Yamaha FJR 1300 AE Review: The right balance

Yamaha is interrelated between the Yamaha FJR 1300 and a new Yamaha FJR 1300 AE. This GT is shaping up as a fair compromise in the GT of the three tuning forks range, adopting the inverted forks and suspension with electronic assistance in version AS while retaining the mechanical box to five reports of the Yamaha FJR1300 A.

 Yamaha FJR 1300 AE Review: The right balance

Fill in the gaps in the range: a chorus known as Yamaha, chose to enrich its offer GT of a third model for 2014. Review end of 2012, the Yamaha FJR 1300 A received a nice upgrade, with work on the motor, the electronics (ride by wire, control of traction, speed controller), a new line, LED lights, a faster electric bubble in its operation… In short, what remains the first GT non-European market French, or even European?

In the spring of 2013, Yamaha launched the Yamaha FJR 1300 AS, with inverted forks a suspension electronic, and a frankly improved robotic box. It was then believed the full range, but Yamaha has decided to fill a void by offering this Yamaha FJR 1300 AE which brings the inverted fork, intelligent suspension, and mechanical box, for those who want to adjust the road behavior of the finger while continuing to pass speeds’ old’.

The Comfort or Sport at the End of the Index

Still as beautiful as this Yamaha FJR1300. A beautiful classic dress, one-sided statutory impregnated with sportsmanship, a flawless finish, a color Magnetic Bronze giving change to the classic black or grey. In short, even in version AE, it remains a very nice bike, rewarding.

With its adjustable seat from 805 to 825 mm, it remains one of the GT among the most accessible on the market. Certainly, the flat and wide base does not facilitate the task of the smallest, with a barrel effect not always very nice when touching Earth during the stops. The BMW often exhibits an arcade better worked crotch.

The technical manager of the press Park Yamaha informs me of the extent of the adjustments on the suspensions. You can adjust the hydraulic depreciation (and compression) via standard, soft or hard positions. One can also adjust preload via the menu that adjusts the load with various positions: single driver, driver more luggage… Settings remain fairly simple thanks to the access to the left index finger button, even if the leave submenus asks a little.

At the outset, we will inflict a crucial test to suspensions electronic Yamaha FJR 1300 AE by climbing two on board, including a camera bag or a load of more than 170 kg (writing has gone into winter mode, the food is richer). Engine idling, it is time to switch to the ‘duo luggage’ mode. The rear shock absorber handset reacts in seconds and the saddle rises from a few millimeters to compensate for the load.

 Better ground clearance duo

From the first meters, it feels like all the firmness of suspensions imposed by the setting. This keeps a more suitable base: the back of the Yamaha FJR 1300 AE crashes less under duress, and the behavior of the direction approximates a standard solo situation.

Loaded duo, the Yamaha FJR 1300 AE 2014 therefore presents a natural behavior and a better guard on the ground.

During the past few days in the company of the Yamaha FJR 1300 AE 2014, we were able to test several configurations. In urban areas, switching from the hard mode (hard) (soft) soft mode allows to realize the difference in softness of the suspensions.

This is particularly the case for small shocks, such as pavers or small donkeys. By varying the hydraulic settings (you can harden or soften each setting mode), we see that the Yamaha FJR 1300 AE spends almost the firm to soft. Sometimes changing settings shows the same audible noise with a different suspension to a first test area (although irregular paving) we have traveled several times.

Fans of the GT to the tuning forks who choose the Yamaha FJR 1300 AE 2014 rejoice therefore dispose of settings more easily accessible than the Yamaha FJR 1300 A or the older generations that had the famous soft/hard trigger on the left flank. Nice to concoct a comfort to map…

Specific suspensions

Turn to the most sportive part of the test… Yamaha FJR 1300 – regardless of the version – has a rather powerful motor, even in the French version. Motorway gallop assesses the directional stability, which can vary depending on the suspension setting selected. Hard mode 3 (firmer), the Yamaha FJR 1300 AE 2014 proves otherwise more rail and soft mode – 3, totally opposed setting. In large curves are more candid.

In a portion of turn swallowed several times with different settings, we perceive subtle changes. In soft mode, there is more movement of the suspension and the Yamaha FJR 1300 AE 2014 can become clumsy or more sensitive to mass in hard mode transfer. The system works, no doubt. The removed control can then express themselves fully, even if the Bridgestone BT 23 of our trial bike shows less incisive than the possible riding in Metzeler (Roadtec Z8 Interact).

 Yamaha FJR 1300 AE Review: The right balance

Balance sheet: Deliciously mature

With this declension of Yamaha FJR 1300 AE 2014, Yamaha brilliantly fills a gap in its range. Thanks to suspensions and by electronic control system, the bike is better adjusted and more easily the bike to its needs. Playing with settings, you inevitably end up finding those that suit you best. What getting a motorcycle to the map.

We savor then fully the qualities of a motorcycle today very mature. A GT comfortable, not too large, and allowing the interfile which flourished almost as much in pace ride as quick wound management. The creamy flavor of the four cylinders full torque and devoid of jerks remains and it remains a sure value of the category.

Sold 18 €499, lies the Yamaha FJR 1300 AE battery in the middle of the family FJR (€17 499 for the FJR 1300 A, €19 499 for the FJR 1300 AS). And it may well be that either the AE version won the suffrage more in concessions.

Yamaha FJR 1300 AE Pictures Gallery

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