2019 Yamaha FJR 1300 AE Review - Best sports touring bike? 

"Who cares about TFT's when the bike is this good"? Exactly! A bike should be judged for it's dynamic abilities, not it's trinkets and toys. Nice review. :-)

I have a 2005 Fjr1300 . These bikes are so reliable and so inexpensive to maintain that the purchase price is beyond fair considering what you are getting. It's basically a rocket ship that doesn't break. Safe riding

Really appreciated your review on the FJR. I've ridden one for a few years now, including an 8800 km tour, which is my longest jaunt on a bike to date. This is definitely a rider's bike; the engine is powerful and responsive, and I find the seating position very comfortable. It also doesn't feel overbearing, well, unless you are manoeuvring in a parking lot. I've purchased a quick-shifter and will be installing for next season. I agree with your comments about the lack of modern flash on the dash, however while riding, I spend such little time checking the dash that I don't mind. Another great point for Yamaha and the FJR is reliability, ease of maintenance and low cost of ownership after purchase. In these areas, the FJR totally outshines the BMWs you mentioned, IMO.

I agree with you on all points. I've surprised a few other riders with this bikes performance even on twisty roads. I've mainly owned sports bikes , and now with the fjr , I have a sports tourer that's more than capable. It's very comfortable. I can ride it for 10 hours and still feel great , unlike my sports bike , where I'd be very tired. A great bike. I highly recommend them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Very good presentation

Smiling checking this review, why? Long time since heard such enthusiasm over a bike you’re riding! Adds millions in my opinion! Cheers

Well I picked up my brand new 2019 FJRAE with all the bells and whistles and it is a stunning machine. Why anyone would need a more powerful tourer is beyond me. Had the bride on the back for a couple of hours and she loved it, apparently much more comfortable than the Ninja 1000( not surprising) and she had no aching hip/ knees etc. Cruise control is a brilliant feature and i agree, the electric screen is extremely handy even if being used to manage air flow to stay cool ( I live in Australia where winter days are 24c on average). Anyway, very impressed, Yamaha have done a great job with this design and I doubt i will ever replace it. Regards,Jeff

I used to own the FJ1200, your comments reminded me of one of the reasons why I liked it so much, and that was the comfort, speed, and performance it had relative to its somewhat mundane and decieving looks and image. That made it a bit of a stealth machine, great fun. They're different bikes but the heart/soul is the same! 👍

That bike has some problem that mine doesn't have. At high speeds the dashboard get's out of focus. The dealer must check that 😉.

Having owned the 2013 and 2016 (we tried the BMW K1600 GTLE for 6 months before realising the FJR was for us) I know the FJR very well. We toured Germany on our 2013 and found the luggage capacity perfect. The 2016 was the same as the one you rode. I think you would have to watch your licence here. The FJR is a true Sports Tourer now that Honda have stupidly dropped the Pan European. Good review.

I totally agree with your report. I took one out for a test ride, liked it so much I bought one! Better than the BMW RT. Been riding bikes for over 40 yrs, it's a fantastic old school machine. The graphite colour is great too. It really shifts along in sports mode, you do have to be careful at times! Great for doing long distance rides, no problems at all. A fantastic machine..... Cheers Al

Hooray......at last.....my bike! I bought my matt silver FJR1300AE (the E is for Electronic suspension I believe) brand new just one year ago and I absolutely love it....for me personally it is the perfect bike. I shopped around, by the way, and got mine complete with the matching panniers for £1000's less than the price you quoted, so there are definitely bargains to be found. Prior to the FJR I had a Diavel, R1200GS LC, Goldwings 1800 & 1500 and Honda Super Blackbird to name a few, but the FJR is by far the best bike I've owned so far. All those other bikes were excellent in their own way but to me the Yamaha has just got the best combination of power, weight, comfort, wind protection, electronics and storage (via the factory panniers) and it has the low maintenance shaft drive. Like you I also love its old school "brutish" sports tourer looks. I've also had several people say "ooo what a lovely bike...", which, interestingly, I didn't get with any of my other bikes. I agree it would be nice to have an all-singing colour TFT display , a la BMW, but, having said that, the display the bike comes with really does have all the information you need, is clear to read with the black digits on grey and I actually prefer the old style analogue rev counter. By the way, the "cornering light" you pointed at is actually a front indicator - those cornering lights are incorporated into each front headlight. Welcome to one of the best kept secrets in the motorcycling world! P.S. I offered you mine as a "readers ride" last year, so you could have enjoyed one sooner! ;-)

Thank you so much for you excellent review. Just purchased a Gen3 from 2013. I fell in love with it right away as I left the lot on a test drive. Your review really helped putting it on my short list for my next motorcycle.

