2018 Yamaha FJR1300ES Review

2018 Yamaha FJR1300ES

2018 Yamaha FJR1300ES 2018 Yamaha FJR1300ES 2018 Yamaha FJR1300ES 2018 Yamaha FJR1300ES

TOURING WITH PRECISION.

2018 Yamaha FJR1300ES Review on Total Motorcycle:

The FJR1300ES features a long list of industry-leading features – cruise control, electronic suspension, LED cornering headlights and more – to provide the ultimate sport touring experience.

Famous for outstanding performance and reliability, the FJR1300 series has a reputation that is second to none in the sport touring world. FJR series offers more comfort, performance and value than ever.

The FJR1300ES features a 6‑speed transmission, lead angle sensitive cornering headling system, plus electronically adjusted suspension.

With electronically-adjustable suspension and upside-down forks, FJR1300AE offers a superior ride. Its 6-speed transmission gives fast acceleration and relaxed high speed cruising – whereas the A&S clutch ensures smoother downshifting.

The advanced suspension system enables you to vary performance to suit both the road surface and load. A choice of four main settings and three damping settings mean you can be confident that the FJR1300AE will deliver the best possible ride quality, whatever the conditions.

Featuring front and rear LED lights as well as banking angle sensitive cornering front lights, this dynamic sport tourer makes you want to ride endlessly.

 

///Power

1298cc, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled inline-four engine delivers serious power and torque for an unequalled spread of muscle over a wide RPM range. 6-speed transmission provides effortless cruising. Red line is a low 9,000 rpm for incredible reliability.

 

///Comfort

Comfort and convenience at your fingertips. The FJR1300ES adds another level of sophistication with the latest electronically-adjustable suspension system – allowing you to modify your preload and damping settings with a flick of a switch.

 

///Storage

Quick-release luggage mounts mean fast removal of the 30 litre colour matched hard saddlebags. Small item storage compartment is located in the upper left side of the fairing. Inside this compartment is a 12 volt 30 watt DC power outlet for added convenience.

 

 

 

2018 Yamaha FJR1300ES Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

Putting the “Sport” in Supersport Touring
The FJR1300ES features a compact and lightweight, 1298cc, DOHC, 16 valve, liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine that delivers superb power and torque for unequaled muscular acceleration across the RPM range.

Six-Speed Transmission
The FJR1300ES features a compact six-speed transmission, with ratios providing evenly spaced gearing for sporty riding with a tall 6th gear for relaxed highway riding. Additionally, the transmission gears are designed to offer smooth, quiet running ideal for long distance riding.

Advanced YCC-T Engine Control and Rider Aids
Yamaha’s exclusive Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) is a ride-by-wire system that provides crisp, seamless throttle response. YCC-T also allows for other advanced systems that are ideal for Supersport Touring such as traction control, cruise control and D-Mode adjustable engine mapping.

Lean Angle-Sensitive LED Lighting System
The FJR1300ES utilizes Yamaha’s advanced LED lean-angle sensitive lighting system that allows riders to ‘see through’ corners for incredible illumination and improved low-light vision. The FJR1300ES is the first Yamaha motorcycle to feature this technology.

Adjustability for Rider and Passenger Comfort
A range of features make the FJR1300ES the ideal travel companion, including adjustable ergonomics, a push-button adjustable windscreen, a plush seat designed for rider and passenger, integrated hard luggage and a large 6.6 gallon fuel tank.

 

 

