Budget Bike - Yamaha FJR1300 Review

This Yamaha FJR1300 Review is based around a 2004 model I rode and it's currently for sale at Budget Bikes, based in Swindon UK. This is my first ride of any Yamaha FJR 1300 and I've got to tell you, I was impressed.

This is a very capable sports touring motorcycle, some may even say it was the ultimate sports touring motorcycle - what do you think?

Hope you enjoy the vid folks, keep SUBSCRIBING, keep SHARING, keep LIKING, and keep letting me know what you think in the COMMENTS section below!

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[alp]

I bought 5 years ago new out of the showroom, the ES model. It was such a nice machine to ride. Zero problems, easy to work on, cheap parts, very comfortable even for tall riders. Smooth like butter, easy shifting, just overall great buy. I do not have room for 2 bikes that is why I sold it and bought a new GW DCT Tour. You can't go wrong with the FJR....period. Reminds me my very old CBR1100 XX.

[debenhamdave]

Lovely bike sad it's being discontinued, great to see reviews of older cheaper bikes. Cheers Bruce.

[bobhill]

Awesome bike and talk about Had an '08 that I bought new in ' 09 for $4000 off list. Great bike, put 80, 000 miles on it with zero issues in 10 years. I did upgrade the front forks (adjustable preload springs + adjustable rebound/compression valving) and replaced the rear shock with an aftermarket (adjustable as above). This mod changed everything about the ride and handling for the MUCH better, didn't feel like you were riding a 640 pound FJR, I pushed it hard .... I love the twisty country and mountain roads of central and northern California.
Well, now I ride a '19 KTM 1290 SD GT, it's an ANIMAL, Love it! But, I still miss the FJR.

[moarmoto]

Great to see someone reviewing these budget used bikes that are the only thing some of us can afford! :)

[TheMissendenFlyer]

Great bikes these aren't they Brucey - missed that sound too, lovely when you wind them up....such a shame Euro5 has killed them

[markariewilliams]

Great review however the 1st gen weighed in at 237KG dry as later models had abs which increased the weight.
3rd gear as you correctly mentioned is a peach in the twisties, in 2016 KBR took over the suspension and the springs are a lot thicker, Gen 1 and 2 suffered weak rear shocks.
There is a mod on gen 1 and 2 shocks where you can add a washer spacer to the spring to stiffen it up, alongside shorter dog bones which raise the rear end totally transform this bike into a 600cc feel handling wise.
The 1st Gen is easier to fettle with on the rear due to no ABS unit by the rear shock, servicing this bike is a peach and so easy including plugs (once i removed the Pair valve and Plumbing) air filter, oil and filter even synching the throttle bodies whilst doing the plugs.
All in all ive had over 130 bikes looking for that magical combination of comfort, speed braking etc and this one has finally stopped me from looking at anything else!
145HP catapults you redlining into another dimension, the Famous R1 blue spot calipers combined with EBC HH pads are winners, periodicaly flush the brake and clutch fluids for best performance.
As mentioned, check the rear suspension linkeage as these items can be overlooked and it has been reported that the linkeage can seize and break if not addressed.
the final drive oil is so easy to check and replace also.
To sum up, this bike has ruined me in regards to anything else out there, have had multistrada enduro, GTR1400, ZZR1400, both Hayabusas and many many more but my 02 FJR is the all round winner for me, 20 stone and 6 foot 3 and i dont hang around.
Hoe this helps,
Mark.

[simonbroom]

I had an 06 and loved it most of the time, pulled like a train, handled ok but got a bit wallowey in high speed sweepers. If anyone buys one make sure to check the swing arm bearings and the rear suspension link bearings as they are not in the service routine and they can seized and snap the suspension links

[NOTHOTlanta]

Great video ! Just picked up a pristine 2011 here in Georgia USA. 8000 miles on the clock. ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. Coming off a 600 sportbike, this rides like a Cadillac:)

[johnwgibson]

I just bought a 2018, absolutely love everything about this bike.

[falseneutral]

used to own an '06 gen2. It is fantastic on the open road and especially on the Autobahn, really 220km/h with panniers and all no sweat. My subjective issues were crapy geometry, jerky throttle, went through front tyres like nothing else... Solved that with complete Hyperpro suspension and Power commander 5 then it became a weapon. Back then at 41 i was the youngest at an FJR meat up...should tel you enough.
Got the most compliments for looks though. I miss it at times, don't tel my wife ..

[denismillar]

I'm pleased you're testing the"classics" I would love for you to test the Yamaha Fazer 1000, first generation. Your opinion would be appreciated.

[chrisrentas]

Great Review Mate ! I Loved how you jump right back on the Bike after your Fall. You are a REAL Biker !! You made me Laugh !! Thank you so much !

[vladthewise]

Thank you sir for this review! I drive 2004 FJR1300 and it is nice to see and hear everyone who shares the same opinion ;)

[brogiesthemotorcyclist]

Hi Bruce, great review of an iconic motorcycle. I had two of these over a 12 year period, absolutely bullet proof bike (5 speed version) didn’t even have a bulb blow over the ownership period, never failed to deliver me and the missus on many European tours. Only moved away after missus didn’t want to tour with me after many years, she is a hefty piece of kit but a brilliant two up ride.

[AJB]

When that gopro flew off, my heart sunk until the camera stopped and realized that no one was hurt!

[waynecompton]

Good morning Bruce, Thank you for the review! I did think about having one but settled for a Honda ST 1300 Pan European!! Take care and stay safe 👍😎🇬🇧.

[Jaffa]

Love these S/H bike reviews that you're doing. I don't know of any other Vlogger that's making these and, I don't really understand why. Most of the YouTube Vloggers have made friends with 1 or more dealerships, and most, if not all, dealerships allow test rides. I know they might not want anyone who wasn't a potential buyer, riding their ' just valeted ' machines, but before that's been done, I don't see what they've got to lose, and they might find a potential buyer via the Vlogger's YouTube channel. Keep it up Bruce, you're leading the way.

[teneretraveller]

16yrs on and still running sweet as. Says a lot. Happy travels.

[ArmadilloGodzilla]

Love that you review an older, but still highly potent, bike. Come to think of it, that sort of describes some older people too.

[lew-ejones-ayres]

Love the budget bike series, going to hopefully pick up a 4fi this weekend and your video pretty much made my mind up