Is the 2013 Frj 1300 Easy to Ride
YAMAHA FJR1300 (2013 - 2015) Review
4
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £850 |
| Power: | 146 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (31.7 in / 805 mm) |
| Weight: | High (637 lbs / 289 kg) |
Prices
New N/A
Used £6,500 - £9,100
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakes
Often overlooked in favour of the new breed of adventure-style sports tourers, the new FJR is a fabulous piece of kit – fast, refined and fun.
- Related: 2016-2021 Yamaha FJR 1300 review
Although hugely competent and thoroughly desirable, the new FJR isn't that different to the older model. But there again, that's no bad thing as the out going bike is also excellent. Overall the new FJR1300A is a superb piece of kit. It's properly fast, handles well, is smooth, comfy and a joy to live with. It might be 'old-generation' compared to the latest, greatest adventure-style tourers, but it's still a cracker.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: Engine
The riding position is big and spacious and the seat comfortable although the wind protection isn't quite as good as the older FJR. The new suspension makes the FJR feel sportier and more agile while the handling is light, crisp, plush and confidence inspiring. Although some riders may feel the FJR is big and heavy at low speed, when the pace ups the weight seems to disappear, leaving a remarkably sporty machine behind that is planted to the road. The ABS and traction control are excellent, as you would expect.
Engine
Next up: Reliability
Think of the FJR1300A as a comfy sportsbike, rather than a sporting touring bike and you won't be far off the mark. The engine is superbike-fast and the fuel modes vary the throttle response from revvier and more responsive low down in 'Sport' to the more relaxed 'Touring' mode. The traction control works perfectly and isn't intrusive and the uprated engine feels more eager without losing the old model's charm or smoothness. Easily averaging 44mpg, the FJR1300A has tank range of over 200-miles and the comfort levels are so high, you can happily ride uninterrupted until the fuel gauge starts to blink.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: Value
The FJR has an established reputation for reliability, although shock linkages can seize up.
Value vs rivals
Next up: Equipment
With panniers as standard the price is reasonable, however it's certainly not cheap.
Equipment
The FJR comes with panniers, fuel modes, cruise control, traction control, heated grips, ABS and an electronically adjustable screen.
Specs | |
| Engine size | 1298cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Four-stroke, liquid-cooled DOHC, 16v inline four |
| Frame type | Aluminium diamond |
| Fuel capacity | 25 litres |
| Seat height | 805mm |
| Bike weight | 289kg |
| Front suspension | 48mm inverted forks, fully adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Adjustable preload and rebound rear shock |
| Front brake | 2x320mm discs. four-piston radial calipers. ABS |
| Rear brake | 1x285mm disc, single-piston caliper. ABS |
| Front tyre size | 120/70ZR17 |
| Rear tyre size | 180/55ZR17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance | |
| Average fuel consumption | 41 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £101 |
| Annual service cost | £850 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £6,500 - £9,100 |
| Insurance group | 14 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance | |
| Max power | 146 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 102 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 154 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | 200 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2001: Yamaha FJR1300A launched.
2006: Reworked and updated with a new fairing, wider range of screen adjustment, plus adjustable seat and handlebar height. AS model launched with a clutchless gearbox.
Other versions
The FJR1300AE has electronic suspension for £14,499 while the FJR1300AS has a clutchless gearbox for £15,399
Owners' reviews for the YAMAHA FJR1300 (2013 - 2015)
9 owners have reviewed their YAMAHA FJR1300 (2013 - 2015) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your YAMAHA FJR1300 (2013 - 2015)
Summary of owners' reviews | |
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £850 |
2016 FJR1300 AE
20 February 2017
Version: AE
Year: 2016
Annual servicing cost: £500
Upgraded to a 2016 AE model from my 2004 FJR (with 110K on the clock) recently and very glad that I did. Nearly all the niggles with the FJR have been addressed (apart from longer mudguards). Digital info display is excellent, although I have accidentally flashed my lights, thinking I was raising the screen. The LED lights, particularly High Beam, are stupendous. Engine is smoother and fuel consumption has improved by up to 10MPG, mainly thanks to cruise control. Only 3 weeks old but some fasteners already have small rust spots on them, due to winter road salt.
