Let's see.....first, you say the FJR1300 is coming our way. Don't bet on
it at all if you're in the U.S. Yamaha has indicated clearly they don't
intend to market in the U.S. The rumor that Yamaha gave dealers their
blessing to take deposits is just that, rumor. Checked with my favorite
Yama-dealer yesterday, and the corporate folks are NOT authorizing
deposits, so any taken thus far are "wildcat".
The dealer show was totally without mention of the FJR. If pressed by a
dealer, the answer is "no" on future availability. Yamaha has maintained
that position from day one.
OK, so the choice is not a choice, in my opinion. If the FJR did become
available, though, the contrast would be....
Same price, for all intents and purposes. Difference in needed cash
outlay is the difference between a nearly decade-old used bike with parts
availability problems, and a brand-spanking new one with a warranty. So
cash out of pocket would be 75-100% more for the FJR.
Long term interest--bonus goes to the GTS. In 20 years the FJR will NOT
be found in any "most significant" lists.
Really, the question is between the GTS and some other (non-Yamaha) sport
tourer, such as Triumph, BMW, Honda, or other. If you want something
unique, get the GTS.
Phil
On Tue, 24 Jul 2001, Bill wrote:
> My '91 FJ1200 has served me well since I purchased it in '93 but it is
> getting a little "long in the tooth" with 80,500 miles. I think it's time
> for a change and the GTS is a prime candidate. I have been looking at them
> for some time now and will be making a change soon. There is a new FJ1300
> coming but at $12,000 (or there abouts) it's out of my range. Would
> appriciate any help or comments from any of you with knowledge about the two
> bikes. (How much alike, not alike, etc)
