Fiddlesticks Posted February 11, 2022 Share Posted February 11, 2022 My first motorcycle: a tidy 07 reg Yamaha XJR1300. Maybe it's not the obvious choice for a new rider, but after spending the weekend looking at the tired sports tourers in my price bracket, I saw the classic lines of this retro-styled muscle bike and fell a little bit in love. No, it doesn't have a fairing. I dropped a faired Yamaha 650 on my leg about 20 years ago. The bruise took about six months to heal, but the fairing had to be scrapped. I figure, one less thing to worry about. The lack of screen and luggage can be rectified for a price, but for now I'm basking in its cobalt blue and silver magnificence. The most techie piece of kit on this motorcycle is the digital 12 (not 24!) hour clock that sits recessed in the chunky metal by the ignition. There are a couple of dash lights, a chrome analogue speedo with matching rev counter and not much else. The engine is a fuel-injected, air cooled inline 4. Well, I'm new to this game so not sure how that stacks up to anything except the fun SV650 I learned to ride on. Bigger, heavier, faster, louder but actually nothing too intimidating. You don't really want to go too fast, but it is nice to have almost 100bhp and oodles of torque on tap should you need it. We're missing some engine braking, but the brakes themselves are very good. Slow speed handling requires a bit more commitment, but I can still do a U-turn and figure 8 without difficulty. The Ohlins shocks and comfortable seat make for a great ride. Add a pillion plus luggage and it won't notice the difference. I'm given to understand that MPG may not be the best, but what you get here is some old school cool and a big smile. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bender Posted February 11, 2022 Share Posted February 11, 2022 @Fiddlestickspics 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiddlesticks Posted February 11, 2022 Author Share Posted February 11, 2022 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeHorton Posted February 11, 2022 Share Posted February 11, 2022 Looks great a bike I've always liked great looks I'm sure you will enjoy and you won't lose money on it! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old-codger Posted February 12, 2022 Share Posted February 12, 2022 Now that is a nice looking bike. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyrider Posted February 12, 2022 Share Posted February 12, 2022 (edited) On 30/01/2021 at 14:03, dynax said: Edited February 12, 2022 by skyrider Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyrider Posted February 12, 2022 Share Posted February 12, 2022 if i was a bigger guy i would have one as i think they are a great looking bike especially the red black and silver one 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeHorton Posted February 12, 2022 Share Posted February 12, 2022 I'm a fan of the Kenny Roberts colour Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyrider Posted February 13, 2022 Share Posted February 13, 2022 and the xjr 4 has crossed my mind a few times there is a grey import dealer nearby and they get them in now and again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mississippi Bullfrog Posted February 14, 2022 Share Posted February 14, 2022 Retro muscle bikes are cool. It looks gorgeous. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Fro Posted February 15, 2022 Share Posted February 15, 2022 10 hours ago, Mississippi Bullfrog said: Retro muscle bikes are cool. It looks gorgeous. Retro muscle bikes have always been cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonio Posted February 15, 2022 Share Posted February 15, 2022 Ohlins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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