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Yamaha FJR1300 Review (2006)

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Yamaha FJR1300

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.
- Rating: 10 / 10

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?

Yamaha FJR1300

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.

Yamaha FJR1300

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.

Yamaha FJR1300

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?

Yamaha FJR1300

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.

Yamaha FJR1300

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.

Yamaha FJR1300

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

Deals, specs and pics

Price Guide

Year
Dealer
Private
Part Ex
Mileage
2012
£6,650
£5,350
£4,650
15,700
2011
£6,050
£4,850
£4,250
17,400
2010
£5,550
£4,450
£3,900
19,100
2009
£5,050
£4,050
£3,550
20,700
2008
£4,650
£3,700
£3,250
22,300
2007
£4,250
£3,400
£3,000
23,800
2006
£3,950
£3,150
£2,750
25,200

Gear & Accessories

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.