News – New from Intermot Cologne 2015: Yamaha redesigns its XJR1300 – New Yamaha: the redesigned XJR1300

New in Intermot Cologne 2015: Yamaha redesigns its XJR1300

News - New Intermot Cologne 2015: Yamaha redesigns its XJR1300 - New Yamaha: the redesigned XJR1300

At the origin of the “ Yard Built ” project, Yamaha engineers were inspired by the work of the best motorcycle tuners to update their XJR1300. They take the opportunity to deliver a Racer version of their – very – big roadster. Discoveries.

New Yamaha: the redesigned XJR1300

It has been five years since the "Yard Built" initiative was launched and "customizers"regularly offer their version of certain emblematic models of the Yamaha range: the SR400, the XV950 and above all the XJR1300, the last representative of the" real "maxi roadsters (read our)…

"The Yamaha XJR1300 is an icon whose raw, unmatched style has been unmatched since its launch over 20 years ago.", underlines the brand in tuning forks. But beware:"for 2015, the XJR evolves" !

"Collaborations with tuners such as and had a significant influence on the development of the new XJR", admits Yamaha."So is our friendship with Keino, who recently unveiled his version of the XJR1300, and who influenced the design of this new machine.".

Like their tuner friends, Iwata’s engineers focused on aesthetics: the only 2015 mechanical evolution on the XJR1300 concerns the DLC (for "Diamond-Like Carbon") anti-friction treatment of the inner tubes of the front fork..

Reading the 2014 and 2015 technical sheets reveals another difference – of "size", really! – since the capacity of the gasoline tank drops from 21 to 14.5 liters. Admittedly, the more elongated and thinner shape of the new element enhances the engine and the pilot more comfortable … But the autonomy takes a hell of a blow (-31%) !

On the aesthetic side, however, we must recognize a faultless on the part of the show off Iwata firm. The single-seater, padded and mounted on a shortened and simplified rear frame, gives the new XJR a more sporty look..

But make no mistake: a passenger can always sit behind the pilot and also benefit from the 98 hp and 118.4 Nm of the 4-cylinder, "the largest air-cooled engine on the market", Yamaha skull since Harley-Davidson and BMW decided to water-cooled – but partially! – their big twins.

In addition to the beautiful line formed by the new tank and the new saddle, we taste at MNC the black 4-in2-in-1 manifold and matching silencer, the perforated side plates and tuned to the supports of the – smaller – round front headlight, and the new aluminum handlebars that are wider and closer to the rider.

The new XJR1300 smacks of "Sport Heritage", the category in which Yamaha catalogs this bike alongside the Vmax, SR400, XV950 (standard and R) … and a new XJR1300 "Racer" which may attract the attention on the next Intermot fairs in Cologne – to be continued tomorrow on MNC – then EICMA in Milan !

Falling under the spell of the XJR "Eau Rouge" produced by Deus Ex Machina, the Japanese in turn offer their version of the Cafe Racer, based on the 2015 XJR1300…

On this new (super) production Yamaha, the fork crown fairing, the short front fender and the bonnet covering the rear part of the saddle are made of carbon fiber. Unknown to this day, the price of the XJR1300 Racer promises to be salty with these three pieces on the menu…

Aluminum bracelets – very beautiful – obviously find their place behind the counter unit (identical to the 2015 XJR, therefore revised compared to 2014): "the driving position is more focused than on the stock XJR, combining authentic Cafe Racer styling with a sportier and more dynamic ride".

Yamaha finally warns that "the Racer kit does not include the mirrors mounted at the end of the handlebars, the Akrapovic exhaust or the license plate holder", while specifying that"these accessories are sold separately"… in the Yamaha catalog !

In France, the Racer will be available in a single black "Midnight" color, while the XJR1300 will be entitled to two additional paints: "Power" blue and matt gray. Note that whatever color is selected, the buyer will be entitled to their red candle caps … Class, no ?

Unfortunately, the dates of arrival on the French market and the prices of these two big – but pretty – 2015 Yamaha novelties are not yet known: "it’s much too early", warns Yamaha Motor France … MNC will nevertheless lead the investigation tomorrow on the Yamaha stand at Intermot: stay tuned !

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