While I don't think that Yamaha pushed any envelope here, I don't think that's a bad thing or a necessary thing. I'm glad SOMEONE finally stepped up with the cruise control, and I hope it becomes a trend. Quickly becomes a trend. It's a terrific bike. But I'll be sticking with the Concours.
+1
The FJR was my dream bike since its launch, even with the 5 gears, but anything beyond a 2nd hand bandit was way out of my pocket. When I finally managed to get my degree and a nice job I saved every penny for 6 years, sold my (very old) bike and got a BMW RT because I've got a great financing scheme.
A year later I couldn't stomach that engine anymore and went out shopping for a sport tourer. Of course I first tried the FJR and loved it, but it was 2008 and the Kawasaki became available and
a) it had one more gear (which I kept missing on the test drive with the Yamaha)
b) the pull of the Kawasaki was clearly better. Plus, build quality of the Yamaha that I tested was below par.
So I went with the Kawasaki, which has made me very happy for the last 3-4 years, but I still have a sweet spot for the Yamaha. If they put that 6th gear, I would be coughing my hard earned very quickly
and, although with tears, saying goodbye to a very goog travel partner.