Introduction
Considering the fact that Yamaha brags about the new FJR1300A offering an incredibly smooth ride, you first tend to think they simply took the best from the AE model – the fancy transmission and clutch – and fitted it on the A one, which was to carry on as a 2010 model year, but no. Along time, sales have shown that riders prefer the FJR’s beautiful combination between power coming from the 1298cc, liquid-cooled, inline-four; DOHC, 16 valves engine and sporty handling characteristics ensured by a light aluminum frame.
Broadly, the right engine and chassis “make” the bike and in this case, the fuel-injected mill is mated to a five-speed gearbox and a shaft stands as the final drive, while the forks are 48mm, fully adjustable units capable of 5.4 inches of travel and the rear shock, which is preload and rebound adjustable, offers 4.8 inches of travel. Although none of these features are new on the bike, they do help us show how engineers managed to do the trick with this motorcycle. The brakes are very important as well for this 641 lbs two-wheeler and the fact that ABS is standard on the 2010 Yamaha FJR1300A comes as an ease of things for most riders.
Technically, this bike doesn’t get any reproaches, but in order to be a refined sports tourer it needs to offer the proper comfort and wind protection. And with adjustable ergonomics and windshield, the 2010 Yamaha FJR1300A doesn’t show any signs of not being precisely that.
Competition
As we earlier mentioned, people tend to compare the fairly unchanged 2010 Yamaha FJR1300A with the new, sport-oriented 2010 Honda VFR1200F and we’ll have to say that if that would be the case, the subject of this article won’t stand a change, but the Honda ST1300 is still going strong and has plenty to show against our bike, especially in terms of touring-like comfort and excellent wind protection. So the battle between Big Red and Racing Blue should start a new round after Honda calls the ST1300 a 2010 model year.
But Kawasaki did more than just that with the Concours 14. Although the 1,352cc engine and unique monocoque frame are the same, the bodywork is all-new and it hides the Green’s impressive progress concerning rider and passenger safety on the new Concours. Kawi now presents their first traction control system – KTRC – and the second-generation Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology (K-ACT), which offers the possibility to select between two modes of linked anti-lock braking. Turns out that technology will keep Kawasaki on top of sport-touring rider preferences this year.
Exterior
Although not redesigned for 2010, the fact is that the FJR1300A looks like a fully-faired and completely accessorized FZ1 on steroids. Designers made sure this bike will fulfill its rider’s needs during long journeys by developing the advanced air management system and adjustable bodywork, which spoil the rider.
The foamy seat can be adjusted from 31.69 to 32.48 inches above the ground and the windscreen is pushbutton adjustable as well. But these are matters of finesse. What truly strikes you is how aerodynamic the fairing actually is, indicating that it doesn’t get a lot of those “fix this” stickers when being tested in the air tunnel. Also, the thing looks very aggressive and the mirrors look bigger than those of a Mini, contributing at the bike making its presence truly felt down the open road. We even heard a car driver saying “that thing looks scary in my rear view mirror” at a gas station once, but didn’t quite believe him.
With the footpegs positioned right at the middle of the bike and the handlebars brought close to the rider, the FJR offers an upright riding position and shows that it will sacrifice looks over comfort at any time even though this is not the case. Onboard, the Instrument panel features an electronic analog speedometer and tachometer; LCD digital odometer, dual tripmeters, gear position indicator, fuel, coolant and air temperature gauges as well as a clock; lights for neutral, high beam, turn signals, low oil and engine warnings, but also real-time mileage, average mileage and air temperature, just like you would expect from a bike in this segment. Still, it’s the sidecases that complete the FJR’s sport-touring look as not everyone who looks at the bike will get to swing a leg over it, so it’s good they get the right opinion from the first glance.
Liquid Silver is the only color available for the 2010 Yamaha FJR1300A and we believe it suits it best because this is one of those things you now see and then you don’t.
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"The Yamaha FJR1300’s has loads of power and the four cylinder engine makes 99 ft/lbs of torque at 7K revs too. That means grunt and plenty of it, more than enough to help two people, plus loads of kit, overtake safely on A roads." – MCN
"Synchronized movement of the throttle, clutch and shifter contributes to the dynamic experience of riding. I enjoy the finesse required to shift smoothly. That being said, what is Y-CCS like, on its own terms? Spending several days with it on the road is the best way to find out." – ridermagazine
"...handling remains the FJR’s forte and the area where it overtook the Kawasaki for a slim second-place result. With a 26-degree rake and 60.8-inch wheelbase the Yamaha turns quick, though the same is said of the Sprint and BMW. However, the Yamaha delivers unmatched confidence once on its side, tracking through a line with remarkable stability." – motorcycle-usa
"Certainly, the BMW has an extremely broad torque curve, while the Kawasaki has a blinding top end boost, but the FJR’s spunky delivery won me over. Even if the FJR1300 is not quicker, it feels like it is, and that’s what it’s all about if you are not on the track. However, a sixth gear is on my wish list." – ultimatemotorcycling
Price
But riders who want the 2010 Yamaha FJR1300A to be a constant presence in their lives will have to look over the fairly spicy $15,190 MSRP considering that the 2010 Kawasaki Concours 14 starts at $14,599 and the ABS model at $15,299…and these are upgraded bikes that we’re talking about.
Conclusion
It seems that Yamaha relies on the FJR1300A’s fame to obtain the best results in 2010 and they don’t have a big retention when it comes to price. That is because nobody complained about these motorcycles so far and for good reason.
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Engine and Transmission
첫댓글 st1300 이 더 좋다고 생각 하는데 요즘은 fjr1300 이 더 좋아 보이는네요....
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