2013 Yamaha FJR 1300 A Sport Touring Motorcycle
When it was released on European shores in 2001, Yamaha’s FJR1300A developed quite a following. The overseas press praised it for its powerful engine and long-distance touring comfort.
But this “Supersport Touring” motorcycle wouldn’t hit American shores until the following year.
That year (2002), Yamaha released the FJR1300A as a 2003 version, the bike not yet available with ABS. After winning many awards from respected stateside motorcycle publications, Yamaha offered the 2004 version with optional ABS, creating an even more appealing platform. The praise continued…
Yamaha then offered the 2006 version as an optional FJR1300AE model with a semi-automatic transmission utilizing Yamaha Controlled Clutch Shifting, or YCC-S. The semi-automatic transmission didn’t receive as much praise as expected, but showed Yamaha’s energy toward innovation.
Regardless, in 2010 Yamaha scrapped the semi-automatic version in America, though the model (FJR1300AS) continued overseas. Things then remained dormant; besides the addition of the semi-automatic transmission model in America, the FJR remained relatively unchanged since 2006.
But for 2013, Yamaha is offering a revised FJR1300A, the sport touring machine receiving not only electronic and suspension/chassis upgrades, but also styling enhancements.
The FJR sport tourer retains its original 1298cc, liquid-cooled inline four, but receives a host of electronic upgrades, including Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), Traction Control (TCS) and D-Mode (Sport and Touring). Yamaha says “all these technologies work in unison with an all new Cruise Control system to ensure an inspired ride.”
The YCC-T works in conjunction with a redesigned throttle body and exhaust pipe to offer crisper response, while the TCS is derived from MotoGP technology, which detects wheel spin and adjusts ignition timing, fuel injection volume, and throttle opening to help maintain traction.
The new D-Mode (Drive-Mode) system offers various throttle maps, and works directly with the YCC-T. The 2013 FJR1300A features a T-Mode (for touring) and S-Mode (for sportier riding).
The other electronic addition is the push-button cruise control, which is located on the left handlebar.
Besides the electronics, Yamaha has upgraded the FJR1300A’s chassis and suspension for additional rider comfort. The upgrades include new fork and swingarm designs, along with bodywork that features an air-management system to control cooling/heating based on temperatures.
The bodywork has also been restyled for a more modern look, including the upper cowl, side panels and a new LED front-turn signal/position lights. Not stopping there, Yamaha redesigned the instrumentation, offering a three-part reading panel.
The 2013 Yamaha FJR1300A also features some additional comfort adjustments, including a two-position adjustable rider seat, three-position adjustable handlebars, and a pushbutton-adjustable windscreen.
But if you’re in the market for Yamaha’s upgraded FJR1300A, don’t expect many color choices; for 2013, the FJR is only available in one color – Stone Gray.
Following are the highlights, specs, color option and MSRP for the 2013 Yamaha FJR 1300 A.
2013 Yamaha FJR1300A Highlights:
New for 2013:
- New redesigned upper cowls, with an adjustable under-cowl panel that offers increased wind protection and can be adjusted without tools
- New adjustable windscreen that is twice as fast and holds its position when the key is turned off
- New throttle body design to work in correlation with YCC-T
- New Yamaha D-Mode, offering T-Mode for improved touring performance, and S-Mode for sportier riding
- New cruise control adjusts speed via a single push on the switch, or, for larger adjustments, additional push on the switch. The cruise control shuts off when the brakes, clutch or throttle are applied, but also features a “resume” function that returns the cruise control to its most recent setting
- New handlebar switches for heated-grip temperatures, electronic windscreen adjustments, and instrument display panel. The FJR also features a simple knob for headlight adjustments
- New traction control for enhanced traction on wet road surfaces or unpaved conditions
- New dash and instrument panel layout; an analog meter on the left, digital speedometer in middle, multi-dot display on the right
- New fork design that includes an aluminum piston rod and plunger, plus a new spring rate. There’s also a new rear-shock damping and spring rate for rider comfort, especially when riding with a passenger or cargo
- The engine’s cylinders feature a liner-less design with direct plating to the cylinder wall for superior heat dissipation
Engine:
- Compact, light 1298cc, DOHC, 16-vavle, liquid cooled inline four
- Engine is fully-stressed chassis member, allowing for lightweight frame design
- Slant-block design features stacked, tri-axis gearbox shafts that mimize size while optimizing chassis geometry
- Lightweight forged pistons with carburized connecting rods that help strength and reduce reciprocating mass
- Advanced fuel injection for crisp, seamless throttle response
- Low-vibration crankshaft with two gear-driven secondary counter-balancers that help deliver an extra-smooth ride with reduced rider-passenger fatigue
- Four-into-one-into two stainless-steel exhaust optimizes engine performance across the powerband
Chassis/Suspension:
- More modern bodywork and air-management system keeps the bike and rider cool; a central vent beneath the instrument panel cools the rider and reduces negative pressure for less buffeting, and fairing side panels with tool-less adjustability let the rider direct airflow
- Longer swingarm provides better ride and handling
- Standard equipment with Unified Braking System w/ABS: the front brake lever activates six of the eight front braking pistons; the rear brake pedal activates two rear pistons and the other two front pistons, providing balanced anti-locking braking in all conditions
- Ergonomically shaped, large-capacity 6.6-gallon fuel tank that offers comfort and range, and is built from steel for magnetic tank bags
- Rear frame with integrated grab handles, making for lifting the bike on the centerstand easy
- Dual catalyzers and an O2 sensor located in the exhaust for excellent fuel injection control range and low admissions
Additional Features:
- Heated Grips arrive standard
- Subframe fitted with quick-release luggage mounts for standard accessory side bags that feature a lock fitted to the ignition key
- Slim profile with side bags for in-town maneuverability
- New suede-look dual seat with different foam densities for rider and passenger comfort
- Newly-designed windscreen for better wind protection with little negative pressure
- New sharp, two-eyed headlights with daytime LED running lights to add visibility and modern styling; the lights also feature a knob for easy adjustments
- Glove box contains a 12V outlet for phones, GPS units, electric vests, etc.
- Standard tool kit located in convenient storage compartment under passenger seat
2013 Yamaha FJR1300A Specs:
- Engine: 1298cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
- Bore x Stroke: 79.0 x 66.2mm
- Compression Ratio: 10.8:1
- Fuel System: Fuel Injection
- Ignition: TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
- Transmission: 5-speed; mulitplate wet clutch
- Final Drive: Shaft
- Front Suspension: 48mm fork; fully adjustable
- Rear Suspension: Single shock; adjustable preload and rebound damping
- Front Wheel Travel: 5.3 in.
- Rear Wheel Travel: 4.9 in.
- Front Brakes: Dual 320mm disc, UBS ABS
- Rear Brake: Single 282mm disc, UBS ABS
- Front Tire: 120/70-ZR17 radial
- Rear Tire: 180/55-ZR17 radial
- Length: 87.8 in.
- Width: 29.5 in.
- Height: 57.3 in.
- Seat Height: 31.7/32.5 in.
- Wheelbase: 60.8 in.
- Ground Clearance: 5.1 in.
- Rake: 26.0 degrees
- Trail: 4.3 in.
- Fuel Capacity: 6.6 gal.
- Wet Weight (wet): 637 lbs/California model 639 lbs.
2013 Yamaha FJR1300A Color Options/MSRP:
- Stone Gray / $15,890