Nice review TMF. FJR the perfect all rounder!

Thank you. A very honest review. i'm a pensioner on my second FJR and it suits me just great. I've the 2016 A version in matt silver which in my opinion is a lovely colour and which turns heads every time. Shame they dropped the silver in the new 2019 colour line up. I tried out the 1200RT and didn't like it before buying this FJR I'm currently running. Nothing wrong with the 1200RT, it didn't suit me. I do my own maintenance and it's the easiest bike out there. Re-greasing the suspension linkage is tricky but with a little patience achievable.

as previously mentioned here. i think you like it a lot. You went faster than you used to (at least when filming). cheers bro. thank you

A lovely bike. I'd never considered one, but your review has opened my eyes 👀

It looks better without the bags than other sport tourers. Other bikes like the Concourse have holes and latch anchors showing. The FJ is very clean and sporty without side bags. However, you rarely see a review that shows the bike without the luggage. Thanks for that.

Just bought the 2016 version. I share your enthusiasm. I like the gauges and overall styling (here's a clue - I got my first bike in 1976). I did 400kms today. Found the seat a bit firm after an hour, and the sidestand / mainstand / footpegs area feels a bit cluttered. It is a beast, but delivers the power smoothly. I didn't have to wait for the overtaking lanes very often! :)

I have been looking to move on from my 6 days 350 ktm, all of the reviews of this bike are fantastic...I've just bought a 2012 model in silver and blue. Great and very very informative channel buddy.

Best bike I ever owned! I've been waiting for you to do this video for years! Thanks for posting! Great review!

Nice review and I can vouch for the comments made. I own a 2015 FJR with standard suspension. For those interested, the FJR is a perfect all rounder. I commute and tour on mine, it does it all. My only real grumble is it's quite heavy at low speed and easy to drop if you're not careful! Invest in some crash bungs, I've put protectors on the exhausts as well...👍

Thanks for that, I have the 2001 FJR and it's just as good especially without all that electronic stuff! 3 or 400 hundred miles a day are easy and comfortable.

I'm picking up a fj1300 this Saturday I've watched many reviews, however yours is down to earth, factual, and entertaining! Keep up the good work 👏 🙌 👍

Nice review. Sums up my love of the bike. I used to have one and rode it a lot. It was faultless and I loved it. I only sold it because I just fancied a change. Currently riding a Tiger Explorer 1200 XRT which is also wonderful.

Thanks for the great content as always TMF! I really enjoyed this review in particular as I have an FJR as my go to for long distance touring. Like you, I'm drawn to the old school aspect of the machine, it does everything well and nothing particularly exceptionally (other than eating up miles in style and comfort and lasting practically forever). While a TFT screen would be a nice upgrade, its apparent that Yamaha got the essentials right back in 2001 when they introduced the bike...it remains as relevant today as it was 18 years ago, despite it not being a terribly popular bike other than with die-hard old school sport touring types and iron butt guys...A mature gentleman's sportbike!

Finally, IT Is, here! Great review. And yes, i am sold. Will put The 07 rt for sale, andwill buy a 2015 fjr with es 😁

pretty accurate review. i LOVE my 2013 fjr1300. when that howl starts at 65+mph, it sounds like a jet turbine. i really, really love that sound. thanks for the effort and sharing. thumbs up.

Another great review and I got the idea that you quite liked this bike! I always think that any bike you own should be enjoyable to ride, give you what you need in terms of functionality, but also stir the soul a bit when you see it parked on your drive or when you return to it, in the staff car park after a hard day's work. I think this bike can do all those things. It might be a venerable old beast and quite a lot of money (although cheaper versions are available), but it's lovely thing.

