"A big bike made for riding enjoyment on country lanes with
excellent handling and a powerful engine." - Yamaha

Yamaha XJR1300 series model history timelines
The XJR 1300 is the successor of the XJR 1200 that originated in 1995. The 1200 was famous for its strong 'big block' character with already massive power, available at very low revs. In addition to its sports appeal, reminiscent of the superbikes of the '80s, this big bike was very easy to ride and the ample seat space and comfortable suspensions offered a relaxed ride.

1998 Yamaha XJR1200
1998 Yamaha XJR1200 Specifications
Category: Naked bike
Engine and transmission
Displacement: 1188.00 ccm (72.49 cubic inches)
Engine type: In-line four, four-stroke
Power: 98.00 HP (71.5 kW) @ 8000 RPM
Torque: 92.00 Nm (9.4 kgf-m / 67.9 ft.lbs) @ 6250 RPM
Top speed: 220.0 km/h (136.7 mph)
Valves per cylinder: 4
Cooling system: Air
Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type, final drive: Chain
Chassis, suspension, brakes and wheels
Front brakes: Dual disc
Rear brakes: Single disc
Physical measures and capacities
Dry weight: 232.0 kg (511.5 pounds)
Seat height: 785 mm (30.9 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Starter: Electric

2002 Yamaha XJR1300
Yamaha XJR1300 series model history timelines
Yutaka Kubo likes big bikes and XJR 1300 is a classic big bike to him. This bike has archetype looks, with the massive air-cooled engine and the conventional shape of tank, seat and sidecovers. In spite of the conventional looks XJR 1300 hidden spec is modern technology.
Kubo explains: "Most of the various improvements for the 2002 model you will not see at first glance. For example, we changed the fuel tank, side cover and seat and handlebar, because we wanted to locate the rider further forward. Reason are better handling character and more weight on the front wheel. On the other hand our designers did not want to alter the characteristic looks of that long life model. So I bet, most bikers will not recognise this at first."
Indeed XJR 1300 has undergone a real model improvement in many aspects. "The major target for the changes is to improve handling and riding feeling on winding country lanes, the typical terrain of XJR 1300. The handling improvements are also quite helpful in city traffic of course. The bike flips much easier into corners and filtering through traffic makes you feel riding a much smaller machine", says Oliver Grill, product planner at Yamaha Motor Europe and former owner of an XJR 1200.
XJR 1200 was launched in 1995 and established itself as a powerful naked muscle-bike for people who enjoy the torque of a big displacement engine and a relaxed riding feeling without sacrifice in street sport function. Over all these years the XJR concept has matured and many improvements have been made, such as the displacement increase to 1300 cc in 1999.
"Even as being a big bike, we ourselves felt when riding country lanes around our plant here in Iwata, that XJR should benefit from the knowledge in development of our sport bikes like Fazer or YZF-series. And I believe the new model, even looking like a traditional machine, incorporates what we call 'YAMAHA handling'. The bike is state of the art," says Yutaka Kubo who has also led the development of Fazer 1000 (see archive section) and was involved in many 4 cylinder sport bike projects in the past.
2002 Yamaha XJR1300
To achieve this lighter handling, next to the changed riding position, weight was reduced by 6 kg from 230 to 224 kg. A few years ago this was the figure for big supersport machines.
To support the improved handling the suspension saw an upgrade too: front fork and rear suspension settings are modified to ensure better road holding. Both wheels are lighter to support suspension accuracy with their lowered unsprung weight.
On the other hand the rear wheel axle has increased diameter and the swingarm pivot section has been modified for increased stiffness.
Even the engine was under scrutiny: new carburator, in combination with new camshaft profile have resulted in a better torque particular in low and mid range. "This makes riding on country lanes a real pleasure. Just shift to 4th or 5th gear and roll along with always plenty of pulling power when you need it," says Oliver with a smile.
"It is interesting to see the popularity of XJR has been stable both in Europe and also in Japan," adds Tony Maeda, product planning manager at Yamaha Motor Europe. "In particular in Japan, experienced motorcyclists favour XJR, since the machine is a pleasure on Japans smaller roads in spite of the relatively high density of traffic there. With its powerful engine and the agile handling, XJR somehow transfers coolness when in a sandwich between cars and also lets you easily escape by overtaking when you activate its torque and power. And like a custom concept, XJR is an ideal basis for personal customisation. There are plenty of accessory companies you can choose from to change technical parts as well as styling parts to make your XJR as unique as you like."
The silent evolution of XJR 1300 shows the commitment of engineers and planners to guarantee constant improvement of Yamaha models of many years, rather than changing bikes directions or styling just for changes sake. We think matured motorcyclists will appreciate this attitude.

