Yamaha XJR1300 Road Test

Yamaha started banging out the XJR1300 in 1998, it grew from the 1995 XJR1200. Other than taking the bore out by 2mm the motor remained pretty much the same. The engine can trace its bloodline back further in time, the 1983 FJ1100 was were it all started for the big air cooled motor. Nothing lasts forever, and the XJR1300 got one final makeover in 2015, that’s what Classic Motorbikes -net have found for you here.
The semi café racer appearance is bang on trend, but does the reworked XJR1300 make sense in the real world?
We popped down to Wheels Motorcycles in Peterborough and grabbed the keys to this low mileage machine. Instead of sitting here banging away writing down my findings, here’s a video we shot.

[@simonclark9522]

Just watched your video and caught a glimpse of the number plate. I am now the proud owner the bike in your video.

[@Classicmotorbikes]

Hey Simon, congratulations, how are you getting on with the bike?

[@simonclark9522]

@@Classicmotorbikes love it, its my 3rd XJR, keep going back to them as they're so good all round bikes. Just toured north Wales on it with some mates.

[@chrisandrews2706]

Lucky Chap

[@Dayliffe1]

I live in New Zealand and bought my 2015 blue XJR1300 early 2016 from a dealer in Blackburn through ebay. It came with the Akrapovič slip-on exhaust as standard and have since put a fly screen on and bought the same paniers, although with my busy life, I haven't had an opportunity to tour yet. I could have bought a standard XJR1300 new in NZ, but really wanted the cafe racer version, so imported it myself! Yes, even though the tank is smaller than standard XJR, NZ is the perfect place to ride as there's always a petrol station within range. It is an absolute pleasure to ride and the roads here are just made for biking, and especially off the main highways, you don't have to deal with a lot of traffic. Even the lack of the 6th gear, although I do sometimes look for it, doesn't bother me at all! Once you get going, it's as light as a feather and such a smooth ride. I love this bike, having had three Yamahas previously (two DTs and a TTR250), it was no problem to go from a 250 to 1300. I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing it may be the only one in New Zealand and my local Yamaha dealer in Napier has no problems servicing it. It also gets to live in the carpeted garage, even my Golf Mk6 TSI doesn't get to do that! Fantastic bike!

[@MrEnglishman6969]

Just took one out for a test ride today ( same year and) . as was looking for another bike to go with my fz1n and cbr 900. What can i say. the weight was not a problem at all ( i am only 13 stone) was very smooth and just a well planted bike. We know its no race bike, but it was a really nice ride.I was just test riding it from my local shop to get the fact i wanted one out of my system, as everyone says they ride crap ? . Long story short i just bought it ;) i pick it up in 3 days. I was very impressed with the build quality and once i add a few mods it will be an even better bike. Got it at a cracking price. one owner from new and only 2,400 miles with full service history (4 stamps in the book) and the bike is in as new condition really is. 6k

[@Classicmotorbikes]

Awesome stuff, sounds like you have the perfect 3 bike garage now.

[@allansolomon2137]

Had a brand new one in 2002 when they stopped the SP model. Best bike I ever had. Ruined a good bike with this model. Shorter seat, smaller headlight, black clock casings, plastic tank and took 7 litres off the fuel capacity on what was and still is a thirsty bike.

[@angelapowell8174]

Hi, bought one of these about two months ago, lovely smooth performance, plenty of power.it is true it could do with a sixth gear, and you do look for it when you're cruising along but you can forgive it that. it is the last of the air/oil cooled. large muscle bikes and this is what attracted me to it. it does not come with a centre stand, but it can be retro fitted. I love the vintage retro look of the bike, and you get a lot of bike for the money. you can pick these up pre reg or ex demo for £6995. I did a lot of research before buying the bike and since the engine has been around for many years it is supposed to be pretty bullet proof. in my opinion, nice bike.

[@Classicmotorbikes]

Hi Angela, good to hear an owner perspective

[@steveturner1514]

l have a 2001 XJR with a 110,000 KMs on it, just keeps on going.