The FJR is the aging rockstar - still fully able to bring it but a little creased around the edges. Impossible to deny it's a fantastic machine.

As an owner of a 2007 FJR, I believe you are spot-on with your assessment. With a nice Sat/Nav and quick shifter, I might be in the market to replace my 16 year old ride. I also wish the heated grips and power windscreen controls went back to knobs/levers. Fantastic review, as always.

Great review. I’ve had my 2008 for 6 years no fancy electronics does what it says on the tin, love this bike can ride all day great range too

long an admirer of the FJR, happy it finally gets a worthy review ~ thank you TMF!

I can't resist adding a couple of penny's worth here, having owned my 2nd gen 2009 now for four years and accumulating about 34,000 miles so far on it. It was a downsize move for me: I traded my GL18 for it as my wife took up riding her own bike. I no longer needed the passenger-oriented Wing. Besides, the ravages of age are encroaching on my riding days. My next birthday starts with a "7" and I'm no longer the strapping tradesman I used to be. Sadly, now the FJR is getting too heavy and cumbersome and I can see the day in the future when it's time to get off it once and for all. My biggest gripe with the machine is the width between the knees. I'm of only middle height and a modest 30" inseam. I'd ridden mostly Kawasaki my whole life, not low-seat bikes at all, but the width effectively shortens the legs all the more. I am pained to say I've dropped the FJR twice now, and fear the next time the adrenaline won't be sufficient to right it solo. The best thing on the FJR is that awe-inspiring motor, as so often mentioned in the video. It's just such a delicious sensation to wind up the throttle, to a fault. Why I've not been cited on this thing is beyond me. On the Interstate (motorway in Brit) it's surprisingly close to the Wing in capability, but far superior in performance. How it can deal with fast traffic is a never-dull delight. There are a couple of toll roads in this area where the left lane normal is 85-90mph, and you won't be terribly out of place holding 95+. The FJR is so utterly calm and competent in this work that it can almost lull you into complacency. Yet it can handle ordinary surface streets with ease. While the first generation were hot-runners, this second gen is not at all. I've done lots of summertime Chicago urban riding and never had the sensation of being cooked. To the narrow handlebars: yeah, that's a thing, and none too helpful. I widened mine by adding 2" extensions to each end (saving the hassle of fitting Heli Horizons) and the added leverage is much appreciated. Yet, high speed work is not in the least affected, and twisties time (we have to go some 300 miles to western Wisconsin for that) is actually improved by being less tiring, by needing less muscling. The windshield did not suffice for this part of the world, but the Rifle.com one is superb, much, much quieter and not flappy like the stocker. This older generation still has the analog speedometer and tach, which I overwhelmingly prefer. Call me an old geezer, but analog instruments are vastly superior as instruments. We don't use digital readout for critical dials in aviation, and they don't belong on bikes, either. The only advantage of digital speedometers is that they are cheap. The '09 also still has the five-speed transmission, which, for a real-world, traveling bike, is much my preference. My sportier bikes have six-speeds, and that's all well and good, but when you've got hours to go, less shifting is just fine. And that spectacular motor- did I mention that?- doesn't even notice the lack of extra cog. All I need on my bike is an electronic cruise control. Someday my fifth-gen VFR will be my "big road bike" as the faculties and powers diminish further, but the FJR is still in the garage and I still hope to ride it plenty more.

I think the FJR is a bargain at $17k compared to the RT,which kitted out with the essentials is around $25k.TMF is spot on with the minor complaints which,in no way,would be a deal breaker for me.Only way to find out is to ride one.Thank you TMF,for the finest,most comprehensive reviews on the channel👍👏👏👏👏👏

Your reviews are truly the best...objective, detailed, and fair.

Fantastic review. Clear, video and audio. Intelligent commentary, and best of all, NO DAFT MUSIC. Other reviewers take note. I also love the way the dials go all blurry at speed. Must be a fault with the camera lol. Nice work 10/10

I think Yamaha is afraid to restyle this bike, precisely because it is so beloved by so many owners. That's fine by me, because I fall in love with my FJR every time I ride it! And I happen to like the old-school "military" look of the cockpit: No Nonsense. If the price new puts you off, buy a used one. They are so solidly built, you've no worries about anything going wrong.

