Yamaha XJR1300

[GrayWolf]

Funny you guys mention FJ roll-on grunt. I assume the 1200?

I always remember my 1100 wasn't particularily lively down low compared to a mate's GSX1100EZ but past 5K would pull away from it then.
I guess Yamaha going to 1200 fixed that.

Yes they did, the 1100 was more a 'sport bike'? if you look at the fairing etc, you'll see by the last series it was far more touring oriented. They left the top end the same (240ish KPH) but modified the cams slightly to improve the mid range stomp, and boy it improved it. Phantom has stated it perfectly, absolutely relentless torque, that is delivered 747 smooth.
The biggest 'let down' of the old FJ series was the weight and length, it always made then feel like an ocean liner on tight stuff, and they have a real tendency to 'stand up' if you apply brakes mid corner. However I can vouch from 70k of riding on one, they are damn stable and give you plenty of warning you are being a numbnuts with it, ignore that? the bike can seriously bite you in the arse.

[Tigadee]

Initially it felt like a large bloke smacking you in the back with a sledge hammer. Now it just feels great. .

Is that what they call 'it' these days...

[nudemetalz]

Yes they did, the 1100 was more a 'sport bike'? if you look at the fairing etc, you'll see by the last series it was far more touring oriented. They left the top end the same (240ish KPH) but modified the cams slightly to improve the mid range stomp, and boy it improved it. Phantom has stated it perfectly, absolutely relentless torque, that is delivered 747 smooth.
The biggest 'let down' of the old FJ series was the weight and length, it always made then feel like an ocean liner on tight stuff, and they have a real tendency to 'stand up' if you apply brakes mid corner. However I can vouch from 70k of riding on one, they are damn stable and give you plenty of warning you are being a numbnuts with it, ignore that? the bike can seriously bite you in the arse.

I think the standing up in the corners was an early '80's Yamaha 16" front wheel trait.
My FJ11 did it (I now remember that !!), my RZ500 did it just as bad...

I think if I de-Guzzi'ed myself I would by something like an XJR. They are a great looking machine.

[GrayWolf]

I think the standing up in the corners was an early '80's Yamaha 16" front wheel trait.
My FJ11 did it (I now remember that !!), my RZ500 did it just as bad...

I think if I de-Guzzi'ed myself I would by something like an XJR. They are a great looking machine.

Correct the 16inch wheel was far worse, but the later 17inch front wheel model still has a tendency to stand up, due to weight/length...
had a few 'interesting' moments on the old girl when pushing along (for an FJ).
In reality if you ride the bike like it should be, sport/tourer there isnt much you can fault about it. If you try to bang fairings with more modern bikes (even my ZZR1100) the 'age', technology etc soon shows itself in several depts. But the motor (1200)? to my mind was the 'peak' of air cooled 4 cyl engines, others may have been quicker and produce more power, but that engine is simply so damn usable.

[ducatilover]

The FJ12 could be pushed along at a pretty stupid pace, I "followed" my old man on his over the 'Takas once. Left me for dead (I'm not fast anyway, but regardless)
Ate tyres like nothing else though (probably his riding)

[Phantom Limb]

The FJ12 could be pushed along at a pretty stupid pace, I "followed" my old man on his over the 'Takas once. Left me for dead (I'm not fast anyway, but regardless)
Ate tyres like nothing else though (probably his riding)

I think fathers always ride hardest when their son is chasing them.
I remember chasing my old man on his Z1000, that was a laugh. Or watching the crazy old bugger try to ride his GS1150 like his Z1000

[James Deuce]

Oil change done. The Internet is brilliant, because I could research all the pitfalls and issues before I started. Had the clutch actuator and side-stand switch off before I had to swear about them (they partially obscure the oil filter housing) and got #1 son to help me with the whole job.

Ran it up and it seems oil tight. Good old Repco had a 20% sale today so the funnel and drain tray and oil cost less altogether than the oil (Castrol Power 1) normally does for 4 litres.

[Phantom Limb]

That oil filter cover is a right bitch until you work out that the clutch actuator is a piece of piss to remove.
Once that's gone it's easy as pie .

Maintaining the XJR's is really quite rewarding to be honest, I did a valve clearance check a while ago which was a breeze, there are some tricks to getting the cam cover gasket in and oil tight without using sealant, but in all super easy.

Also balanced the carbs using a $20 vacuum gauge and a mini G-clamp as a flow restrictor, sounds dodge but worked a charm.

[FJRider]

The biggest 'let down' of the old FJ series was the weight and length, it always made then feel like an ocean liner on tight stuff, and they have a real tendency to 'stand up' if you apply brakes mid corner. However I can vouch from 70k of riding on one, they are damn stable and give you plenty of warning you are being a numbnuts with it, ignore that? the bike can seriously bite you in the arse.

The weight has it's benefits in head/tail winds ... but side winds are a nightmare. The length has it's issues on uneven ground. (feet don't reach the ground) but thinking of doing a U turn on a two lane road ...

With it's weight .. add a little speed ... and hit the brakes .... gravity is overridden. The laws of physic's take over.

No hesitation in overtaking from 60-70 km's top gear roll on ... just picks up it's knickers and goes. NO need to change down. It might as well be an automatic gearbox.

So far ... only 60,00 km's I've been on it. (84 on the clock)

But bang for your buck ... well worth a ride.

[Subike]

I can vouch for the FJs roll on strength, I took one for a tootle a few times, and whilst not superbike fast up top, it could do the Pahiatua track in top, easily and not be hanging around. Very useable.
I love that motor, I want to get one and shoe horn it in to something smaller

mmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=2GrFEOBG60g

[F5 Dave]

Well well, hope the 13 suits the needs well.

ermmm. . Greytown? When did you move?, thought you were still up the road.

[GrayWolf]

The weight has it's benefits in head/tail winds ... but side winds are a nightmare. The length has it's issues on uneven ground. (feet don't reach the ground) but thinking of doing a U turn on a two lane road ...

With it's weight .. add a little speed ... and hit the brakes .... gravity is overridden. The laws of physic's take over.

No hesitation in overtaking from 60-70 km's top gear roll on ... just picks up it's knickers and goes. NO need to change down. It might as well be an automatic gearbox.

So far ... only 60,00 km's I've been on it. (84 on the clock)

But bang for your buck ... well worth a ride.

Would agree just about 100% with that, but you must be a shortarse? I thought the FJ is fairly low, although I'll admit the seat is quite wide. Im curious what sort of uneven road surfaces (where) you foung the FJ to have issue's?
Yeh for mid range, if my ZZR had the low down stomp of th FJ and retained it's top end power? I would call it the perfect sport tourer engine.

[FJRider]

Im curious what sort of uneven road surfaces (where) you foung the FJ to have issue's?
Yeh for mid range, if my ZZR had the low down stomp of th FJ and retained it's top end power? I would call it the perfect sport tourer engine.

I hate vehicle entrance ways/driveways ... crossing the gutter. If I have to stop ...

It's not my arse that's short ... it's the legs ...