Yamaha FJR1300 Review (2006)
What Is It?
The Yamaha FJR1300 is a super popular premium touring bike and is powered by a liquid cooled 1,298 cc four cylinder engine, producing 141.5 bhp at 8,000 rpm and maximum torque at 7,000 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Average (805 mm / 31.7 inches)
- Weight: Very heavy (291 kg / 642 lbs)
- Economy: Average (40 mpg / 7.1 l/100km / 14.2 km/l)
- Range: High (220 miles / 354 km)
- Power to Weight: Average (0.488 bhp/kg / 0.364 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: Very high (155 mph / 249 km/h)
Pros
- Perfect two up
- Smooth power
- Runs cooler
- Protection
- Handling
- Comfort
Cons
- On the heavy side
- Tallish seat
What Is It Like?
Choosing the FJR
The FJR Gen 2 is simply a superb machine. I started biking on a Yamaha and to be honest it is all I know, I had a 600 Fazer and was considering a jump to a Kawasaki GTR.
Speaking with a bike cop on a bike safe ride out I was telling the officer how I intended on buying a GTR. The officer convinced me to go for the FJR instead because it has much better and much nicer handling’. I’m really glad I did.
First Impressions
I purchased my bike in Macclesfield and my first journey, as with a lot of people, was the journey home. I live in Northern Ireland so had about 260 miles plus a ferry journey. I fell in love with mine that day.
My 2009 FJR1300AS model has the YCC-S electronic clutch shift system, which I’d originally been wary about, but it absolutely blew my mind. I love the system, it’s smooth to change and has instant up or down shifts. It adds to what is already an amazing package.
The 1,300cc engine delivers a smooth surge of torquey acceleration in almost any gear and at almost any speed.
Handling
The handling took me by surprise. Coming from a little 600 I expected it to be almost wrestling with a monster at twice the weight. This is not the case and I honestly believe this would out handle my old Fazer, even two up.
One of my main reasons for wanting something like the FJR is because I wanted to introduce my better half to the world of biking and I thought this would be a much better introduction than a small 600. I was right, she loves it and she now badgers me to go out on runs. How lucky am I?
Practicality
We’ve gone away for a few weekends and the Yamaha panniers coupled with a top box gives us ample room for all we need and even a little more. I spent five days touring Scotland with mates in the rain and it just excelled yet again.
It wears out tyres at the same rate as any touring bike but the fairing and touring screen are fantastic for keeping the weather away. The digital read out and clocks are superb. They are really easy to read, even in heavy rain at night.
Any Downsides?
My only warning for potential new riders is to watch out for the top heaviness. This has caught me out and my FJR has been laid down a couple of times, so definitely fit crash mushrooms.
Other than that I really can’t think of anything. Cruise control would be nice, but that’s on the Gen 3.
To Sum Up
I actually can’t rate this machine highly enough and it has definitely made me feel that I’ll always want an FJR in my stable. It is an amazing all rounder so if your thinking about it I say go for it, just look out for Spiders (Google will tell you what they are).
- Hector H, 2019
Price Guide
Related Bikes
Yamaha FJR1300 (2001-2005): First generation.
Yamaha FJR1300 (2013 On): Third generation.
Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.