I like the auto blur on the speedo when ya hit the gas! 😂🤣

This reminds me so much of the ‘99 Honda Blackbird that I owned, the one bike that I really regretted selling and that was purely to preserve my license! As you’ve just discovered, these bikes really bring out the lust for speed in you and in glorious comfort. Great review TMF.

Congrats on producing the most comprehensive review on 1 of the best bikes in the world.

TheMissendenFlyer's mind: 1: See national speed limit 2: Translates it to 100+ mph 3: Twists that throttle hard

That is the quickest I’ve seen you ride 🏍 this is the one for you😎?

Hi, I've had my 2008 FJR from new, it's been amazing over more than 50,000 miles, I once left it outside untouched for a year with just a cover over it and it still started without help ! , this engine has never missed a beat, i'm glad you like the newer version, by the way, the controls on the older one for the screen and grips have their own controls which I agree is much better. i've had bikes all my life and this is the best by miles. Love your videos, keep up the good work.

Thanks Mr Flyer. I concur!! Recently purchased an ex police 2016 FJR that I am just loving. They are an amazing ride. Looking forward to lots of miles coming up. Thanks for your excellent reviews.

The motorbike companies have been inhaling large amounts of glue during their board meetings. The prices they're demanding for two wheels is becoming ludacrous.

Very glad you reviewed this bike as it is on my short-list. I dont know many riders that spend much time looking at the instrument panel whilst riding(except to check speed and occasionally fuel level) so think the whole TFT thing is a bit over-rated, IMHO. As always great review, but you know am going to say...... ”please include a segment with a pillion on board when reviewing tourers👍🏻”. Regards and Thx again.

What a great bike.... I must have watched this review 100s of times ❤️

Great review! You're not afraid to ride it the way it should. Prescott Arizona

I had 2003 for a couple years and liked everything about it, except for the way it baked me in hot weather. So I bought a new 2006, and still have it today, 62k miles later. Fast enough, sweet handling, comfy, easy to maintain, and it's perfectly happy on the cheapest low octane unleaded. What I'd replace it with, I have no idea. A new FJR? That would be boring, but I can't rule it out.

Same switchgear as my Super Tenere and similar suspension controls. Looked at this but went with the Tenere cos it was 20kg lighter (still heavy). It certainly has presence and is planted though.

Great vid as always, just bought it 2 months back I agree super choice cheers from Switzerland.

Good revue . Had mine from new 2007 . Still love the looks, still rides like the wind. Cant beat it !

Agreed on the dash, when you look at the Tracer you've got to ask if somebody had a day off on the 'lets do the instruments day'. Lazy.

Love this sport tourer category. Old guys like me grew up on them. I've owned the Triumph Sprint GT, Guzzi Norge, and a few other proper sport tourers like this over the years, but the FJR reigns supreme I think. Do you still think its better than the RT? I'm thinking about going back to a fully faired sport tourer like this in the future..

You must have been reading my mind. Just the review I wanted at the right time as I fancied a change! Thanks for posting. It leaves me with a GS and a dilemma!

Oh man you cracked it with the fjr...fantastic bike. Next year iam getting one....well done..

Re price - yes, 17k is expensive but you’ll find plenty of discounts. I bought a pre-reg Blue AE model with 86 miles on it for 14k inc. panniers. Re menu - agreed again but I leave it toggled to the screen which is the one I use most when actually riding. Re sat nav - don’t buy the £70 Yamaha part - you can get a ram ball mount that replaces the seemingly gigantic yoke nut but which is just a ‘cap’. Get a taller screen and use the higher seating position- sorts the knee-bend issue out. Taller because that way you get the same wind protection without turning the front into a barn door. Definitely old tech but this also means that any gremlins have long since been banished and if you want to do 300k miles, the. This is probably one of the few to do it on.

I had one of these a few years ago, since then I have had three Concours 14's which I prefer. smoother engine and a slicker transmission on the C14. This FJR has better electronics. Now I ride the Goldwing...

