XJR 1300

[mark g]

Got a hankering for one of these beasts, anybody had any experience with them?

[Phil]

I had one from 2003-2010 after deciding 2-up touring wasn't much fun on a YZF750R. 50,000 reliable miles, loads of torque if a little heavy. I only sold it because I wanted something with a fairing/screen. Apart from a bit of windblast it was really comfortable for rider & pillion.  I had an exhaust collector box go at 6 years and a couple of £5 clutch seals every 18,000 miles, no other issues.

[sadlonelygit]

i did a little digging as i was looking to buy one.
fj12 inlet rubbers and a full akra give 130hp.
just because it says ohlins on the shocks doesn't mean they're any good
good solid 80's style ujm with a modernish twist.
i realised i would be bored with it quite quickly/in a hedge as i'm not that sensible

[Kosmic Kartman]

Had the 1200. Bullet proof. You will need to upgrade the shocks front and back as they are saggy as ninety tear old tits.

[Frosties]

Got a hankering for one of these beasts, anybody had any experience with them?

If you can afford then buy it - cracking bikes, so go scratch that itch 

[Gnasher]

They are ok great for relaxed two- up stuff but don't go expecting much handling wise they're heavy, slow to steer and they dont have much ground clearance.

They're are (well mine is) very comfortable, nice motor (relaxed) easy to ride within limits, they look great.

I picked up a very low mileage (3k) 02 model bike on an 03 plate looks same as Phils.

There're many late registered bikes on all years so check what model you're actually looking at good basic guide is here (http://www.yamaha-motor.eu/designcafe/en/archive/archived-articles/index.aspx?view=article&id=447386).  That said mine has everything listed for the 02 but not 4 in 2 in 1 in 02, paint and graphics are 02 but with 4 in 2 in 2 as per 01 model.   They are a few things to catch you out when buying spares if you don't know what model you've actually got and of course what it's worth.  One of the differences from 02 - 03 is the brake lever.

Things to look for collectors rot, as do the ends of the silencers, many have had these modified (hole made bigger) to give more noise.  It's an easy mod which means it's often badly and cheaply done, quality S/S versions are available, best I found was German, they come in different sizes bigger = more noise.  The shocks are cheap even Ohlins versions, the spring finish is rubbish and flakes off, as with anything Ohlins it's expensive new springs = £160!  Clutch slave piston seals leak look for paint damage, finish on the engine is poor and if not looked after as is most of the nuts/bolts/fasteners etc. 

Then you've got all the bling people bolt/stick on I guess it's a personal thing but it doesn't add value, the opposite!  If you buy right and with the know how/tools/time/money you can get a gem.

I love mine here's before (rim tape) and after completely stripped to the frame, cleaned, all the above mentioned fixed/replaced this was taken before I'd received the new springs which I got for half price   

[Yamazer-92]

How do they compare to the FZS 600? Having never ridden one, I can imagine handling is worse but that they're more comfortable? They only make about 98hp from more than two times the engine size, but obviously a lot more torque. Are they actually any quicker than a Fazer though, just thinking about all that extra bulk? Obviously top gear roll on is a no contest but normal 0-60 or 40-70 how close would it be?

[maddog04]

went to look at one for sale a few years back, not for me but for one of our southern softies....might have been Locksmith the Arsenal fan
bike was in Birkenhead and too far for him to travel up...........the mrs thought I was playing away when I said I'd been out all day looking at a bike for SOMEONE else

give him a shout and see if he ever got one..........................on a different note and sorry to hijack the thread but I'm thinking of a FJR 1300......anyone had one or can pass comment?

[Phil]

  Obviously top gear roll on is a no contest but normal 0-60 or 40-70 how close would it be?

You've just reminded me about 1 thing which took me ages to adjust to, the XJR only has 5 gears.

[Grayo]

  Obviously top gear roll on is a no contest but normal 0-60 or 40-70 how close would it be?

You've just reminded me about 1 thing which took me ages to adjust to, the XJR only has 5 gears.

I had one a few years ago and thought the same thing. It always felt like it was struggling and needed another gear.

[Gnasher]

Having never ridden one, I can imagine handling is worse but that they're more comfortable?

Yes they're, seat is bigger, softer and foot pegs are further forward or at least it feels that way.

They only make about 98hp from more than two times the engine size, but obviously a lot more torque. Are they actually any quicker than a Fazer though, just thinking about all that extra bulk?

I'd say they're evenly matched XJR's produce about 108bhp at the crank so about 98ish at the rear wheel as against the FZS 87bhp at the rear wheel.  Factor in the weight difference of about 45kg and no firing for the XJR the power advantage disappears, but with something like double the torque it gives the impression of more power.       

Obviously top gear roll on is a no contest but normal 0-60 or 40-70 how close would it be?

In my opinion the XJR will win both.  Remember these are two very different bikes with over two decades design difference between them, the XJR being late 70's platform all be it tweaked to cater for the born again/retro biker of the late 90's and the FSZ being late 90's street fighter.  I my opinion if you want a day to day do anything bike that's value for money it's the FZS.  If you want a sunny day 2 up bike with loads of attitude that you want to pop to the coast or up the high street it's the XJR.         

[Phil]

From what I remember, I think the redline on the XJR1300 was around 9,000 rpm, peak torque was around 6,000 rpm, but I hardly ever revved it past 7,000, there was no point. The engine didn't spin up quickly like a more modern engine, and I didn't use the brakes much as the engine braking was significant. Not a bike for scratching down tight B roads like the 600 might be but you could still keep a decent pace up if the roads weren't too tight and twisty.

[Nebuchernezzer]

I used to ride my old house mates xjr 1200 with pods, exhaust, rejet and some aftermarket shocks. Engine felt good, chassis was damn heavy. Too heavy I felt. I was a much less experienced road biker back then but yeah I wouldn't consider a bike that heavy for myself unless it carried it's weight better (240kg bike, 70kg me).

[Yamazer-92]

Cheers for the info guys, it's interesting comparing it to the Fazer because I know they are totally different machines for different purposes but I have a feeling the majority would say the FZS is better as an all round bike. I don't think there's honestly many bikes out there still that do everything quite as well for the price, maybe a Z800 but they're quite expensive. The only thing the Fazer lacks in my opinion is character. I'm interested in the ZRX1200r, they look like a good compromise between the FZS and XJR as they aren't as heavy as an XJR and being water cooled produce noticeably more power for the size of the engine. I think they handle pretty well too, especially with suspension upgrades. They look so good as well, especially modded! If I ever upgrade, that will definitely be high up on my list.

[mark g]

One of the main reasons I was thinking of buying a XJR is the simple design, aircooled, Twin shocks, No EXUP valve to worry about, loads of torque would suit me nice. I'm on the fence at the mo, I've not had my Gen 1 thou that long and I've already had to sort out the EXUP valve and now the water pump seals have just gone, I like the look of the Fazer but I cannot stand bikes that give trouble. The XJR nods towards my past a bit  , I'm not bothered about top speed these days. If funds allow I'd like to keep the gen 1 and get a XJR too    thanks for your input guys