The debut of Yamaha’s FJR 1300 caught many eyes in this year’s Salon de la Moto in Paris.
Salon de la Moto has the unenvied task of following the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan — a global event on the motorcycling calendar that every bike maker attends, and at which every bike maker arrives with brand new bikes.
Therefore the 180,000 people that are this week descending upon the Paris show, which counts 400 exhibitors including almost every global motorcycling brand, treat it as a catch up, a chance to see the bikes in the flesh in France that two weeks earlier had been delighting the crowds slightly further afield. As such it was an opportunity to see BMW’s R nineT scrambler, and to get up close and personal with the rejuvenated Honda Africa Twin.
A bike that not only signals the brand’s intent to re-enter the adventure bike segment with purpose but to do so at a price that undercuts the competition.
However, there was one surprise courtesy of Yamaha. Who chose the French capital to unveil the new FJR 1300. One of the company’s most popular and well-loved models, despite its idiosyncrasies, exterior changes have been kept to a minimum so as to keep the faithful loyal.
It does get new LED running lights and a twin eye optical signature, and, as well as look cool, they can also flex, literally. The new headlamps can cast their beam into the on-coming corner to illuminate any nasty surprises ahead of time.
And as cool as that is, it’s the changes under the fairing that will be most welcomed. For 2016, the FJR 1300 will finally be getting a lightweight six-speed transmission and a lighter clutch — so faster acceleration, better progress, smoother touring and better fuel economy.
There is also a new emphasis on safety. All new FJR 1300 models will roll out of the Yamaha production facility with Dianese D-Air motorcycle air bag compatibility. A Dianese dealer will still have to fit the necessary kit, but once installed, the bike will wirelessly communicate with the D-Air Street system airbag jacket.
(With AFP inputs)