Ride quality & brakes
I have the electronic suspension model and the ride is very plush when set to soft. It's great that you don't have to tear your knuckles apart trying to change the spring loading the old fashioned way
Engine
Now it has 6 gears, the engine RPM at 70 has dropped by about 600 leading to better MPG and a much smoother ride
Reliability & build quality
Only 3 weeks old but some fasteners already have small rust spots on them, due to winter road salt. Chrome trim has peeled away a bit on one of the panniers after only 2 days.
Value vs rivals
Unknown yet, as I've only had the initial 600 mile service completed and this was £200, so a full one could be 300-500?
Equipment
Digital display, LED lights, cruise control, heated grips are all great. Standard screen is far too low for winter user and I'm only 5ft 7. I have ordered an aftermarket screen.
Buying experience: Bought from a dealer. Luckily they had one in the showroom with a grand off the list price. Was going to go for the matt silver version, but had a chat with the dealer and read some online comments about how difficult it was to keep clean, so went with the graphite colour.
New FJR surprisingly good
12 October 2016
Version: AE
Year: 2016
Annual servicing cost: £140
My second FJR following an interlude with a R1200GS. The original FJR was a 2008 model which I sold after becoming disenchanted with heavy front-end handling and an unwillingness to fettle it to suit my needs. When it became time to change the BMW, I seriously looked at the K1600GT, RT1200, Trophy and the new FJR 6-speed. Although Yamaha do not claim revolution with their latest incarnation of the model, the feel is completely different to my previous FJR. Gone is the awkward handling and the perception of something which needs careful throttle balance. The new ride by wire throttle (introduced a while back), the improved suspension, finish and stability have transformed the bike into a jack of all trades that is equally at home in town or out on the sweeping A-roads. The LED front lights are the best I have experienced and the bike as a whole is pleasingly packaged (in my opinion). The engine remains as smooth, torquey and responsive as ever. Having previously used the panniers and top case at the same time with no problems, I am not sure why Yamaha maintain their stance that the luggage cannot be used altogether. For me, the only improvements I would like to see are a screen that reduces noise and a more comfortable seat. By the way, the 6th cog is worth having. Well recommended, make sure you test drive all the alternatives yourself - don't believe some of comments you read from the journalists. The bike has carefully been evolved for a reason, not just to meet some marketing objective.
Ride quality & brakes
The bike is smooth and is at its best on sweeping A-roads. Very well planted on motorways at 'typical' speeds.
Engine
Smooth predictable power delivery with torque everywhere.
Reliability & build quality
Seems robust with good fit and finish. Attention has been paid to previously vulnerable areas like the fork legs. Reliability based on previous experience is likely to be supreme.
Value vs rivals
Value is reduced because the seat and screen should be sorted at this price. Running costs are minimal for the type of bike.
Equipment
The new electronic suspension and dashboard menus are great as is the addition of cruise. Not state of the art, but all the things you could reasonably want. The bonus is that they all work, all the time. Bikes are for riding - not sitting in a workshop. A great value package if, like me, you have to use your own hard earned money.
Buying experience: Bought from a small franchised retailer focused towards customer care and satisfaction, -before, during and after purchase.
05 August 2016
Year: 2013
Lovely ride but disappointed at shocker reliability
Ride quality & brakes
Engine
Reliability & build quality
Suspension gone after 6000miles only two years and eight months old had a suspension failure on my 2007 bike couldn't believe it's happened again dealer not very helpfull
Value vs rivals
Equipment
Comfy Ride
Buying experience: Dealer paid £14,500
More sports than touring
22 March 2016
Year: 2013
Very accomplished sports tourer, more sports than tourer. Its a bit of a stretch from the saddle - walking the bike on tippy toes but this is due to saddle width robbing some height. Good support on seat, has sit up attitude which I prefer as you get older and your bones begin to creak. You could go and tour straight away on this bike, bigger tank and very quiet motor until you gun it. A little top heavy at low speed fully oiled up but disappears once you start rolling.
