The best bikes. All in one place.

Yamaha FJR1300 Review (2013)

Share:
WhatsApp
Messenger
Facebook
Twitter
Email

Yamaha FJR1300

I've 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.
- 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 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?

Yamaha FJR1300

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.

Yamaha FJR1300

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

Deals, specs and pics

Price Guide

Year
Dealer
Private
Part Ex
Mileage
2020
£13,150
£10,500
£9,200
3,700
2019
£12,150
£9,700
£8,500
5,100
2018
£11,200
£8,950
£7,850
4,900
2017
£10,300
£8,250
£7,250
6,700
2016
£9,500
£7,600
£6,650
8,500
2015
£8,700
£6,950
£6,100
10,300
2014
£7,950
£6,400
£5,600
12,100
2013
£7,300
£5,850
£5,100
13,900

Gear & Accessories

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.