2016 Yamaha FJR1300ES Video Review

Evans Brasfield
by Evans Brasfield

Its whats inside that counts

Videos by Sean Matic

For 2016, Yamaha upgraded the popular FJR1300ES and FJR1300A with a significant internal change while leaving the rest of the motorcycle what on the surface seems basically the same. To discern the 2016 model from the 2015 at a distance, just go by the Cobalt Blue color instead of the Candy Red. You probably won’t be pick out the cornering lights or the LED lights all around – well, maybe the restyled brake light. Oh yeah, or the blindingly bright LED high beam until after dark.

2016 Yamaha FJR1300A And FJR1300ES Review

What stands front-and-center in the FJR update list is the new 6-speed transmission. This long requested change to the engine was no simple feat. Typically, adding a cog to a gearbox requires new, wider engine cases. However, that would have compromised the FJR’s ground clearance and added additional weight – two things it does not need. So, Yamaha’s engineers were challenged with the task of adding sixth-gear in the same cases. In the process, those smart folks also tightened up the gap between the gears. The result is a remarkable refinement to an established sport-touring motorcycle. In addition to the 6-speed, the FJR1300A gets new KYB suspenders front and rear to bring its handling closer to that of the ES model and its electronically adjustable suspension.

All the details are outlined in our full test of the 2016 Yamaha FJR1300ES/A, and now you get the chance to view our video review below.

Evans Brasfield
Evans Brasfield

Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.

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  • Adam Levy Adam Levy on Mar 30, 2016

    Bought one and am going to ride it across Australia starting next week done 600km on it so far very comfortable the lights are no BS awesome. only dislike for my mind first gear is to tall and as a city bike a bit difficult to get off the mark. small issue for me as most of my riding is highway. for the record it was the 6th gear and the led lights that finally put me on and FJR1300. for sale gsx1250fa

  • Mark Jones Mark Jones on Apr 17, 2016

    Was wondering why in some photos it looks like the FJR has amber running lights and in some it doesn't

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