The XJR1300 is the last of the air-cooled Japanese muscle bikes. The 1251cc inline four produces 97bhp and 80lb-ft, and it is packed with so much grunt you can crawl through town in top gear without any drama. Power delivery is smooth from tickover to the 9,500rpm redline, and the midrange makes overtaking effortless. No traction control, no ride modes, no electronics between you and the engine, which is exactly the appeal.
The suspension is genuinely top-shelf. Twin Öhlins rear shocks adjustable for preload and rebound, and fully adjustable forks with a diamond-like coating on the stanchions to cut stiction. Braking is by twin 298mm discs with four-piston radial monobloc calipers, and Yamaha fitted braided lines as standard. Stability is superb in a straight line and through corners, and the weight gives it a planted, magic-carpet feel on motorways and around town.
Reliability is the standout.
This beast of an XJR features adjustable levers, three keys including red key, owners manual and service book with a history comprising of three stamps.