2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS vs 2008 BMW R 1200ST

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS 2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS

Sport touring

Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
145 hp / 105.7 kW @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed
249 km/h / 154.7 mph
Weight
291 kg / 641.5 lbs
2008 BMW R 1200ST 2008 BMW R 1200ST

Sport touring

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
449.7 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2004-
Make ModelYamaha FJR 1300 / ABS-
Dimensions
Seat Height805 mm / 31.7 in to 825 mm / 32.5 in820 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase1545 mm / 60.8 in1,495 mm / 58.9 in.
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in-
Height1450mm / 57.1 in-
Length2230 mm / 87.8 in2,082 mm / 82.0 in.
Width750 mm / 29.5 in-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight264 kg / 582 lbs182 kg / 401.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity25 Liters / 6.6 US gal16.00 litres / 4.23 gallons
Wet Weight291 kg / 641.5 lbs204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs
Performance
Top Speed249 km/h / 154.7 mph-
Max Power145 hp / 105.7 kW @ 8500 rpm-
Max Torque125 Nm / 13.7kgf-m / 99.1 ft-lb @ 6000 rpm115.00
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.5968 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.0 sec-
Engine
Stroke-2
Fuel Control-SOHC
Engine Type-Two cylinder boxer
Displacement (ci)-71.39 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-1170.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)-101.0 x 73.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-4.0 x 2.9 inches
Displacement1298 cc / 79.2 cu-in cc / 79.2 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.-
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin-spark ignition
Bore x Stroke79 x 66.2 mm-
Compression Ratio10.8:112.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled,-
Fuel Consumption18.5 km/lit-
Fuel InductionMikuni 42mm throttle body F.I.-
Fuel Reserve-2.00 litres / 0.53 gallons
IgnitionCDI -
LubricationWet sump-
Spark PlugNGK, CR8E-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple discs, cable operatedSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Final DriveShaftShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox-6-speed
Transmission / Drive5 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeAluminium, twin sparTwo-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit
Suspension - Front48mm Soqi telescopic fork w/adjustable preload, compression and rebound dampingBMW Motorrad Telelever
Suspension - RearSingle shock, link-type, w/adjustable preload and rebound dampingCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Rake26°25.7°
Trail109 mm / 4.3 in104 mm / 4.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Front137 mm / 5.3 in110 mm / 4.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear122 mm / 5.1 in140 mm / 5.5 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-265 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.4 inches
Brakes - Front2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipersDouble disc. ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 283mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle disc. ABS
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70-17
Tyres - Rear180/55 ZR17180/55-17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2008 BMW R 1200ST

The 2008 BMW R 1200ST edges out the 2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS thanks to its fuel injection, dual front discs and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More front wheel travel: 137 mm vs 110 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2008 BMW R 1200ST - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 122 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS vs 2008 BMW R 1200ST - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS and 2008 BMW R 1200ST?
The 2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS uses Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder., while the 2008 BMW R 1200ST is powered by Two cylinder boxer.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS or the 2008 BMW R 1200ST?
The 2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS has the lower seat at 805 mm, making it more accessible. The 2008 BMW R 1200ST sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS or the 2008 BMW R 1200ST?
Both are strong choices. The 2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 / ABS has the edge in liquid cooling and higher front wheel travel, while the 2008 BMW R 1200ST stands out for fuel injection and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.