Yamaha Fjr1300es
The Yamaha Fjr1300es has a top speed of 240 km/h (estimated, manufacturer limited), produces 146 hp and weighs 289 kg. Motoryk rates it 8.5/10.
The Yamaha FJR1300 was introduced in 2001 as a sport-touring motorcycle built around a 1298cc inline-four engine, targeting long-distance riders who wanted both performance and comfort. The 'ES' (Electronic Suspension) variant arrived in 2006, adding electronically adjustable suspension for enhanced rider control and comfort adjustment on the fly. It became one of the most respected sport-tourers in its class, renowned for its reliability, wind protection, and all-day riding capability.
146 hp
Power
138 Nm
Torque
289 kg
Weight
240 km/h (estimated, manufacturer limited)
Top Speed
6.0–7.0 L/100km (typical real-world average)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Shaft Drive Advantage
The FJR1300ES uses a shaft drive instead of a chain, eliminating regular chain maintenance and replacement costs. This makes long-distance touring significantly cheaper and less time-consuming to maintain.
Watch the Shims
The FJR1300 requires periodic valve shim adjustments, which can be costly due to the labor-intensive process on this engine. Always ask for valve adjustment service history before buying used.
Strong Resale Value
The FJR1300ES holds its value exceptionally well compared to most sport-tourers, thanks to its proven reliability and dedicated owner community. A well-maintained example can retain 60-70% of its value after 5 years.
Generations & Specs by Year
FJR1300AS renamed ES in some markets; electronic suspension introduced, semi-active Öhlins damping system.
"The best sport-tourer that money could almost buy."
I put 28,000 km on a 2009 ES and it genuinely changed how I thought about long-distance riding — that Öhlins electronic suspension isn't a gimmick; flicking between Standard and Sport mid-corner is the kind of witchcraft that makes you trust the bike in a way you don't expect from something weighing nearly 300 kg wet. The 1298cc inline-four pulls clean from 3,000 rpm and doesn't run out of breath until you're doing speeds that will end your licence, but it also runs hot in slow traffic and that heat bakes your right leg in a way that gets genuinely unpleasant on 40-degree summer days. The electronic suspension did have one major early-generation quirk: the system occasionally threw a fault code after heavy rain, leaving you stuck in a default hard setting for the rest of the day until you killed and restarted the ignition three times like some kind of ritual. Still, no bike I've ridden before or since loads luggage, eats motorways, then actually handles a mountain road with this level of convincing competence.
Pros
Cons
Revised chassis, traction control added, updated instrument cluster, improved electronic suspension control interface.
Euro 4 compliant engine, cruise control added, updated LED lighting, revised fairing aerodynamics and ergonomics.
Used Buyer Review
"The definitive used sport-tourer that rewards serious, experienced riders richly."
$7,000-$12,500 usedThe FJR1300ES is the sport-tourer that refuses to age badly. That electronically adjustable suspension isn't just marketing fluff — it genuinely transforms the bike between solo blasts and two-up touring duty, and you'll use it constantly. The 1298cc inline-four pulls hard from 3,000rpm and never feels dishonest about what it is: a serious, capable machine built for riders who actually ride. Check the shaft drive for any notchiness and verify the suspension electronics respond properly before buying — repair costs sting. Used examples tend to be high-mileage tourers, which is actually fine because FJRs are built for exactly that punishment. What you're really inspecting is maintenance history. Missed valve clearance intervals on these is common and annoying to fix. The panniers and electrically adjustable screen should operate smoothly — if they don't, walk away or negotiate hard. Above 70mph this thing finds its element completely. Wind protection is genuinely excellent, the heated grips work properly, and the fueling is clean throughout the rev range. It's not exciting — it's better than that.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Yamaha Fjr1300es — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 2 CRITICALTest all suspension modes, watch for error codes on dash
Listen for clunk during throttle on/off transitions
Inspect reservoir for cracks, check coolant level history
Check charging voltage at idle and 3000 RPM
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Very reliable, but electronics add expensive repair risk
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Yamaha Fjr1300es
Yamaha Fjr1300
Kawasaki Concours 14
Honda St1300 Pan European
Bmw K 1200 Gt
Bmw K 1300 Gt
Compare Yamaha Fjr1300es Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Yamaha Fjr1300es vs Yamaha Fjr1300
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Yamaha Fjr1300es vs Kawasaki Concours 14
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Yamaha Fjr1300es vs Honda St1300 Pan European
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Yamaha Fjr1300es vs Bmw K 1200 Gt
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Yamaha Fjr1300es vs Bmw K 1300 Gt
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Yamaha Fjr1300es? +
Electronic suspension failure (ERS unit): Test all suspension modes, watch for error codes on dash (serious) | Shaft drive clunking, worn splines: Listen for clunk during throttle on/off transitions (moderate) | Coolant reservoir cracking, slow leaks: Inspect reservoir for cracks, check coolant level history (minor)
Is the Yamaha Fjr1300es a good motorcycle? +
The definitive used sport-tourer that rewards serious, experienced riders richly. Rating: 8.5/10. Best for: High-mileage touring riders wanting bulletproof reliability. Avoid if: You prioritize light weight or urban commuting.
What is the horsepower of the Yamaha Fjr1300es? +
The Yamaha Fjr1300es produces 146 hp @ 8,000 rpm, with 138 Nm @ 7,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 240 km/h (estimated, manufacturer limited).
Is the Yamaha Fjr1300es good for beginners? +
Not really — the Yamaha Fjr1300es is better for experienced riders (146 hp can be intimidating). High-mileage touring riders wanting bulletproof reliability Avoid if: You prioritize light weight or urban commuting
Is the Yamaha Fjr1300es reliable? +
Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Yamaha Fjr1300es, notably: Electronic suspension failure (ERS unit) (Test all suspension modes, watch for error codes on dash). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Yamaha Fjr1300es good for daily use? +
High-mileage touring riders wanting bulletproof reliability Fuel: 6.0–7.0 L/100km (typical real-world average).
How fast is the Yamaha Fjr1300es? +
The Yamaha Fjr1300es reaches a top speed of 240 km/h (estimated, manufacturer limited), producing 146 hp at 289 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Yamaha Fjr1300es? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Yamaha Fjr1300es, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/yamaha/fjr1300es/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
