Yamaha XJR 1300 Road Test
January 6th 2008 08:30
1998 Yamaha XJR 1300 Road Test
It’s the last day of my Christmas holidays and I’m still trying to decide on what kind of bike to trade up to? I took a 2003 Honda CB900 Hornet for bit of a blap around the North Canterbury back roads yesterday and that wasn’t a bad machine at all, so could be a serious option as it was a good price.
Although now after killing two birds with one stone, testing another bike as well as something else to write about, I’m undecided now but anyway onwards with the ride.
A 1300cc bike sounded a little daunting as one of my mates back in the UK had a Kawasaki Z1300 and that was bit of a beast, handling like a muppet on dope but sitting on this XJR felt instantly good. At 222kg dry weight, this is a big bike and the first thing that grabs your attention is the huge tank that holds 21 liters. The second thing is the colossal motor that seems so much bigger when not hidden behind a tupperware fairing.
The example I rode had an aftermarket exhaust that was guaranteed to give that grin factor, this combined with its great retro looks make it something to stand out in the crowd. As I pulled away the rumble of the engine was music to my ears and the exhaust tone just heaven. Moving through inner city suburbs, for all its imposing size, the XJR was very easy to handle, mini round-abouts, traffic lights, indifferent road surfaces all gave no handling problems and its manners were beyond reproach . Tyres fitted to this XJR were Michelin Pilots and these were ace on the varied road surfaces I rode on. (dry)
Once I got onto the 80km zone, I thought ‘Lets open the throttle a bit’, this was followed by ‘Muddyfunster’ as the bike just flew like something possessed, front wheel skimming the road surface, feeling lighter by the second. Having ridden a couple of quite capable bikes in the last three days, the impression of the endless stream of ponies on tap, was well quite addictive and scary to say the least.
Certain road surfaces such as quick oscillating bumps in rapid succession can give you something to think about as I found the front end was a little soft, where as the twin rear Ohlins shocks were pretty spot on.
Cruising through a 50km zone, is just as much fun as the 80km due to the top notch grin factor from the exhaust note and that sound is just as addictive. Clocks and idiot lights were all clear and easy to read and controls were all what you would expect. The gear change wasn't to bad, not aloud clunk like the Sprint, but then again not a quiet snick like the Bandit, more of a snickerdy clunk.
Dropping onto the 100km motorway from the slip road, shows one of the few shortcomings of this bike and as with any naked muscle bike- windblast. Today was a windy day anyway and trying to take the bike over 115-120kmh, I would have needed Arnie’s arms. This was really hard work on any parts of the body exposed, so a Givi fairing would be a must buy.
The front brakes are huge 298mm discs, stopped by Brembo calipers and do a good job of pulling up such a weighty machine.
The seat is nice, wide and comfy with heaps of room for a pillion and the XJR has a good pillion hand rail, useful for those quick traffic light starts.
I had this machine on a test ride for nearly two hours and it was a real shame to hand it back, as it was very comfy, huge cool retro factor and has such a real delinquency grin inducing factor. Nice one Yamaha, you have taken this 39 year old back to when he was 18 again, how many bikes can you say come with time travel capabilities?
Overall a great bike, whereas the Sprint ST is almost a work of art and design, this is just pure, naked aggression and I love it. Without the mini fairing you should be able to keep your licence longer too.
kiwiauthor rating 9.5/10 = looks, power, exhaust, - wind blast, soft up front
Grin factor 10/10
'This bike has plenty of get up and go but be warned as it will induce hooligan behaviour'
Words and photography by Heath Ling
Specs (net sourced)
Engine type Air-cooled, 4-stroke, 4-valve, forward inclined parallel 4-cylinder, DOHC
Displacement 1,251 cc
Bore x stroke 79.0 x 63.8 mm
Compression ratio 9.7:1
Maximum power 71.9 kW (98 PS) @ 8,000 rpm
Maximum torque 108.4 Nm (11.1 kg-m) @ 6,000 rpm
Lubrication system Wet sump
Carbutator Electric Fuel Injection
Clutch type Wet, multiple-disc coil spring
Ignition system TCI
Starter system Electric
Transmission system Constant mesh, 5-speed
Final transmission: Chain
Fuel tank capacity 21 litres
Oil tank capacity 4.2 litres
Chassis -
Chassis Steel double cradle
Front suspension system Telescopic fork
Front travel 130 mm
Rear suspension system Swingarm
Rear travel 110 mm
Front brake Dual discs, Ø 298mm
Rear brake Single disc, Ø 267mm
Front tyre 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyre 180/55 ZR17M/C (73W)
Dimensions -
Length (mm) 2,175 mm
Width (mm) 765 mm
Height (mm) 1,115 mm
Seat height (mm) 795 mm
Wheel base (mm) 1,500 mm
Minimum ground clearance (mm) 125 mm
Dry weight (kg) 222 kg
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