The Yamaha FJR 1300 is part of the motorcycle landscape since 2001. That makes 15 years that the road forks to large spray the roads of France and Navarre. If the first vintage (2001-2002) symbolized a certain idea of sports tourism by Yamaha in taking up the torch of the former upscale FJ-1200 , the models that followed never gave up to accentuate the touring side, enriching the way the technological background as the series equipment of staffing; do so on the first Yamaha FJR 1300 2001, ABS and side cases were among the options! Today, the bike that equips law enforcement is a GT accomplished by years of evolution. She knows a great commercial success by moving up to second place in the segment in France behind the invincible BMW R1200RT, 1185 units at end-July 2016 against 675 Yamaha FJR1300. AS his version, box of semi-automatic transmission, oversees the range.
The agony box to box of tricks
In 2006 on the occasion of a new development that introduces Yamaha FJR 1300 AS . This model has an electronic clutch control to change gear by foot or via paddles on the stalk without using conventional clutch lever. In this first version, the approval was criticized because many jerks at low speeds or during gear changes, which sometimes proved chaotic. Yamaha press at the park, a technician tells us: "The first version of the AS did not meet a concession success, where it was often proposed as a courtesy bike with our employees this is not the case at all aujourd. ay, better is even this new version which is often the most requested".
Either check for ourselves. Still beautiful and carefully constructed, the Yamaha FJR 1300 does not keep within this very identifiable general trend. Its size commands respect (305 kg fully verified facts!) But thanks to the saddle in the lower position (805 mm) and an arcade crotch regular forms, the Yamaha FJR 1300 AS remains the most accessible GT for pilots intermediate template (tied with the Honda ST1300). Time to get to know the stalks, essential on GT bikes full of gadgets and it's time to take off.
The approval exacerbated by the robotic clutch
From the first minutes, the electronic clutch control AS dubbed "YCC-S" demonstrated excellent driveability. The shifting conventionally foot but without using the clutch lever is already very satisfactory. Admittedly this generation 2016 Yamaha FJR 1300 finally welcomes a gearbox with a sixth report of the most successful. In this version of AS, it adds the freedom to play selector or paddles "more and less" in the left stalk. Initially relying on these manual controls is not completely natural for experienced biker, used to pull the left lever, but again, the approval does fly fast. The reports go very easily to the uphill and downhill, with a flick, and speed of the mechanism is noteworthy. Of course, to avoid transmission of jolts, it is best not to upshift too quickly by opening big and brutally gas, but a few kilometers suffice to understand their use.
Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the shifter system side aS semi-automatic, which accepts without flinching scroll through reports in red zone boundary without cutting gas. For a few, we forget this toggle! Quietest will appreciate the automatic function for downshifting, which piles up again the speed when approaching a red light for example. In addition, the electronic brain that oversees the operation provides natural driving regardless of the chosen mapping (Mode "Touring" or "Sport"). This is better than the T mode the Honda Crosstourer DCT 2016 for example, which retains, again and again, the sixth gear to very very low revs before starting to fall back. Touring mode of the Yamaha FJR 1300 AS is more consistent in "real life."
Beware of U-turns
Morality, after hundreds of kilometers and various tests in all the playgrounds of the city to the highway, the clutch of AS FJR 2016 has finally unveiled one against-indication or at least caution use, namely U-turns! Indeed, while the Yamaha FJR 1300 Standard (AE) allows for this classic way to maneuver, with the help the need of the clutch lever, the AS version, requires her constant gas net and the can not more or less to the modulating clutch. Even the rear brake simultaneously seeking to stabilize the bike, we must recognize that the latch release with AS requires a good deal of attention, as if the weight takes you, you will have little chance of retaining the vessel Admiral Iwata.
Better train solo in a parking lot, in case for the rest, it's all good, the semi-automatic clutch is imperial. In town or on the go, saving you the use of the clutch, it highlights the excellent flexibility of the wholesale line four-cylinder that always gets very sensual way in a full sound really nice. Certainly a hollow at low speeds penalizes reminders sometimes turning a hairpin, but with 13.8 da.Nm couple, there is something for most needs. The absence of vibrations, the generous strength that emanates from the engine between 4000 and 7000 rev / min, make a solid fellow.
Besides this vintage 2016, which the block was significantly revised, meets the Euro4 standard and therefore is saving all castrating clamping. The acceleration is full from beginning to end of the rev range. However, do not expect a sporty character from Mrs. FJR, the extension is muscular but linear. We must switch to Sport mode to find a livelier response and just over force at high rpm.
The rigor suspensions makes sparks!
We already reviewed the dynamic behavior of the new Yamaha FJR 1300 AE 2016 at the press launch in February. We find here the same versatility between everyday use, tourism (same duo responsible) and almost sporty pace, subject to keep the weight of the machine head. And if the FJR 1300 AS is not as agile as the BMW R1200RT in sinuous or accurate high speed that Kawasaki GTR 1400 , it remains a sacred tool to everything very well done. Special mention, as the AE version with its electronically controlled suspensions that still preserve the comfort (plush hydraulic key) while allowing to reduce unwanted movements on the hard mode. That's what undermine the guard at the corner floor without force through the proper adhesion of the tires mounted here ( Dunlop Roadsmart 3 (III) ). Incidentally, the Yamaha FJR 1300 is still very sensitive to its air rises. Next selected envelopes, it is possible to erase 20 kg of a single shot of adrenaline! Future notices in the motorcycle tire maxitest you will learn more about this crucial choice.
Appraisal: The copy Approval until further notice!
The years pass, the Yamaha FJR 1300 gets better. In 2016, it enjoys a plastic still rewarding and outstanding driving pleasure, between its protection, ergonomics, suspension damping and its Euro4 engine now "full power" that gives this subtle blend sport and comfort, is the real highlight of this model year after year! Sold € 20,199 at 08.17.16, the AS version requires a small extension 1 000 face the AE version unfortunately pursuing an inexorable inflation rate (€ 19,499 in 2013, € 16,990 in 2006). However a surcharge justified by the progress made by this box robotic clutch which has, finally, approval almost without mistakes! So with or without your clutch lever FJR? Bet on the AS version, you will not be disappointed. By Christophe Le Mao, photos Mehdi Bermani *moto-station.com
Yamaha FJR 1300 AS Price Details:
Price: € 20,199 (at 08/17/16)
Colours: silver gray or black
Warranty: Two years parts and labor, unlimited mileage approval:
Driving license, Euro4.
EmoticonEmoticon