Yamaha XJR 1300 2016 — Specifications

Many epithets have been given to the XJR 1200 / 1300: 80s superbike, vintage roadster, incarnation of the classic. It's true that with its large air-oil cooled 4-cylinder, its decidedly traditional tubular chassis, and a line that is both retro and classy, the XJR nestled into an old-school atmosphere for gentlemen. In 2015, Yam shook all of that up. Yard Built creations such as Keino’s "Rhapsody in Blue," the "Eau rouge," or "Project X" by Deus already hinted at a desire for renewal. Thus, without modifying its technical aspects and engine, the XJR 1300 is infused with a rebellious flow that will not fail to attract attention.

"Fix this up for me! Make it cool! I can’t stand being sensible..." The XJR has just entered a club of creators; it emerges seized by the heat of the moment. Some effects are subtle, others energize the machine with vigor. Did you feel how the tank-seat duo scratched your optic nerve? Inspired by racing bikes, the tank is redesigned, elongated, less bulbous, and as a result loses 6.5 liters of capacity. But it's the rear that makes the biggest impact. Everything has been cleaned up, lightened, de-bourgeoisified. Without the plastic fairing of the tail section, the Öhlins shock absorbers and the new single-seat are widely highlighted. And THE detail that changes everything: a large polished aluminum side cover, resembling a license plate, with imitation filter inserts. The front also tickles your nerves. The smaller headlight is now held with openwork plates. As for chrome... The XJR has had enough. It wants black, much more black to assert a more "bad," edgy side. The darkness has taken hold of the forks, the mudguard, the engine, the entire exhaust line, the back of the meters, the mirrors, the footrests, etc...

A little higher seat height, the XJR 1300 'revival' slightly changes the riding position, with a tapered and wider handlebar closer to the rider. Its engine is retained with all of its charm. 4-cylinder from the 80s delivering 98 horsepower and a little more than 11 mkg of torque, 1251 cm3 of expression and fins to ventilate all of this. The more compact rear is held not only by the single seat but also by the shortened and simplified rear frame. The red spark plug caps emphasize a preparation side. The calligraphy of the meters has also been revised in a more racing aspect.

M.B - Manufacturer photos