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Combining near-superbike power and handling with touring-bike comfort and convenience seemed like such a natural idea, it’s almost surprising that the FJR1300 remains in a class of one. Oh well. “Supersport Touring” remains an exclusive Yamaha niche, and anyway, the critics seem to understand exactly where we’re going with the FJR1300.
The Awards Just Keep Stacking Up
he latest award the FJR1300 has garnered is Cycle World Magazine's 2004 Best Sport-Touring Bike.
Here's what they had to say - "...with superb luggage, superbike power, fine handling and great riding position, and nothing can touch it for eating all the pavement you care to feed it at a rate that will embarrass any other bike with saddlebags".
Last season, it was called Motorcyclist Magazine's Tourer of the Year, while it was labeled Rider Magazine's Motorcycle of the Year for 2003. Not to mention, it was Cycle World's 2002 Best Sport-Touring Bike, right out of the gate.
It might be confusing, at first, but soon you'll understand -
- A powerhouse 1298cc, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled in-line four-cylinder engine producing 145 horsepower and 99 foot-pounds of torque
- Shaft drive
- Standard hard sidebags
- Electric-adjustable windshield
- Optional ABS
- Light weight, adjustable suspension
...can all coexist and result in a motorcycle that can attack corners with almost the nimbleness and precision of an all-out sportbike.
Downsides? The FJR1300 moves so well, it may leave less time for taking in the scenery. The 6.6-gallon fuel capacity means you might not discover as many quaint gas stations. And, you may attract more hangers-on, so accommodating are the broad and supportive dual-density seat, excellent grab handles and cavernous storage.
Life consists mainly of compromises. Some rare times, though, you really can have it all.
Estimated delivery to dealers: July 2004 to November 2004.
