Yamaha XJR 1300 Sport

[bagpiper]

Hi all ! Iv'e just joined this forum. I have been riding bikes for a few years.Started with a Yamaha YB 100,then bought a Honda CB 350 . SOME years and a family later got a CX 500 . Now i am looking at a Yamaha XJR 1300 Sport . A bit of a leap yes and i prefer the retro look. Does anyone own one and what are they like ? Most forums and reviews seem pretty positive, but yet to speak with someone who owns one. Any feedback welcome.

[GrayWolf]

Hi all ! Iv'e just joined this forum. I have been riding bikes for a few years.Started with a Yamaha YB 100,then bought a Honda CB 350 . SOME years and a family later got a CX 500 . Now i am looking at a Yamaha XJR 1300 Sport . A bit of a leap yes and i prefer the retro look. Does anyone own one and what are they like ? Most forums and reviews seem pretty positive, but yet to speak with someone who owns one. Any feedback welcome.

Not an XJR but owned and did a lot of miles on it's 'original' the FJ1200. The motor is a peach. It's torquey, silky smooth, all but bullet proof and will give huge mileage if looked after.
Issues on that motor is 2nd gear if it's been thrashed a lot, it can/may jump out when accelerating hard. Otherwise? It's a good solid dependable unit.

I currently own a CB1300, which is the Honda equivalent {retro/muscle bike} don't expect sports bike performance or handling from any of this type {retro} they are hefty beasts. Although believe me they are substantially better than the bikes of yore they represent. You'll need to learn to 'touring corner' rather than sportbike cornering. They are all 'lazy' power, over 40-50kph just leave in top gear and twist the throttle.

comfortable, long distance bikes with oodles of usable and sensible power, it's right where you want it... overtaking cars at road speeds.

[Ocean1]

Great machine, the Bro's had two of them.

Great engine, as GW says, and the suspension is reasonable quality so while the handling is appropriately lazy they're a pleasure to ride.

Good luck with the purchase.

[Mike.Gayner]

Anyone know why NZ isn't getting the "new" XJR? I loved the look of them when they were announced 2-3 years ago, but they never hit the dealerships here.

[Maha]

Buy my GSX http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-1325835248.htm

Like GrayWolf, I also once owned a CB1300 and concur with his sentiments about the bike. I regretted selling it.

[Mike.Gayner]

Buy my GSX http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-1325835248.htm

Like GrayWolf, I also once own a CXB1300 and concur with his sentiments about the bike. I regretted selling it.

That's a lot of bike for the money. I had the older 750 and loved it. The 1400 is a significant step up in pretty much every way. Keeping white wheels clean must suck though.

[Blackbird]

Hi all ! Iv'e just joined this forum. I have been riding bikes for a few years.Started with a Yamaha YB 100,then bought a Honda CB 350 . SOME years and a family later got a CX 500 . Now i am looking at a Yamaha XJR 1300 Sport . A bit of a leap yes and i prefer the retro look. Does anyone own one and what are they like ? Most forums and reviews seem pretty positive, but yet to speak with someone who owns one. Any feedback welcome.

Hi from the Coromandel! Often pass through Mangatangi on my way to Auckland. Like you, I've developed a liking for the naked "retro" look and if you see a matt grey GSX-S1000 passing through, it'll be me!

Good luck with your search :2thumbsup

[biggo]

Hi XJR great bike bullet proof motor and monster torque.

If your looking for a cheaper option I have a FJ1200 for sale great bike owned it for 8 years but cant justify having 3 bikes in garage :eek:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-1334677093.htm

[rastuscat]

Rode an FJR tourer recently. If I was replacing my 1200RT it's the bike I'd buy.

[Maha]

Something in this class that is well worth a look.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-1325835248.htm

[Kittyhawk]

Hello Bagpipe! Welcome!

Got as far as sitting on one of these, was very nice and upright. No pressure on the wrists unlike in the aggressive sports riding position. They seem to have a fair bit of power, haven't heard anyone say a bad word for this model as yet. Easy to get your leg over and plenty of room for a pillion.

Things you should consider before purchasing a bike is the type of riding you'll be doing, distances, and how often. Will it be more of a daily / few times a week commuter bike or more for recreation riding?

What kind of roads do you prefer? lots of twisties or big straights, bit of both? Some bikes handle far better than others when it comes to cornering,

The technology of bikes has come a fair way since the models you mentioned, not so 'primal' thesedays due to ABS brakes, better suspension and dual rubber compounds in tires.