2002 Yamaha XJR1300

2001 Yamaha XJR1300SP
Yamaha XJR1300 series model history timelines
This year marks the shift from 1200 to 1300. The bike features a bigger-bore engine (1188 to 1251 cc) and a reinforced, stiffer chassis as well.
Handling is improved by an uprated front fork with revised damping and preload adjusters and a narrower front tire (from 130 to 120).
A wider rear tire (180) and R1 style front brakes keep the additional power in check.
Technically, the engine is upgraded with chrome-composite plated aluminium cylinders, forged pistons and a more compact drive chain.
The design is subtly retouched with new sidepanels and tail cover, but keeping true to the original, classic and timeless lines that made this machine so popular.
The visible, honest air-cooled engine design with polished cooling fins and prominent DOHC head is a joy for the eye, as well as the double-cradle steel frame with its beautifully exposed double shock absorbers!
The standard version comes in black and dark green.
The SP version takes the high grade finish to an even higher level with its special paint scheme, special seat surface and Öhlins shock absorbers.
It is available in blue 'Yamaha Racing France style' and in black/red/white 'AMA racing series style'.
1999 Yamaha XJR1300

1999 Yamaha XJR1300
2000 Yamaha XJR1300
A new silver metallic complements the existing black colour.
The SP models come in new blue/white/black or red/white/black combinations.

2000 Yamaha XJR1300

2000 Yamaha XJR1300SP
2001 Yamaha XJR1300
New colours and graphics for the SP version: new blue/black and yellow/white/black combinations.

2001 Yamaha XJR1300SP

2001 Yamaha XJR1300SP
2002 Yamaha XJR1300

Yamaha XJR1300 series model history timelines
A new 4-in-2-in-1 exhaust system, with single instead of dual mufflers, and new carburettors, reduce weight by 6 kg.
Other weight reduction details are for example a lighter rear wheel, lighter swingarm assembly, a hollow rear axle and a more compact rear brake caliper.
An air induction system is added to comply with EU-1 emission regulations.
Fuel tank, seat and sidecovers are redesigned to give the bike a slimmer mid section and offer a narrower knee grip. The riding position is moved slightly forward for better handling.
Suspension settings are refined and Öhlins rear suspension now comes as standard. Also the 'special' colours (with graphics) are standard now. Colours are black/silver, silver/white/black and blue/white/black. Some of the colours now come in combination with a silver engine (instead of black).
2002 Yamaha XJR1300

2002 Yamaha XJR1300

2002 Yamaha XJR1300

2002 Yamaha XJR1300
2003 Yamaha XJR1300
New graphics and 3 base colours: black, blue/black and yellow/black. The yellow colour features a black engine, the other colours a silver engine.

2002 Yamaha XJR1300

2002 Yamaha XJR1300

2005 Yamaha XJR1300
2004 Yamaha XJR1300New wheels and front discs are lighter than before, and the suspension settings are stiffer.
With a catalyser in the exhaust the bike now meets EU-2 regulations and an immobilizer system (with chip coded ignition key) is now standard equipment. Also the instruments are updated with an electronically driven speedometer.
Colours for this year are Yamaha blue (with graphics) and Midnight black (without graphics).

2004 Yamaha XJR1300
2004 Yamaha XJR1300
2005 Yamaha XJR1300New blue colour with a bold center stripe on the fuel tank.
Black colour is continued without graphics.

2005 Yamaha XJR1300

2005 Yamaha XJR1300
2006 Yamaha XJR1300Blue and black colours are continued.

2006 Yamaha XJR1300

2009 Yamaha XJR1300
Yamaha XJR1300 series model history timelines
2007 Yamaha XJR1300
Another step in the consistent evolution of the XJR1300: adoption of a fuel injection system and optimized engine settings.
The exhaust system is new and equipped with an EXUP valve and 3-way catalyser to meet EU-3 regulations. The part under the engine has a stainless steel finish instead of the black paint of the previous years.
Latest Öhlins shocks are featured, with an easier to adjust preload system.
Suspension settings and riding position are finetuned.
The instruments are slightly changed and clear flasher lenses and oval mirrors come standard.
The dual, round LED taillights make this model very recognizable from the rear.
Colours are black and a new power blue.

2007 Yamaha XJR1300

2007 Yamaha XJR1300
2008 Yamaha XJR1300
A new white colour is introduced while the black colour gets a new graphic on the tank.

2008 Yamaha XJR1300

2008 Yamaha XJR1300
2009 Yamaha XJR1300The black colour is continued while Silver Tech, with a very special graphic on the tank, is new.