2018 Yamaha FJR1300ES Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

///ENGINE
•1298cc, DOHC, 16-valve (4/cyl), liquid-cooled inline-four engine delivers serious power & torque
•plenty of torque over a wide RPM range … 14.1kg-m (102 ft-lb) @ 7,000 rpm
•low 9,000 rpm red line for incredible reliability & service life (ask somebody who owns one !)
•engine meets or exceeds Europe’s EU-4 emission regulations
•4-valve cylinder head design.
•compact combustion chambers with 10.8 compression ratio
•30mm intake & 26mm exhaust valves
•exhaust valves feature carburized tips for durability (carburizing is a heat treating process that improves strength & durability)
• 4-valve design optimizes breathing efficiency & overall engine performance
•valve adjustment interval is 42,000 kms
•One-piece cylinder & upper crankcase assembly.
•excellent engine rigidity (engine is a stressed member of the chassis)
•lighter & more rigid than two-piece designs
•High lift intake & exhaust cams.
•side-driven double-overhead camshafts
•outstanding low to mid rpm torque & horsepower
•effortless sport touring with great passing power
•”Liner-less” ceramic composite plated cylinder bores.
•ceramic coating sprayed directly on the aluminum block
•eliminates the heavy liners & reduces weight
•excellent heat dissipation for consistent power delivery
•coating enhances the thin film of oil between the cylinders & pistons, reducing friction & increasing power
•High performance, short skirt, forged aluminum pistons.
•light weight for fast throttle response
•reduced reciprocating mass lessens mechanical vibration
•Low- vibration crankshaft.
•carburized connecting rods for excellent strength & durability
•Dual axis gear-driven secondary counter balancer.
•reduces engine vibration for enhanced rider & passenger comfort
•Automatic cam chain tensioner.
•reduces both maintenance & engine mechanical noise
•Maintenance-free transistor controlled ignition (TCI).
•produces a strong spark for fast starts
•provides precise ignition timing / mapping for optimum engine performance at all rpms
•High performance direct ignition coils.
•ignition coil is built directly into the spark plug cap
•significant weight reduction
•Yamaha Chip Control Throttle (YCC-T).
•YCC-T electronically controls throttle valves for outstanding throttle response & controllability
•YCC-T system provides precise control of intake air volume for a smoother torque curve
•ECU that controls YCC-T is capable of responding to changes at a speed of 1000th of a second
•Yamaha D-Mode variable throttle control … 2 modes available.
•works in conjunction with the YCC-T system
•enables the rider to adjust the performance characteristics of the engine based on riding preferences or riding conditions
•S-Mode allows the rider to enjoy full engine performance & power
•T-Mode slows throttle response for situations that require softer power characteristics, such as slippery or wet conditions
•”T-Mode” is well suited for more relaxed touring & reduces fuel consumption
•Traction control system
•works in conjunction with the YCC-T system
•utilizes front & rear wheel sensors (same sensors as ABS system)
•system senses when the rear wheel begins to spin & modifies the YCC-T function, ignition timing & fuel injection to reduce power and eliminate wheel spin
•traction control helps maintain traction when accelerating on slippery surfaces
•system is automatically engaged when the ignition is on … can be turned off if desired
•Electronic cruise control system.
•also part of the YCC-T family of functions
•”settable range” is from 50 to 160 km/hr & transmission must be in 3rd gear or higher
•cruise control can be cancelled by activating front or rear brakes, pulling in the clutch, completely closing the throttle grip or using the activation button
•control buttons are located on the L.H.S. handlebar switch gear
•Closed loop Mikuni, 42mm, throttle body fuel injection system.
•crisp, seamless throttle response regardless of weather or altitude
•system uses throttle position sensor (TPS)
•4-hole Denso injectors
•”closed loop system” uses a heated oxygen sensor to “sniff” spent exhaust & automatically adjust the fuel / air ratio for reduced emissions
•heated oxygen sensor provides precise fuel – air ratio information, especially at lower engine temperatures
•fuel injection benefits include choke-free starting, steady idling during warm up, excellent fuel economy & reduced emissions
•Viscous paper-type air filter.
•Compact engine uses a stacked “Tri-Axis” design.
•stacked design reduces engine length & centralizes mass
•design allows the engineers to place the engine in the “sweet spot” of the frame
•optimized front & rear weight distribution for excellent handling characteristics
•6-speed transmission
•overdrive 6th gear for more relaxed, higher speed cruising … engine rpm is reduced in top gear
•transmission features helical gears & separate gear dog design for smooth, quiet operation
•gear ratios optimize the FJR’s wide spread of power
•Special “scissors-type” primary driven gear.
•reduces drive train backlash
•Hydraulic clutch with slipper & assist functions.
•slipper clutch function reduces the negative effects of engine braking on handling & suspension
•assist function reduces clutch lever effort by up to 20%
•hydraulic design provides smoother operation & requires less maintenance
•Clean, quiet shaft drive.
•shaft drive system is super-durable & low maintenance
•system features mechanical cam dampers in the drive pinion for quieter, smoother power delivery to the rear wheel.
•Curved radiator uses twin “ring-type” cooling fans.
•excellent heat dissipation … curved rad offers more cooling area than a flat rad
•special air management moves hot air out of the cockpit area to reduce heat to the rider
•ring type fans “pull” more air than a conventional type fan
•Easy-access spin-on oil filter & drain plug make oil changes fast & easy.
•4-into-1-into-2 stainless steel exhaust with catalyzers.
•optimizes engine performance across the power band
•dual, three-way catalytic converters reduce emissions
•the FJR1300 meets or exceeds EU-4 emission standards
•Excessive lean angle cut-out switch prevents the engine running in the event of a tip over.

 

///CHASSIS
•Aluminum twin spar, diamond-type frame.
•frame design offers an excellent rigidity balance for optimum handling & loading
•engine is a stressed chassis member allowing for the use of a lighter main frame design
•perfect combination for sharp, accurate handling
•Fully detachable aluminum rear sub frame.
•reduces cost in the event of damage
•easier rear shock access
•Lightweight, cast aluminum swingarm.
•swingarm incorporates the shaft drive into its left side to reduce unsprung weight
•reduced unsprung weight helps to optimize suspension & handling
•Key chassis geometry figures include:
•caster angle = 26 degrees / trail = 109mm
•front – rear weight distribution is 51.9% front & 48.1% rear
•Electronically adjustable 43mm KYB inverted forks offer 135mm (5.4″) of wheel travel.
•Electronically adjustable Monocross rear suspension with 125mm (4.8″) of wheel travel.
•”Linked” electronic suspension asks the rider to choose from one of four presets for “load” (solo / solo & luggage / dual / dual & luggage). Once the load setting is chosen, the system automatically adjusts both the front & rear damping rates based on the load setting. If the rider wishes to “tune” the settings further, there are 3 “main” settings (soft / std / hard) to choose from. Within each of these 3 main settings, there are another 7 “fine tuning” settings available, for a total of 21 damping settings. The “load” setting must be chosen / adjusted with the unit stopped but running, while all other tuning can be done “on the fly”. All adjustments are done via buttons on the L.H.S. switch gear. Suspension setting menu & adjustments are viewed in the DOT matrix section of the instrument panel. A duty cycle motor controls the “load” settings while stepping motors vary the oil flow rate in the forks & shock. The adjustable design allows a rider to easily tailor suspension settings to match load & road conditions.
•Special “SCU” or suspension control unit controls the electronic suspension.
•Dual 320mm front discs squeezed by Nissin 4-piston calipers … with ABS & UBS.
•excellent barking performance with good feedback to the rider
•282mm rear disc brake with single piston caliper … with ABS & UBS.
•caliper is mounted on the underside of the swingarm to reduce torque action for superior suspension performance
•Front & rear brakes feature Yamaha’s latest anti-lock brake (ABS) & variable unified brake (UBS) technology.
•ABS braking offers excellent control under hard braking or braking on wet or slippery surfaces
•controlling ECU & hydraulic unit are combined into a single compact unit allowing for mass centralization & reduced weight
•when ABS system senses impending wheel lock-up (via active type wheel sensors) it regulates the hydraulic brake pressure to the point just before the wheel(s) lock-up
•UBS system “unifies or links” the front & rear brakes when brakes are applied
•applying front brake will engage the UBS & to a varying degree will apply some rear brake force
•applying rear brake will activate rear brake & to a varying degree will apply some front brake force
•linked brakes may improve stopping power by accurately balancing front & rear brake pressures according to natural weight transfer
•Lightweight cast-aluminum 3-spoke wheels.
•lightweight design reduces unsprung weight for excellent suspension & handling performance
•rims sizes: front = MT3.50×17 (120/70ZR17) & MT5.50×17 (180/55ZR17)
•premium sport touring tires
•Adjustable handlebars offer three positions of adjustability.
•from centre position, the bars can be adjusted 5.5 mm forward or 5.5mm back
•total adjustment range is 11mm (0.4″)… tools required
•Adjustable rider seat height.
•long distance designed separate rider & passenger seats
•quick adjust rider seat with height adjustment range of 20mm (0.8″)
•seat adjustment takes mere seconds & requires no tools
•Stylish single piece upper fairing.
•provides great aerodynamics for reduced drag
•excellent wind & weather protection
•air flow management has been optimized for superior rider comfort
•Small item storage compartment (in fairing) with 12V / 30W DC power outlet
•1 litre capacity is perfect for small items such as cell phone, wallet, garage door opener, etc.
•storage compartment lid can only be opened when the ignition is on
•inside the storage compartment is a 12 volt, 30 watt DC power outlet
•Push button operated electrically adjustable windscreen.
•windshield design reduces the “vacuum effect” (negative pressure) in the cockpit area
•adjustment range is 130mm (5.1″)
•windshield features a memory & will hold its last position when the key is turned off
•windshield control button located on L.H.S. handlebar switch gear
•”Twin-eye” LED headlights.
•lightweight, compact, long life LEDs
•each headlight contains both low & high beam LEDs
•LED position lights on left & right sides of main headlights
•provides excellent illumination & visibility
•easy access headlight aim adjusters to compensate for varying loads
•”Active” LED cornering lights with special IMU.
•a first on a Yamaha motorcycle
•3-LED cornering lights per headlight (6 in total)
•lean or bank angle determines how many cornering lights function
•shallow lean angle = 1 / mid lean angle = 2 / deep lean angle = all 3
•special IMU (inertial measurement unit) provides lean angle data for cornering light operation
•only available on the ES model
•Middle cowl with adjustable air flow vents.
•no tools required adjustable side cowl vents
•adjustment range is 20mm or approximately 0.8″
•allows more or less air flow into the rider’s hip & leg area
•LED rear taillight assembly.
•LED turn signals are integrated with taillight
•eye catching & unique tail light, brake light & turn signal displays … all LED
•Rear tail section & rear fender design.
•integrated rear cargo platform … doubles as a mount for optional top box
•Quick-release, locking, colour matched, 30 litre side bags.
•fast & easy removal of the 30 litre, colour matched bags … no tools required
•FJR1300 has been designed to look great with or without the saddlebags installed
•Ergonomically shaped, large-capacity 25-litre fuel tank
•offers an excellent riding range
•steel construction allows use of magnetic tank bags
•reserve portion is 5 litres (low fuel light illuminates)
•Multi-function instrument / meter assembly.
•left side of meter is an analog tach
•middle section features an LCD digital speedo, fuel gauge, clock, D-Mode indicator & ECO mode indicator (ECO indicator … indicates the bike is being ridden in a fuel efficient manner)
•right side is a digital DOT matrix display including odometer, dual tripmeters, outside air temp, coolant temp, instant & average fuel consumption, estimated travel range (based on remaining fuel), time trip & low fuel tripmeter
•other DOT matrix display functions include grip heater status & gear position indicator
•full range of warning & indicator lights including cruise & traction control status
•speedo can be changed to display either kilometers or miles per hour
•Immobilizer ignition system.
•reduces the possibility of “ride away” theft
•system must recognize the “coded ignition key” in order for the unit to start
•if the immobilizer ignition does not recognize the key (or a thief’s screwdriver or other type of “jimmy tool”) the bike will not start even if the ignition is turned or forced into the on position
•if the system does not recognize the coded chip in the ignition key, it will not allow the ignition system, fuel pump or starter motor to function.

 

///ADDITIONAL FEATURES
• FJR features convenient “one-key” system to operate all keyed devices on the bike including the main ignition, steering lock, saddlebags & optional top case locks.
• variable heated grips … 10 levels of heat adjustment
• 5-position adjustable front brake & clutch levers
• separate rider & passenger footrests reduce vibration & weight
• folding mirrors
• under seat storage area can hold a small U-lock
• centre stand
• easy access YDT (Yamaha Diagnostic Tool) connector
• low-maintenance sealed battery (battery should be charged during winter storage)

Note: The FJR1300ES offers a significant level of power & performance. It is not intended for novice or inexperienced riders.

 

 

 

2018 Yamaha FJR1300ES – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $17,999 USD

Engine Type 1298cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline 4-cylinder; 16
valves
Bore x Stroke 79.0mm x 66.2mm
Compression Ratio 10.8:1
Fuel Delivery Fuel injection with YCC-T
Ignition TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
Transmission 6-speed; multiplate assist-and-slipper wet clutch
Final Drive Shaft
Suspension / Front 43mm inverted fork with electronically adjustable
rebound and compression damping; 5.3-in travel
Suspension / Rear Single shock with electronically adjustable spring
preload, rebound and compression damping; 4.9-in
travel
Brakes / Front Dual 320mm discs; Unified Brake System and
ABS
Brakes / Rear 282mm disc; Unified Brake System and ABS
Tires / Front 120/70ZR17
Tires / Rear 180/55ZR17
L x W x H 87.8 in x 29.5 in x 52.2 – 57.3 in
Seat Height 31.7 or 32.5 in
Wheelbase 60.8 in
Rake (Castor Angle) 26.0°
Trail 4.3 in
Maximum Ground
Clearance
4.9 in
Fuel Capacity 6.6 gal
Fuel Economy 36 mpg
Wet Weight 642 lbs (CA model 644 lbs)
Warranty 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
Color Matte Phantom Blue

