All Duels – Pan-European Duel Vs FJR 1300 2013: GT on the road! – Long, wide and not light …

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Duel Pan-European Vs FJR 1300 2013: GT on the road !

All Duels - Pan-European Duel Vs FJR 1300 2013: GT on the road! - Long, wide and not light ...

With these two motorcycles, it is not only two generations of GTs that clash, but two driving philosophies. Which one of the FJR sportswoman or the valiant Pan-European will win over the kilometers? ? Answers in our essay.

Long, wide and not light…

With their huge windshield and large suitcases, the two GTs are particularly statutory! They fully assume their large displacement as well as their ability to travel long distances. Yet a decade old, the taut lines of the Pan-European are not at all obsolete and remain very elegant. The recently revamped design of the FJR is a little more tormented and certainly sportier than that of its competitor.

Over the years, the main defect of these so-called "GT" motorcycles has become their weight, which is constantly increasing because of their (over) equipment. If the FJR manages to stay under 290 kg all full, the Pan flirts with 330 kg. They are therefore intended for experienced bikers and rather well built, if only for maneuvers with the engine off..

Curiously, during these delicate phases, the Honda, perfectly balanced, is not really more difficult to handle than the Yamaha despite its additional 40 kg..

However, the Pan-European cannot hide its old conception: no anti-slip, no cruise control, no 12V socket, or even heated grips. We also regret the absence of a gear indicator, a useful device even with a large V4.

But the Honda offers some refinements such as electric adjustment of the height of the windshield and that of the headlights: practical so as not to dazzle everyone when driving loaded and in duo.

Until its recent overhaul, the FJR was not an equipment model either … It was not until this new 2013 vintage to have cruise control, a choice of injection maps or a windshield which does not systematically return to the low position when the ignition is switched off! A handlebar control also appears on the left stalk to control the various information displayed by the on-board computer.

Their saddle height remains relatively reasonable – and adjustable, moreover. The Honda is the most accessible to small builders since its seat can vary from 775 mm to 805 mm. For the Yamaha, it will take longer legs – especially as its saddle is wider – since the height can range from 805 to 825 mm.

Decked out with their side cases capable of holding an integral, our two GTs are very practical but rather bulky. Integrated "into" the motorcycle, the Pan-European suitcases are only 82 cm wide. With an equivalent capacity, the cases "added" on the FJR protrude a little more with a width of 90 cm.

However, these small eight centimeters of difference can change the life in traffic jams! But in return, the Yamaha is prettier than the Honda when they remove their suitcases..

The saddle of the new FJR does not change: it remains just as angular and hard as in the past. But if this firm side does not seem very welcoming at first glance, it is a guarantee of comfort during long stages.

On the contrary, the saddle of the Pan-European is as round as it is soft. If it manages to be equally comfortable over the long haul, we will on the other hand rail against its slippery side, both for the pilot and the passenger … Whatever your pants (leather, jeans or cordura), the coating of the saddle is a real bar of soap! Perhaps this can be explained by the fact that our test bike was almost new, and that this phenomenon will tend to fade over time? Hope !

FJR and Pan-European both offer fairly close driving positions and obviously very comfortable. Certainly, we have our legs relatively wide apart by the large 1,300 cc 4-cylinder, but for the rest we are at best.

The back is very slightly tilted towards the handlebars which naturally fall under the hands. The wrists are not stressed. With its saddle set to the lowest (775 mm), the older ones will have their legs really bent too much on the Pan-European, but the younger ones will be happy to calmly put both feet flat. !

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