Yamaha FJR1300 (2013-2021) - Review & Buying Guide

Yamaha’s surprisingly sporty full-dress tourer has been making waves since its introduction in 2001. Evolving and maturing over the years, the second-generation of FJR arrived in 2006 before the third, and final, incarnation appeared in 2013.

This last generation of Yamaha’s superb tourer combined the previous generations’ bulletproof reliability and easy-going nature with lots of modern tech including cruise control and traction control to make life on the road even easier. If you are after a mile-muncher, this is the generation of FJR to buy as although you need to a be a bit wary about some of the tech when buying a used example, in general the Yamaha has an unblemished reputation for reliability.

Pros & Cons

2013 - 2021 Yamaha FJR1300 - Prices

You can pick up a basic A model for around the £5000 mark, however it is likely to be showing close to 40,000 miles on its clocks. While this isn’t a worry mechanically-speaking, parts do wear out so you are better off spending about £7000 on a lower-mileage machine – especially if you want the AS/AE version (more on this later...), which will set you back about £1000 more than the A. The top-end is £9999, which should get you a real beauty of an AS/AE with less than 10,000 miles on its clocks.

2013 - 2021 Yamaha FJR1300 - Engine & Performance

The FJR’s inline four is a wonderful motor and undeniably the star of the show. Packed full of effortlessly smooth torque and with a shaft drive, it makes ticking off the miles a breeze and shrugs off the effects of a pillion and/or luggage without any noticeable dip in performance. Surprisingly sprightly when requested (it has 141bhp, 144bhp on 2016-onwards models), it is the 99ft.lb (102ft.lb on 2016-onwards models) that will stick in your mind. The 2013-onwards bikes come with two power modes (S and T) thanks to a ride-by-wire throttle but so effortless is the power delivery, they aren’t really that necessary. And it is also a very, very reliable engine.

As long as you stick to the service schedule (every 6000 miles with a valve-clearance service at 24,000 miles) all should be well. Although, having said that, lots of owners don’t bother with the valve-clearance until nearly 50,000 miles with no issues! It will cost roughly £900 to get this service done, so it is up to you if you want to take the risk...

The shaft drive system can be a bit of a worry and has a reputation for allowing water to get inside it. Every 30,000 miles the shaft should be stripped and greased, which is worth doing as they can rust and then you are in for a lot of potential issues. The hub itself also benefits from regular oil changes, do it as part of the 6000-mile service to be safe. Be a bit wary of the breather at the front of the bike near the headers as it can suck water into the fuel tank – there was an official mod to stop this happening, check it has been done. There was also a recall involving second gear (2015-onwards), which should have been completed, and one involving the cruise control system (2013-onwards). A few owners have experienced electrical issues with the wires under the tank very prone to corrosion due to water pooling there. Ideally, lift the tank and inspect this area.

In 2016 the FJR gained – wait for it – a sixth gear! Yes, finally Yamaha added a much-needed extra cog to the gearbox as well as a bit more power from the motor. It makes a difference to long distance riding but honestly, the five-speed box is fine. If you have an AS model, they can occasionally stick in one gear. Disconnecting the battery and allowing the ECU to reset usually cures this. A few FJRs suffer from worn gearbox selector forks but it is quite rare, just check all is well on a test ride.

2013 - 2021 Yamaha FJR1300 - Handling & Suspension (inc. Weight)

There are two suspension versions of the FJR – the stock one with its conventional forks and the AS/AE with their inverted forks and electronically-adjustable damping system. Both models have the same chassis, it is just the shock and forks that vary. When buying used you need to be a bit wary of the AS/AE model as, technically, the electronically-adjustable forks can’t be rebuilt and replacements are £950 a side! The same is true of the shock, which is £1800 to replace. There are independent companies who offer a rebuild service but results vary. So do you want an AS/AE model?

