Yamaha XJR1300 Racer

Make Model	Yamaha XJR 1300 Racer
Year	2015 - 16
Engine	Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Capacity	1251 cc / 76.34 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	79 x 63.8 mm
Cooling System	Air Cooled
Compression Ratio	9.7:1
Lubrication	Wet sump
Oil capacity	4.2 Litres / 0.28 qu
Exhaust	4-2-1 matt black
Induction	Fuel Injection
Ignition	Digital TCI
Starting	Electric
Max Power	106 hp / 77.3 kW @ 6000 rpm
Max Torque	108 Nm / 80 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
Clutch	Wet, multiple-disc coil spring
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Steel double cradle
Front Suspension	Telescopic fork, Coil spring/oil damper
Front Wheel Travel	130 mm / 5.1 in
Rear Suspension	Swingarm, ÖHLINS Coil spring/gas-oil damper
Rear Wheel Travel	120 mm / 4.7 in
Front Brakes	2x 298mm discs 4 piston caliper
Rear Brakes	Single 245mm disc 2 piston caliper
Front Tyre	120/70 -ZR17
Rear Tyre	180/55-ZR17
Rake	25.0°
Trail	100 mm / 3.9 in
Dimensions	Height 1120 mm / 44.1 in Length 2190 mm / 86.2 in Width 820 mm / 32.3 in
Wheelbase	1500 mm / 59.0 in
Ground Clearance	132 mm / 5.2 in
Seat Height	820 mm / 32.2 in
Dry Weight	222 kg / 489 lbs
Wet Weight	240 kg / 529 lbs
Fuel Capacity	14 Litres / 3.6 US gal

The revised XJR1300 and XJR1300 Racer has the Yamaha’s 1300cc air-cooled inline-four 98hp / 80 lbs•ft engine. It take on the lines of the classic “naked bike” aesthetic building upon Yamaha’s previous offering.

Yamaha says that it has worked closely with motorcycle customizers to update the 2015 Yamaha XJR1300, and the result is an addition to its “Sport Heritage” line, with a decidedly sporty twist coming from the Yamaha XJR1300 Racer, which has carbon fiber bodywork and clip-on handlebars.

Of note are the Öhlins rear shocks, and the front forks with their diamond-like coating (DLC). Other points of interest include the 4-2-1 exhaust, and the 3.8 gallon fuel tank.

The Yamaha XJR1300 Racer comes with an Akrapovic exhaust and various Rizoma goodies.

Built in collaboration with Wrenchmonkees and Deus Ex Machina, the Yamaha XJR1300 was built with the customization crowd in mind. As such, Yamaha has a bevy of parts available to mold your XJR1300 into your own desired form.

Overview

Due to the fact the XJR is quite a long bike, it is a stretch to reach to the clip-ons whereas the flat bars are positioned far more naturally. While this gives an authentic ‘Joe Bar’ feel to the riding position, it also makes it quite painful on your wrists, lower back and neck when cruising at low speeds. It may look and feel cool in a retro way, but it’s certainly nowhere near as relaxed as the flat bar stance and if comfort takes precedence over style with your riding, stick with the flat bars. However, up the pace and the Racer makes more sense.

Through faster bends the clip-ons come into their own and give the XJR a more sporting attitude. The stretched out riding position is better for moving around the bike and hanging off a bit while the fact you are sat lower also helps with cornering. It’s not a massive difference as the flat bars are also quite useful when it comes to levering the bike into bends, however the Racer is certainly, as the name suggests, sportier in its outlook. Which is the model to get?

Although the Racer looks great, it is compromised due to its riding position and if you are looking at riding through town a lot it will become a frustration. If, however that whole cafe racer image floats your boat, and you don’t mind a bit of discomfort, then for £1000 it does give the XJR a whole new outlook on life and a nice spark of attitude. Especially if you fit a loud exhaust.

Source bennetts.co.uk

Yamaha XJR 1300 Racer