Yamaha XJR 1300 in the driving report

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Yamaha XJR 1300 in the driving report

Air-cooled classic in cafe racer style

It is an original, the Yamaha XJR 1300. Up to the here and now it has saved its massive, air-cooled four-cylinder, which looks like a reminiscence of days gone by. Now he gets the right packaging, as it should be for the flagship of the “Sport Heritage” line.

The retro wave is rolling. Everything that is not nailed down is rebuilt to your heart’s content. The main thing is that it has an air-cooled engine. What was there for Yamaha closer than remembering one of the longest-serving machines in its own range and a classic par excellence, the Yamaha XJR 1300.

Yamaha XJR 1300 in the driving report

Air-cooled classic in cafe racer style

Yamaha XJR 1300 the flag of the air-cooled four-cylinder traditional Japanese style – and is practically the last of a species that is dying out, apart from the Honda’s CB 1100. Yamaha is now ennobling this air-cooled dream with skilful Cafe Racer styling. And that suits her really well. In addition to the seat bench in the style of the Giuliari benches from the seventies, this also includes the oval aluminum side covers. And a much narrower tank that has its cap not in the middle, but offset to the right.

With a full tank of 242 kilograms, it’s only nine kilograms lighter

The whole thing only becomes coherent, of course, through fine details such as the matt black four-in-one system, the neat Ohlins spring struts, the perforated, brushed lamp holders or the black anodized catches. The DLC-coated (DLC = Diamond-like Carbon) stanchion tubes of the telescopic fork fit into the picture. All of this also gives her something elegant. Even though that – sport heritage or sporty seat – doesn’t make the Yamaha XJR 1300 a racer.

She still prefers the leisurely pace. “A gentleman will walk, but never run,” Sting sang in the late 1980s. And that’s how the Yamaha XJR 1300 wants to be moved. Quickly, but not at a gallop. In fast changing bends, use on the wide aluminum handlebar is definitely required in order to bring you quickly from one lean angle to the next. After all, it is still a stately appearance and, with a full tank of 242 kilograms, has become just nine kilograms lighter. Most of this weight saving is due to the fact that the tank capacity has shrunk from 21 to 14.5 liters.

Presentation of the Yamaha XJR 1300, XJR 1300 Racer and MT-07 Moto Cage

Four-piston fixed caliper brakes really do it

The Yamaha XJR 1300 does not reveal its full charm when you chase it through the undergrowth, but rather during a suitably brisk ride, where its fine neutrality and the rich driving feeling come into play. The slightly stretched sitting position also fits this. You can enjoy the silky smooth running of the air-cooled run of the engine up to 4000 / min, its rich rumble and turbine-like thrust, which starts from 2500 / min. And on the buttery five-speed gearbox – if shifting becomes necessary at all.

And finally lets your gaze wander over the newly drawn, fluted dials framed in chrome. The softly coordinated fork is a dream, while the shimmering golden struts parry bumps rather dryly. The four-piston fixed caliper brakes grab a hold, but still have to do without ABS support. Maybe that’s a bit too retro again. But in view of the still moderate price of 10,295 euros, that can hardly reduce the appeal of the Yamaha XJR 1300 when it rests quietly with its cooling fins crackling and crackling on the side stand.

Technical data Yamaha XJR 1300

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“A gentleman will walk, but never run,” Sting sang in the late 1980s. And that’s how the Yamaha XJR 1300 wants to be moved.

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