Reviews for Riders: 2006 Yamaha FJR1300

Yamaha's Gen-II update year: standard ABS and linked brakes for the first time, a lengthened swingarm, and the launch of the electronically-clutched FJR1300AE alongside the standard A. Still a five-speed. 1298cc liquid-cooled inline-four, claimed 145 hp at 8,000 rpm, 99 lb-ft at 7,000, shaft final drive.

The Numbers

• 1298cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline-four

• 145 hp at 8,000 rpm

• Five-speed transmission, shaft final drive

• ABS and Yamaha's Unified Braking System

• Wheelbase 60.6 inches, seat height 31.5 to 31.7 inches (adjustable across roughly an inch)

• Dry weight approximately 582 lbs; wet weight approaches 640 lbs fueled

• 6.6-gallon fuel capacity

What It Is

A freaking monster of a touring bike known for carrying the likes of Wendy Crockett and Kimba the Lioness across the country without missing a beat. Strong, confident, fast, stable and about to continue to pull all the way up through 5th gear.

What It Isn't

Attractive - I know I am going to take shit for this - but it was never meant to be. It's not a true sports touring bike in todays sense because it's so low to the ground, the standard is height to see over cars now.

Who It's For

Riders who log real distance and want the range, comfort, and shaft-drive reliability of a touring bike without giving up a genuinely quick, confident-handling machine underneath it.

Who It's Not For

Anyone who thinks "electronic clutch" sounds fancy - it's not, it's mostly just annoying at red lights.

A Note from the Shop

Buyers shopping a used 2006 FJR1300 should confirm which variant they are looking at before anything else, since an A and an AE are not interchangeable ownership experiences despite sharing bodywork. Check fork seals, shaft drive service history, and mirror mounts for the vibration a few owners reported at 70-plus mph.

Looking for the Yamaha FJR1300 community? Find every active forum HERE