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First Ride: 2016 Yamaha FJR1300ES

Yamaha’s FJR1300 has become a sport-touring icon. With its big, 1,298cc in-line four smoothly generating more than 125 horsepower and nearly 90 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel, this velvet hammer is a favorite of go-fast enthusiasts, solo or two-up touring fanatics and endurance riders.


Yamaha introduced the world to their sports-cruiser in 2001 with its lightweight aluminium chassis flying in the face of other big, heavy tourers. And it’s the smooth power delivery and comfort over long distance which stand out as the Yamaha’s key benefits. 100,000 FJR1300’s have been sold since the launch which is testament to the model refinements coming from the Japanese manufacturer in 2003, 2006 and 2013.

So, what has been updated for the 2016 version?

  1. 6 speed gearbox: not only has the new model gained an extra gear, the gearbox size is no bigger thanks to the narrower, helical cut (diagonal instead of horizontal) gears resulting in a weight reduction of 400g. The torquey and powerful engine has longed for an extra gear to act as an overdrive for the longer tours. The engine’s rpm is also reduced by 10% as a result.
  2. Adaptive Cornering Lights: LED lights all around mean less drain on the battery, important given the nature and purpose of the FJR with the likelihood of heated grips being used, sat nav systems and even phone chargers being added. The ACL system works with 3 LED’s lighting up one-by-one on each of the two headlamps starting at just 5 degrees banking. Tip the bike in purposefully and all three will light up together.
  3. Redesigned tail section with LED rear lights and indicators.
  4. Assist & Slipper Clutch: Yamaha says it creates a 20% lighter clutch operation and a smoother downshift.
  5. Instrument panel: updated fonts and reflective coating reducing glare
  6. New colour: Matt Silver joins the existing Tech Graphite as a new option

 

Why I like it:

  • All the hump. At any revs. Relentless torque.
  • Super comfy, nice and roomy
  • Superb ride, surprisingly capable at speed even on tighter stuff
  • Big Range
  • Excellent pillion accommodations

 

I’d like it more if:

  • I reckon it could have more powerful stoppers
  • Gearbox could be a little more refined