Yamaha FJR1300 (2001-current)

It's under-sprung and under-damped on standard settings. It wallows and the front end feels vague and remote. Increasing preload and damping at both ends will dial out the problem enough for solo use but, for regular 2-up touring I'd replace the fork springs, go for a heavier weight fork oil and change the rear shock. This, of course, should not be necessary on a high-end bike from any manufacturer. Given Yamaha's recent huge price hikes (now £14K+ RRP for a FJR1300) it's all the more unpalatable. Also, they are set to run lean out-of-the-crate, presumably to pass emissions tests. This leads to hesitation at small throttle openings and pulling away or crawling along in slow traffic needs much clutch slip and care to avoid stalling. Again, this can be dialled out by adjusting the CO settings for each cylinder via the onboard computer (06 models onwards. Dunno if you can on earlier models). How trick is that?!!!! I increased the CO on mine and it's now creamy smooth from idle to redline. I bought mine (58 plate) at 1 year old and with 3000 miles on the clock. I don't ride 2-up and I paid less than half of the RRP, so none of the suspension shortcomings really affect me. I just mention it here for the benefit of new prospective purchasers. Sort the suspension and richen the fuelling , though, any you'll be rewarded with a fantastic bike. I class myself as a fast-ish road rider and the bike takes it all in its stride. Engine is smooth, torquey and poweful. Build quality is very good and reliability seems ok, although I've only just reached 11000 miles. No issues yet, though. It's the first bike I've had where the front and rear tyres wear out together. Previously I always got 2 rears to one front. OE Metzelers (I think they were) lasted 5500 miles, Pirelli Angel ST's lasted 4500 miles and I'm currently on Bridgestone BT023's, which I love but I think they, too, will last only about 4500 miles. How people claim to get 9000 miles out of a tyre on a bike of this type I'll never know. IMHO they can't be riding it as it was intended by Mr Yamaha. Anyway, hope this epistle has been of use to someone. In summary, buy one, sort it and enjoy! Because it (and you) are worth it!

Had my FJR over 2 years done loads of touring 2up and its been FAB And on a ride out it keeps up with the sporty boys ( 52 plate done 49k ) Love it

Just bought fjr after owning one back in 2002/2004,memories come flooding back,great ride long distance,good fuel consumption. after long ride get of relaxed(had a bmw 1100rt once, uncomfortable to high in saddle etc.) would recommend that owners look at uk fjr,s owners club for good offers on parts etc!. will b buying higher screen and winter hand gaurds (stops those winter wet digits on long runs) probalbly change to bt023s when exiting tyr,es wear out as i have always rated them all year round(all weather) summary good tourer with a sting its it.s tail