What a beautiful bike. I was totally sold on getting as GS Adventure as my ultimate touring bike but this review has thrown a big spanner in the works. Super review.

Great review as always old school touring with shaft drive got to be the way to go if that’s what you need.keep up the great reviews

I'm not a big bike kind of girl but I can certainly agree that the FJR looks proper.

Quickshifter.........? Try the AS with auto clutch. Very underrated, unknown I've had four now. Brilliant!

Lovely bike. Thanks for the review.

Had my heart set on this bike for a while - waiting for the business to do something! After your excellent review... I'm Aching for one!

Shame about the blurry clocks though. ;)

A bit rich at nearly 17K. Had a FJ1200ABS in the late 90's good old workhorse, but you had to watch out if your tire treads were a bit down, otherwise you were off on the next tight bend :-(

Gorgeous bike! Excellent channel! I have my eye on the FJR but may have to go for an older model for now. LOVE your style of video - Please keep them coming thank you :D

That is one beautiful bike Sir and it will always look beautiful. The windscreen is a huge benefit and a big factor in all round comfort. I would love to have one. Thanks for another great review........Sal : )

A excellent machine one of the lads sold his old model last year with 245,000 miles on it had it since 2001 I think nothing went wrong with it only replaced clutch, head bearings wheel bearings and usual service items a bomb proof bike.

I had an FJR, a 2009 FJR1300AE, which in the US meant the auto-clutch version. I called it my cruise missile. Incredibly quick and fast, 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds and I'm sure the 60-100 was very fast... it easily beat a C7 Corvette. It handled really well. This was before the Gen III with cruise control, but I used a throttle lock and took it on a few long multi-week West Coast trips (Seattle to eastern WA, Seattle to SF and back, Seattle to Vancouver and back, several times). Comparing it to my 2017 GSA low-suspension, it was 50 lbs heavier and more top-heavy with the I4 versus the GSA's lower Boxer twin. I loved everything about it except the combination of a 31.9" seat height and the wide girth (like riding a pony) along with my 30" inseam only let me get the balls of my feet down. I find that the GSA is easier to ride, easier to maneuver, the difference in weight is noticeable... but the GSA's 1200cc Boxer is not as powerful or as smooth. The FJR would easily pull above 2300 RPM and start taking off in the mid-3K RPM range. The GSA needs to be around 3500 RPM to pull well. The GSA gets better fuel economy... at 60 mph I'd get around 45 mpg on the FJR but I get in the mid-50 mpg range on the Beemer. However, the FJR doesn't really get less efficient until you get above 75 mph, but the GSA's fuel economy really suffers above 65. The FJR makes passing on the interstate effortless, the GSA takes a little planning and a lot of revving. IMO shorter riders will be more comfortable by far on the R1200/1250 RT, but if you have a 31" inseam or better the FJR is a fine bike. The RT weighs about the same but has less power and way less torque. The standard GS will run with the FJR because it's more than 100 lbs lighter, but the GS has no wind protection and isn't great to ride at speed on interstates. The GSA was a good compromise... 0-60 mph in 3 seconds, the wider tank/fairing gives you wind protection on the interstate, yet it handles like a big dirt bike while the FJR is a big girl and handles like a heavy sport bike.

Great review. I love this bike. Hoping to get one soon when I get the money, "fingers crossed".

Well done Sir. Good to hear a detailed review of the bike, whilst riding around the country side.

Absolutely solid bike. In this price range I'd also be looking at H2 SX.

I can see adventure bike madness going out and sports tourers coming back in the mix, after all how many of us take 1250 gs off road

Great review, you have talked me into buying one, happy biking !

Great bike and review. You were smitten there TMF, I can see one finding its way to your garage soon.

Unusual how the speed goes blurry at speed.......

Sorry to say it but I think it's time to trade in the BMW, that is one gorgeous looking bike, keep up the great work.

Great review! SOLD! I,LL TAKE 5! FJR-1300 DOES EVERY THING YOU ASK IT AND THEN SOME- SMOOTH ROCKET,RELIABLE,AND BEAUTIFUL- I,M IN LOVE!!