 

 

 

2018 Yamaha FJR1300ES – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $19,699 CDN

 

///Engine

 

Engine

Liquid cooled, DOHC, 16 valves (4-valves/cyl), in-line four

Displacement

1298cc

Bore and Stroke

79 x 66.2mm

Compression Ratio

10.8:1

Maximum Torque

14.1kg-m (102 ft-lb) @ 7,000 rpm

Engine Management

YCC-T, D-Mode, Traction Control, Cruise Control

Fuel Delivery

Mikuni 42mm throttle body F.I.

Estimated Fuel Consumption±

15.2kpl / 42.9mpg (Imp.)

Ignition / Starting

TCI / Electric

Transmission

6-speed

Final Drive

Shaft

 

///Chassis

 

Suspension (Front)

Electronically adjustable KYB inverted 43mm fork / 135mm (5.4″) wheel travel

Suspension (Rear)

Electronically adjustable link Monocross / 125mm (4.8″) wheel travel

Brakes (Front)

Dual 320mm discs / 4-piston calipers / ABS equipped & unified

Brakes (Rear)

282mm disc / single piston caliper / ABS equipped & unified

Tires (Front)

120/70ZR17

Tires (Rear)

180/55ZR17

 

///Critical Data

 

Length

2,230mm (87.8 “)

Width

750mm (29.5″)

Height

1,325mm (52.2″) to 1,455mm (57.3)

Wheelbase

1,545mm (60.8″)

Rake / Trail

26° / 109mm (4.3″)

Ground Clearance

125mm (4.9″)

Seat Height

805mm (31.7″) or 825mm (32.5”)

Fuel Capacity

25 litres (5.5 imp.gal.)

Wet Weight

291 kg (642 lb)

Colour(s)

Matte Dark Purplish Metallic Blue

 

 

2018 Yamaha FJR1300ES – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

 

Engine type

4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, forward-inclined parallel 4-cylinder

Displacement

1,298cc

Bore x stroke

79.0 mm x 66.2 mm

Compression ratio

10.8 : 1

Maximum power

107.5 kW (146.2PS) @ 8,000 rpm

Maximum torque

138.0 Nm (14.1 kg-m) @ 7,000 rpm

Lubrication system

Wet sump

Clutch type

Wet, multiple-disc coil spring

Fuel system

Fuel Injection

Ignition system

TCI

Starter system

Electric

Transmission system

Constant Mesh, 6-speed

Final transmission

Shaft

Fuel consumption

6.2 l/100km

CO2 emission

140 g/km

 

Chassis

Frame

Aluminium, Diamond Shaped

Front suspension system

Upside-down telescopic fork, Ø 48 mm

Front travel

135 mm

Caster angle

26º

Trail

109 mm

Rear suspension system

Swingarm, (Link type suspension)

Rear travel

125 mm

Front brake

Hydraulic dual disc, Ø 320 mm

Rear brake

Hydraulic single disc, Ø 282 mm

Front tyre

120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)

Rear tyre

180/55 ZR17M/C (73W)

 

Dimensions

Overall length

2,230 mm

Overall width

750 mm

Overall height

1,325/1,455 mm

Seat height

805/825 mm

Wheel base

1,545 mm

Minimum ground clearance

125 mm

Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank)

292 kg

Fuel tank capacity

25 litres

Oil tank capacity

4.9 litres

 

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

2025 Newest Bike Reviews

LATEST 2025 Motorcycle Model Guides
About Michael Le Pard 11247 Articles
"Mr. Totalmotorcycle". Owner and Founder of Total Motorcycle, the World’s Largest Motorcycle Site with over 425 million readers since 1999. Total Motorcycle is my pride and joy and being able to reach 425 million people has been incredible and I could not have done it without the support of my visitors, readers and members...thank you so much! We are all making a difference to millions of riders worldwide.