The Yamaha FJR1300 as Touring Bike

Yesterday I was at an Yamaha dealer to look for the Yamaha FJR1300, which is sold as a Supersport Tourer. The Yamaha FJR1300 is powered by a compact, lightweight 1298cc, DOHC, 16-valve, liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder engine delivers power and torque for an unequaled spread of muscle over a wide rpm range.

For 2009 the Yamaha FJR1300 got an updated clutch to reduce lever pressure for rider comfort, pushbutton adjustable windscreen and a thick comfy seat for two are perfect for comfortable, long-distance riding, and Advanced air management system and adjustable bodywork keep the FJR1300 rider looking and feeling cool.

All this would make a great bike but, I'm not sure whether the Yamaha quite knows what it's supposed to be. It looks like a tourer, with its big, wind-cheating fairing, electric screen and hard panniers. It feels like a tourer, with a big comfortable seat, high handlebars and comprehensive dash layout. And certainly measures up to other tourers with its massive capacity engine, hefty kerb weight and huge torque figures. Get it moving, however, and it suddenly forgets all that and turns into a snarling, dribbling, red-eyed beast.

The engine really is something else, it feels much more raw than the other touring bikes I looked at. Like the Honda Pan European, it doesn't give much at the bottom end, but as the revs climb it just shoves out a massive, seemingly endless wave of power. Almost scary if you're not expecting it, but an absolute rush if you are. It does get a wee bit vibey and for me it could do with a sixth gear. But it's just awesome.

Its sporty pretensions carry on into the riding position: lower bars and higher pegs give a slightly more sporty stance, without compromising too much comfort, and the suspension set-up coped well with just about any cornering situation, although tip it in too far and the lack of ground clearance soon remind you, you're actually on a tourer and shouldn't be riding like some excitable racing type.

On the machines I have looked at, the Yamaha FJR1300 inspired confidence from the off. Although heavy, its low seat and compact dimensions made the whole experience less intimidating than the Honda Pan European, and aside from a few niggles like the incomprehensible clock and useless adjustable screen, its adrenaline inducing engine and sharp handling injected the touring experience with a good dose of excitement.