Until you’ve throttled a big sport-tourer along an open road, you simply can’t know what you’re missing. In the FJR1300’s case, that’s a 1,298cc inline-four delivering stout midrange punch and a terrific top-end rush, a comfortable cockpit with quasi-sporty ergonomics, good wind protection, and sportbike-themed handling. Such bikes truly are the roadman’s magic carpet ride. The current iteration of Yamaha’s long-running sport-touring formula is available in two forms. The base FJR1300A is anything but entry-level and features selectable engine power modes, traction control, shaft drive, cruise control, linked disc brakes with ABS, easy-to-read three-panel instrumentation, and full LED lighting, including headlights. Tailorable ergonomics (via variable handlebar and seat positions), an electrically adjustable windshield, heated grips, hard side cases, and a kingly 6.6-gallon fuel tank are also standard.
Moving up to the FJR1300ES model chips in electrically adjustable suspension and “lean-angle sensitive” front LED lighting, which automatically illuminates corners for improved nighttime visibility in the wild woods.
Likes: Consummate touring power, shaft drive, adjustable seating position
Dislikes: Pointy fairing lowers poke lanky knees, no centerstand
Verdict: A fast cure for the common tourer, bagger, and ADV syndrome
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