Watch out for that Maha guy on here, I cant find words to describe him.......yet :lol:

As for bagpipes.....anything sexy under that kilt of yours???? :spanking:

[bagpiper]

Not an XJR but owned and did a lot of miles on it's 'original' the FJ1200. The motor is a peach. It's torquey, silky smooth, all but bullet proof and will give huge mileage if looked after.
Issues on that motor is 2nd gear if it's been thrashed a lot, it can/may jump out when accelerating hard. Otherwise? It's a good solid dependable unit.

I currently own a CB1300, which is the Honda equivalent {retro/muscle bike} don't expect sports bike performance or handling from any of this type {retro} they are hefty beasts. Although believe me they are substantially better than the bikes of yore they represent. You'll need to learn to 'touring corner' rather than sportbike cornering. They are all 'lazy' power, over 40-50kph just leave in top gear and twist the throttle.

comfortable, long distance bikes with oodles of usable and sensible power, it's right where you want it... overtaking cars at road speeds.

Thanks for that info.I guess they're not called muscle bikes for nothing.I did read where the 1200's jumped out of 2nd gear.This bike has done 34,000 Kms and is 2003 so maybe that issue has been sorted ? It's been a while since i've ridden a bike and the last was a Harley for 1 day only. But i take your point about the handling thanks.

[bagpiper]

Rode an FJR tourer recently. If I was replacing my 1200RT it's the bike I'd buy.

That's good to hear,thanks.

[bagpiper]

Hi from the Coromandel! Often pass through Mangatangi on my way to Auckland. Like you, I've developed a liking for the naked "retro" look and if you see a matt grey GSX-S1000 passing through, it'll be me!

Good luck with your search :2thumbsup

Thanks Blackbird. I think the the new Honda CB 1100'S look cool, but yeah the price and i'll have to admit the Yamaha looks rather staunch.

[Maha]

Hello Bagpipe! Welcome!

Got as far as sitting on one of these, was very nice and upright. No pressure on the wrists unlike in the aggressive sports riding position. They seem to have a fair bit of power, haven't heard anyone say a bad word for this model as yet. Easy to get your leg over and plenty of room for a pillion.

Things you should consider before purchasing a bike is the type of riding you'll be doing, distances, and how often. Will it be more of a daily / few times a week commuter bike or more for recreation riding?

What kind of roads do you prefer? lots of twisties or big straights, bit of both? Some bikes handle far better than others when it comes to cornering,

The technology of bikes has come a fair way since the models you mentioned, not so 'primal' thesedays due to ABS brakes, better suspension and dual rubber compounds in tires.

Watch out for that Maha guy on here, I cant find words to describe him.......yet :lol:

As for bagpipes.....anything sexy under that kilt of yours???? :spanking:

Actually, Marty from Waiuku (Jafar you must know him) has an XJR in his possession, he may sell it. It's red but that's not the end of the world.

[bagpiper]

Hello Bagpipe! Welcome!

Got as far as sitting on one of these, was very nice and upright. No pressure on the wrists unlike in the aggressive sports riding position. They seem to have a fair bit of power, haven't heard anyone say a bad word for this model as yet. Easy to get your leg over and plenty of room for a pillion.

Things you should consider before purchasing a bike is the type of riding you'll be doing, distances, and how often. Will it be more of a daily / few times a week commuter bike or more for recreation riding?

What kind of roads do you prefer? lots of twisties or big straights, bit of both? Some bikes handle far better than others when it comes to cornering,

The technology of bikes has come a fair way since the models you mentioned, not so 'primal' thesedays due to ABS brakes, better suspension and dual rubber compounds in tires.

Watch out for that Maha guy on here, I cant find words to describe him.......yet :lol:

As for bagpipes.....anything sexy under that kilt of yours???? :spanking:

Thanks for those words of advice.I guess it's all a matter of confidence and knowing your bikes limitations.

[Kittyhawk]

Actually, Marty from Waiuku (Jafar you must know him) has an XJR in his possession, he may sell it. It's red but that's not the end of the world.

Yeah poor guy knows me lol! He's a good rider, knows all the local roads, watching him ride was art! so smooth yet fast.

[GrayWolf]

Thanks for that info.I guess they're not called muscle bikes for nothing.I did read where the 1200's jumped out of 2nd gear.This bike has done 34,000 Kms and is 2003 so maybe that issue has been sorted ? It's been a while since i've ridden a bike and the last was a Harley for 1 day only. But i take your point about the handling thanks.

