Road – Test Yamaha FJR 1300 A: better and better! – Assessment: almost the same … only better!

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Yamaha FJR 1300 A test: better and better !

Road - Test Yamaha FJR 1300 A: better and better! - Assessment: almost the same ... only better!

Faced with increasingly fierce competition, Yamaha had to develop its best-seller GT, the FJR 1300. Invited to the presentation of this novelty in Spain, Site was able to take stock of the 2013 FJR 1300 A. First try.

Conclusion: almost the same … only better !

With excellent Metzeler Roadtec Z8 tires, the 2013 FJR 1300 vintage is making good progress in terms of dynamics. Already well helped by its perimeter aluminum frame which gives it good structural rigidity, it gains in agility and stability in curves, especially as its suspension is also moving in the right direction. The rear shock absorber is also easily adjustable in two positions (soft or hard) depending on the type of course and driving envisaged, while the fork benefits from a hydraulic rebound adjustment located at the top of the right tube. The angle takes place naturally, with a roundness and a benevolent progressiveness, without having to force the handlebars.

However, the FJR remains easy to fault as soon as you adopt a sustained driving pace, like "journalists specializing in tourist walks" … At this rate, the fork is more difficult to transfer masses when braking and the shock absorber absorbs the stresses on the angle less well, further disturbing the homogeneity of road holding. You also have to know how to be directive on the handlebars, especially during rapid angle changes. Over the kilometers, however, you end up finding the ideal rhythm by adopting a fast but smooth driving style which is perfectly suited to the FJR 1300 A. The center stand does not however take long to rub the ground when you take a little too much ‘angle !

Rigorous and still perfectible

Discreet, the TCS system only intervened in a sensitive manner on rare occasions during our test, proof of its discreet effectiveness. It was only felt twice: once when going around on a bitumen connection made slippery by a passing shower, the other when accelerating too quickly from a parking lot with dirt and gravel . Each time, the FJR stayed in line and the system effectively regulated the rear wheel slip. Very reassuring, especially on wet roads where you have less scruples to accelerate out of bends.

The same goes for braking, combined and controlled by a high-performance ABS system, unchanged since its last development in 2008. The 320 mm double front disc with Nissin double-piston calipers provides satisfactory power and offers the driver a good feeling at the lever like to the brake pedal, in accordance with the 282 mm rear disc. Be careful, however, not to stay tight on the brake controls when entering a curve, because the steering then tends to lock up, at the risk of widening the trajectory of the FJR when exiting a curve.

Although some would have preferred more daring on the part of the Japanese manufacturer for the 2013 vintage of the FJR 1300, with for example a passage to 1400 cm3 and the adoption of a six-speed gearbox, we have to admit that the GT Sportive Yamaha makes up much of its delay against its current rivals.

Offered at 17,499 euros in "A" version (manual gearbox version available end of October 2012) and 19,499 euros in "AS" version (with sequential gearbox and electrically adjustable suspensions, available in April 2013), the new FJR 1300 is relaunched in the race for the coveted title of best GT motorcycle on the market, not without arguments !

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