Yamaha FJR 1300 test

Intro: A SPORTS/TOURING HYBRID

Yamaha has made roadster enthusiasts' dreams come true. The FJR 1300 is a judicious blend of GT and sports bike. For those partial to touring bikes: a cardan, adjustable windshield, side and centre kickstands and panniers. For those who like a sporty touch: R1 brakes, diamond frame, rear loop and aluminium trailing arm. On paper, the FJR 1300 has everything it takes to succeed in offering the blend that has eluded bikes such as the Yamaha GTS 1000 and Diversion 900 GT. Will it keep its promise? (Jessica Paupinat)

Esthetique: OVER-EQUIPPED

The bike has an aggressive look about it, with a sporty blend of angles and curves. The instrument panel has everything you need in a combination of analogue and digital. The FJR is fully streamlined with an electric windshield whose height can be adjusted, a 25-litre tank, a package holder and luggage holder though the luggage itself is an optional extra at around € 760. Disappointing on a roadster. The lock is stored in two parts underneath the saddle and also comes as an optional equipment. The rider is well protected, though the feet are still somewhat vulnerable (foot protectors are available as optional equipment). The seat is surprisingly comfortable. The FJR comes with side and centre kickstands, the latter being hard to use, requiring thick leather gloves!

Motorization: MASSIVE TORQUE!

The Yamaha FJR 1300 carries a 1298cc engine with 4 in-line cylinders delivering 106bhp at 8500rpm, with a whopping 130Nm of torque at 6000rpm. The 1300 is most noticeable in the first three gears, up to 5000rpm. Performance is less hot-blooded beyond the 7000rpm mark. Still, the engine has no trouble carrying the FJR's 237kg (dry weight). Performance is otherwise worthy of a sports bike: 0 to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds, covering 1000m in 21.9 from a standing start.

On the road: REASSURING

The FJR is reassuring from the outset. Faultless road holding. Even on winding roads, it will take real competition riding to push the bike to its limits. The gear changes are smooth. However, at 265kg with a full tank, the bike is heavy at low speeds. The cardan is comfortable, as is the riding position. Suspension is solid. The brakes, taken from the R1, are powerful and resistant. GT enthusiasts would no doubt have liked to see ABS included. This is where the Yamaha team have struck a compromise between GT and sports bike. Transmission is impeccable. The shock absorbers do their job well but can be a little lively over uneven surfaces though this doesn't detract from the bike's reassuring feel.