I have my '07 and wouldn't trade it for a new one! Love everything about it. have under 50k mile. Mint condition. Basic electronics, no extra buttons. FYI They're available for a few grand and you will find it rides as good as the new ones if it's properly maintained. They are amazingly built and smooth as silk. I do wish I had the 6th gear but not enough to spend the money on a new one. Great review and I believe anyone who rides one will fall in love with it. By the way... you're riding on the wrong side of the road...

The French cops/Gendarmes/Customs all replaced their beemers with the FJ some years ago. I believe the issue between the riders union and management was over the beemers ABS (at the time-before anybody starts) , whatever, the FJ is well established as the police bike here. As to remarks about its BHP, its the torque thats important for road bikes (in my view of course) , plus engine flexibility, and that's where the big fours have improved since the early days. The FJ has a long heritage, the early FJ1100 was a sports tourer albeit chain drive. I have to say though, having ridden many big fours, I quickly tire of them and prefer a twin or maybe a triple. And big tourers are great - if you do a lot of touring, but for a days ride out, they can be over the top. Build quality looks top on the FJs I've seen.

You like it then? I thought you were going to 'get a room' when you pulled into the hotel 😂

Thanks TMF great video as usual. I appreciate what you do, yet feel bad because you make me want a new bike which I can’t afford! So in some ways it’s difficult to watch, but then so good to see an informed review covering all the salient points of each bikes attributes. In 2 years I’ll be looking for a second hand FJR, I’ve promised myself so that’s that.

The best FJR review on the net! As always a stellar job Andy (I think, sorry if I've got your name wrong). I bought a K1600GT 9 months ago, but it's been nothing but problems. So I've gone back to an FJR (looks exactly like the one in this video actually). I absolutely love it. Reminds me of a by gone age of sport touring, like a VFR800 with updated technology and a huge engine! Fantastic. Take care.

Only thing I can say is my 2007 Yamaha R1 was more reliable over 8 years of ownership than my 2017 BMW S1000R has been over 2. I'd bet cost of ownership would be a lot lower on one of these vs an RT.

Great review til the price. A lot of money for a yamaha that's getting on in years

Great review TMF. I’ve had my 2008 FJR for the last 4 years and absolutely love it. Bags of torque throughout the rev range so rapid overtakes can be accomplished with ease, usually without even changing gear. It is heavy though and not as flickable as say a 1250 GS though so when spanking it, you need to set yourself up properly for the corners. New ones are pricey but FJR build quality is high. Older ones like mine are cheap as chips, rarely go wrong, straightforward to service, there are plenty around because they sold well in the days before everyone started buying GSs and are not so different to ride compared to the new ones.

My husband ride one of these yesterday (his own is a honda blackbird - and had a gtr1400 kawa before) , he likes the fjr 1300 a lot !!! nice review

The 'Brian May' of Touring bikes..!

£17k - 290kg - just those two figures are enough for me to swipe left 😒

I bought a 2019 last April, been riding the mess out of it, and I Love it!!

Great review of a truly great bike. For those put off by the weight, you only notice how heavy it is when your shunting it around the garage, when you climb aboard and set off the weight just vanishes! Even very slow speed riding is effortless. As for power, my life, captain Kirk just doesnt have enough warp speed to keep up! Uber comfortable, bulletproof reliability and relatively cheap to maintain so long as you forget main dealer and take it to the FJR centre.

Hey MF..... 2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 PLEEEAAAASSSEEEEEEE

Sounds revvy to me. I'm always looking for another gear on yamahas.

Just had a lovely first ride on the ES variant of this. Great bike indeed!

Nice bike and a good review. A friend recently sold his 140,000 mile FJR, but he rated it highly through to the end. It's definitely one for the gentleman tourer, if that gentleman feels he's outgrown his R1/S1000RR/GSXR/etc!

Seems like a nice bike. Rather flippin' ugly though!

Personally instead I would have a bmw k1300s

Seen one of these at a bike show a few days ago and thought to myself this looks like it would be a nice bike. Got to demo it the next day. Not disappointed at all. Loved it.

Great video. I own a 07 FJR1300 with 85k miles. Planted perfect description. I like power / speed and this bike produces both.