Motorcycle specifications YamahaFJR 1300 A 2020 A destiny fulfilled

After the major redesign of 2013, many thought that Yamaha's big tourer would be back on the road for another decade. Redesigned silhouette, electronic suspension on AE and AS versions, revised engine, traction control, cruise control, dual fuel injection maps, modernized dashboard: the list of improvements could ensure many years of peace of mind. Well, not really. In 2016, the FJR took a step forward with a number of fine-tuned upgrades that are sure to be of interest to everyday and/or long-distance riders.

At first glance, it's hard to tell this 4th generation FJR apart: same fairing, same chassis, same seat, same suitcases. Passing fleetingly in front of you or spotted furtively on the forecourt, you won't be able to tell the difference. It's when you get closer......... to the left that you notice THE big change in this FJR. There's a small series of numbers in front of the selector, which now runs from 1 to 6. Tilt! Your left foot has struck, and so has your approach to riding it. After 15 years with a 5-speed gearbox, the FJR gains a 6th gear. This ensures more energetic relaunching, makes the most of the generous power of the 1298 cm3 4-cylinder, and cruises at a lower engine speed. Let's keep smiling. The manufacturer didn't just add a sprocket to the gearbox. The entire transmission has been redesigned. The spur gears have been replaced by a helical profile. This is the first Yam to benefit from this type of gearing. Are we finally going to have smooth, refined and impeccable selection on Iwata models? Technically, this 6-speed gearbox has already been lightened by 400g, without being any larger than the 5-speed gearbox.
An anti-dribble clutch with special springs and a special cam between the bell and the pressure plate reduce clutch lever effort. Above all, by digesting the excessive torque transmitted by the rear wheel when downshifting, it stabilizes the bike under heavy braking. It has to be said that, with 146 horsepower in the engine and over 14 mkg of torque, a jovial disposition and a generous right hand soon get the FJR up to aeronautical speeds.

Admittedly, I wanted to focus on the transmission first. At first glance, the FJR 1300 "4" also stands out from the old model in its headlight design. The face of the front headlamp unit has not changed at all, but inside, Yamaha has introduced some major innovations. The lighting is full LED, the positon lights are chevron-shaped with multi-faceted reflectors, and all this little world provides increased lighting power and a very spaceship-like appearance. We like it.
Yamaha also offers adaptive lighting technology. Thanks to the on-board inertial unit, the FJR knows when it's at an angle, and three LEDs in each headlight light up as it tilts. Reflectors positioned along a certain axis ensure that the edge of the road is suitably illuminated, with the amount of light optimized according to the bike's dynamics. However, this system is currently reserved for AE and AS versions with pilot-controlled suspension. We don't like the fact that it's not available, even as an option on the A version.
The rear light is also evolving. Well, the taillight, I should say the Star Trek stern light. A whole array of LEDs add a striking dimension to the tail signage. Let's not prevaricate for ages; instead, take a look at its image gallery, it's much more telling.

A few details are worth mentioning in this general evolution of the FJR 1300. The dashboard benefits from a touch of refinement, with a rev counter in R-series calligraphy(R6, old R1s, etc.), a new info layout on the central LCD screen and an anti-reflective treatment.
Oh, and the FJR is now thinking of an additional, external level of safety. I'm talking about airbag jackets. It's designed to accommodate Dainese's D-AIR kit, with all the necessary wiring, sensors and junk. Mind you, it's not installed on the wheel! Yam has prepared the way for on-board installation, nuance.

The Yamaha FJR 1300 "episode 3" seemed to us perfectly accomplished. Phase 4" proves that the road bike segment has not finished imbibing technology. Gaining a long-awaited 6th gear, completely revamping its internal transmission, improving its lighting and gaining in modernity, this road-going vessel just keeps getting better and better. To satisfy as many backpackers as possible, each version benefits from these improvements: the FJR 1300 A shown here, the AE variant with electronic suspension, and the full-tech AS with the same suspension and a robotized gearbox.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos