Yamaha FJR1300

WITH OVER 120,000 sold globally over its 19-year lifetime until being killed off by Euro5 standards, the FJR1300 is not just one of Yamaha’s most successful models; it’s one of the most popular big sports-tourers of all — and with good reason.

A worthy successor to the FJ1200, it was based around a grunty, smooth 1298cc four with shaft drive, in a long, stable yet sporty aluminium chassis. It was a great load-lugger, comfortable, reliable and, with 144bhp, brisk too. No wonder it also became popular with the police and emergency services.

But best of all, the FJR was repeatedly improved. Within two years it gained ABS and an immobiliser as well as comprehensive makeovers in 2007 and 2013, retaining its 1298cc ‘heart’ and twin-spar backbone but updating bodywork, lights and dash. In fact, everything was updated and new tech, such as a semi-automatic transmission, electrically-adjusted suspension and riding modes, gave Yamaha’s big bruiser a new lease of life.

And though now deleted, the FJR remains a superb sports-tourer with a devoted following, active online community (www.fjownersclub.co.uk) and plenty of examples to choose from.

Here’s why…

WHEELS/BRAKES

Minor glitches rather than wholesale faults. Wheel bearings can fail prematurely due to the axle nuts being over-tightened. ABS wheel sensors can seize and/or corrode causing the ABS to shut down; a red ABS fault light will come on if this has happened. There was also a recall on the 2016 model where the front master-cylinder brake switch affected the cruise control

REAR SUSPENSION

The commonest problem of all. Needs servicing every 12,000miles but awkward so neglected. Without, the bearings can seize and rods snap. The shock itself was fairly soft when new so may, after years of hard, two-up use, need replacement. Electric suspension models can also lose their shock damping and are expensive, so check before you buy

Why Yamaha’s long-lived and much-loved sports-tourer still makes a brilliant used buy

Fundamentally solid and been known to rack up well in excess of 150,000 miles — as long as serviced on schedule and properly. Home servicing is also popular while the owners club provides servicing, too. Check history thoroughly. Camchain tensioners of first-gen bikes could fail, but fixed with later parts. Listen for tapping on the right