Ride quality & brakes
Heavy bike so rides over undulations and you don't really feel them underfoot. . Back shock is a bit weak with 2 up but can be adjusted - Will consider Ohlins later in the year before touring season. Brakes are superb, ABS linked is the safest way to go .
Engine
Turbine smooth and is whisper quiet especially through the stock twin exhausts - reminds me f the Honda CBX 1000 I used to own. IS pretty quick but not in a K1200S way. In touring mode its docile and wont frighten anyone but good for relaxed touring.
Reliability & build quality
Well built machine - well put together and going like a swiss clock .
Value vs rivals
So far so good doing about 40 MPG overall average but can go down to 30 with some spirited driving in S mode
Equipment
Has ABS, Heated grips, Aux sockets and Panniers so basically you could load up and go on tour right now. Attachments for GPS unit and power from socket so you won't run out of juice.
Buying experience: Bought from Local Yamaha dealer in Bahrain - Was fine lets see how they are for first service .
NEw FJR in the family
28 February 2016
Year: 2013
Excellent bike - have a K1200S and this bike is more relaxed not frantic but could be made so . Excellent balance and chuckability - not as sharp as the K but close .
Ride quality & brakes
Very comfortable - seat s a little wide and ends to spread the legs . With the K1200S the seat is narrow at the front so you can move the knees in to grip the bike bit with the yamaha you cant really do this without effort and get Horses thighs pain in inside legs. The S mode is noticeably more sharper more instant and quick off the line but the main T mode is fine for everyday runs
Engine
Engine is of the best Japanese traditions - not a screamer like the K1200S but more subdued until you wind it out .
Reliability & build quality
Yamaha - very reliable - owned for 3 Months and nothing out of joint yet
Value vs rivals
Only have a couple of months so we'll see how the servicing costs compared with the other bikes
Equipment
Good equipment for the price, electric screen, cruise control, heated grips, duel mode S and T and ABSS interlocked brakes - nearly better than the K1200S
Buying experience: Easy - Bike was in Yamaha shop for over a year and not sold - brand new so went for low ball offer and was surprised they accepted so 2014 cost me 4000BD Bahrain about 10,000 Euro and not a wheel turned.
Trusty friend never let me down
02 February 2016
Year: 2014
Annual servicing cost: £3,000
From new now on 36k miles mostly commuting through London over three years. Awesome machine. Fast, smooth, slips through traffic, balanced like a dancer, sips petrol, carries loads of kit, my second fjr combined 100k miles had a holed radiator.... That is it. From two bikes and a 100k. Waiting for new engined generation 4 ... Only thing to make me upgrade.
Ride quality & brakes
Brakes top class abs. Great in wet. Can easily do two hours in saddle or full tank on motorways... 200 plus miles.
Engine
Smooth, fast. 5 gears fine. Pulls from low 40s in 5th.
Reliability & build quality
Holed radiator... Can't really blame the bike. Two of them 100k miles. Awesome durability.
Value vs rivals
Service every 6 months. Fuel economy brilliant plus 45 average through London. 72 mile a day commute fill every third day.
Equipment
Panniers ok weak locks, heated grips great, socket for power great, instruments great, have not had a bad tyre whatever brand,
Buying experience: Dealer good service good p/ex paid 12k with factory custom pipes, engine guards, foot fairing, mirror covers, tank protector.
09 January 2016
Year: 2016
great bike
Ride quality & brakes
Engine
Reliability & build quality
Value vs rivals
Equipment
Living with the FJR1300AE.
