2006 Yamaha FJR1300 Photo Gallery

Yamaha's FJR1300 was already a major player in the sport-touring class, and it gets even better for '06.

The Yamaha Chip Controlled Shifting (YCC-S) on the FJR1300AE features an automatic clutch and remote shifting system actuated by the conventional foot shift lever or this push/pull toggle located on the left handlebar.

The FJR1300AE has an automatic clutch, not an automatic transmission. The actuator rod near the top of the photo controls the clutch. The decision to shift is still made by the rider, with the actual shifting taken care of by the auto-clutch and ECU.

The FJR's sporting potential is still its greatest asset, demonstrated by Duke here as he sparks its footpeg feelers through a corner.

Duke its a sport-tourer not a stunt bike!

The '06 FJR displays a few cosmetic changes, like new headlights, twin-stalk mirrors and improved fairing venting. Seen in this picture are its adjustable louvers at the trailing edge of the side fairing in their extended position, further helping to shed heat.

We enjoyed the FJR's added comfort and convenience amenities, but the bike could be even better with the addition of softer hand grips, a lighter throttle spring, and self-canceling turnsignals.

The 1298cc powerplant provides plenty of oomph to jump off the line at stoplights. Plus, the motor plays nice enough to meet up with the stringent Euro 3 compliance measures.

The '06 FJR displays a few cosmetic changes, like new headlights, twin-stalk mirrors and improved fairing venting. Seen in this picture are its adjustable louvers at the trailing edge of the side fairing in their extended position, further helping to shed heat.

The AE's fancy auto-clutch and remote shifting system would be a solid match for what Duke refers to as "those who take a more leisurely attitude toward riding."

The FJR sports a competent suspension system, with a fork that bests some of its class competition by allowing adjustment for preload as well as compression and rebound damping.

For those interested, the FJR is more than capable of cruising along at triple-digit speeds. We chose a standard-transmission model to show you the quartet of catalytic converters, demonstrating our responsibility to the environment if not traffic laws.

The FJR had a good year in 2005, and based on what we experienced this year should be more good news for Yamaha.