Yamaha XJR1300

Just picked up my third bike (previous Triumph 900 triple and BMW boxer) and fell for the retro looks of this black, with silver pinstripe, Yamaha XJR1300. It was an ex demo bike with just a couple of hundred miles on the clock - absolutely love it!

Like many other reviews, I noticed the wind effect above 70 ish, so went for a small Givi screen which is rather discreet and doesn't detract from those naked lines at all, but makes a huge difference on the pure comfort and enjoyability of the riding experience.

Also have added a chrome rear rack - really took my time before getting this, as I was concerned about the visual effect. Again, am pleased that it adds rather than takes anything away from the bike - but that's definitely it now. No more 'bits' - it's just fine the way it is.

As for the ride, I don't think the stats do this bike justice because for me I wouldn't want or need any more grunt. The four cylinder power plant delivers all the power I'll ever need in almost any gear above 30 mph. Just open that throttle and away you go, what a joy to experience.

For comfort, I've heard people say the seats are a bit firm, but I think Yamaha have got this spot on. A wide seat for both rider and pillion does for me and the boss fine. The ride height is just right too, I'm a bit of a short-arse with only a 30' leg and can easy 'touch down' even on an angle.

I haven't been on a run over 100 miles yet so am a bit unsure of fuel consumption. I have noticed if you wind her up she gets a bit thirsty - show me a bike that doesn't! First 600 mile service has just been done. Yamaha dealer only charged for parts, so that cost a little over £36 - bargain.

Anyone thinking of taking the plunge on an XJR? No regrets from me. Happy as larry.

bought a 2002 1300 sp love it put a givi screen on it definately makes a difference to wind and looks bought mine from twisted throttle they come with full instructions and mounts and bolts are stainless they are in the us im in queensland aus am very happy with the product and wouldnt hesitate to recomend them to anyone.im not a sales person for them just a happy customer which it what it is all about

Bought my first XJR new in 2001 had it for 3 years added full acroprovic exhaust system, gas flowed head, nitro, quick shiftier.Then sadly I sold it since then Ive owned Many Jap sports bikes, Harley's and BM's but always wanted another XJR so Ive taken the plunge and bought another and I love it. They are real bikes and are comfortable fast and most of all fun. I wont be selling any time soon. Ive already started buying bits cant help it

As an owner of a Honda CB750 in the early 70s which was the greatest super bike of the age, I havn't found another machine to touch it, apart from the Yammy XJR

My 2006 (Normally aspirated) XJR is the greatest retro bike in the world!

1970s styling with new millennium technology makes this bike the greatest!

!

Easy to maintain, easy on drive chain, dead reliable, timeless styling and an overall winner.

Fuel consumption heavy if you really 'gas it', take it a little easy and you can get nearly 200 miles from a tank.

Paint quality - Keep it clean - Keep it mean!- say no more.

Has anybody noticed how the new Honda CB1100 is a dead ringer for the xjr1300?? Seems like Honda have re-invented themselves. Pity it's 40 years too late!

Would love comments on my review to - [email protected]

Many thanks to all who respond!

This is my fourth bike and best yet. Sure it is big and heavy but you don't notice it when you start riding, very nimble and handles great. Loads of torque, very comfortable and sounds great too with killer retro looks. Quite thirsty when using the engine fully but if fairly frugal when touring within the speed limit. All in all a great bike!

Ive owned my 05 XJR for 5 years now just clocked up 10k so quite low milage.

Used every day to commute only 5 miles away,but very busy traffic.so has the grunt and attitude to deal with(with nice 4into1 Remus).

I looked at buying something new this year but could not find a bike Id rather ride so keeping Xjr.There is no replacement for such a beast.

Very reliable,never done anything other that plug's,filter's and oil etc.

Heavy,sh*t on fuel,paint job cr*p, but you got to love it.

Bought mine with only 2090 miles on the clock, a 59 plate from wood's in abergele north wales for £4800 i love the look of muscle bike's and the xjr is one of the nicest, they look just like proper motorbike's and the comfort on this thing last's for age's so it's great for long distance riding. One of it's greatest strength's is it's low down drive (torque) it has the strength to pull down a tree and give's you a all mighty buzz going forward, on fuel it's pretty thirsty, on bend's it does need a bit of rider input as it's not very forgiving if going to fast, tyre's michelin pilot RD work very well.

I have a 1999 xjr1300 its smooth and packs plenty of grunt , low down torque is absolutely amazing!! its comfy and the relaxed riding position is great , very easy to ride. Its what I want on a bike living in Brisbane Australia , yeah its big and intimidating around town a real head turner in traffic....I love the feel when it takes off on the motorway the powerful engine just purrs effortlessly..dislikes are needs a sixth gear and I dont have a screen on mine so you get all the windblast óh and those harley riders see you coming and just know that your the biggest beast on the road ..

bought mine at 2 months old saw it standing outside a bike shop and thought what a smart looking bike ! had a test ride and bought it there and then, in nine years of admittedly summer i/e warm rain riding it has never let me down, it has had a new battery and the choke cable snapped after the first winter, but that has been it. Can be rough on rear tyres and is not the best on fuel, on the other hand thats all its going to cost you, a small amount of paint has peeled off the engine, but other than that it cleans up like new. When I first bought it the brakes were fantastic but have gone spongy over the years, should put some braided hoses on really.other than that I really could not fault it, and I still think it look smart after all these years. not bad to insure, pay just over £100 fully comp, ( 49 years old, rural england )

Would buy one tomorrow if mine was stolen.

What a nimble bike for the size and weight with plenty of MUSCLE

The XJR 1300 is a joy to ride and is a great looking machine that turns heads .

I have riden this bike for over 2 year on some of western australias best and worst roads and never got off the bike feeling drained of energy due to the upright sitting postion, its easy to ride, handles well and is very reliable.It has a punch between 5000 to 6500 rpm it pulls like a train , great when you need it

The only thing that i would change on the xjr would be the seat , its too firm and after a few hundred kms it let you know

THE YAMAHA XJR1300 IS A BIKE FOR ALL RIDER......TEST RIDE ONE ,YOU NEVER KNOW YOU MIGHT JUST LIKE IT