Factory New Yamaha FJR 1300AE Sport Tourer

As far as sport touring bikes go, there are very few out there that can match the Yamaha FJR1300AE's combination of performance, comfort, features, and just plain jaw-dropping technology. A gradual evolution, the FJR is one of today's premier sport-tourers with a comfortable ride despite the sporty riding position, and incredible performance despite the weight that comes from a whole collection of luxury and convenience features. In short, it's a unique combination of cutting-edge technology, velvet smooth power, deluxe comfort, and sports handling that add up to one of the best all-around performers in years. Great standard features like adjustable windscreen, handlebar and seat, plus heated grips, and easy on/off side cases make this the bike to take you places in deluxe sports style.

With just 144 miles on it from new, this Yamaha is in as-new condition throughout. Looking like it's from the future with its raven black panels over the brilliant titanium colored frame and working parts, it's a great example of form following function. Of course, as a virtually new piece, I don't have to tell you that condition-wise, this bike is about as good as they come. The black pieces are deep and rich, while the silver frame shows no signs of use. There's no road rash on any of the fairings, and no signs of bugs on the windscreen (which is adjustable via a button on the control panel). The Yamaha features an ingenious system for cooling itself and the rider using a central vent beneath the instrument panel which also reduces negative pressure. The 6.6-gallon fuel tank is ergonomically shaped and offers excellent comfort and range and has been constructed from steel to allow the use of magnetic tank bags.

The engine is a liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder with dual overhead camshafts and fuel injection which combine to crank out a stout 145 horsepower and 99 pounds of torque, enough to move this 650 pound bike with real authority. The fairings were revised in 2009 to improve airflow to the engine, eliminating the risk of overheating, even in the most demanding, high-speed conditions. Taller gearing makes for relaxed cruising, with just 3500 RPM showing at a steady 70 MPH, and it remains silky smooth throughout the rev range. The engine is a fully stressed chassis member, allowing for a lightweight frame design and balance rigidity for optimal handling, and there's a curved radiator with custom ducting and twin-ring cooling fans to keep the engine and cockpit cool. However, it's the transmission that really sets the FJR1300AE apart from its competition: electronic shifting. Thanks to the clutch, five-speed transmission and electric shift lever enhancement, super sport touring has never been so smooth. The clutch lever is entirely eliminated and its rider can now click off super-smooth shifts using either the left bar-mounted paddles or the foot-operated gearshift lever. Also for 2009, the Yamaha Chip Controlled Shifting system was remapped for greater response when downshifting from neutral.

Since 2006, Yamaha has equipped the FJR1300 with standard anti-lock brakes and their Unified Braking System. The front brake activates six of the eight front braking pistons and one rear piston while the rear brake pedal activates one rear piston and the other two front pistons. This system allows for the use of balanced anti-lock braking in all conditions and it shows when you need maximum braking and maximum control. Like everything else, the chassis hardware on this bike is like new, including the cool alloy wheels and 120/70/17 front and 185/55/17 rear tires. The polished exhaust pipes are unblemished and sound amazing, albeit somewhat tame if you're used to lightly muffled sport bikes, but trust me, you'll appreciate the quiet pipes when you use this machine as intended as a long-distance cruiser with serious performance.

For comfort, the FJR1300AE features multiple adjustments to the critical elements; seat and handlebars can be adjusted to conform to just about any sized rider and tailors the bike to fit like a glove. The long dual seat features two-part construction using different foam densities for the front and rear sections, ensuring plush comfort for both rider and passenger, and as a near-new bike, it shows no wear. The hand grips are heated on this model, a nice perk that extends your riding season a few weeks to enjoy the gorgeous autumn weather. The Instrument panel contains an electronic analog speedometer and tachometer; LCD digital odometer, dual tripmeters, gear position indicator, fuel, coolant and air temperature gauges, and clock; lights for neutral, high beam, turn signals, low oil and engine warnings, as well as real-time mileage, average mileage and air temperature. The glove box contains a 12V outlet for phones, GPS units, or electric vest, and there's a standard toolkit located in a convenient storage compartment under passenger seat. Of course, as a near-new machine, we have all the important documentation and manuals that came with the bike, fabric side case bags, and everything else that you would have received with your new FJR1300AE. Carrying an original sticker in excess of $12,900, this bike is a screaming bargain today. With enough performance to frighten the riders of dedicated sport bikes, and enough luxury to make it a viable long distance tourer, the Yamaha FJR1300AE is the best of both worlds. Thoughtfully designed and beautifully turned out, it rides as well as it looks. Available today for less than the cost of a new one, with virtually no difference in looks or performance, I'd call this Yamaha a screaming bargain. Call now!