Oooooer last ride was a HD? A light hearted word of warning..

a mate at work has just put my old FJ1200 back on the road after a refurbish { I dont own a car and all my bikes are daily rides and out in all weathers}. He owns a ZXR250 which is a quick 250.... he decided to pass two lorries on the road on the FJ, {with a low speed corner coming up ahead} he just wound the throttle on at 80kph in top gear, and had an OMFG moment when he got past the lorries, he was doing 170km and had no 'idea' as the power was so linear, smooth and 'unassuming'.

re the 2nd gear 'issue', it isn't unless the bike has been thrashed and thrashed, ergo, don't buy it?? My FJ had done 100,000km and no problem in 2nd. {the CB1300 can do similar in 4th, although Honda did fix that in the last model.}. I doubt Yamaha has altered the gearbox tbh, the motor/box is a proven high mileage design, with a 30+ yr history.

here's an MCN comparison if you haven't read it

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/first-rides-tests/2009/march/mar0409-big-bore-bruisers/

[Maha]

One thing I will add if you end up buying an XJR or similar is to buy and fit a small Givi screen. It will keep the wind blast off your head area.
http://www.cycletreads.co.nz/products/1615-givi_windscreens_fairing_scree/4355-universal_givi_naked_bike_coll.aspx

[nzspokes]

Test ride a chunk of bikes before you settle on a XJR/CB etc. They are big heavy things and you may find something lighter is more suited.

[Danger Dave]

I currently own an XJR1300 it's been a very good bike and have had no issues in the couple of years that i have owned it, I've fitted new YSS rear shocks, it has a nice pipe on it (which is not to loud) and some decent tyres, it handles surprisingly well for a big bike and while it is not the most powerful bike it has loads of torque which is good when riding 2 up and loaded with luggage, I would consider selling for the right price, would come with a small screen, tank bag, top box and side panniers also has hot grips fitted.

[Maha]

I currently own an XJR1300 it's been a very good bike and have had no issues in the couple of years that i have owned it, I've fitted new YSS rear shocks, it has a nice pipe on it (which is not to loud) and some decent tyres, it handles surprisingly well for a big bike and while it is not the most powerful bike it has loads of torque which is good when riding 2 up and loaded with luggage, I would consider selling for the right price, would come with a small screen, tank bag, top box and side panniers also has hot grips fitted.

Yip, the CB was comfortable all day riding, even fully loaded. The XJR/CB and ZRX are all considerably lighter than say ...a Bandit.

[Danger Dave]

Yip, the CB was comfortable all day riding, even fully loaded. The XJR/CB and ZRX are all considerably lighter than say ...a Bandit.

I picked mine up from Dunedin when i brought it and rode it back to Hamilton, it was so comfortable that when i got to Hamilton i just wanted to keep riding :scooter: :yes:

[GrayWolf]

I picked mine up from Dunedin when i brought it and rode it back to Hamilton, it was so comfortable that when i got to Hamilton i just wanted to keep riding :scooter: :yes:

Seems to be a common 'theme' with them all. Upright searing position with a wide cumfy seat... just get a bikini or 'touring' fairing for long distances at speed.

[SPman]

Seems to be a common 'theme' with them all. Upright searing position with a wide cumfy seat... just get a bikini or 'touring' fairing for long distances at speed.I've got a bikini fairing for my XJR, (still got it) but, quite frankly, up to about 120k, it's more trouble than it's worth and more comfortable with less wind blast, without, especially on a warm still day. I find most screens seem to promote a lot of buffeting and turbulence around head height.

[mulletman]

I've got a bikini fairing for my XJR, (still got it) but, quite frankly, up to about 120k, it's more trouble than it's worth and more comfortable with less wind blast, without, especially on a warm still day. I find most screens seem to promote a lot of buffeting and turbulence around head height.

I had the same issues on the GSX1400 i had, and eventually ran without screen and stock mirrors,( replaced with bar end mirrors )

[T.W.R]

I had the same issues on the GSX1400 i had, and eventually ran without screen and stock mirrors,( replaced with bar end mirrors )

a lot of that air disturbance is to do with the height and design of the screen; just like the older GSX1100F powershield had 130mm of adjustment available but fully extended created heaps of turbulence yet fully retracted was sweet as :msn-wink: