Are clutchless bikes reliable?

Flashpoint

Flashpoint

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I'm close to selling my beloved KLR 650 and going the street touring route. My riding buddy has sold his dual sport and now only has street bikes, and although I love riding my KLR on the street I never enjoyed it off road or on the freeway. It was a great back road bike but I'm ready for a change and it would be really nice to ride out of the majority of the wind and be able to go the distance. So I'm looking at FJR 1300s and there is a good deal not too far from here on a 1300AE. This is a clutchless version and I'm not sure if I would be happy with it considering my driving style. I like to downshift and match RPMs for engine breaking and I'm not sure how that would work on one of these or if I would be happy just not doing that, but my other concern is how reliable are clutchless systems? The FJR itself has a bulletproof reputation but I'd like some input from anyone who has had a clutchless bike. Thanks in advance.

Anybody looking for a dual sport/ADV bike? :)
 
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Flashpoint said:
I'm close to selling my beloved KLR 650 and going the street touring route. My riding buddy has sold his dual sport and now only has street bikes, and although I love riding my KLR on the street I never enjoyed it off road or on the freeway. It was a great back road bike but I'm ready for a change and it would be really nice to ride out of the majority of the wind and be able to go the distance. So I'm looking at FJR 1300s and there is a good deal not too far from here on a 1300AE. This is a clutchless version and I'm not sure if I would be happy with it considering my driving style. I like to downshift and match RPMs for engine breaking and I'm not sure how that would work on one of these or if I would be happy just not doing that, but my other concern is how reliable are clutchless systems? The FJR itself has a bulletproof reputation but I'd like some input from anyone who has had a clutchless bike. Thanks in advance.

Anybody looking for a dual sport/ADV bike? :)
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Does it still have gears just no clutch? If so atv mfgs have been doing it for years and the small 50cc dirt bikes are this way and seem to hold up well. No experience in street bikes that were clutch less.
 
My son had a Honda CFR 50 3 speed with no clutch. I had a Honda Rancher with electric shift 4wheeler with no clutch. Never had any problems with either.

Added electric shift
 
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My Honda CT’s don’t have a hand clutch, it’s a centrifugal clutch in the tranny. Been that way since the early 60’s. Super reliable. Let off the throttle, shift, twist and go. You can ride the shifter a little to engage the clutch when need be.
 
Jp8819 said:
Does it still have gears just no clutch? If so atv mfgs have been doing it for years and the small 50cc dirt bikes are this way and seem to hold up well. No experience in street bikes that were clutch less.
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Yes it has the foot shifter and some have the paddle shifters as well. My yamaha atv was the same.
 
My GS has what they call "pro shift assist". You can choose to use the clutch like normal or skip it and just shift with your foot (except for starting out). I've used it a few times but I usually forget about it and use the clutch out of habit, plus it just feels like something is missing from the experience. Then again I miss having more manual shift car choices as well. Next I'll be yelling at kids to get off my lawn.
 
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Flashpoint said:
Thanks for the link, I'll check out that forum.
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I am a member there as well. Great group. I have a clutch version so I can't speak the AE version however; the bike is solid. It's top heavy and a torque monster, fast..... I big difference from KLR. There are a few of us on the forum that own FJR's. Reach out if you have any other questions.
 
I owned a FJR 1300AE for just about a year and then sold it to Member Stickman. Before I go into the operation and what its like to ride one gotta tell you some things. Im OLD, been riding bike with clutches for 55 years. To me, operating a bike with a clutch is more then second nature. I've had few Sport touring bikes in the past and I believe that that the FJR 1300 is the best SPORT touring bike out there that's affordable. Its darn fast, the seating position is ideal and reliable as anything out there. I bought the AE model because of the price and availability at that time. Now I'm pretty darn old,I dont like new things but I bought an AE model anyways.. It was hard for me to get used to the automatic clutch but it worked flawlessly. Yor have two separate shifting controls, you can shift by your foot or the left handlebar has a up and down shift lever. I refused to use the handle bar control for about 4 months and just used the foot. Then one day I tried the handlebar control and found that it shifted smoother up and down then the left foot control. The AE model has the same performance as the clutch model, its just easier to use. The clutch engages at about 1800-2000 RPM and it does so smoothly. If your a engine blipper at traffic lights, your going to eat the rear bumper of the car in front of you. Member Stickman has had owned his AE model for over a year now and he has adapted well probably due to his age meaning new things don't bother him. Personally, I will never buy another auto clutch motorcycle again, but the folks that ride them, love them. There is nothing wrong with the AE,, its an awesome bike.. Its just different. Hope this helps?
 
