…-winning K1300GT , with the Bavarian marque having already announced its replacement in the new Inline-Six-powered K1600GT . Likewise, Yamaha wasn’t keen making its FJR1300 available – with an update seemingly forthcoming for one of our all-time favorite ST rides. Yet even with two of the heavy hitters…

…Contenders This year two stalwarts return, along with an all-new motorcycle and an old favorite yet to test its comparison mettle. First, the familiar Yamaha FJR1300. Twice-winner of past MCUSA shootouts, the FJR has proved a personal favorite of many MCUSA testers and enters 2009 the front runner via its 2008…

…the revamped Yamaha FJR1300 sport-tourer in action in the 2013 Yamaha FJR1300A First Ride Video . The curvy backroads of Northern California are an ideal locale to catch up with an old riding partner. In my case, the old acquaintance is Yamaha’s sport-touring platform, the FJR1300 - one of my all…

…handling and the new Connie just might come out on top in future comparos. Although a 2007 model, the Yamaha FJR1300 claims victory in our 2008 shootout by exhibiting no major weakness. First: Yamaha FJR1300 Rating: 106.25 (96.75 AE) Engine: User Friendliness 8.8 (8.0) Engine: Open-Road Performance 8.8 (8…

…Yamaha's FJR1300 as the top dog in our 2004 Sport-Touring Shootout . Although the FJR wasn't the most powerful (Kawasaki ZZR1200) or the most luxurious (Honda ST1300), its hunger for speed combined with its far-ranging versatility made it our class favorite. Still, the ""Supersport-Tourer,"" as Yamaha…

" 2009 Yamaha FJR1300A MSRP: $14,499 (ABS Standard) Horsepower: 123.2 hp @ 7900 rpm Torque: 87.2 lb-ft @ 6800 rpm Weight: 664 lbs Range: 262 miles The Yamaha FJR1300 carved out a strong position in the sport-touring market with its US debut in 2003. Since then, Motorcycle USA has declared it the head…

…mount them are priced at $779.90, bringing the bike's MSRP up to $11,379, the lowest of this trio, though not far behind the competitively priced Yamaha. The Honda ST1300 is the feature-packed S-T of the bunch, boasting an adjustable seat, ambient air temperature gauge, a fuel mileage computer, and…

…us who want a fast sportbike without the ergonomic compromises of a race-replica. The problem in the eyes of Yamaha's marketing team is that it was deemed too close in concept to the FJR1300 sport-tourer, so this new spin on the Fizzer concept puts some distance between it and the big-block bagger. Shift…

…-inch wheelbase and 24-degree rake. Compared side-by-side, the Sprint's geometry reads closer to a superbike than larger sport-tourers like the Yamaha FJR1300 or BMW K1200GT. ""I realize this bike is classified as a sport-touring bike, but I do feel it's leaning heavily toward the sport end of the spectrum…

…electrically-adjustable windshield. Extensive wind tunnel development has made it effective at all its levels, something the similarly-missioned Yamaha FJR1300 can't claim. At its lowest setting the shield is well out of the way, giving the bike a lighter impression while still offering turbulence-free…