Reviews/ Yamaha/ Fjr1300es
Yamaha Fjr1300es
8.5/10 Touring

Yamaha Fjr1300es Review

"The definitive used sport-tourer that rewards serious, experienced riders richly."

High-mileage touring riders wanting bulletproof reliability $7,000-$12,500 used 2006-2020
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Used Buyer Review

The 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.

Pros

+Electronically adjustable suspension works brilliantly
+Shaft drive, essentially zero maintenance
+Outstanding wind and weather protection
+Engine pulls hard, completely linear
+Rock-solid at motorway speeds

Cons

-Heavy below 30mph, full stop
-Missed valve services are common
-Suspension electronics can get expensive
-Dated infotainment versus newer rivals
warning
Avoid if

You prioritize light weight or urban commuting

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