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Road test of YamahaXJR 1300 2015 Forever young

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XJR 1300 2015 test drive
Drive test

Field test Our tester's opinion on the XJR 1300 from 2015

XJR 1300 2015 test drive

we have to go back to 1993 to see the birth of the Yamaha XJR. At the time, manufacturers were producing 400cc motorcycles. In 1999, the first 1300cc XJRs made their appearance, considerably increasing displacement and introducing minor cosmetic changes.

let's take a giant leap forward by about 20 years .....it's 2015 and the Yamaha XJR 1300 is making a comeback.
When Oli the Belgian introduced me to this bike, I was suddenly transported back to the '70s, when the bike smacked of freedom and rebel attitude. I could already see myself heading off to work wearing a vintage outfit and a retro jet helmet .....

So here's my review:

design

the first thing that strikes you is the huge engine, set off by the tank, the wide seat and, above all, the side plates with their three mesh air intakes. The shape of the tank is both unique and iconic, much flatter than on previous models, with the base line drawn inwards and interrupted by the frame to make the machine as narrow as possible at knee level.
The rear of the bike has been shortened, with a significantly smaller seat.
The two yellow Öhlins shock absorbers at the rear and the muffler housing the 4 cylinders are impressive.
The instrumentation features an analog speedometer and tachometer, with a small digital display in the center that shows the time, partial trips, fuel gauge with reserve indicator and odometer. Sober but effective and easy to read.
The finish is top-notch....!!!!

driving position

the new XJR provides a comfortable welcome for the rider, thanks to the generously padded and nicely upholstered seat. Its single-seater styling and slim, drooping rear end are not conducive to two-up riding. The poor passenger is left with a footstool without handholds at the rear, but must try to hold on to the machine using a strap placed after the padded section.
Smaller riders will find it easier to put their feet flat on the bike, thanks to the slimmed-down seat and fuel tank. When you're riding, your legs are well tucked in thanks to the high, set-back footrests.
the large, raised handlebars offer better leverage and a very relaxed riding position.
The riding position is fairly upright, which makes you forget the bike's weight (230 kg). The weight distribution and low center of gravity of the engine make it easy to get around in urban environments.

handlebar controls

you don't need a manual to understand how the handlebar controls work. The left-hand electric control includes the 2-position light selector, headlight call button, horn and turn signal, while the right-hand one has the starter and ignition switch. That's it, .....

driving

pushing the starter button, I'm seduced by the full, muffled, melodious sound of the engine.
This 4-cylinder with its five-speed gearbox responds smoothly but convincingly to whatever is asked of it. There's no need to strain the gearbox, just turn the throttle and the pace will vary. What's more, you'll appreciate that the neutral position falls into place by itself, which is far from the case with all motorcycles.
The smoothness of the engine means you can take care of your trajectories, and enjoy the sensations and atmosphere of the handlebars to the full. In short, this bike lets you concentrate on riding pleasure, rather than pure performance. Thanks to the suspension, I can waddle happily around corners.
Progressive, powerful braking is reassuring.
The absence of a windscreen poses no problem, even at high speeds.
In short, when it comes to stability and comfort, this bike is top-notch!

minor faults

in my opinion, the XJR doesn't really have any faults, but if I had to mention any, it would first and foremost be the absence of ABS and the mirrors that vibrate at certain engine speeds.

conclusion

the Yamaha XJR1300 is a roadster that could be described as Grand Touring in terms of its touring capabilities and riding comfort. It's an engaging motorcycle that really encourages everyday use. Its engine is as generous as its displacement. A sort of dinosaur in the making in this great Yamaha Parc ......

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Essentials

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Key facts Yamaha XJR 1300 (2015) : What you need to know before you buy

Model sold in 2015 2016

Replace XJR 1300 2014

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XJR 1300 2014

Performance

  • Max speed : approximately 220 km/h (136.70 mph)

