Yamaha XJR 1300 The first thing that strikes me about this motorcycle is the pre-1990’s styling that exists. It suddenly reminds me of the Suzuki GS days of old when men were men and women were icons on the back of the beasts. The “neon” blue colour is certainly striking, along with immaculately plastic coated white wheels.

Later models (Yanky type) have a shaft drive, but if you are remotely like me, I like to stick to the conventional chain and sprocket “thank you”. A clean well-kept motorcycle will keep you happy for years and it is obvious that this motorcycle is well kept. With only 20384 miles on the clock, this beast is just run in. A classic low revving motorcycle with speeds of 70 miles per hour and around 3000rpm – I kid you not. Easy to insure and not classed as a “suicide motorcycle”.

The clocks are a little “bland” and you get this feeling that Yamaha want to keep it all-simple but at least they have had the common decency to upgrade the frame with the state of the art aluminium box framing.

While reviewing the motorcycle, I noted how clean the internal working of the machine actually was. The engine was spotless and hardly a blemish underneath and obvious that the paintwork had undergone plenty of good quality waxing.

I found the handlebars to be slightly higher than usual, or was it that I had driven that many “suicide machines” of late, that I had forgotten what a “real motorcycle looked like? The handlebar bolts reminded me of the “old chopper of the 70’s” and this certainly brought a dry smile to my fat face. Maybe Bennett’s should get in some classic “choppers”, complete with bicycle grips and send me on my way to Manchester for a test run – ah, the memories flood back.

A “Remus” exhaust system certainly “wakes up the neighbours” on a quiet Sunday morning and the whole motorcycle is balanced to give the rider a firm control when “belting around the Peak District”. Without doubt, the motorcycle is a “looker” and will certainly turn heads.

At £3795, this motorcycle is cheap, in fact, it is practically a “give away” and I simply cannot see this motorcycle lasting in the shop. Remember, all motorcycles are tested, taxed and given the “Bennett’s Motorcycle Assurance of Satisfaction” before leaving the shop.

The Yamaha XJR1300 comes with an excellent rear suspension system with gas reservoirs to match – even the cylinders at the rear of the bike look “super cool”. The seating arrangement is what I term as “passenger friendly” and I am sure that a “European tour” is certainly not out of range with this monster. The front suspension is practically the same as all the later XJS/XJR suspensions – firm and certainly rateable.

The main thing I hear you all say is “which one”? “The 1200 Bandit gets a great review but this motorcycle seems to be parallel with it”. Take your pick I say, yes the Bandit is certainly a bike that is popular, but if you want a bike that is not “10 a penny”, then choose this one. I will stick out my neck and say this…when the Bandit is in its 10th year of production, this motorcycle will be classed as a classic bike and you can probably sell it for more money. Take this as an investment – trust me.
(Review R. Warburton)