YAMAHA FJR1300 AE (2016 - 2021) Review

The brakes are very reliable and predictable. ABS and Traction Control are more intuitive and inspire confidence at any speed, road surface.

The 6th gear gives the bike a better set up at higher speeds and stresses. The recall work carried out on the gearbox makes me even more confident

Apart from the recall for gearbox replacement, I've never had a problem before or after the replacement.

If it's needed I get it done. Servicing is no more costly than other bike I have or had. I'd expect oil filters brake pads air filter etc.

I had the back carrier replaced with a new one in order to carry the Yamaha 50L topbox. Also with the side cases, the bike can carry what I need on any trip , including the missus. I've been using Pirelli Angel Gt II which give great grip in all conditions. I've the Yamaha touring screen which I rate highly over the standard

Smooth powerful and sound great

I score it 4 because had one problem with the ABS failing caused by the switch gear (sorted by the dealer) and the recall to have the gearbox rebuilt due to Yamaha fitting a poor second gear.

Tyres lasted 6k.

If Yamaha had upgraded the display with Nav be a 5.

Corners very well for its size and weight, had a VFR before. Best for long distance and the big tank is nice. Brakes seem adequate, never really had to jam them on hard. I find that about 2 hours at a stretch is right for me.

Bullet proof and loads of jam.

No problems, ever. Quality is very good. No corrosion but it is never left outside, a few rain storms and once a bit of snow. No oil leaks. Change oil at 5000 kms, Motul, and final drive at 10,000 kms, synthetic.

Love the cruise and the heated grips, the electric ride adjustment is a bonus. Corbin heated seat is pure luxury. Good luck with Road pilot 4 GT. The speedo under reads by about 9% (CDN model) but easily fixed with a corrector which costs just over $100, now I am exact and it is adjustable. Taller Yamaha windscreen is another winner as is the Garmin GPS. Delkevic's give a nice throaty growl, not too loud on the highway.

I find the ride quaility excellent. I can easily do, and have done 500 miles a day without any ill effects. It is after all a sports tourer, and it is very happy crossing europe. Pillion comfort is also good, but I don't really use it much two up.

With an engine this size you are never really wanting for power. It pulls from pretty much any speed in any gear, but keeping the revs up a little pays dividends. It will motorway cruise if required in sixth and the engine is really only just ticking over. Lots of pull in lower gears. I can't see why anyone would want any more than whats on offer.

This is my second one and I have never had any breakdown or failures with either of them. General finish quality is also very good.

Servicing is not cheap, but the expensive one is every two years and is around £350 - £400. I know many use the FJR club workshop which I am told is much cheaper.

The standard panniers are big enough, and I like the yamaha FJR crash bungs. The dash is a bit old fashioned, and no colour, but it tells you what you need. The menu for the systems is fairly easy once you get used to it. Cruise control is very useful.

I tend to do short trips in the week, but long journeys at the weekends. South Essex to Manchester is not uncommon. I measure the comfort of a bike by the hour. If I'm still comfortable after an hour, then the bikes fine. I get around 220 miles per tank, so should be able to do this without getting off. The FJR fits this bill, no problems. My wife fines the pillion very comfortable as well, although touring, we tend to stop for a break at about 100 to 150 miles. For general commuting, the FJR is fine. Very well balanced, filters through traffic no problem, the clutch is very light, gearbox is slick.

When in Touring mode, the engine's very smooth. Very good power delivery and responds to the throttle well. However, when in Sport mode, it's a different animal! It's very quick for a machine of this size. Yes it's a heavy bike, but the weight distribution of the bike is spot-on. You have to be careful in sport mode - Acceleration is very quick, you can hit three figures without noticing!

So far the bike's only done 5000 miles, so hasn't had its 6000 mile service. On checking the service costs prior to its purchase from Mototechniks, they seem very reasonable in comparison to other makes and models. No complaints in this area.

As standard, the adjustable screen is very useful. The digital readout on the clocks is also useful. The ability to scroll through the readout and change settings at the push of a button. Heated grips are a god send in colder weather. The touring tank bag (FJR accessory) is used nearly every day. It's large enough to put your shopping in, is well made and doesn't get in the way. The panniers on the other hand, tend to be a bit on the small size. They could do with being the same size as the BMW RT's, not really a big problem. But when you're on a tip two up, from Essex to Sheffield, then up to Edinburgh, across to Mull, then down to Liverpool to get the Steam packet across to the I.O.M, then the final trip from Liverpool back to Essex, you need the space to carry not just your clothes to last 3 weeks, but the prezzi's you bring back as well! I'm not a top box fan, so would avoid putting one of these on it. Instead, I use a soft luggage pack, which can be easily strapped to the rear carrier.

I appreciate the bike's versatility. I like both brisk canyon rides and 1,000-in-24 Iron Butt certificate rides, and the bike does both well. I don't often take long, multi-day tours -- the wife prefers the car -- but I would certainly have no qualms about doing so. The FJR1300 is a perennial Iron Butt Rally winner.

Big power, excellent fueling, easy to live with. But a smidge buzzy at various points on the tach.

Outstanding build quality. I've had three FJRs (a 2010 and two 2016s) and I've never had an issue.

Routine maintenance is easy. Valve adjustments will be a complex and lengthy chore, but aren't required until 26,000 miles

Love the cleanliness of the shaft drive, the cruise control, the integrated luggage, the oustanding instrumentation. The ES model is nice if you occasionally have a passenger -- pre-load adjustment is accomplished with the press of a button. Great range from the 6.5-gallon tank. I often get 49-50 mpg.

Still running in, but others I have ridden are great

Quick shift and self cancelling indicators would be nice.

The brakes are great and ride quality is ok.

Great engine

3rd set of head bearings in 18k. I am well........ very progressive on the bike due to my job and others in job have had 2 sets of head bearings in 20k. Paint finish is very poor.

Great equipment but cruise works sometimes you have to stop switch off and on then it works.

Dealer included the first service in the sale price anyway.

Missing Nav and comms.