Not a semi-active suspension system, the electronic suspension adjustment system simply changes to a new set damping level (Soft, Standard or Hard) at the touch of a button at both ends with the shock able to have its preload set to one of four levels (One-up, One-Up with Luggage, Two-Up, Two-Up with Luggage). Is it worth having? It certainly enhances the plushness of the ride quality and as long as it doesn’t fail, is certainly a bonus. On a bike such as an FJR which is all about comfort, it seems remiss not to have this option. There again, some prefer analogue suspension and it is certainly cheaper to replace/service when the time comes! Speaking of servicing, it is a known thing but always check the FJR’s suspension linkages as they seize up. There are mods you can do to help prevent this happening and make servicing them in the future easier, go online and ask the question in one of the many forums or owners’ clubs.

A sorted FJR, and it’s not hard to find one, is a delight to ride and as well as being rock-solid in a straight line, is very enjoyable in the bends with far more agility than its hefty 292kg wet weight suggests it will have.

2013 - 2021 Yamaha FJR1300 - Comfort & Economy

The FJR is an incredibly comfortable machine for covering miles on and both the rider and pillion will appreciate its deeply padded seat (there is an optional touring seat as well as a pillion back rest) and large fairing. 2020-onwards Ultimate Edition bikes come with a taller screen and some extra wind deflectors but they aren’t deal breakers. What might be, however, is the 2016 update that saw a sixth gear introduced, something that does help boost fuel economy on long motorway runs. Generally a third generation FJR will hit 51mpg but with the sixth gear, this can be increased to around 55-58mpg. Expect to start looking for a petrol station at around 250 miles, which is spot on for a tourer. When buying used, always check the electronically-adjustable screen works smoothly they can break their mechanism.

2013 - 2021 Yamaha FJR1300 - Equipment

The third generation of FJR1300 was a turning point as lots of tech arrived thanks to the addition of a ride-by-wire throttle (YCC-T). Alongside YCC-T, Yamaha introduced traction control (TCS) and cruise control for the first time alongside two rider modes (D-MODE) – T and S – with T softer and S sportier in its response. If you select the AS version it comes with Yamaha Chip Controlled Shift system (YCC-S), which is a clutchless gearchange system with  a foot or hand gear change but it is not an automatic.

On the chassis front, the AS and AE both come with electronically-controlled damping, which isn’t semi-active, just ‘long screwdriver’ and the shock’s preload can also be altered via the dash. All 2013-onwards FJR models have an electronically-adjustable screen as well as panniers fitted as standard. The 2016-onwards FJR models also add cornering lights on the AE and AS but not the A with both the AE and AS having electronically-controlled damping.

When it comes to accessories, the list is comprehensive but generally used bikes come with heated grips, a top box and a taller screen. Yamaha sold Akrapovic slip-on silencers but very few FJR models have anything aside from stock exhausts fitted.

2013 - 2021 Yamaha FJR1300 - Rivals

The FJR’s sporty side sees it not only an incredibly accomplished tourer but also a fun bike when aimed at an Alpine pass or two. There are potential several rivals, including the BMW R1200RT and Kawasaki ZZR1400, but we’d probably look towards these three options.

Honda VFR1200F (2010-2017) | Approx Price: £3500-£8000

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Power/Torque

170bhp / 95lb-ft

Weight

267kg

BMW K1600GT (2011-2017) | Approx Price: £5000-£12,000

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Power/Torque

160bhp / 129lb-ft

Weight

319Kg

Kawasaki 1400GTR (2008-2017) | Approx Price: £4000-£9000

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Power/Torque

155bhp / 100lb-ft

Weight

305kg

2013 - 2021 Yamaha FJR1300 - Verdict

The FJR1300 is a touring institution and a bike that many miss now that its life has been curtailed by emissions regulations. While the Tracer 900 models are more than capable replacements, they don’t have the same sturdy feel or sheer grunt that this big-capacity tourer brought to the table. The final generation of FJR (especially post-2016) highlights all the best parts of the FJR’s many years of development and the great thing is that you can pick and choose your model depending on the level of tech you want with the ‘A’ fairly basic and the ‘AE’ and ‘AS’ upping the level of electronics. If you are serious about mile-munching but still want a bike with a touch of sporting potential, the FJR1300 is a great option. It’s not cheap but it is one heck of an established and refined motorcycle.

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2013 - 2021 Yamaha FJR1300 - Technical Specification