2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 vs 2008 BMW R 1200ST
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Colours | Techno jade | - |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 135 mm | - |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | 5.3 inches | - |
| Seat Height | 805 mm / 31.7 in. | 820 mm / 32.3 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1,515 mm / 59.6 in. | 1,495 mm / 58.9 in. |
| Height | 1,435 mm / 56.5 in. | - |
| Length | 2,195 mm / 86.4 in. | 2,082 mm / 82.0 in. |
| Width | 760 mm / 29.9 in. | - |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 244 kg / 537.9 lbs | 182 kg / 401.2 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | - | 16.00 litres / 4.23 gallons |
| Wet Weight | - | 204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs |
| Performance |
| Max Torque | 134.40 | 115.00 |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.5798 HP/kg | 0.5968 HP/kg |
| Engine |
| Stroke | 4 | 2 |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 79.0 x 66.2 mm | 101.0 x 73.0 mm |
| Fuel Control | DOHC | SOHC |
| Engine Type | In-line four | Two cylinder boxer |
| Displacement (cc) | 1298.00 cc | 1170.00 cc |
| Displacement (ci) | 79.20 cubic inches | 71.39 cubic inches |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 3.1 x 2.6 inches | 4.0 x 2.9 inches |
| Fuel System | Injection | Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin-spark ignition |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Reserve | - | 2.00 litres / 0.53 gallons |
| Starter | - | Electric |
| Valve System | 4 | 4 |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | - | Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated |
| Final Drive | Shaft drive (cardan) | Shaft drive (cardan) |
| Gearbox | - | 6-speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Aluminium | Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit |
| Suspension - Front | Telescopic fork, 48mm tubes | BMW Motorrad Telelever |
| Suspension - Rear | Link-type swingarm | Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever |
| Rake | - | 25.7° |
| Trail | - | 104 mm / 4.1 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 135 mm / 5.3 in. | 110 mm / 4.3 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 125 mm / 4.9 in. | 140 mm / 5.5 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | 282 mm | 265 mm |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | 11.1 inches | 10.4 inches |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | 320 mm | 320 mm |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | 12.6 inches | 12.6 inches |
| Brakes - Front | Double disc | Double disc. ABS |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc | Single disc. ABS |
| Tyres - Front | 120/70-ZR17 | 120/70-17 |
| Tyres - Rear | 180/55-ZR17 | 180/55-17 |
Verdict
⚖️
Too close to call
The 2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 and the 2008 BMW R 1200ST are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.
Key Differences
2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 - Advantages
- 🔄More front wheel travel: 135 mm vs 110 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.
2008 BMW R 1200ST - Advantages
- 🔄More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 125 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 vs 2008 BMW R 1200ST - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 and 2008 BMW R 1200ST?
The 2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 uses In-line four, while the 2008 BMW R 1200ST is powered by Two cylinder boxer.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 or the 2008 BMW R 1200ST?
The 2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 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 or the 2008 BMW R 1200ST?
Both are strong choices. The 2004 Yamaha FJR 1300 has the edge in higher front wheel travel, while the 2008 BMW R 1200ST stands out for higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.