Lager said:
I owned a FJR 1300AE for just about a year and then sold it to Member Stickman. Before I go into the operation and what its like to ride one gotta tell you some things. Im OLD, been riding bike with clutches for 55 years. To me, operating a bike with a clutch is more then second nature. I've had few Sport touring bikes in the past and I believe that that the FJR 1300 is the best SPORT touring bike out there that's affordable. Its darn fast, the seating position is ideal and reliable as anything out there. I bought the AE model because of the price and availability at that time. Now I'm pretty darn old,I dont like new things but I bought an AE model anyways.. It was hard for me to get used to the automatic clutch but it worked flawlessly. Yor have two separate shifting controls, you can shift by your foot or the left handlebar has a up and down shift lever. I refused to use the handle bar control for about 4 months and just used the foot. Then one day I tried the handlebar control and found that it shifted smoother up and down then the left foot control. The AE model has the same performance as the clutch model, its just easier to use. The clutch engages at about 1800-2000 RPM and it does so smoothly. If your a engine blipper at traffic lights, your going to eat the rear bumper of the car in front of you. Member Stickman has had owned his AE model for over a year now and he has adapted well probably due to his age meaning new things don't bother him. Personally, I will never buy another auto clutch motorcycle again, but the folks that ride them, love them. There is nothing wrong with the AE,, its an awesome bike.. Its just different. Hope this helps?
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It helps very much, thank you. The only reason I was interested in this particular one is convenience and price. The more I think about it the more I think I would regret it. Shifting manually with a clutch is just in my blood. It's the constant challenge of a perfect shift/downshift that is a big part of the pleasure of driving/riding for me, and most of you know what I'm talking about. Thanks for all the feedback from everyone.

I sat on a friend's FJR in his garage but did not ride it. We had been enjoying some adult beverages and it was raining outside. I did notice that it was heavy enough to be a bit of a pain to muscle around an inclined parking space for example, but my friend is half my size and has a Road Glide that tops 800lbs so I think I'll be OK.
 
Sp00ks said:
I am a member there as well. Great group. I have a clutch version so I can't speak the AE version however; the bike is solid. It's top heavy and a torque monster, fast..... I big difference from KLR. There are a few of us on the forum that own FJR's. Reach out if you have any other questions.
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here at work with the FJR in the parking lot waiting for 6am when I get off. why is the afternoon drive to work longer (miles) with the FJR than with the truck LOL
 
Flashpoint said:
It helps very much, thank you. The only reason I was interested in this particular one is convenience and price. The more I think about it the more I think I would regret it. Shifting manually with a clutch is just in my blood. It's the constant challenge of a perfect shift/downshift that is a big part of the pleasure of driving/riding for me, and most of you know what I'm talking about. Thanks for all the feedback from everyone.

I sat on a friend's FJR in his garage but did not ride it. We had been enjoying some adult beverages and it was raining outside. I did notice that it was heavy enough to be a bit of a pain to muscle around an inclined parking space for example, but my friend is half my size and has a Road Glide that tops 800lbs so I think I'll be OK.
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I'm also glad that you realized that adult beverages, rain and a liter bike do not go well together. The FJR is also a bit top heavy for real slow maneuvers but its something you can get used to. Another bike to consider is the Honda ST-1300 but even tho they are both considered sport tourers, the ST is more tour and the FJR is more sport. There are actually lots of options for a sport tourer or something can be turned into one. Hard to go wrong on a FJR tho. Good luck and keep us informed.
 
I haven’t ridden an FJR1300 — a hole in my resume, I know — but I have ridden an ST1300 and if I was confined to only one motorcycle, I would not feel the LEAST bit deprived if it was an ST1300. Comfy, powerful, smooth, predictable — everything you’d expect from a Honda. If they weighed 100 lb less I might have one.
 
Red Marley said:
I haven’t ridden an FJR1300 — a hole in my resume, I know — but I have ridden an ST1300 and if I was confined to only one motorcycle, I would not feel the LEAST bit deprived if it was an ST1300. Comfy, powerful, smooth, predictable — everything you’d expect from a Honda. If they weighed 100 lb less I might have one.
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FJR is a little heavier but more HP and torque. I'm a big Honda fan, I never realized the ST1300 was a V4. Gas tank on the ST is larger so the weight is probably very comparable.
 
