2010 Yamaha FJR1300A Review

Introduction

Considering the fact that Yamaha brags about the new FJR1300A offering an incredibly smooth ride, you first tend to think they simply took the best from the AE model – the fancy transmission and clutch – and fitted it on the A one, which was to carry on as a 2010 model year, but no. Along time, sales have shown that riders prefer the FJR’s beautiful combination between power coming from the 1298cc, liquid-cooled, inline-four; DOHC, 16 valves engine and sporty handling characteristics ensured by a light aluminum frame.

2010 Yamaha FJR1300A

Broadly, the right engine and chassis “make” the bike and in this case, the fuel-injected mill is mated to a five-speed gearbox and a shaft stands as the final drive, while the forks are 48mm, fully adjustable units capable of 5.4 inches of travel and the rear shock, which is preload and rebound adjustable, offers 4.8 inches of travel. Although none of these features are new on the bike, they do help us show how engineers managed to do the trick with this motorcycle. The brakes are very important as well for this 641 lbs two-wheeler and the fact that ABS is standard on the 2010 Yamaha FJR1300A comes as an ease of things for most riders.

Technically, this bike doesn’t get any reproaches, but in order to be a refined sports tourer it needs to offer the proper comfort and wind protection. And with adjustable ergonomics and windshield, the 2010 Yamaha FJR1300A doesn’t show any signs of not being precisely that.

History

Competition

2010 Honda VFR1200F

As we earlier mentioned, people tend to compare the fairly unchanged 2010 Yamaha FJR1300A with the new, sport-oriented 2010 Honda VFR1200F and we’ll have to say that if that would be the case, the subject of this article won’t stand a change, but the Honda ST1300 is still going strong and has plenty to show against our bike, especially in terms of touring-like comfort and excellent wind protection. So the battle between Big Red and Racing Blue should start a new round after Honda calls the ST1300 a 2010 model year.

But Kawasaki did more than just that with the Concours 14. Although the 1,352cc engine and unique monocoque frame are the same, the bodywork is all-new and it hides the Green’s impressive progress concerning rider and passenger safety on the new Concours. Kawi now presents their first traction control system – KTRC – and the second-generation Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology (K-ACT), which offers the possibility to select between two modes of linked anti-lock braking. Turns out that technology will keep Kawasaki on top of sport-touring rider preferences this year.

Exterior

2010 Yamaha FJR1300A

Although not redesigned for 2010, the fact is that the FJR1300A looks like a fully-faired and completely accessorized FZ1 on steroids. Designers made sure this bike will fulfill its rider’s needs during long journeys by developing the advanced air management system and adjustable bodywork, which spoil the rider.

The foamy seat can be adjusted from 31.69 to 32.48 inches above the ground and the windscreen is pushbutton adjustable as well. But these are matters of finesse. What truly strikes you is how aerodynamic the fairing actually is, indicating that it doesn’t get a lot of those “fix this” stickers when being tested in the air tunnel. Also, the thing looks very aggressive and the mirrors look bigger than those of a Mini, contributing at the bike making its presence truly felt down the open road. We even heard a car driver saying “that thing looks scary in my rear view mirror” at a gas station once, but didn’t quite believe him.

With the footpegs positioned right at the middle of the bike and the handlebars brought close to the rider, the FJR offers an upright riding position and shows that it will sacrifice looks over comfort at any time even though this is not the case. Onboard, the Instrument panel features an electronic analog speedometer and tachometer; LCD digital odometer, dual tripmeters, gear position indicator, fuel, coolant and air temperature gauges as well as a clock; lights for neutral, high beam, turn signals, low oil and engine warnings, but also real-time mileage, average mileage and air temperature, just like you would expect from a bike in this segment. Still, it’s the sidecases that complete the FJR’s sport-touring look as not everyone who looks at the bike will get to swing a leg over it, so it’s good they get the right opinion from the first glance.

Liquid Silver is the only color available for the 2010 Yamaha FJR1300A and we believe it suits it best because this is one of those things you now see and then you don’t.

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Press Reviews

2010 Yamaha FJR1300A

"The Yamaha FJR1300’s has loads of power and the four cylinder engine makes 99 ft/lbs of torque at 7K revs too. That means grunt and plenty of it, more than enough to help two people, plus loads of kit, overtake safely on A roads." – MCN

"Synchronized movement of the throttle, clutch and shifter contributes to the dynamic experience of riding. I enjoy the finesse required to shift smoothly. That being said, what is Y-CCS like, on its own terms? Spending several days with it on the road is the best way to find out." – ridermagazine

"...handling remains the FJR’s forte and the area where it overtook the Kawasaki for a slim second-place result. With a 26-degree rake and 60.8-inch wheelbase the Yamaha turns quick, though the same is said of the Sprint and BMW. However, the Yamaha delivers unmatched confidence once on its side, tracking through a line with remarkable stability." – motorcycle-usa

"Certainly, the BMW has an extremely broad torque curve, while the Kawasaki has a blinding top end boost, but the FJR’s spunky delivery won me over. Even if the FJR1300 is not quicker, it feels like it is, and that’s what it’s all about if you are not on the track. However, a sixth gear is on my wish list." – ultimatemotorcycling

Price

But riders who want the 2010 Yamaha FJR1300A to be a constant presence in their lives will have to look over the fairly spicy $15,190 MSRP considering that the 2010 Kawasaki Concours 14 starts at $14,599 and the ABS model at $15,299…and these are upgraded bikes that we’re talking about.

Conclusion

It seems that Yamaha relies on the FJR1300A’s fame to obtain the best results in 2010 and they don’t have a big retention when it comes to price. That is because nobody complained about these motorcycles so far and for good reason.

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SPECIFICATIONS

2010 Yamaha FJR1300A

Engine and Transmission

• Type: 1298cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder; DOHC, 16 valves
• Bore x Stroke: 79 x 66.2mm
• Compression Ratio: 10.8:1
• Fuel Delivery: Fuel Injection
• Ignition: TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
• Transmission: 5-speed; multiplate wet clutch
• 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

Other

• Warranty: 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)

Features & Benefits

2010 Yamaha FJR1300A

Key Features:

• 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.
• 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.

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.
• Engine is a fully stressed chassis member, allowing for a lightweight frame design.
• Curved radiator with custom ducting and twin-ring cooling fans help 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 and performance.
• 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.

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 for less buffeting, and fairing side panels with 1.2-inch adjustability let the rider direct airflow.
• Adjustable ergonomics: the seat can be adjusted up or down 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—provides 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 fuel injection control range and low emissions.

Additional Features:

• Subframe-fitted quick-release luggage mounts provide easy use of the standard accessory hard sidecases†, which are conveniently matched to the ignition key.
• Slim profile even with bags in place for excellent in-town maneuverability.
• 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.
• 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 FJR1300A’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.