Yamaha XJR1300 (1998 - 2014) review

These sell very well and the handling is fine for most uses. If you like the look of it, then buy one – you won’t be disappointed
Looks and style
Handling is a bit soft

The XJR has proved a massively popular bike since it was launched in 1998. Harking back to the good old days when men were men and bikes didn’t like going around corners the XJR looks the part.

Its 1300 engine is fairly powerful with a decent amount of torque and there is no denying it looks the part, just don’t try to go too fast on it. For cruising around town looking good the XJR is the business. The problem is that up the pace and it wobbles a bit around corners and other retros, such as Honda’s CB1300 and Kawasaki’s ZRX1200, handle better.

But on the other side the Yamaha has a classic, and very retro, air/oil cooled motor and the new for 2005 ‘AC Cobra’ stripe paint looks great.

The XJR has proved a massively popular bike since it was launched in 1998. Harking back to the good old days when men were men and bikes didn’t like going around corners the XJR looks the part.

Its 1300 engine is fairly powerful with a decent amount of torque and there is no denying it looks the part, just don’t try to go too fast on it. For cruising around town looking good the XJR is the business. The problem is that up the pace and it wobbles a bit around corners and other retros, such as Honda’s CB1300 and Kawasaki’s ZRX1200, handle better.

But on the other side the Yamaha has a classic, and very retro, air/oil cooled motor and the new for 2005 ‘AC Cobra’ stripe paint looks great.

Length (mm)2175
Width (mm)775
Height (mm)1115
Dryweight (kg)224
Seats0
Seat Height (mm)790
Suspension FrontTelescopic fork
Suspension RearSwingarm
Tyres Front120/70 ZR17 58W
Tyres Rear180/55- ZR17 73W
Brakes FrontDual 298mm discs
Brakes RearSingle 267mm disc
Wheelbase (mm)1510
Ground Clearance (mm)120
Cubic Capacity (cc)1251
Max Power (bhp)106
Max Power Peak (rpm)8000
Torque (ft/lb)78
Torque Peak (rpm)6500
Bore (mm)79
Stroke (mm)63.8
Valve GearDOHC
Compression Ratio9.7
CoolingAir cooled
Stroke TypeFour Stroke
DriveChain
Max Power107.2
Max Power Revs7700
Max Torque77.4
Max Torque Revs6600
Standing Quarter Mile - Terminal Speed MPH118.54
Standing Quarter Mile - Time11.91
Top Speed137.5