Sp00ks said:
FJR is a little heavier but more HP and torque. I'm a big Honda fan, I never realized the ST1300 was a V4. Gas tank on the ST is larger so the weight is probably very comparable.
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Ive owned 2 St's and one FJR and the difference between the two bikes is amazing. While they might weigh the same, I think the Honda is heavier,but the Honda feels a LOT lighter probably due to the V-4 engine and a lot of the gas is under your seat as compared to the VFR. Either way, the Honda feels a lot lighter then the VFR. The seat height of the Honda is less then the VFR which gives you more leverage when trying to stand the bike up especially if you have a passenger sitting on it.
The windshield on the Honda is superior to the FJR in stock form, it has better adjustability and shaped differently for better coverage in the high position. Example,when riding into a really hard rain at highways speeds, just trim the windshield all the way up and you will not get wet, then find shelter.
The ST feels more torque then the FRJ, meaning no need to downshift to pass cars quickly but a quick stab at the FJR shifter and you just passed them a lot faster.
The ST seat in stock form just sucks,, the FJR is really nice.
The St has more storage room in their bags, in fact more then the GoldWing.
The St just sounds wierd,, the engine sounds like a George Jetson mobile, different pipes don't help.
I could go on and on but im not.
If I wanted to go cross country, I would take the ST. Meaning boreing, rather have a wing
If I wanted to go from point A to B quickly, in style I would take the FJR.
 
Sp00ks said:
FJR is a little heavier but more HP and torque. I'm a big Honda fan, I never realized the ST1300 was a V4. Gas tank on the ST is larger so the weight is probably very comparable.
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The FJR is about a hundred pounds lighter than the 740lb ST1300.
 
Flashpoint said:
It helps very much, thank you. The only reason I was interested in this particular one is convenience and price. The more I think about it the more I think I would regret it. Shifting manually with a clutch is just in my blood. It's the constant challenge of a perfect shift/downshift that is a big part of the pleasure of driving/riding for me, and most of you know what I'm talking about. Thanks for all the feedback from everyone.

I sat on a friend's FJR in his garage but did not ride it. We had been enjoying some adult beverages and it was raining outside. I did notice that it was heavy enough to be a bit of a pain to muscle around an inclined parking space for example, but my friend is half my size and has a Road Glide that tops 800lbs so I think I'll be OK.
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Sorry I'm late, lol. I bought the FJR with auto clutch from Lager, it's a 2006 model, so reliable enough as far as years go. I originally thought the same thing with the shifting. I am a rev matcher, and love the clutch aspect of riding. I will admit, I like it a lot now. It's like riding a modern bike with a up/down auto blipper/rev matcher. Oh, and you still can rev match on the bike, but it takes some practice. Mine just clicked 30,000 miles this past weekend, and so far, (I've only owned a year), it has been absolutely rock solid reliable.
It is top heavy yes, but as soon as it moves enough to pick up your feet, it doesn't feel like it. Slow parking lot, creeping behind other riders/drivers at super slow speeds, can be tricky. On these with the auto clutch, all it takes is a little drag on the rear brake, keep the clutch engaged, and boom, easy peasy.

It is plenty fast enough to get you in trouble quickly, and handles very well for a big bike. I have surprised a handful of guys on that bike that had thought I wouldn't be able to keep up with their straight sport bike's, lol. But, then, it's plenty comfy to log some miles on too. All in all, I really like the bike, and believe it has a place in my stable for many years to come. At my size (5'7", 155), if I can maneuver it around on my uneven driveway, and ramp out of my building, about anyone can handle these things, 😁. If you're ever by my way, buzz me and come check it out.
 
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Sp00ks said:
That's what I get for looking up specs online...
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I don't know where you looked but my ST1300 weighs around 100lbs more than a FJR. Here's the specs from my Honda factory service manual. It says 712 for my bike.

