Cruise along at low speeds, and the FJR1300 moves along with a vague feeling of top-heaviness, though light steering aids its ability to negotiate parking lots and tight quarters. But this big rig isn't intended as an urban runabout and when you're traveling above 30 mph or so, it starts to feel more in its element; the transmission clicks securely into each gear, the breadth of the engine's prodigious powerband becomes more apparent, and the FJR shows more willingness to lean into corners than you might expect, considering its large footprint. Though it doesn’t steer with unnerving quickness or change direction too suddenly, the FJR negotiates winding roads with stability and precision, handling surface irregularities easily and effortlessly, with good balance and reassuring predictability. There's still a bit more forethought required while managing twisty roads and noticeable lift from the shaft drive during lower speed mid-corner throttle application, but considering the FJR's saddlebags, ergonomics, and built-in creature comforts, it acquits itself nicely in the area of handling.
Twist the throttle at low rpms and you'll detect some fueling abruptness, but once the power pours on a silky smooth rush will propel you until the engine winds its way to its 9,000 rpm redline. Thanks to the combination of copious torque and relatively tall gearing, you'll rarely hit the crimson section of the tachometer—but it's certainly fun to aim for maximum revs, which yields impressive power and quickly achieves serious speeds. But if you're a creature of habit and accustomed to having six gears to choose from, the FJR's 5-speed transmission will leave you clicking the left foot pedal for more. 75 mph cruising leaves the tach at just under 4,000 rpm—a reasonably mellow engine speed indeed, though one can't help but wonder how much lower it could have gone if the super flexible motor had one more gear to work with. The FJR's brakes are similarly powerful, with a linked setup that enables you to drag the rears without touching the front lever most of the time. The anti-lock system isn't too intrusive, but works effectively when summoned.
I found wind turbulence to be a bit intrusive even with the screen in the top position, though the flow was much more tolerable when I wore earplugs inside my full-face helmet—my riding buddy's 2010 FJR was equipped with an aftermarket add-on which acts as an airfoil to lift wind above the rider's head. But my FJR's airflow management worked remarkably well while riding through Big Sur, where the notoriously cool, onshore breezes from the Pacific proved no match for the bike's excellent wind protection and powerful grip heaters. The heaters were, in fact, so effective that I rarely used them in their highest setting. And though the saddle isn't quite the cushiest I've tested, it's plenty comfortable for all-day rides, which are aided by the FJR's accommodating ergonomics and large, 6.6 gallon fuel tank.