Prices

Basic version
flag FranceFrance
10,999€

Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 20 reviews

French Stephane Model 2016
Very good bike that I've owned for 3 years. A "hairy" and "chunky" engine that is a real pleasure every day as well as on long trips
Whether on twisty mountain roads (route des grandes alpes à 2 avec ma compagne, super!), in town or extra-urban, it's a real pleasure to ride and pilot... Forget modern electronic assistance etc... You drive it! Whether it's a cool, winding ride or a thrill ride... The engine, frame and brakes will be there. Rating : 5/5
French comcorse Model 2016
Old-fashioned driving.
Heavy and very appreciable torque.
 Rating : 5/5
Une moto avec des poils
French AntoineS Model 2016
Although the design has remained classic right up to the latest version, with its double rear suspension, classic forks and brakes from another decade, all these parts are top quality. And beyond the comfort and attention to detail, you can't get enough of its authentic, muscular design! The xjr's handling is saintly, and you can even venture to pick up the pace a little! The engine remains the bike's main asset. In fact, when it comes to backing the 240kg into the garage over the gravel of the yard, you can't be afraid of spitting in your hands. On the other hand, in town or on the road, you'll enjoy the flexibility of a young girl combined with the strength of a weightlifter. Power is delivered smoothly, and the well-tuned 5-speed gearbox is more than enough to keep the left foot at rest. The bike remains agile despite its weight, aided by wide handlebars. The riding position is very natural and easy. Only drawback: I'm 1m80 tall and my legs are completely on the ground at red lights, but they're too bent to travel for more than 6/7 hours. Personally, I've removed the plate holder and replaced it with a wheel wiper, and I'm planning to switch to a pot that's a bit more aesthetically pleasing and has a more pronounced sound than the original. Please note that parts are quite expensive.
My notes:
Bistro-garage: 5/5 (aesthetics)
Paris-Marseille: 2/5 (travel)
Mont Ventoux-Mont Aigoual: 4/5 (sport)
garage-yamaha: 3/5 (cost and maintenance)
TOTAL: 14/20 Rating : 4/5
French Juju Model 2016
Buy in 2016 coup de coeur 60th anniversary the pot aged badly heavy at the stop but superb becane no regrets Rating : 5/5
French Giacomo Model 2016
Soon 5000 and the second revision, I still love it as much as the first day, I bought it in December 2016, only downsides, the pot is awful the plate holder too, Yamaha and its designers did very strong on this bike but with these two errors they have spoiled everything a little as if they did not care about the potential customer,but that's okay, the pot will be changed soon, but not by them, and the plate-holder (or trailer hitch) will take a blow from the disc saw, flush with the seat. At my age, it'll probably be my last bike, but also the nicest I've ever owned... Rating : 5/5
French ptit claude Model 2016
tres bon produit qui envoie du lourd j\'adore cette moto j\'en est une de 2013 j\'en suis totalement a croc V V a toutes et tous Rating : 5/5
Problème fixation selle....
French Freematt Model 2015
Happy owner of the racer 60th, it's a great bike with a great look :) However, there's a lot of play in the saddle, and the mounting isn't great. Do you have the same problem? Rating : 4/5
French Kevin