[@SuperAdeee]

I bought this bike in 2015, brand new. Chose the black paint and I got the acrapovic slip-on exhaust, which makes a bit more growling sound. I love the bike and i think it is smooth and comfortable to ride. It has too much power for Norwegian roads! This bike is a masculine bike! I am very happy with it. + Looks awesome Goes like hell Sounds great Very easy to ride Lots of factory options if you want to custom your bike, like the slip-on exhaust from acrapovic , made especially for xjr1300 =) - Small tank (but i think it looks better with the small tank..) lacking a sixth gear.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

I liked the older models too. Very macho bike overall. :) Drop by bro. You can check my video about the bikes of the 90s. :)

[@georgebaker2164]

I'm on my second XJR1300, 2009 in Black with 106bhp. Got it last year with

[@Classicmotorbikes]

Good to hear from someone who's had a couple of XJR1300s, Thanks for the insight George, ride safe 😎

[@cameronharding3774]

I am on my 3rd xjr, I like the old look and have a 2015 in the Rossi colours. I did customise my last1200 to look a bit like that model as I used the same seat with a bit of chopping. The bonus was though I could pull FJ performance with simple carb and intake mods, then some with upgrades. I do like how much smoother the newer models are though, they seem to lack the vibrations. Am working on the power at the moment and will soon shed some weight.

[@Classicmotorbikes]

Thanks for your insight Cameron, good to know about the mods 👍

[@simonclark9522]

It now has an arrow exhaust and a tail tidy and pannier bars have been removed.

[@MrEnglishman6969]

Had my 2015 xjr1300 a few months now (away for winter) I have added the small tail tidy and a Dan moto short exhaust and small screen and head light grill, and crash mushrooms all round. Bike looks and sounds really nice now. Only had it out 6 or 7 times but really do like it. Yes you have to watch it on corners if giving it some as the back end can weave a bit if you hit a bump. But other than that it’s a cracking bike to ride, and just love the way it looks. And the best thing about it is it may help me keep my license lol. It’s happy doing the speed limit as well as braking it. Just love it for a Sunday bike. No good for long distance as I am hitting reserve on 75 to 80 miles as it only has a 14ltr tank so would be no good for my yearly Scotland trip, but that’s not what it was bought for. If thinking of buying one. My honest opinion is BUY IT hell of a lot of bike for the money. Mine will be staying with my Fz1n and cbr 929 that’s for sure 😁

[@MrEnglishman6969]

Forgot to say I am 5.11 and 13 stone and have no problems at all with size or weight of the bike. It’s easier to move around than my 180kg bikes

[@Classicmotorbikes]

Thanks for sharing your experience so far, I bet it's loud with the Dan Moto exhaust!

[@rubberneck2855]

Hope you enjoy Scotland when you're next up. I love the West Coast, used to live and work up there, lived 20 miles south of Oban, what a road.

[@MrEnglishman6969]

I have fitted to my 2015 xjr and Yamaha tail tidy, Danmoto exhaust (sounds really good) Yamaha cafe racer screen, head light grill, radiator side covers, crash mushrooms all round. really sets the bike off.

[@Classicmotorbikes]

Good to hear what you have done to your bike, how are you enjoying it?

[@Fritsvrolijk]

2002 Kenny Roberts model is the one

[@BaroWolf]

I have a 2012 XJR1300, and off the line she beats any sports bike to 100kph. Comfortable and great to ride

[@johna6968]

Yup most ridden by straightliners.

[@lanceflanagan]

Im very tempted by one of these but I'd need a tail tidy which might be difficult on a discontinued model. Also, the exhaust is way too long, i wonder if i'd be able to get a 4into2 made?

[@Classicmotorbikes]

Hey lance, it doesn't end with just buying the bike, we always want to modify and change parts on bikes, I think most motorcycle riders are the same. what bike do you ride now?

[@lanceflanagan]

@@Classicmotorbikes ZX6r 2012

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Nice and short. :) Shame for the fuel tank. Otherwise a nice bike. Keep up.