2009 Yamaha XJR1300
2010 Yamaha XJR1300Black and Silver Tech are continued.

2010 Yamaha XJR1300
2011 onwards - Yamaha XJR1300 blacked out
2011 Yamaha XJR1300
Yamaha XJR1300 series model history timelinesWhat you're feeling is natural. It's the excitement, tinged with awe, of viewing a XJR1300. This is a big machine. It's big on power, big on technology, and big on street-dominating style.
It's an eye-grabbing engineering masterpiece that bonds classic air-cooled engine design with four valves per cylinder, fuel injection and a great-sounding EXUP exhaust. The superbly balanced chassis completes the picture, with a double cradle tubular steel frame.
The chunky 43 mm front forks, three-spoke alloy wheels and monobloc 4-piston front brake calipers with floating discs add even more muscularity. This is a machine that comes with style and size.
Details1,251cc 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, 4-valve engine
Muscular tubular steel frame
Massive torque outputThree-spoke alloy wheels
Big, intimidating style
Bold and dynamic engine architecture
FeaturesAt Yamaha we have a reputation for breaking through boundaries. We've proven ourselves repeatedly by winning competitions on the tarmac and in the dirt, and you can count on our legendary spirit for high-tech bikes that also deliver winning performances on the street.
Our street machines are made to intimidate with their styling, from the muscular grace of the XJR1300 to the Supermotard flair of the XT660X or the zippy playfulness of the YBR250.
But they're also made to back up those looks with serious performance - with engines made for quick acceleration, and chassis designed for comfort and handling.
Big, beautiful powerplantThe XJR1300 has the big, burly engine to back up its powerful looks. The air-cooled, 4-stroke, forward-inclined parallel 4-cylinder, 4-valve, DOHC engine produces a mighty 71.9 kW (98 PS) of power at 8,000 rpm and torque of 108.4 Nm (11.1 kg-m) at 6,000 rpm.
Boldly styled chassisWith a bike this powerful, you want to make an impact. The frame of the XJR1300 ensures that you do. The superbly balanced chassis accentuates the bike's bulk, and the double cradle tubular steel frame, reinforced with a box-section aluminium swingarm, gives even more muscularity.
Lightweight 3-spoke alloy wheelsSerious power demands strong traction and handling. The XJR1300's 3-spoke alloy wheels minimise unsprung weight for sharp steering while the wide tyres provide excellent road-holding.
Chunky, adjustable suspensionTo fully appreciate great power, you need to stay comfortable. The XJR1300's suspension system is based around fully-adjustable Öhlins shocks, and chunky, muscular-looking 43 mm front forks, which provide total cushioning against rougher sections of road.
Vocal EXUP exhaustWith the XJR1300, your arrival is announced as much by the powerful purr of the engine as by the dominating looks of the bodywork. That purr is accentuated by the great sound of the upswept, low emission, EXUP exhaust. It's the kind of simple pleasure that you only get from a classically-styled muscle bike.
Controlled brakingPower is nothing without control and the XJR1300's 298 mm dual disc front brake with monobloc four-piston calipers do just that - and the discs not only ensure keep you in charge at all times, but look great too.
2011 Yamaha XJR1300A new black version is introduced. The combination of the striping on the fuel tank, the beautiful black engine and - for the first time - a black swingarm and black front fork, creates a very special effect.

2011 Yamaha XJR1300
Engine
Engine type air-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, forward-inclined parallel 4-cylinder, 4-valve
Displacement 1,251cc
Bore x stroke 79.0 mm x 63.8 mm
Compression ratio 9.7 : 1
Maximum Power 71.9 kW (98PS) @ 8,000 rpm
Maximum Torque 108.4 Nm (11.1 kg-m) @ 6,000 rpm
Lubrication system Wet sump
Carburettor Fuel Injection
Clutch Type Wet, multiple-disc coil spring
Ignition system TCI
Starter system Electric
Transmission system Constant Mesh, 5-speed
Final transmission Chain
Chassis
Frame Steel Double Cradle
Front suspension system Telescopic forks
Front travel 130 mm
Caster Angle 25º
Trail 100 mm
Rear suspension system Swingarm, (link suspension)
Rear Travel 125 mm
Front brake Hydraulic Disc, Ø 298 mm
Rear brake Single Disc, Ø 267 mm
Front tyre 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyre 180/55 ZR17M/C (73W)
Dimensions
Overall length 2,175 mm
Overall width 765 mm
Overall height 1,115 mm
Seat height 795 mm
Wheel base 1,500 mm
Minimum ground clearance 125 mm
Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank) 245 kg
Fuel tank capacity 21 litres
Oil tank capacity 4.2 litres
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