Hello, yes there is a lot of play at the saddle on all models. I put small rubber shims fixed with double-sided tape and it's better. Rating : 3/5
French Seb
Hello great bike I love it just a little disappointed with the autonomy and 2nd gear that if you pull too much the first cracks a little ... but like many bikes with this kind of mill ... Rating : 5/5
French Kevin Model 2015
A bike with a look you don't see everywhere, a pleasant chassis that can be fine-tuned by adjusting the fork and shock absorber, and an engine full of torque that doesn't need the gearbox to boost its 240 kg ! The only modification I'm going to make, not to mention the various options in the catalog, is to add 1 tooth to the gearbox output sprocket, because I find it pulls a bit short, and given that I only ride solo! Rating : 5/5
jante
French ed Model 2015
good evening i own a tjr 1300 model 2016
i would like to have spoke rims
someone is where I can find that?
knowing that I live in Reunion Island
cordially, Rating : 5/5
Bémol
French Fracasse Model 2015
A trapper's braking in the face of a surprise, and the penalty fell: a big mess. So 2 pieces of advice: never forget that there's no age limit, and that 240kg of weight pushing on an R1 braking system and a fork that's a little soft, needs to be controlled. L\'automne is indeed a bit tight. As for the rest, I'll see! Rating : 4/5
Locomotive et chamalow
French Fracasse Model 2015
The most suave of alliances, between the roundest, fullest lung of steel I know, and a chassis whose comfort and placid safety form the crew of a 2-wheeled luxury sedan, in a dress that's both roguish and brutal. Forgive me, it's my first day with her. Rating : 5/5
French Fracasse Model 2015
Those who own it speak very highly of it, while those who don't criticize it (as is their right). I tried it out, and was won over by its handling, and the look of the blue roadster model is top-notch. If I remove the plate support and later change the pot, it'll be perfect. It'll be here in a week. I'll be back with a full review. Rating : 5/5
Enfin !
French onsebarre Model 2015
Super comfortable, I made beautiful ballad in the Alps, I did not feel my passenger, flexible and torquey engine at the same time, soft clutch, of the look, in short Finally a café racer with an indestructible block engine to inquire mileage;)
 Rating : 5/5
Elle est top
French Merlo Model 2015
I've had one for 2 months in grey, and to tell you the truth, this new XJR 1300 is really very pleasant, easy to handle, high-performance and up to date, with its café racer look. And believe me, it's a real dog.
But you either like it or you don't.
The only downside is the limited fuel tank. We go to the pump a lot.
Bonne route à tous Rating : 4/5
Sublime !!
French stefano Model 2015
I've just had it :)
At last, a bike with a nice neo retro racer look.... with a lot of torque and super comfortable, you roll up the kilometers and turns with the banana.... what I like above all, is to be able to take it just with its vintage jet helmet to go take a kawa in town in king of kool mode..... or to put helmet integral and all the paraphernalia for the big arsouille.... :) 2 bikes in 1...(because jet helmet on a sportbike... it's weird)
well ok you can't put luggage on, but who cares, it's not his style, otherwise I'd have taken a pan european one.... anyway I'm sleeping in a hotel... a good backpack and on with the ride for ever :)) Rating : 5/5
ya de la joie
French peterchapet Model 2015
First ride with the new XJR, replacing a 2001 model, and the impression of a new, more manageable bike, perhaps thanks to the smaller fuel tank and larger handlebars. No regrets, especially as the passenger found the seat still comfortable. We'll see about engine feel later. Rating : 5/5
French zebz Model 2015
Quite disappointed by this "new XJR". Well, the engine, frame and shocks remain the same, and that's good.
But the big 14.5lt traveler is a thing of the past, given the engine's fuel consumption. There's no way to attach suitcases, and the passenger has lost his super pullman. The little headlight with its fasteners is a do-it-yourself affair. The side covers are absolutely ugly. On the practical side, water will run up the visor from the back in the rain, giving the driver a real vintage look. Rating : 1/5
On aurait pu faire mieux
French Karibou Model 2015
I went to see it at the dealership this weekend, and I liked the retro home-made look. But it should have gone further, and why not rims with spokes? The 4-in-1 is a bit too big (akra option available). I've got a 1300 XJR anniversary in yellow, white and black, which always makes an impression in a parking lot and on the road, but I won't be falling for this model, too bad! Rating : 3/5
Confort du passager?
French Loucio Model 2015
Rather beautiful and stylish, in tune with the times. Driving pleasure remains the same, as the chassis and engine are unchanged (good fist!). However, I have my doubts about its ability to go far, loaded with camping tent and panniers (especially with passenger...), a use familiar to many owners of this fabulous travel machine. Doubts, too, about passenger comfort, especially as the old version was reputed to be "pullman" for both rider and SDS. Rating : 3/5
French xjr 2003 Model 2015
having a (very nice) 2003 XJR, it bothers me that yam's engineers have given this shapeless thing the same name. i was waiting for a new version to come out to change my beauty, but now i'm fleeing to the competition. Rating : 1/5
French Yinyan
Absolutely delighted with my new bike to replace my FJ 1200. My companion is sitting comfortably behind (that's important :-)
Very good, torquey engine... As for the look, it's a matter of taste, so I'm not going to dwell on it... Just change the look of the side covers and shorten the plate support.
Power is there, even if the lack of fairing prevents you from really exploiting it. You'll soon have your hands full. A little "light" from the rear when cornering... Probably just time to get my bearings. Heavy (it doesn't change me :-) but maneuverable, even if you have to be careful at low speeds.
The big drawback for me is the reduced range, which really bothers me.
But the compromise suits me well overall... I'm satisfied.
Have a nice trip.

 Rating : 4/5
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Yamaha XJR 1300 2015
An old school goes back to college
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