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.

2009 Yamaha FJR1300

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2009 Yamaha FJR1300
  • Engine/Motor: liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder, DOHC 16 valves
  • Horsepower: 145 bhp (108 KW) @ 8,000 rpm
  • Torque: 126 Nm (92.9 ft x lbf) @ 7,000 rpm
  • Transmission: 5-speed; multiplate wet clutch

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.

History


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


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.

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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Exterior


In order for the FJR1300 to become a great success, Yamaha designed the sharp looking bodywork which talks about the abilities it covers with style. Also, this bike features an ingenious system for cooling herself and the rider, a central vent is situated beneath the instrument panel and this cools the rider and reduces negative pressure. Airflow is also increased so every issue is solved without any problems whatsoever.

You noticed that every detail orientates to perfection and another proof would be the adjustable ergonomics. The seat has the property of going up or down by nearly an inch and the handlebars also feature a three-position adjust possibility by a half-inch range.

The large capacity fuel tank is ergonomically shaped and offers excellent comfort and range. It is also constructed to allow the use of magnetic tankbags.

The 2009 Yamaha FJR1300A is only available covered in a Raven color while the FJR1300AE is Metallic Titanium/Liquid Silver painted.

Looking good and acting like it should. This is how this bike can be described as being.

Test Drive


I finally had the opportunity to test ride my favorite sport-touring motorcycle, the Yamaha FJR1300A. It is my favorite because it offers a much sportier character than the one provided by its competitors and it totally understands the idea of touring.

It invites you to adjust its crucial elements, like the seat and handlebars in order to provide you with a plush ride. I positioned the height adjustable seat at the lowest point, which is 31.7 inches above the ground, but it can also be adjusted into a higher 32.5 inches making room for taller riders. The handlebars are adjustable over an 11mm range via three positions. These two great qualities combined with the pushbutton adjustable windscreen allow virtually all size riders to find their ideal touring position on the new FJR1300A.

I first took it through city traffic (the only solution as I have just taken it from the dealer) and this is where the FJR first touched my heart. The bike is not so much touring oriented as it feels like a fat FZ1 managing to charm its occupants with increased levels of comfort and a more relaxed riding position.

I quickly noticed that I correctly adjusted the seat height as I touched the pavement easily and departures were no problem either. The triangle formed by the saddle, handlebars and footpegs makes sure, with little adjustment, that the machine will fit its rider like a glove.

Since 2006, Yamaha standard equipped the FJR1300 with anti-lock brakes and Unified Braking System, which is the same think as Linked Braking System. The front brake activates six of the eight front braking pistons and one rear piston while the rear brake pedal activates one rear piston and the other two front pistons. This system allows for the use of balanced anti-lock braking in all conditions and it shows. The rider feels truly in charge and this gives it confidence apart from safety.

Disposing of a 1298cc engine developing 145 hp @ 8000 rpm and 99 ft.-lbs. of torque @ 7000 rpm, the Yamaha leaves stop signs and red lights behind like no other as its engine doesn’t lack in low-end grunt. The updated clutch ensures smooth engaging and is definitely less fatiguing on the rider’s fingers than the one on the previous model years.

I was now heading to the freeway and I was anxious to see how the adjustable windscreen works at high speeds. While I did that, I noticed that the bike’s taller gearing reduces revs from 4000 to 3500 rpm at a cruising speed of 70 mph. I didn’t detect any vibrations at that level but if you really want to bring more life into the mighty engine, 4500 rpm would be the vibration’s starting point.

Out on the freeway, I saw the speedometer’s needle up to as much as 150mph and the road behavior was absolutely spotless. This completed the unique experience encountered on the FJR1300 and put a big smile on my face.

Airflow at that kind of speeds was really important and I could notice that Yamaha has implemented a whole host of changes to the management of airflow. Those changes resulted into a better dispersion of hot air from the radiator and engine but most important from the rider.

What completes the FJR1300’s sporty character is the way it handles. The fact that it features upright handlebars provides good leverage and this helped me lean it very quickly. I actually managed to drag the FJR’s pegs while cornering and I felt joy when I started to open the throttle again and again.

Now that I look back, I clearly see how this Yamaha model ended up being such a great performer but my recent experience on it practically overwhelmed me. The bike is that great and its sportier character really makes a statement.

Price


For those who want to experience the true sport-touring feel with a bit more sport than touring, Yamaha offer their best. Under the name of Yamaha FJR1300A, this machine is offered for an MSRP of $14,490 and it is worth every single penny. I advise to put your hands on one and I bet it will become your best road companion. Thrust me on this one!

Riders who feel the need to through their eyes into the future of Sport-Touring motorcycling have the opportunity to buy the “AE” version of the already wonderful Yamaha FJR1300. But everything comes with a cost and the Yammie’s is $16,290.

Personally, I prefer the simple version and I would choose to save the extra money but hey, that’s just me. Yamaha studied the market and probably found out that there aren’t many simple riders left.

Conclusion


Yamaha FJR1300A perfectly fits in the place between performance and comfort as the Japanese manufacturer didn’t sacrifice any of the two. But that is not all. The bike also features sharp styling so it manages to attract customers through these three most important characteristics that blend in together perfectly.

