FJR for Sale

Buying a FJR1300

If you plan to buy a FJR this article goes through all the models and some (But not all) of the major differences.

In 2001, Yamaha introduced the FJR1300, one of the most powerful and advanced tourers on the market. Much of the spec sheet reads like a sports bike: a twin-spar aluminium frame, 107kW (145bhp) fuel-injected engine, one-piece four-piston R1 brake calipers and adjustable suspension. But all this technology was contained inside a large touring fairing, with comfortable, upright riding position, shaft drive and integrated optional hard luggage design. The FJR thus combined sporting performance with touring convenience. Lightest of all the FJR models at 237kg.

2002. Yamaha continued the same model in the UK but in Europe there were a few minor modifications, the main one being the front mudguard was extended to reduce the amount of muck thrown up from the front wheel. Colour change introduced and one removed (Black). Same weight as 2001 model.

2003 saw some major design and aesthetic detail changes. The bike was available for the first time with ABS as an option an ignition operated anti-theft immobiliser system. Panniers became a standard fitment the fairing was redesigned and now sported a cubby hole in the left hand inner fairing and the front indicators were now flush mounted instead of being mounted on stalks. The petrol tank now sported Yamahas corporate tuning fork logo in place of the Yamaha name. The FJR1300 became available to the American market in this year. These models were imported by grey market dealers and can be distinguished by their large front indicators on stalks and also they have reflectors on the flanks of the bike and on, the now, standard panniers. They are also devoid of the ignition immobiliser system. Colour change. Weight increases by about 10kg.

2004. ABS now becomes standard fitment. Only other change is introduction of different colour.

2005. Usual colour addition and subtraction. No other major changes.

2006. FJR1300 is completely overhauled. Basically engine and frame remain unchanged but rest of bike is. Nissan linked brake system, revised overall gearing, curved radiator with twin fans and much larger silhouette are obvious differences. Bike is heavier and much more touring orientated and more inline with what the FJR’s largest market (The U.S.) requested. Weight now has risen to 263kg.

2007. Heated grips optional.

2008. Heated grips standard.

2009. Colour change.

2010. Black versions wheel colour changed to Black.

The FJR1300 is very reliable and can achieve very high mileages.
The biggest problem is the lack of good servicing that can cause premature failure of certain components that when serviced correctly will last a very long time.
Look for for a bike with a full FJR CENTRE service history when buying. A fully stamped service book is NO Gaurantee that the bike has been serviced properly.All servicing establishments should supply a detailed 'work carried out' sheet with prices. If the owner is a club member or seems very enthusiastic and has serviced the bike himself sometimes that bike may have been serviced better than if it had been to a proper dealership.
If not serviced correctly, (and we have never found any that are), at the recommended 12000 mile main service interval, the rear linkage arm bearings will seize and stop the suspension from working properly. In severe circumstances this can lead to failure of the linkage (dog-bone) arms.
Corrosion can affect the finish especially the rear shaft drive unit casing but this is just unsightly. The club sell a close match spray paint to bring it back to glory.
Wheel bearings can fail prematurely due usually to the wheel axle nuts being over-tightened by overzealous tyre replacement operatives.
FJR1300’s come with very soft (read ‘weak’) springs fitted as standard: The later the model the better, as stronger springs were fitted, but the effect is negated somewhat by the fact that the later the bike the heavier the bike got.
Cam chain tensioners can fail at any mileage allowing the cam chain to rattle but is easily remedied by the fitment of a modified version.

On 2003> immobiliser equipped models make sure you get all the keys from the selling owner/dealer, but especially the RED master key. Without this key, if you lose the others, you will need top replace all the locks, ignition and the ECU just to get the bike running again.
Yamaha sell blank keys that can be reprogrammed, but only with the red key.
ABS wheel sensors seize in their mountings and then corrosion eventually crushes the sensor. When this happens the ABS will shut down and the braking system reverts to a normal set up. The red ABS warning lamp will light up in the dash if this has happened.

Below is a selection of members FJR's for sale.
If you wish to place your bike on this page please press email link button and supply details and a photo if possible.