Then & Now Yamaha FJR1300

Words Dean Mellor  Photos Yamaha

Unlike some motorcycles that have been developed over a long period of time, the Yamaha FJR1300 has never lost sight of its original design brief, which is to offer sportsbike performance combined with all-day touring comfort.

Born some 17 years ago, the current Yamaha FJR1300 is more of an evolution of the breed than a revolution, yet it still fulfils its intended function to perfection. This is a result of constant development over the years rather than wholesale changes for the sake of, well, change. And that development has ensured the FJR1300 is as relevant today as when it was launched back in 2001.

Although light years apart mechanically, the FJR1300’s roots can be traced back to the FJ1100 sports-tourer of 1984. The FJ1100 was powered by a 125hp 1097cc air-cooled four housed in a steel frame and it combined sporty performance with a comfortable upright seating position and a decent-size fairing.

Yamaha increased engine capacity to 1188cc when it launched the revised FJ1200 in 1986 with 130hp. This model was on the market for 10 years (with various minor revisions) until it was discontinued in 1996, leaving a five-year gap before the FJ nomenclature would again see the light of day with the launch of the FJR1300.

Then – 2001

Yamaha didn’t invent the sports-touring category but with the launch of the FJR1300 in 2001 it certainly gave it a big shake up.

The FJR was no shrinking violet, punching out a claimed 106kW from its big 1298cc DOHC transversely mounted inline four, along with a stump-pulling 134Nm of torque.

But despite its overall size Yamaha managed to keep weight down to a respectable 237kg (dry), resulting in more than impressive acceleration and decent handling. The engine was mated to a five-speed gearbox and power was delivered to the rear wheel via a touring-friendly shaft drive set-up.

Unlike the earlier FJs, the 2001 FJR featured a modern twin-spar aluminium frame and ran a big 48mm fork up front with adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping, and a monoshock rear-end with adjustable preload. Despite its size, the FJR was a doddle to ride around town thanks to a low 805mm seat height and relatively low centre of gravity.

On the open road the engine was the highlight of the FJR package, delivering loads of torque from low in the rev range and a potent top-end, but it was no one-trick pony and was also a handy bit of kit in the twisties thanks to ample ground clearance, confident and predictable handling and powerful brakes.

If two-up touring was your thing, the FJR provided plenty of space and seat comfort for rider and pillion alike, as well as excellent protection thanks to the large fairing and adjustable screen, as well as loads of luggage carrying capacity thanks to 30L hard panniers. It also featured a handy 25L fuel tank.

The FJR1300A was introduced in 2003 with standard ABS brakes, selling alongside the non-ABS FJR1300 in Australia.

The bike copped a significant update in 2006 scoring a lengthened swingarm for improved high-speed stability, revised throttle for improved response, a vent under the windscreen to reduce turbulence behind the fairing and a new fairing design with a greater range of screen adjustment.

The revised fairing also offered better airflow around the rider’s and pillion’s legs to minimise heat build-up on hot days. The panniers, which were originally offered as an option, were made standard in 2006, and they were moved inwards to reduce overall bike width.

Also introduced in 2006 was the FJR1300AS, which featured an automatic gearshift system with no clutch lever, allowing the rider to still swap cogs via the foot lever or handlebar-mounted buttons.

The next big update for the FJR1300 took place in 2013 when Yamaha threw a modern electronics package at the bike that included Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), Traction Control (TCS), D-Mode with selectable Touring or Sport modes and cruise control.

It also received revised spring and damper rates, a minor styling makeover, and new switchgear and instruments. This update also saw the introduction of the FJR1300AE with electronically adjustable suspension and a 48mm USD fork.

 Now – 2018

The current-model Yamaha FJR1300 was launched in 2016 and although it includes a host of upgrades over its immediate predecessor, it still retains many attributes of the original FJR1300 that was launched in 2001.

For instance, it retains the same 1298cc DOHC four that now produces 108kW at 8000rpm and 138Nm at 7000rpm, it has the same twin-spar aluminium frame, the same wheelbase and the same seat height.

Of course, there have been several upgrades too, the most significant of which is a new six-speed gearbox. Other changes include the adoption of adaptive LED cornering lights, a redesigned tail section with LED brake and indicator lights, a slipper clutch and a revised instrument cluster.

Of course, with more torque than ever before, the current FJR offers all the performance of its predecessors despite packing on a bit of extra weight over the years.

It also offers supreme comfort thanks to its upright seating position, adjustable handlebar, low and forward peg position, electrically adjustable screen, heated grips, big comfy seat, generous pillion pew, ample luggage capacity and conveniences such as small storage bin and 12V power outlet.

Yamaha currently offers two FJR1300 models: the FJR1300A and the FJR1300AE. Both variants retain the Yamaha Trip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), along with selectable riding modes, traction control, cruise control, lightweight assist and slipper clutch, and adaptive LED cornering lights. The FJR1300AE adds electronically adjustable suspension.

The FJR1300A retails for $24,999 plus on-road costs while the FJR1300AE is $27,999 +ORC.

For those who want to tailor their bikes, Yamaha offers an extensive range of optional accessories including items such as a high windscreen, ergonomic seat, foot shields, handguards, GPS mounts, frame sliders, inner pannier bags, a topbox and more.

There’s no doubt Yamaha got it right when it launched the FJR1300 back in 2001 – after all, there aren’t many bikes on the market that retain so much of their original DNA yet remain so competitive in their market segment.

Key Specs Then // Now

2001 FJR1300 // 2018 FJR1300A

Engine:            Liquid-cooled four-cylinder, DOHC, 4-valves per cylinder // Liquid-cooled four-cylinder, DOHC, 4-valves per cylinder

Capacity:         1298cc // 1298cc

Fuelling:          EFI // EFI

Power: 106kW @ 8000rpm // 108kW at 8000rpm

Torque:            134Nm @ 7000rpm // 138Nm at 7000rpm

Transmission:  Five-speed // Six-speed

Front suspension: 48mm fork, adjustable preload, rebound and compression // 48mm fork, adjustable preload, rebound and compression

Rear suspension: Monoshock, adjustable preload // Monoshock, adjustable preload

Front brakes: 298mm discs with four-piston calipers // 320mm discs with four-piston calipers, Unified Braking System and ABS

Rear brake: 282mm disc with twin-piston caliper // 282mm disc with twin-piston caliper, Unified Braking System and ABS

Front tyre: 120/70ZR17 // 120/70ZR17

Rear tyre: 180/55ZR17 // 180/55ZR17

Wheelbase: 1545mm // 1545mm

Seat height: 805mm // 805mm

Ground clearance: 130mm // 130mm

Fuel capacity: 25L // 25L

Weight (dry): 237kg // 269kg