Triumph Trophy vs Yamaha FJR1300ES

[shooterspappy]

Hi all I am getting back into riding after having my low back fused. I have test rode both the Trophy SE and the FJR1300ES I was wondering if any of you have had both bikes and what your opinion is of both. Leaning toward the trophy but would like your opinion thanks for your time.

[Trophy Tom]

I had a FJR and there's no comparison the Trophy is a far better bike. Look at the electronic package you get with the Trophy compared to the Yamaha. Wind and weather protection is also much better. The FJR STILL only has a 5 speed transmission. I always hated the handle bar posisition they were to far away to close togeather and to low drove me crazy. Replaced the triple tree to improve it but still wasn't what I wanted so I sold it. Trophy might be a little more $$ but well worth it 

[neojynx]

Just had disc removed from my lower back L5.  Had to sell my Sprint GT 3 months from new.  The Trophy is great, BUT be careful of it's weight that's all.

If you're careful, you (and your back) will love it

G

[azgman]

I found the FJR ES a bike in conflict with itself. It would appear to be a very sporty bike, but it just doesn't feel that way when you ride it. Very powerful motor, maybe too powerful for me. More compact than the Trophy, but just as heavy. Less storage space than the Trophy, hell it doesn't even have a top case as an option. Better handling with the Trophy, even at low speed. Better gas mileage with the Trophy. Better wind protection with the Trophy. Much better load capacity with the Trophy. I know a lot of FJR owners who have replaced or fortified the rear frame in order to put on a topcase and carry some weight when touring. Cheaper in price than the Trophy. Stone cold reliability with the FJR proven over many years. This last point is what I hear from most FRJ owners as the main selling point.

[w8d4it]

What a timely post!!  I just completed a road trip to Maine.  I have two FJR/Trophy anecdotes.

1) While riding through Pennsylvania I met a guy riding an 2013 FJR.  We had a nice long discussion about the merits of both bikes.  He said that he had evaluated a number of bikes, including the Trophy,  before buying the FJR.   He said that of all the bikes he evaluated he was certain the FJR was the better bike EXCEPT for the Trophy.  In retrospect, he wished he had gone with the Trophy. 

2) While in Virginia I met up with a guy on a 2014 FJR.  He said he looked at the Trophy but just couldn't afford it so he settled for an FJR.  I didn't press him as to what he paid for the FJR.

[trophied]

I looked at, but didn't ride an FJR, but decided that it just didn't offer all the things I had on the K1600 that I had become accustomed to, and didn't like the riding position at all.  It was also a little tall for me and felt more top heavy than the Trophy does although it probably really isn't given the weight of the Trophy.  I think Kawasaki, Honda, and Yamaha all need to better equip new and improved designs of their mid-weight sport tourers.  None of them measure up to the Trophy, or the BMW for that matter even if they do cost more.  Obviously there are riders out there, namely us and the beemer crowd, that will pony up the extra cash for a well fitted out bike that handles really well. 

[MO Man]

I owned a 2003 and a 2007 FJR and my 2014 Trophy is exactly what I wanted both FJR's to be but were not.

[w8d4it]

I reread this thread and it occurred to me that during my 5000 mile trip I saw several FJRs but not a single other Trophy.  What does that say about the non-Trophy Forum member comparison of the two?