Yamaha FJR1300

A sporty full-dress tourer

Why you want it

Yamaha has always taken a different approach to its rivals when it came to its full-dress tourer and the FJR’S emphasis is more towards the sporty end of the touring spectrum. So while the FJR may have a slightly smaller fairing and a less-relaxed riding position than a Honda Pan European, for example, it is considerably better in the bends and this gives it an extra element of fun that can be missing from other, more dedicated tourers. The build quality though is excellent and that 1298cc inline four has stacks of grunt. But not that many gears…

Why you don’t

Up until 2016 the FJR only had five gears, which can harm its fuel economy figures as you can imagine and the gearbox is also pretty clunky and agricultural. It smooths off when the revs increase though but with so much torque on offer, it really should be slick at the low end of the rev range, not the top.

Make it better

The FJR’S screen isn’t very big and owners often swap it for a taller item to reduce windblast. If you are planning on distance work, then you should be making this a priority.

SPEC Engine 1298cc inline four, 4v per cyl, l/c Power 145bhp @ 8500rpm Torque 99lb·ft @ 6000rpm Transmission 5-speed, shaft Seat height 805/825mm Kerb weight 292kg Fuel capacity 25 litres

SUSPENSION LINKAGES Access is tricky so it often gets skipped and the linkages seize as a result MODEL VARIATIONS Standard is A, AS has semi-auto gearbox and semiactive suspension. AE has normal gearbox with semi-active UPDATES Updated in 2006 with bodywork and semiauto gearbox. 2013 saw ride-by-wire HOW MANY GEARS? It took Yamaha until 2016 to introduce a sixth gear alongside a slipper clutch