Yamaha FJR1300 Review (2013)
What Is It?
The Yamaha FJR1300 is a super popular premium touring bike and is powered by a liquid cooled 1,298 cc inline four engine, producing 144.2 bhp at 8,000 rpm and maximum torque at 7,000 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Average (805 mm / 31.7 inches)
- Weight: Very heavy (289 kg / 637 lbs)
- Economy: Average (45 mpg / 6.3 l/100km / 15.9 km/l)
- Range: High (250 miles / 402 km)
- Power to Weight: Average (0.498 bhp/kg / 0.372 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: Very high (155 mph / 249 km/h)
Pros
- Flexible for sport or touring
- Perfect in AE spec
- Handling
- Comfort
- Lights
Cons
- On the heavy side
- Tallish seat
What Is It Like?
What A Bike!
If you cant make your mind up whether you want a sports bike or a tourer this is the bike for you. I admit I’m getting on in age, 50+ so a sports bike doesn’t offer me the comfort of a tourer like Honda’s Pan or Goldwing and neither of them offer the adrenaline rush of a sports bike.
I upgraded from a 2008 to a new 2017 AE model with upside down forks, LED lights and electronic suspension package. Although the AE costs an extra £3,000 wow what a difference, well worth the extra! With the 50 litre top box the storage capacity is fab.
Handling
The FJR has the best of both worlds, thanks to the switchable engine modes. Sports for quick off the mark with 0-60 in around three seconds and Touring mode for plenty of low down torque and swallowing up long motorway miles.
I have been riding FJR’s for over five years now and can honestly say there is nothing better for grin factor in the twisties and comfort during long trips.
Weight
Yes, she’s a heavy lump but once on the move either around town or on the straights you will not notice it at all. She handles superbly and you will be left grinning from ear to ear after each ride!
Suspension
The suspension is easy to set up whether solo or two up riding, the lights will light up the moon and are the best I have ever encountered on two wheels, and the cruise control is a fantastic upgrade.
Looking After It
The FJR is a truly remarkable bike which cries for nothing more than fuel and regular 6,000 mile servicing. Just a few things to keep this machine happy.
Keep the servicing up to date, especially the often neglected rear suspension strip and grease at 12,000 miles. The rear linkages are prone to seizing and the dog bones can give way if neglected, as I painfully found out on my first 2007! The FJR owners club carry this out at a very reasonable price!
Set the tyre pressures at about 41PSI and regularly check as the beast does not like being “under pressure”. This improves the handling and maintains the life of the tyres. I have done 8,000 miles on the stock tyres with plenty more life left in them.
To Sum Up
If I could sum this machine up in two words……. Absolutely amazing. She’s a keeper!
- Richard B, 2019
Price Guide
Related Bikes
Yamaha FJR1300 (2001-2005): First generation.
Yamaha FJR1300 (2006-2012): Second 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.
More Info
Check out this video review from TheMissendenFlyer.