There are comparatively few, fully-faired, grand-touring type machines capable of carrying two people and their luggage in comfort over long distances. John Wheeler
Yes, we know lots of other machines, some looking more as if their rightful home was the track, are used for long-distance touring. But when it comes to two-up, long-distance riding, machines such as the Honda ST 1300 ES and the BMW R 1150 RT are a better yardstick.
Yamaha's FJR 1300a seems less well-known in Ireland, but certainly deserves a place in the grand-touring stakes.
The FJR 1300 replaces the FJ 1100/1200s which gained a reputation as long-legged tourers with true two-up plus luggage capacity. Having owned an FJ 1200 a few years ago, we were really looking forward to sampling this latest incarnation.
In every way it represents a big step forward. This is one serious mile-munching tourer, very much in the "Grand Tour" tradition.
In last year's European Iron Butt Rally, a German rider on his first Iron Butt run romped home first on a FJR 1300a with just over 2,000 kilometres on the clock within the 24 hours.
Visually this is an attractive, well thought-out machine. It has an electrically adjustable screen that is one of the best examples we have experienced. An extra-tall option is also available, as are heated hand-grips.
The fairing gives first-rate weather protection. Generous sized panniers are standard. Optional extra lower fairing extensions ensure clean, dry boots and a 39-litre top case for even more luggage space.
The riding position is very comfortable and well-suited to covering long distances fast. Mirrors are well-placed. There is an analogue rev counter and an analogue speedo with LCD information panel, which includes a clock. Pillion provision and comfort are of a high order.
Brakes - ABS is standard on this version - are excellent. Steering response was impressive at all speeds and low-speed stability was particularly good.
There was an almost total absence of vibration. The engine has twin balancer shafts. Gear changes were smooth and effective.
However, we did feel that this machine could benefit from a somewhat higher top gear. Several times we tried changing up when we were already in top.
Acceleration is truly impressive, especially in that crucial overtaking zone where the 70-110 acceleration makes for safe, smooth progress.
Above all, at any speed - from creeping along in gridlocked traffic or through roadworks on congested motorways to moving along tight, twisty country roads or on fast main roads - the well-mannered stability of this machine inspires the utmost confidence. So safe does this machine feel, so predictable at all speeds, that it destroys any legislator's justification for confining riders to 25kW machines for two years after passing the test. Virtually all would ride better - and safer - on this machine.
This Yamaha simply begs you to get out the atlas and start planning that dream trip to Sicily, Istanbul or points further afield, confident that it will carry you and your passenger briskly and in reasonable comfort.
We owned several Honda Pan Europeans, we've tested the latest Honda ST 1300ES and, for day-to-day use, we currently ride a BMW R 1150 RT. We can say the FJR 1300a deserves to be taken seriously by anyone looking for this kind of a large capacity touring machine.
On the seemingly low top gear . . . this would not trouble those who like a high-revving engine. After a long, fast motorway blast, we noticed a lot of heat escaping onto our lower legs when we came back into suburban traffic. Admittedly this was on one of those rare, very hot days of high summer - it might be more appreciated in winter.
Priced at €17,748, it's around €500 more expensive than BMW's R 1150 RT and some €2,250 cheaper than Honda's ST 1300 ES.
In terms of maximum speed, which in reality is pretty academic, the FJR 1300a can achieve 150mph, compared to the Pan European's 141mph and BMW's R 1150RT's 128mph.
Comparative tank ranges are 260 miles for the Pan European, 253 for the RT 1150 and 220 for the FJR 1300a.
Traditionally, BMWs and Hondas tend to command better second-hand prices than Yamahas, but this is an advantage only if you like to change your machine frequently. We know of a 15-year-old FJ still doing 1,000-mile days. So, longevity can be expected.