Yamaha has showcased the classic XJR1300 in two different avatars at the recently concluded INTERMOT motor show at Germany. The 2015 Yamaha XJR1300 was unveiled in standard classic and Cafe' Racer theme. The Yamaha XJR1300 in blue color reminds me the legendary Yamaha RD350, the naked roadster Yamaha XJR1300 has steel double cradle frame housed with 1250cc inline-4 Air cooled DOHC 4-valve engine producing 98PS of Power and 108Nm of torque at 6000 Rpm. The large inline-4 engine is mated to 5-speed transmission gear which transmits the power to the rear wheel of the bike through chain drive.
The Cafe' Racer variant of Yamaha XJR1300 comes with small bikini fairing, clip-on handle bars and short cowl on the rear seat giving the bike a perfect retro cafe' racer look. Both the models have 4-2-1 exhaust system, braking is taken care by the dual front disc brakes and rear single disc brake. The rear suspension is Ohlins gas charged dual shock absorbers whereas at the front Telescopic shock absorbers does the duty.
The Yamaha XJR1300 seems to be the perfect contender to fill the lacunae left by the legendary Yamaha RD350. Similar styling with all modern gadgets have made the Yamaha XJR1300 more apt as a replacement for Yamaha RD350. However the RD was only 350cc but with twin cylinder 2-stroke engine it was a one hooligan. Yamaha has not brought anything to replace RD350 till date in India, although they have introduced other high performance machines in the country but none has satisfied the hardcore bikers to that extent they forget the charisma of Yamaha RD350.
We are still waiting for something from Yamaha to quench the thirst of staunch 2-stroke lovers of India, we might get Yamaha XJR1300 at affordable price tag to begin another era of naked performance machine by Yamaha.By: Farhan Kashif