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SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine and Transmission

 

Displacement: 1298cc

Type: liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder; DOHC, 16 valves

Bore x Stroke: 79 x 66.2mm

Compression Ratio: 10.8:1

Carburetion: Fuel Injection

Ignition: TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition

Transmission: 5-speed; multiplate wet clutch; 5-speed; Yamaha Chip-Controlled Shift (YCC-S) on the AE model

Final Drive: Shaft

 

Chassis and Dimensions

 

Suspension/Front: 48mm fork; fully adjustable, 5.4-in travel

Suspension/Rear: Single shock; adjustable preload and rebound damping, 4.8-in travel

Brakes/Front: Dual 320mm disc, UBS ABS

Brakes/Rear: 282mm disc, UBS ABS

Tires/Front: 120/70-ZR17 radial

Tires/Rear: 180/55-ZR17 radial

Length: 88.2 in

Width: 29.3 in

Height: 52.4 in

Seat Height: 31.69 or 32.48 in

Wheelbase: 60.8 in

Rake (Caster Angle): 26°

Trail: 4.3 in

Fuel Capacity: 6.6 gal

Fuel Economy: 39 mpg

Wet Weight: 641 lb; 650 lb of the AE model

Features

 

Key Features:

 

  • For 2009, the FJR1300A receives an updated clutch to reduce lever pressure for rider comfort.

  • For 2009, the FRJ1300AE receives new mapping for YCC-S which aids with improved response while downshifting from neutral.

  • Yamaha exclusive electric-shift five-speed transmission eliminates the clutch lever entirely—now you can click off super-smooth shifts using either the left bar-mounted paddles or the foot-operated gearshift lever. (only on the FJR1300AE model)

  • A light-and-rigid aluminum frame, sportbike running gear and standard hard sidebags go beautifully together.

  • Pushbutton adjustable windscreen and a thick comfy seat for two are perfect for comfortable, long-distance riding.

  • The world’s first supersport touring bike boasts standard ABS and adjustable ergonomics that widen the gap between it and common sport tourers to a gaping chasm.

  • Advanced air management system and adjustable bodywork keep the FJR rider looking and feeling cool.
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    Engine:

     

  • Compact, lightweight 1298cc, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine delivers power and torque for an unequaled spread of muscle over a wide rpm range.

  • Another Yamaha first: a computer operated clutch and electronic shift actuators eliminate the need to operate the clutch. Yamaha Chip Control Shifting snaps off clean up- and downshifts every time using either the left bar-mounted paddles or the low-effort foot shifter. (only on the FJR1300AE model)

  • Engine is a fully stressed chassis member, allowing for a lightweight frame design and balance rigidity for optimal handling.

  • Curved radiator with custom ducting and twin-ring cooling fans keep engine and cockpit cool.

  • Slant-block engine design uses stacked, tri-axis gearbox shafts that help minimize powerplant size while optimizing chassis geometry for balanced weight distribution and great handling.

  • Lightweight forged pistons with carburized connecting rods provide superb strength and reduced reciprocating mass for outstanding high-rpm durability.

  • Patented electroplated ceramic composite cylinder bores ensure greater heat dissipation and thus reduced frictional power loss.

  • Advanced fuel injection system is ideal for long-distance supersport-touring, delivering crisp, seamless throttle response in a variety of altitude/weather conditions.

  • Gearshift shaft features a needle-roller bearing to reduce friction for silky-smooth shifting.

  • Shaft final drive system is super-durable and virtually maintenance-free.

  • Low-vibration crankshaft with two gear-driven secondary counterbalancers help deliver a glass-smooth ride with reduced rider/passenger fatigue.

  • Constant-mesh 5-speed transmission utilizes wide ratios to deliver relaxed long-distance touring performance combined with seamless power and acceleration.

  • Four-into-one-into-two stainless-steel exhaust optimizes engine performance across the powerband.

  • Wet-sump oil system uses an easy-access cartridge-type oil filter mounted on the engine’s left side.
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    Chassis/Suspension:

     

  • Sharp-looking bodywork and air-management system keep the bike and rider cooler; a central vent beneath the instrument panel cools the rider and reduces negative pressure, and fairing side panels with 1.2-inch adjustability let the rider direct airflow.

  • Adjustable ergonomics: the seat can be adjusted by nearly an inch, and handlebar pullback angle is three-position adjustable over a half-inch range.

  • Long swingarm provides even better ride and handling characteristics, and rear spring preload adjustment is a snap.

  • Standard equipment Unified Braking System w/ABS: The front brake lever activates six of the eight front braking pistons; the rear brake pedal activates two rear pistons and the other two front pistons—for balanced anti-lock braking in all conditions.

  • Ergonomically shaped, large-capacity, 6.6-gallon fuel tank offers excellent comfort and range and is constructed of steel allowing for the use of magnetic tankbags.

  • Rear frame with integrated grab handle makes lifting the bike onto the centerstand a snap.

  • An additional catalyst and a heated oxygen sensor are located in the exhaust for increased control range and low emissions.

     

    Additional Features:

     

  • Slim profile even with bags in place for excellent in-town maneuverability.

  • Subframe-fitted quick-release luggage mounts provide easy use of the standard accessory hard sidecases, which are conveniently matched to the ignition key.

  • Long dual seat features two-part construction using different foam densities for the front and rear sections, ensuring plush comfort for both rider and passenger.

  • Big windscreen adjusts over a wide range for improved wind protection with little negative pressure.

  • Instrument panel contains an electronic analog speedometer and tachometer; LCD digital odometer, dual tripmeters, gear position indicator, fuel, coolant and air temperature gauges, and clock; lights for neutral, high beam, turn signals, low oil and engine warnings—as well as real-time mileage, average mileage and air temperature.

  • Sleek, cat-eye dual 12V 60/55-watt multi-reflector headlights throws an extremely broad beam for superb visibility and feature easy-access adjustment knobs; mirrors are easy to adjust and retract horizontally.

  • Powerful dual-bulb taillight features integrated turn signals for a slick, one-piece look that’s aerodynamic and conspicuous.

  • Integrated front turn signals with clear lenses add to the FJR1300AE’s cutting-edge aerodynamic bodywork.

  • Glove box contains a 12V outlet for phones, GPS units, electric vests, etc.

  • Standard toolkit located in convenient storage compartment under passenger seat.