Yamaha FJR 1300

The FJR1300 was introduced to Europe in 2001 before arriving in North America in 2002, with the 2003 model year designation, and offered in a non-ABS version only. Motorcyclist magazine named the 2003 model Motorcycle of the Year. It had 298 mm front brake discs. It appeared in Europe in various colors: silver, blue, black and red.

The 2004 European model came in a range of colors, including Silver Storm. The 2004 North American models included both a non-ABS version with traditional blue anodized brake calipers and a new ABS version. Both were Cerulean Silver. Other refinements included an upgrade to the suspension rates, 320 mm front brake discs, and a fairing pocket for small items.

The 2005, North American model year remained structurally unchanged with a non-ABS and ABS model in Galaxy Blue.

In 2006, the U.S. and rest of the world model years synchronized and design significantly changed including trailing arm changes, radiator curving, instrumentation changes, upgraded alternator and significant attention to airflow changes from reported heat issues in previous years. In response to these complaints, Yamaha added several adjustable vents to the FJR1300, allowing the rider to direct air to or away from the body. The base 2006 FJR1300A model has ABS with linked brakes and is Dark Blue Metallic while the Cerulean Silver colored FJR1300AE model features a semi-automatic transmission. The AE/AS model has YCCS, or Yamaha Chip-Controlled Shift. The rider can either utilize the standard foot shifter without the clutch lever, or shift via a mountain-bike style shifter on the left bar. The AE model continues in production through 2008.

For 2008, some minor changes were introduced, including an update to the altitude-related engine control unit issues and throttle ‘feel’, notably to improve low speed on/off throttle transitions. The colors announced in Europe are; Silver (Silver Tech), Black (Midnight Black) and Graphite. 2008 also sees minor changes in the ABS system.

In the UK, the FJR1300 has replaced the Honda ST1300 as the patrol motorcycle with several police forces, following the withdrawal of the Honda ST1300 Pan-European due to concerns over high speed handling.