11 October 2015
Version: AE
Year: 2015
Annual servicing cost: £200
This bike has all the flexibility you could want. In standard form it seems far more sport than tourer and replacing the factory screen for a real touring screen makes a huge difference to the wind and weather protection (go to FJR Owners Club for great screen at best price around). Whilst the A offers limited control over suspension, the AE has a bewildering array of options and a much better ride than the A model. The dash is state of the art and the menus are easy to master and quite intuitive. The really best features are the comfort and that fab engine. At 5' 6'' I haven't found any problems with the bike weight even with a full load of fuel - though reversing must be done off the bike. NB: If like me you are short, make sure you sit on the bike before you buy; that wide seat robs you of some leg height which shorties have little enough to play with. Long wheelbase, but reasonable in the twisty bits. HUGE power, torque and all day riding a real possibility.
Ride quality & brakes
More of a motorway cruiser than a track day bike, although a good rider will hold their own with the sports boys on the right track. Brakes are good but fade a little when pushed really hard. Normal riding, no problem. If you fit the touring screen and a top box, you have an all day touring bike. Tip: fit a hugger stop all that road grime getting into the shock area. Take no notice of the dealer who tells you they don't make one for the AE. Skidmark do, but make sure you specify AE when you order, as the hugger is quite different between the A and AE.
Engine
Huge turbine like power and lots of torque. Don't believe the nonsense you read about no sixth gear. I checked out the ratios between average 5th and 6 gear set ups and there is nothing in it. At 70 the rpm between my 5 gear FJR and 6 gear K series was negligible. An engineer told me top gears are more overdrive than anything and that would certainly explain it.
Reliability & build quality
All the panels fit tightly together, the paint is deep and durable and all the external parts wear well. Make sure you get the suspension linkage/swing arm etc., all lubed at the right intervals. Few dealers actually do this at it is a main stand removal 'jobby'. Service the FJR properly and it will probably outlive you! Superb reliability. Got rid of a BMW to buy one. Best move I ever made. In summary, not as heavy as my Pan (which I still miss) but does the job nearly as well.
Value vs rivals
Average 50mpg very possible. Recommend FJR Owners club for best quality and best price servicing - you can even watch them do the job! Compared to my BMW, this bike is cheap as chips to run. BMW take note!!!
Equipment
Suspension offers more adjustment than you are ever likely to need. More toys than a toy shop on the bars. Bridgestone and Metzelers are to be avoided. Best tyres according to my club are Pirelli Angel GT (9000 miles rear and 5000 rear, but a bit expensive) Best price and wear and Maxxis Diamonds with 7000 miles front and back. Got new Bridgestones (023s) at present, wise after the event but ok so far, but plan to try the Maxxis next.
Buying experience: Bought from a dealer. Lips sealed on the deal, but it was too good to miss.
11 August 2015
Year: 2014
Annual servicing cost: £400
I had a 2010 FJR which had a slight problem with the throttle response, especially at low speeds, my new 2014 has ride by wire and has no such problems it's still a great engine that loves to be thrashed although the wind protection is worse than my older bike and why Yamaha didn't put led rear lights when they have them at the front, I don't know? Yamaha now spec Bridgestone tyres, my front tyre has started to square off after just 3200 miles while rear is still good
Ride quality & brakes
Suspension can still get a little harsh, recently went up to Yorkshire and did 1300 miles in 4 days, seat is comfortable and fuel economy is good averaging about 50 mpg you can easily ride for a couple of hours or more without a break
Engine
Different power modes give a soft power delivery in touring mode which I find good around town and sport mode livens it up and gives good acceleration from low down in the Rev range when on the twistys A strong engine that makes this bike fun to ride on a bike that doesn't look like it should go as quick as it does
Reliability & build quality
No problems
Value vs rivals
Equipment
Best feature has got to be the cruise control so easy to use made the ride up to Yorkshire a doddle.
Buying experience: Bought from a Yamaha main dealer Woodford motorcycles in Essex I've bought all my bikes from them good and friendly service as always, highly recommended .
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Source: https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/yamaha/fjr1300/2013/
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