so far outside her realm of possibility that it is laughable. She can barely hold it up when it is stationary. I don't think a 500 lb + loaded Wee Strom is for her! Maybe if it had a 28-inch seat height like a Harley.
 
#24 ·
My thoughts echo those previous with regard to riding position. The other thing not mentioned yet has to do with payload. The Wee and the V both have about a 500 lb payload capacity at dry weight, more than most any other bike. Add rider/s weight, fuel, oil, coolant and accessories reduces that considerably. Also consider ground clearance. Personally the V is my choice.
 
#26 · (Edited)
I had a 2003 FJR for two years, about 20k miles, and bought my Wee last year and have put on about 8k miles. Not as extensive riding as others, but I'll give my thoughts as they pertain to you.

Price-wise, obviously, a wee would win. Payload wise they are about the same, so for camping it's a wash. I will say that I find the aluminum adventure cases easier to use to their full capacity than the FJR cases, and they are easier to strap gear on top since it's flat.

As far as two-up, yes, the power of the FJR can't be compared to the wee. Definitely an apple's/oranges situation. But the Wee is ok at 80ish all day pretty much anywhere, even two up. For passing over the dashed yellow line, I have to downshift once or twice to get a good acceleration whereas on the FJR you just twist the wrist in any gear and it takes off like a rocket.

Judging from the outside though, considering you are definitely going to use it for camping, I would say it's an easy choice. Between those two, go with the Wee-strom. The ground clearance will keep you from scraping up the FJR's plastic, it's easier to pack, easier to backup or rock back and forth if you're stuck on a hill or something (due tothe lighter weight), less to break when it falls (WHEN it falls, not "if"), easier to pick up after it's fallen.

As for passenger comfort, the money you save getting a wee instead of an FJR can EASILY be reinvested in a truly custom seat for your wife, getting those footpegs to where she wants them, and any other farkles.

But I'm going to go ahead and throw another curveball at you. Maybe worth the consideration would be a tiger 800 (NOT the XC). A little more power, a little LESS weight, tank range is similar enough, the XC is very tall so be aware of that, but the regular tiger 800 is a good comparison seat height wise to the adventure. It's a little more money, but does give you a FEW more options to play with. Also, it has a MONSTER stator in it that gives you hundreds of extra watts for heated gear or extra PIAA lights to light your way through the campground.

My money? If I had it and was in your situation, I'd go tiger 800 for the lighter weight, same carrying capacity, better stator. However I don't camp and the majority of my riding in the colder weather is solo (commuting) so I didn't need the extra stator and didn't want to spend the extra $$$.

Alexi

PS - Keep in mind the tiger is no speed demon either. From every review I've read on it, the power is very linear and not snatchy, but that means passing power won't "snap" for you, so it'd be a similar situation as the wee-strom, downshifting probably necessary to really stomp on by.
 
#27 ·
I also have owned both a DL1000 and an FJR. Sounds you ride similar to the way I do, high speeds for long distances. I think you would hate the wee for this. When you're loaded up the wee is gonna be wrung out, and you won't be doing much passing. I will agree that when you get off the road you won't like the FJR but I don't feel real comfortable off road on the Vee either. the Vee is too top heavy when loaded.

You are getting lots of good feedback here, mostly biased to the wee. Go over to the FJR forum you'll get more good feedback prolly biased the other way.

To make your decision, go ride them both and buy the one that leaves the unremovable smile on you face.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top