Yamaha’s notorious FJR1300 models make for perfect long haul companions as they meet not only the normal requirements of the sport-touring class, but set new standards with advanced development and anticipation. Comfortable, despite the sporty riding position and very fast even though they weigh third times more than your average commuting bike, the A and AE models can’t stay in the garage for long.
Introduction
The Yamaha FJR1300A is here to help you live for every glorious touring moment. The FJR is a unique synergy of cutting-edge technology, velvet smooth power, deluxe comfort and sports handling that add up to pure sports touring perfection. Great standard features like adjustable windscreen, handlebar and seat, plus heated grips, and easy on/off sidecases make this the bike to take you places in deluxe sports style.
The Yamaha FJR1300AE features all the performance, comfort and refinement from the simple FJR with effortless electric shifting incorporated. Thanks to the clutch, five-speed transmission and electric shift lever enhancement, super sport touring has never been so smooth. The clutch lever is entirely eliminated and its rider can now click off super-smooth shifts using either the left bar-mounted paddles or the foot-operated gearshift lever. Also for 209, the Yamaha Chip Controlled Shifting system has been remapped for greater response when downshifting from neutral.
Indeed, these bikes don’t evolve much as 2009 model years, but stand as evolution itself for the industry.
Yamaha first introduced their sport-touring motorcycle to Europe in 2001. It featured a 1298cc inline-four cylinder engine, five-speed transmission, and three-disc brakes. Colors available were silver, blue, black and red painted.
The Yamaha FJR1300 saw the North American market in 2002 with the 2003 model year designation and only offered in a non-ABS version. Still, it had 298mm front rotors. Even so, customers appreciated the beautifully shaped machine that showed them the way to other states and it did it in complete comfort with power one twist of the throttle away.
Japan produced this bike for both Europe and North America so the models sold on different continents were strongly related, but in 2004, while the European model came in a range of colors (including Silver Storm), the 2004 North American models included both a non-ABS version with traditional blue anodized brake calipers and a new ABS version. This last was Cerulean Silver painted for both markets. Other refinements included an upgrade to the suspension rates, 320mm front brake rotors, and a fairing pocket for small items.
In 2005, the North American market still lived wonderful times on a structurally unchanged FJR1300 with a non-ABS and ABS model in Galaxy Blue. A second batch of 2005 motorcycles was also released.
In 2006 the U.S and World model years synchronized and design significantly changed including trailing arm changes, radiator curving, radial brakes, instrumentation changes, upgraded alternator and significant attention to airflow changes from reported heat issues in previous years.
The base FJR1300A model had ABS and was Cobalt Blue painted while the Cerulean
Silver colored FJR1300AE model features a semi-automatic transmission which Yamaha calls YCC-S (Yamaha Chip Controlled-Shift). This system is a five-speed sequential manual gearbox with a computer controlled clutch so that no clutch lever use is needed by the rider. The 1298cc motor outputs 145 bhp (108 KW) @ 8,000 rpm and 126 Nm (92.9 ft x lbf) of torque @ 7,000 rpm.
2007 brought nothing new apart from a Black Cherry paintjob.
The 2008 FJR1300A got a new ABS system, new scratch-resistant hard windshield coating, a new windshield bracket design and new grips while its fancier sibling, the FJR1300AE added new clutch and transmission design and refined electric-shift lever design for even more convenience while also featuring A’s goodies.
Competition
2009 Honda ST1300
Call it the bike that perfectly fills the gap between Honda’s flagship Gold Wing tourer and their stable of championship winning sportbikes. The ST1300 ABS is designed for the long haul. With sleek, full-coverage bodywork, an adjustable windscreen and removable luggage, this smooth, agile, V4-powered machine – complete with Honda’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) – gives an ideal sport-touring experience as it gathers miles in order to beat the Yamaha.
2009 Kawasaki Concours 14
Another bike waits to see how thing will turn out for the first to so as it can make its entry and quickly still the much desired crown. The Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS combines breathtaking engine performance, impeccable handling and a comfortable riding position with clean, convenient shaft drive, locking hard luggage, an electrically adjustable windscreen and a host of other features to create the most impressive long-distance, high-speed machine on the market today.
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