I've got the facelifted '07 AS model with the fingershifter and auto clutch. This works a treat and allows you to really chill out when riding in town. A foot gear lever is also there but it's so much effort after using the mountain-bike style shifter. The only slight downside to it is that you can't blip the throttle to scare the cars as you overtake and clutch-dump wheelie drag starts are not possible, although I've read power wheelies are possible, I've not tried 'em cos there aren't many spots on the roads where you can safely let this monster rip! Creature comforts include, electric screen, speed/temp sensitive heated grips, 12v socket, ABS linked brakes, locking cubby compartment, standard side panniers with the mounts nicely integrated into the tail section. The engine is really creamy low down for effortless legal speed cruising and turns ballistic after around 5000 rpm. Unfortunately there is a bit of noticeable vibration between 4000-4500, this must be due to the engine harmonics and does disappear outside this range, but this is a minor niggle. The motor does heat up a fair bit when trundling along at low speed, but dual fans kick in when this happens. Fuel economy really depends how you ride it, I've managed mid 60's going granny style and mid 30's when on super high speed cruising. Mostly I get 45-50 mpg. The standard low rpm fuelling is ATROCIOUS however and this bike really needs to be dynojetted, this is especially the case with the auto-clutch version as you can't increase revs and modulate using the clutch at low speed. Fit a PC-III, dyno it and it's totally peachy. Handling-wise - much better than my old Bandit 600, nice low centre of gravity and although no sportsbike really easy to lean into sweeping bends. Steering lock not bad but it's pretty damn heavy to push, you really do forget how heavy it is when you're on it, as it feels quite nimble even at low speed. Braking is effortless and smooth. It's also physically smaller/lower than the other tourers e.g. honda/bmw and suits shorter bods like me: 30" leg. Also looks way better than those whales too, especially with the panniers off, it looks like a sports bike on steroids. Handlebars adjust but not really enough to make a difference. Also should really come with crash protectors as standard on a 12k bike! Overall the FJR is a really superb bike, doesn't feel unwieldy in the city, can blitz across the country in comfort and fun to throw into the bends along the way. It could do with a few minor improvements however: 1) The fuelling, easy to sort but costly. 2) Standard screen noisy at speed, get earplugs 3) tyre valves really tricky to access, could do with remote pressure monitoring 4) Have to remove panels to check brake and clutch fluid. 5) standard exhaust rather quiet, this is no hooligan bike. 6) Panniers are sturdy and good quality but awkward shape inside with limited capacity. yam topbox massive on the outside, tiny on the inside (only one helmet). 7) the plod use 'em, which steals cred. 8) shaftcase/swingarm doesn't look very trick next to BMW/kwak etc but easy to keep clean and no rubber to perish, i'm really nit-picking now.

nearly 3 years ive had this bike,never missed a beat.i ride it in all wethers.good two up 250 miles to the tank its on 40,000 miles. comfy, fill up carry on,i had honda st better then that.just mind the pegs when pushing it hard,

Well I have owned my bike a couple of months now and it just seems to get better. Averaging 50mpg and most of that at legal speed limits? No prblems to date apart from a low idle speed when first picked it up resulting in a couple of stalls and notchy gearchange. Turned up the idle speed to just over 1000rpm no further problems. Excellent finnish on paint and metal work. This is my 17th bike and so far the best. I have tried BMW 1200GT & S (FJR competitor) but the FJR seems a lot smoother and have better build quality.

These bikes are often reffered to as uncomfortable over longer distances, I have had no such problem. Can easily do a tank range in the saddle, and still comfortable enough for more, what more could you ask for. The only down side is it is an inline four cylinder, but hey you can't have everything.

Moved the the FJR from a Fazer 1000. Wife reports this is much better for pilions, and we have covered many more miles together as a result. Top box and panniers are easy to remove, and make a great difference to handling once removed. Downsides - Can be fiddly to fit extra's such as GPS and autocom, as electrical connections difficult to access, also the rear shock is not the greatest after 10,000 miles. Overall, it does exactly what it says on the tin, great for munching miles, but quick enough to still embarrass my mates on solo runs. I'm really happy with it.

Best engine i have ever had, totally reliable and very good tank range.

I have owned about 30 bikes in the last 5 years, and the FJR1300 rates up with the best of them. It is a superior all rounder when compared to the likes of the BMW1200GT (probably its closer competitor) because of the handling. There are also some doubts about the BMW build quality lately which I would verify after owning a 1200GS for a year. The FJR1300 ticks all the touring boxes, with exceptional kit as standard, hard luggage, heated grips, ABS, adjustable screen and adjustable suspension without any tools. I own the auto version because even though it has had mixed reviews i have found it to be exceptionally reliable and great in traffic as you arent constantly searching for neutral or getting clutch pump in the left hand. Build quality is very high, and there is nice attention to detail as well as very nice paint, especially if you are used to suzuki and their paper thin paint jobs. If you remove the panniers, put the screen down, set the suspension to firm, this bike will keep up with anything on the road and in the right hands surprise even the fireblade and R1 riders. Then you can return home, adjust it back and easily travel across europe in comfort. 12 grand well spent and a much better modern option than the bloated and somewhat shaky pan european.