Yamaha tourer icon FJR1300 gets an update

Todays Yamaha FJR1300 range has evolved from the model introduced back in 2001, and over the years there has been several updates. The years 2006 (generation II) and 2013 (generation III) carried most major updates which can be found in the Yamaha FJR1300’s as we know them today. For 2016 Yamaha added a few additional updates, tackling some of the “critics” out of the market. I write “critics” as this bike is still a great touring bike with sporty genetics in it.

One of the major critics was that the 4-cylinder inline engine was still equipped with a 5-speed gearbox, while it major competitors all have 6-speed gearboxes. The engine is extremely smooth so I did not see the missing of a 6th gear as that much of a problem, but starting from 2016 model year the Yamaha FJR1300A/AE/AS models will have the long wished 6th gear. Advantages with this additional gear is that in the highest gear the engine will be running at lower rpms which benefits fuel economy when cruising. On top with the different spaces between the gears, accelaration will be slightly better adding a little more to the dynamic character of the bike.

Also the clutch received improvement by adding assist and slipper clutch from the R1. This feature prevents rear wheel lock when aggressively downshifting (like on the new MT-10). The new lower rate clutch springs provides lighter and easier clutch lever action compared to the old model.

Yamaha also updated and improved lightning on the FJR: LED lights on the front and rear got updated. The twin-eye headlights contain 4 LED units, and new cornering lights (additional 2 LED units) on the FJR1300/AE/AS versions improve vision in curved when driving in darkness. The rear LED lights got complete redesign and is now a little wider.

The instrument cluster (3-dail design) got redesigned also to look more up2date. The font used is inspired on the ones on the modern R-series Yamaha’s.

The 2016 FJR1300 models are prepared for the installation of an Dainese D-Air® Street system. The special FJR1300 D-Air installationkit (M-Kit) – containing sensors, connectors and fixations – can be order and be mounted by an official D-Air street dealer, in combination with a D-Air Jacket (J-kit). The D-Air Street M-kit for the FJR1300 will be available starting first quarter of 2016.

As color options, the 2016 Yamaha FJR1300 will be available in Dark Grey Metallic, a new Matt Silver, and in Cobalt Blue (color options depend on market/country).