YAMAHA XJR 1300 REVIEW
YAMAHA XJR 1300REVIEW
TheYamaha XJR 1300, an air-cooled roadster, is a big, fast, (140mph)inline four that seems to have been around forever. That'snot a bad thing. It is a bike that has stood the test oftime. It's been in production for 13 years, so don't expect acutting edge state-of-the-art experience. It is, however, avery familiar Japanese motorbike with a lot to commendit.
TheYamaha XJR 1300 is an effortless workhorse of the old school. It will give you 40mpg on the motorway and 30mpg on B-roads,working out at an average of 34 mpg. On this basis a full 21litre tank will give you a touring range of 159 miles. It's ahefty, (fuelled weight 249 Kg), softly sprung machine withdual-disc, 4-piston callipers on the front and a single-disc,2-piston calliper in the rear, making for sound, securestopping.
The rideis luxurious, some would say soft. It's like an old fashionedRover, with wood-panelling and deep, leather seats. There'ssomething familiar and friendly about it. Everything is whereit should be. It's smooth, it's quiet(ish), but it's verypleasing.
The XJR1300’s gigantic engine is a joy to behold. It has an enormousmidrange and will do 0-60 in 3.3 seconds. As for power, 96.8bhp @ 7900rpm is still impressive. Yamaha’s bikes have areputation for having a heavy throttle, but it doesn't get in theway of the XJR's smooth, powerful ride.
At lowspeeds, let's face it, you occasionally have to manoeuvre around acar-park and the Yamaha XJR1300 is responsive and easy to handle,despite its size. Even if you've never ridden a Japanese bikebefore, it's like getting back together with an oldfriend.
Much likethe ride, the pillion seat is luxurious and there is a good, solidgrab rail. Preload adjusters are easy to reach and there's asmall area under the seat for tools. It comes with a helmetholder and plenty of places for bungees. The centre-stand ishandy, though the mirrors are not wide enough apart. Clocksare simple and clear. The speedo and tacho are analogue andthe digital display shows time, fuel and an odometer.
TheYamaha XJR 1300 is a comfortable, familiar beast with a midrangethat will blow your helmet off. It's a plush ride, though itmay be a bit too smooth for some bikers. It is good value formoney, a pleasure to ride and it looks great. As anestablished, tried and tested roadster, the XJR 1300 will be atough act to follow.
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