IMG_20230523_062943878.jpg
 
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Lager said:
Ive owned 2 St's and one FJR and the difference between the two bikes is amazing. While they might weigh the same, I think the Honda is heavier,but the Honda feels a LOT lighter probably due to the V-4 engine and a lot of the gas is under your seat as compared to the VFR. Either way, the Honda feels a lot lighter then the VFR. The seat height of the Honda is less then the VFR which gives you more leverage when trying to stand the bike up especially if you have a passenger sitting on it.
The windshield on the Honda is superior to the FJR in stock form, it has better adjustability and shaped differently for better coverage in the high position. Example,when riding into a really hard rain at highways speeds, just trim the windshield all the way up and you will not get wet, then find shelter.
The ST feels more torque then the FRJ, meaning no need to downshift to pass cars quickly but a quick stab at the FJR shifter and you just passed them a lot faster.
The ST seat in stock form just sucks,, the FJR is really nice.
The St has more storage room in their bags, in fact more then the GoldWing.
The St just sounds wierd,, the engine sounds like a George Jetson mobile, different pipes don't help.
I could go on and on but im not.
If I wanted to go cross country, I would take the ST. Meaning boreing, rather have a wing
If I wanted to go from point A to B quickly, in style I would take the FJR.
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Thanks for that comparison. I found what you mean by Jetson mobile sound, lol:
 
Stick Man said:
Sorry I'm late, lol. I bought the FJR with auto clutch from Lager, it's a 2006 model, so reliable enough as far as years go. I originally thought the same thing with the shifting. I am a rev matcher, and love the clutch aspect of riding. I will admit, I like it a lot now. It's like riding a modern bike with a up/down auto blipper/rev matcher. Oh, and you still can rev match on the bike, but it takes some practice. Mine just clicked 30,000 miles this past weekend, and so far, (I've only owned a year), it has been absolutely rock solid reliable.
It is top heavy yes, but as soon as it moves enough to pick up your feet, it doesn't feel like it. Slow parking lot, creeping behind other riders/drivers at super slow speeds, can be tricky. On these with the auto clutch, all it takes is a little drag on the rear brake, keep the clutch engaged, and boom, easy peasy.

It is plenty fast enough to get you in trouble quickly, and handles very well for a big bike. I have surprised a handful of guys on that bike that had thought I wouldn't be able to keep up with their straight sport bike's, lol. But, then, it's plenty comfy to log some miles on too. All in all, I really like the bike, and believe it has a place in my stable for many years to come. At my size (5'7", 155), if I can maneuver it around on my uneven driveway, and ramp out of my building, about anyone can handle these things, 😁. If you're ever by my way, buzz me and come check it out.
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Thanks for the review. And the offer! I hope to have one before I make it out that way.
 
I'll be posting My KLR650 up for sale soon and ST bike shopping. I haunt Chatham and Alamance counties and drive to work in Greensboro a couple times a week, if anyone has or knows of anything I might be interested in please reach out. I'd like to find something around $4K.
 
Flashpoint said:
Thanks for that comparison. I found what you mean by Jetson mobile sound, lol:
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In real life, meaning not taken on someone cell phone, its not that loud.. Its a dead nuts smooth bike that does everything virtually perfectly, thus me calling it boring. Like I said, I've had two of them. Put 36K on the new one in 05, then bought another in I think 2012 and put another 20 K on that one. They are real reliable and lots of folks have put over 200K miles on them with no troubles. Luckily, most folks that buy them are oldish, meaning they are not abused or hacked up. No matter what the year, they are all the same meaning they didn't change them other then colors. I think your price range is correct and you should find one pretty easily.
 
Lager said:
In real life, meaning not taken on someone cell phone, its not that loud.. Its a dead nuts smooth bike that does everything virtually perfectly, thus me calling it boring. Like I said, I've had two of them. Put 36K on the new one in 05, then bought another in I think 2012 and put another 20 K on that one. They are real reliable and lots of folks have put over 200K miles on them with no troubles. Luckily, most folks that buy them are oldish, meaning they are not abused or hacked up. No matter what the year, they are all the same meaning they didn't change them other then colors. I think your price range is correct and you should find one pretty easily.
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They changed the front brake pads and the secondary master cylinder on the '08 model along with a couple of cosmetic panels on the side. I think the ECM also changed.
 
Sitting here at the Saxapahaw General Store with a red oak waiting for food after just riding my friend's FJR to a bar for a couple and back. That was fun. I scraped my right foot on the way back. I do feel a little cramped on it, but man was it fun, lol. I want to try the Honda too.

The windscreen at max hight delivered air right to my brow causing a lot of turbulence, I preferred to ride with it down. I do want one that will give me a rain free bubble.
 
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