2016 Yamaha FJR1300A Specs & Review

The FJR1300A is Yamaha’s legendary sport-touring machine, built for riders who want big-mile comfort without sacrificing speed or precision. With a stout inline-four, shaft drive, and thoughtful rider aids, it’s as happy slicing up backroads as it is devouring highway miles.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Displacement: 1298 cc
• Power (claimed): 108 kW (147 PS) @ 8000 rpm (≈ 146 hp)
• Torque: 138 Nm / 102 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm
• Wet weight: 289 kg (A)
• Yamaha FJR1300A seat height: 805 or 825 mm (adjustable)
• Engine type: 1298 cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline-4; 16 valves
• Transmission: 6-speed; assist-and-slipper wet clutch
• Final drive: Shaft

Engine & Performance

On paper, the 2016 Yamaha FJR1300A specs tell a clear story: a 1298 cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline-four delivering a claimed 108 kW (147 PS) at 8000 rpm, with 138 Nm (102 lb-ft) of torque peaking at 7000 rpm. In the real world, that translates to effortless thrust from low revs and authoritative midrange roll-on—ideal for passing on the highway or powering out of sweepers with poise.

Yamaha’s Fuel Injection with YCC-T (ride-by-wire) and Mikuni 42 mm throttle bodies give crisp response and refined fueling in varied conditions. D-Mode lets you tailor throttle character to your ride, while the 6-speed gearbox and assist-and-slipper wet clutch help smooth downshifts and keep the big four settled under hard braking. An estimated 36 mpg US combined with a generous 25.0 L (6.6 gal) tank supports long stints between fuel stops, and the TCI ignition keeps starts consistent and clean.

Shaft drive suits the FJR’s high-mile mission perfectly—low maintenance, clean, and drama-free torque delivery to the rear wheel without chain fuss.

Handling, Comfort & Yamaha FJR1300A Seat Height

The chassis is an aluminum twin-spar (diamond) frame with geometry aimed squarely at stability and confidence: a 26.0° rake, 109 mm of trail, and a 1545 mm wheelbase. Those numbers contribute to planted high-speed manners and reassuring composure with luggage or a passenger, yet the bike remains predictable in tighter sections thanks to well-sorted suspension and balanced weight distribution.

On the FJR1300A, you get a fully adjustable 48 mm telescopic fork with 135 mm of travel, paired with a single shock offering adjustable preload and rebound and 125 mm of travel. The setup allows you to dial in ride quality for solo sport rides or loaded touring alike. Ground clearance stands at 130 mm, sufficient for brisk cornering in the sport-touring realm.

Yamaha FJR1300A weight is listed at 289 kg (wet) for the A model. At parking-lot pace you’ll feel it, but at speed the mass melts away into a smooth, planted ride that soaks up miles with ease. The Yamaha FJR1300A seat height is adjustable between 805 and 825 mm, helping a wide range of riders find the right stance; shorter riders may prefer the lower setting for easier footing, while taller riders will appreciate the added legroom.

Tire sizes are confidence inspiring and common for the class: 120/70ZR17 up front and 180/55ZR17 at the rear, offering a broad range of sport-touring rubber options.

Equipment & Features

Braking is a highlight: dual 320 mm front discs and a 282 mm rear disc, backed by Yamaha’s Unified Braking System and ABS for powerful, balanced stopping in all conditions. Rider aids include traction control, cruise control, and D-Mode—useful tech that enhances safety and reduces fatigue without overcomplicating the ride.

Lighting is modern and functional with LED head and tail lamps. The instrument cluster is a three-part panel with a multi-function display, delivering the information you need at a glance. The A model’s suspension is fully adjustable manually; if you want on-the-fly electronic adjustability and additional lighting tech (lean-angle sensitive cornering lights), Yamaha offers the FJR1300ES variant.

Additional chassis and component highlights from the 2016 Yamaha FJR1300A specs:

• Frame: Aluminum twin-spar
• Fuel system: Yamaha Fuel Injection with YCC-T
• Final drive: Shaft
• Front suspension (A): 48 mm fully adjustable; 135 mm travel
• Rear suspension (A): Adjustable preload & rebound; 125 mm travel

For 2016, US MSRP was $16,390 for the A model (ES: $17,990). In the UK (EU launch pricing), the A was £13,299 (AE £14,799; AS £15,499). Color options included Cobalt Blue (US) and Matt Silver 1 or Dark Gray Metallic N (EU/JP).

Who Is the 2016 Yamaha FJR1300A For?

This is a bike for experienced riders who value real-world pace and mile-after-mile comfort. Daily commuters will appreciate the smooth fueling, cruise control, and shaft drive; weekend warriors will love the strong midrange and composed chassis on fast backroads. Newer riders may find the combination of 146 hp (claimed) and a 289 kg wet weight a lot to manage, but seasoned enthusiasts will see it as a refined, dependable sport-tourer with serious legs.

Torquepedia Verdict

The FJR1300A remains a benchmark for bulletproof, high-speed touring with sportbike DNA. Strengths include a muscular inline-four with excellent fueling, a robust chassis, serious brakes with ABS and Unified Braking, practical rider aids, and a long-distance friendly fuel capacity. The adjustable seat height helps fit a range of riders, and the shaft drive keeps maintenance low.

Its weaknesses are predictable for the class: at low speed the weight is noticeable, and riders who want push-button suspension tuning will eye the ES variant. Still, taken as a complete package, the 2016 Yamaha FJR1300A is a smart, confidence-inspiring pick for riders who prioritize performance and reliability on every mile.

FAQ

• Is the 2016 Yamaha FJR1300A good for beginners? Generally no. With a claimed 108 kW (147 PS) and a 289 kg wet weight, it’s better suited to experienced riders.

• What is the seat height of the 2016 Yamaha FJR1300A? The Yamaha FJR1300A seat height is adjustable to 805 or 825 mm.

• How heavy is the 2016 Yamaha FJR1300A? The Yamaha FJR1300A weight is 289 kg (wet) for the A model.

• What are the power and torque figures? Claimed output is 108 kW (147 PS) @ 8000 rpm (≈ 146 hp) and 138 Nm / 102 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm.

• Does it have cruise control and traction control? Yes. Rider aids include traction control, cruise control, and D-Mode, alongside ABS with Unified Braking.