[@MrEnglishman6969]

Just in case anyone wants to know. you can fit a 2014 Hyperpro steering damper to the 2015 / 16 / 17 xjr1300 It fits as the front of the frame is the same as the older model. I have fitted one.

[@Classicmotorbikes]

Good to know, thank you for sharing 👍

[@MrEnglishman6969]

@@Classicmotorbikes also the 2010 to 2014 oem center stand fits the 2015 ,16,17 new shape xjr1300 and fits as it should as the lower part of the frame is still the old frame. hope this helps

[@colinbrough3099]

Perhaps an odd question ... but thought this might be a good place to ask. I was a proud XJR owner for many years, moved onto a V-ROD for a few years, long story, but never quite got over the old XJR. Been off motorbikes completely for about ten years now (Kids, Life, etc.) and keen to get back on two wheels. I've been looking at a few XJR's on-line but wondered what the general view was on the XJR, as a 'return to biking' bike. Weekend wanders and a daily commute of about ten miles each way, would be the use.

[@Classicmotorbikes]

Hey Colin, I'd say go for it 👍 you have ridden one before so might feel familiar and ease you back in to riding. I'd also recommend a bike safe course, I did one a few years ago a learnt so much from it. I know this is a slow reply but have you got a bike yet?

[@colinbrough3099]

Classic motorbikes thanks ... I ended up back on a Harley and a Fat Boy, the HD gene must have been in there somewhere. Thanks for the comments, still a brilliant bike with many fond memories.

[@Sr.D]

The lack of a sixth gear it's making me considering other bikes, i have being suffering the "only 5 gears" syndrome in the highways since 2012 with my sportster...

[@Classicmotorbikes]

I know your pain, always trying to find that next gear that’s never there!

[@kevingeary1563]

Try an 18 tooth engine sprocket, still pulls like a train

[@iodineclip]

this or the CB1300sf SP ?

[@Classicmotorbikes]

Scottie is a Honda man so I would say CB1300 every time

[@Lichtbildidealisten]

May i ask how tall the rider in the video is? I considering buying this bike and im not quiet sure it it will fit.

[@jasonlowley5093]

Hi am 6ft 6in bikes lovely to ride

[@Lichtbildidealisten]

@@jasonlowley5093 Thanks a lot!

[@Classicmotorbikes]

Hello, sorry on the slow reply, I started a new job in November last year and I've been flat out since. The rider in the video is about 6ft 2.

[@tb2bg]

Im 6.2 And its fine for me

[@hawkslayers1]

why does everyone now use the word planted it drives me insane

[@MustafaMustafa-uy5xx]

How tall r u???

[@johna6968]

The tiny fuel tank concerns me more than the 5 gears.

[@Classicmotorbikes]

Hi Jay, I know people moan about the small fuel tanks on bike but I think it just means you get to stretch legs a little more often. How many miles do you like to do without stoping?

[@johna6968]

@@Classicmotorbikes Im not a mile muncher at all. Its just nice to know you have plenty in reserve should you need it.

[@jasonlowley5093]

I went to Holland on mine was always at fuel station

[@TheJamesvgnr]

I'd like one,but the small tank is putting me off.I mean,my Foxeye Fazer can do nearly 300 miles to the tank,double the range of this Xjr!

[@johna6968]

@@TheJamesvgnr Mines had a full tank for about 6 weeks now.

[@MrVital-tn1nt]

не ужели производителю так сложно было сделать нормальное седло?) Что за бугор торчит ?))

[@PeterPrism]

Buy xsr900

[@darrenrooke3399]

not the same type of bike at all

[@fucyu7000]

Just noise

[@alisoncolquhoun6203]

Xjr,s are pish ,slow,gas guzzlers,can’t handle,non real ohlins,heavy,only half decent thing are the gold spot callipers and that was only the later ones the older models brakes are a joke .

[@ridicule35]

Sounds like you can’t ride!

[@alisoncolquhoun6203]

@@ridicule35 name something that isn’t true I said 😂😂😂😂 funny that that’s what your wife said about you.

[@ridicule35]

@@alisoncolquhoun6203 your mum has a nicer mouth than you. 😂