2008 Yamaha Motocross Bike reviews

The FJR 1300 is a very good all around bike and handles most every command well. I found the handling very good until pushed to sport bike speeds. The weight and lack of lean angle clearance becomes an issue only if you're chasing a pack of sport bikes. The power delivery is a bit snappy/jerky off of idle. I'm told a power commander or progressive grip tames this issue. The bike makes a lot of torque everywhere which makes it easy to ride without searching for an ideal RPM. Top speed is 150 MPH give or take 5 MPH. The FJR is horribly uncomfortable due to the seat. I could only ride 150-200 miles until my can was on fire. I almost immediately replaced it with a Seth Laam seat. I can now put down 600 miles a day. I have ridden 10+ hours for 3 days in a row with a passenger through the Smokies. The 08 did not have a cruise control option. I do find my hands falling asleep after 3-4 hour. Throttle body synchronization is recommended to help with vibrations. Wind protection is great. Show less

I just tripped over 53,000 miles and only problem ever had was a rear master brake cylinder fail-Bullett proof motorcycle-JE Show less

I read the previous review on the bike and felt the need to comment. I'm the original owner of an '08 YZ450F and would buy 20 more if I could. The bike has had very little issues outside of normal maintenance. In Arizona we ride year round with winter temps averaging in the 60's to the summer blazing heat of 110. With the extreme conditions the bike has held together great. The only issue that Yamaha could change on their bikes is the plastic sleeve for the compression valves in the forks. Over time they crack and affect the performance. You cannot buy just the sleeve, you have to buy the whole assembly at $250+ per side! I also have several friends that ride the same bike and they have very few issues with theirs as well. Show less

I bought mine used on 2/11/12 with 2,980 miles on the odometer. This is my first running motorcycle. I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it is after 10 years of renting HD and 35 years of shopping. Yes, it is "Scary Fast" to have a Sportbike with a partial upright sitting position, but is so much more comfortable than laying across an R1. The 1st owner did all the cool upgrades, then traded it in at 141 miles, on a GSXR1000. The 2nd owner rode it 1-2 times a month for four years. For touring I am adding the taller wind shield and soft saddle bags. I just added Shogun frame and swing-arm sliders. Show less

1/5 of the way there to 100k miles. So far, it has been great. The bike still handles like a charm. I tried the Bridgestone BT016 and they handle great. I got a little over 12K miles out of them so far. It's up for an oil change and I expect to get new tires pretty soon. The bike, well, like always, never a dull moment. It always bring a smile to my commute home and to work and everywhere else. It's still a lot more bike than I have skill for it but I expect after a few track day instruction classes I will catch it a bit. People look at me like I am crazy for smiling when I get off the bike. Some have asked. I simply state...it is a nice.... ride....had police officers urge to go faster but I smell a joke on me...haha....not falling for it... I think they wish they could simply ride and not be stuck behind a cage like the rest of the commuters...if you want a smile to work and a stress reduction ride with a smile after a stresful or hard day of work...get a Yamaha R6... the new colors are great....have fun and be safe... Show less

This bike is great for recreational riders who are serious about their riding. It's fast and most of all a powerful little bike. I have one and I love it!!!! Show less

I've logged about 2400 miles so far and really dig this bike. I was looking for good performance in a 600-650cc bike and this one has it. The four cylinder sport engine is hardly breaking a sweat in day-to-day riding conditions, and runs as smooth as a top. Other bikes in this engine size tend to feel a tad cramped to me, but the fz6 is a little taller and rangier, which I like. Excellent acceleration, excellent braking, very "tight" feel in turns, very stiff frame. Nice. When I first got the bike I thought the tranny seemed a bit clunky, especially in lower gears. BUT, I've discovered the main reason is that you tend to shift too early on this bike. If you rev to at least 5000 rpm before shifting - much smoother shift. You have to keep reminding yourself that this engine LIKES TO REV. Engine performs so well even at lower rpm that you keep forgetting there's a beast inside there! that's another thing I like about this bike: if you don't consciously "push" it, she's nice and tame and docile. Very relaxed. But if you intentionally rev it (7000 to 8000+ rpm, say), you "awaken the beast within." Gives you lots of options out there. It's why this bike is legit for experienced riders but still fun and safe for newbies, SO LONG AS they understand what'll happen if you rev it! Be prepared if you do, that's all I can say. Comfort wise, you tend to slide forward and wedge your nads between the front of the seat and the back of the gas tank (whoever started calling the gas tank a "nut ramp" is to be commended). But this happens on most non-cruising bikes. You just have to shift back occasionally or get used to singing soprano. Lots of great practical features on this bike: excellent instrument package; huge gas tank; standard center stand; nice standard fairing. The rear view mirrors are mounted on the fairing so they stick out a bit wider than mirrors on a fully naked bike. You don't get a perfect rear view, but it's okay. You just have to shrug your shoulder a bit to get a complete view. Here's a useful tip: you can't get to the battery on this bike without lifting the tank, and you can't lift the tank without first removing the fairing, which is a b****. So if I were you, I'd install a permanent charging harness that sticks out from under the front of the tank, and plug it into a Battery Tender Plus whenever you're not riding it. Increases battery life considerably and helps avoid the hassle of having to change out the battery. that's what I did, and it's working out great. Overall: truly excellent bike. Highly recommended. If you're a newbie, just be cautious when you rev it. There's an animal inside this thing. Show less

This is a great bike. It starts easy and runs great. You can do just about any thing with it, jump, race, or trail ride. It goes pretty fast too. I am sort of a beginner so it's easy to learn on. I got it six months ago and had no problems. It's perfect for my size and I plan to have it for a long time! Show less

I'll start with the negatives: mirrors are not wide enough, small friction zone, well, that's that. Now, the good stuff: great riding position, fast or slow - you'll enjoy the ride. It's always turning heads too. I've taken it up past 110 mph and it did not feel like I was going that fast and I wasn't even tucked behind the windscreen. It's mild mannered or a beast, take your pick. Touring or twisting, it's all good. IT DOES IT ALL WELL, WHAT MORE CAN I SAY? Show less

The 08 R6's have taken on Almighty status in my garage. I'm completely happy with the choice and really feel the track in them. They are not kind around town but get in a spirited situation and it's on!!! Not much out there does it all so well. Buy two, like I did. You won't be disappointed. Excellent job YAMAHA! Show less