Yamaha XJR 1300 motorcycle test

Menus

• The arsouilleur grenadier
• Discovery
• In the saddle
• Contact
• City
• Highway
• Departmental
• Comfort
• Braking
• Convenient
• Consumption
• Conclusion

The arsouilleur grenadier

The XJR
is one of the old and big roadsters just like the Bandit
1200 and the ZRX 1200 which cut their teeth and proved their qualities
over the years. The XJR has finally changed very little
during his eleven years of career (even if we keep
account of version 1300 appeared in 1998 and arrived in 1999 in
France), until influencing the GSX 1400 at Suzuki. So, is it
time to bury what was a beautiful toy facing the new artillery
generation or does the model still have a bright future?
behind him.

Discovery

It’s a roadster with the facies of custom: low seat, tank
notched, double escapement and many chrome.
Note the rear Ohlins shock absorbers and in particular
passenger footrests lined with rubber and fitted with tie-down hooks.

In the saddle

Faced with all-out digital debauchery, the XJR has retained
its analog meters. Only a digital screen is registered
between the two shells to provide the time and a fuel gauge
precise with 9 sticks. There is always a tap to pass
on the reserve, on the left. On the other hand, the warnings are
very appreciable.

The saddle immediately appears soft. The margin handlebar falls perfectly
handy and allows a pleasant sitting, almost straight even
compared to other roadsters that lean more forward.

The mirrors look like F1 models, in
slightly larger: rectangular with limited view.
That said, it does not interfere with everyday use.

Kickstand folded, the XJR already appears
less heavy than its exterior size suggests. And
appreciable point, the saddle lowered since the version
1200 allows you to put your feet firmly on the ground for the 1.70 pilot
m.

Contact

the
four-cylinder snorts with a soft and deep sound.

Clutch, start … it reacts immediately
and the motorbike sets off on the road like on velvet. Like all
roasdters of this displacement, the torque is present from
the first laps, providing very pleasant driving comfort.

Second, third, the box turns out to be precise
and agreeable. The 10.7 mkg of torque at 6,500 rpm allows
to have fun right away.

City

Despite
its size and weight, the XJR is quickly and easily taken in hand
and literally plays with traffic jams. We are even looking
where are the 224 kilos (dry) so well they are distributed.
In fact, she gives 40 less! The wide handlebars allow you to squeeze
happily between the cars and without ever forcing. She gives
even the impression of helping the pilot because it is so easy and
agile in all circumstances, including slow maneuvers or
in casings. Its small turning radius is also a factor
many.

the
torque present from low revs really allows
to wind quietly and the power reserve is such
that at the slightest request, it goes like a ball. Braking
being up to the task, it is possible to stop short
and in complete safety.

Its ease of handling associated with its power
makes you want to play constantly and you have to calm down so as not to transform
the city as a playground.

Highway

The XJR hits the highway like a sumo, with power and
will. She quickly expects shameful speeds but it is
the pilot who tilts before he can reach the red line. Without
windshield, the exercise becomes a herculean bodybuilding training,
quickly wearing out the arms and neck. On circuit, his meter
can show a good 225 km / h but the pilot will have given up well before,
not to mention that in this case, consumption rises above
10 liters / cent.

Departmental

The XJR
arrives here on his favorite ground, offering the possibility
to roll up or on the contrary to attack very seriously.
And in this little game, the XJR turns out to be a terrible demon
tempter. It can roll up, of course, but it encourages arousal
permanently. And in the end, she keeps her promises with sensations
and fun. Of course, if we really push it to its limits,
it starts to wiggle and the suspensions – rather soft
– admit their limits, but before getting there, the pilot
will have been full of happiness.

Comfort

The
saddle is comfortable and it is therefore possible to make long journeys
without any other stop than that imposed by the tank.

The duo pose no problem, on the contrary, and their behavior
is identical in solo or in duo, for the shared pleasure of Madame.

The total lack of protection, on the other hand, will tire quickly, and in particular
on journeys at unauthorized speeds.

Braking

The XJR
offers powerful, efficient and always controllable roaster braking.
The 98mm discs coupled to the 4 piston calipers
of the first R1 brakes hard and it is really possible to take
the brakes without generating disturbing reactions.
Suddenly, we use and abuse it while having the impression of mastering perfectly
its braking while the bike gives a hell of a boost. In short,
it is possible to stop very quickly and over a short
distance without blocking … to such an extent that I thought there was
ABS hidden under the saddle.

Convenient

There is a very large anti-theft device under the saddle and
rain. That’s it. It’s not extraordinary but few roadsters
offer more space anyway.

Consumption

Then
that it is able to be relatively sober with a 6 liters at
cent, the XJR-inspired ride tends to drive up
consumption rather excessively with an 8 liters per hundred, reducing
autonomy at 220 km before reserve…

a question of the pilot’s temperament.

Conclusion

the
XJR is a real pure and hard roadster that hasn’t aged so much in the end
that with a big engine like that, an excellent
braking and comfort to take a duo. Only the cycle part will show
its limits in really intensive use at the fades of the
straight handle. Facing the CB 1300 or the GSX 1400, the XJR
leaves a few horses and a little torque but also a price
more reasonable, just above the Bandit 1200.

It ultimately offers a solo and duo version of your choice, which can offer as much
of pleasure to sir than to madam. Dosable and handy,
it is a motorcycle that can easily be chosen as a second
motorcycle, requiring no particular riding skills
and not at all exclusive.

Strong points

• motor character
• braking

Weak points

• protection
• sporty driving suspensions

Competitors: Aprilia Tuono, BMW R1200R, Ducati 1100 Monster, Honda CB 1000 R, Honda CB 1300, Kawasaki Z 1000, Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport V8, Suzuki
Bandit 1200, Suzuki GSX 1400, Yamaha Fazer 1000

Datasheet

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