Yamaha A-S1200 integrated amplifier / SalonAV magazine

This is a pleasant road bike with a measured character. He doesn't like sharp turns and other sporty maneuvers, but is perfect for quiet everyday driving. The Yamaha HZHR 1200 is good for both streets and tracks outside the city limits.

This model has not been produced for twenty years, but due to its durability and simplicity, the motorcycle can still be bought in good condition, albeit on the secondary market. He is not able to compete with the top representatives of the road class, which have recently been released, but he does not need this.

Yamaha XJR1200

Yamaha XJR1200
Yamaha XJR1200

Pomology*

The Yamaha XJR1200 replaced the FJ1100/1200 family in 1994, however, if the FJ was a “sport tourer”, the XJR was born a full-fledged “classic”. It’s clear: if back in 1984 (the year the FJ1100 debuted) an engine that produced 125 horsepower could fit into a “sport-tourist” frame, then in 1994 it was, at least, no longer competitive. However, for a moderate “classic” the engine, which by that time had already “grown” to 1200 cm3, was perfectly suited. The inline four with an air-oil cooling system turned out to be so reliable and unpretentious that in 10 years it has not lost its relevance, and the mandatory de-boosting for all classics (from 124 to 98 hp) of the already quite high-torque engine only added “juiciness” to it " The diagonal frame was replaced by a steel duplex one, only the “tail” remained of the plastic body kit, and the rectangular headlight gave way to the classic round one.

*Pomology: the science of fruits.

Where to look for worms

When choosing a “hyzher”, all standard “general motorcycle” inspections and checks are quite applicable (conditions of brake discs, approximate assessment of frame geometry violations, etc.), but there are also some features of the model that are worth paying special attention to.

Overland navigation

All three new Yamaha stereo amplifiers are built using the proprietary Floating and Balanced Power Amplifier circuitry. Without going into details, its main difference from conventional symmetrical circuits is the signal and supply circuits “floating” above the ground. The output uses MOSFET transistors with the same conductivity, and none of the acoustic terminals are connected to ground, nor are the power rails of the output stage. There is no “middle” point; therefore, there is no constant component in the load.

This circuit design is supported by Yamaha's Low Impedance Concept. It is implemented due to the increased cross-section of wires between the amplifier outputs and screw terminals, between the power supply and the circuit, as well as all ground lines. The flagship model A-S3200, in addition, has a copper-plated chassis, the two older ones use wires made of PC-Triple C monocrystalline copper with an increased cross-section, and the A-S1200 uses wires made of pure copper with a slightly smaller cross-section.

What all three new models also have in common is that they implement the Mechanical Ground concept, which is expressed in a complex anti-vibration chassis design. This has the greatest effect on better reproduction of low frequencies.

Note also that all critical amplifier blocks are made of discrete elements; only tone controls and dial indicator circuits are built on operational amplifiers - just like the more expensive models in the line.

The A-S1200 retains the same luxurious speaker terminals as the older models. They are not only attractive in appearance, but also very comfortable, easy to twist with your fingers.

Yamaha XJR1200

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The external condition of the devices sometimes does not leave the best impressions, but often the “hizhers” look worse than they actually are. After all, even the most recent copies are now more than 10 years old. However, the quality of the materials and the “monumental” design are such that neither the chrome-plated elements of the fork or exhaust system, nor the painted parts (frame or suspension elements) bear any serious traces of corrosion. True, if there is such a thing, then most likely the motorcycle has stood for many years, blown by all the salty sea winds, in the open area of ​​some Japanese landfill, and it is better to refrain from buying such a copy - you can imagine what is going on inside the engine! Quite often, “hyzhers” suffer from oil leakage from under the valve cover. This is often the result of an aging rubber seal. By the way, traditionally for Yamaha in general and for engines with an air-oil cooling system in particular, the XJR “eats” oil. A completely normal phenomenon is a “horror” of up to 2 liters per 6,000 km of service-to-service mileage. Of course, this indicator sometimes greatly depends on both the oil and driving style. A “liquid” 10W40 synthetic engine will “eat up” much more than a “thick” 10W50 semi-synthetic. You should not use very “thick” varieties (15W50 or more): if the air temperature drops below 10 ºС, the thickened oil will create serious resistance and it is very likely that the battery will not have enough strength to turn the crankshaft. And the consequence of using “liquid” synthetics can be slippage of the starter overrunning clutch when starting the engine. This disease is treated by replacing the oil with a thicker and less “slippery” one.

Yamaha XJR1200

The rear caliper bracket sometimes collides with curbs - you need to park carefully.
The rear caliper bracket sometimes collides with curbs - you need to park carefully.

The oil level is also quite important for the XJR engine. Since the cooling system is air-oil, when the level drops to a minimum, cooling noticeably deteriorates, so it is better to keep the level at o.

A rather “talkative” timing mechanism is the norm for a “hizher”. This is the nature of an engine without a cooling jacket, so do not be alarmed by clanging sounds from the cylinder head, although someone is trying to reduce the price for a “worn out” or “unadjusted” valve drive. By the way, the statement is also true for a rattling clutch basket. The sounds will probably scare many Honda drivers, but you just have to come to terms with it. These sounds do not indicate any malfunctions or breakdowns. By the way, it is very likely that the excessively “raging” basket will noticeably calm down after washing and synchronizing the carburetors: uneven engine operation noticeably increases this characteristic clanging.

Another weak point is the clutch slave cylinder. It is located in close proximity to the drive sprocket and is not separated from it by any casing, so that all the dirt mixed with chain lube settles on its surfaces and it begins to flow. If the case is not particularly advanced, reassembling the unit and washing it will help. The best means of prevention is to coat the outside of the cylinder with a thick layer of grease, which will protect it from sand and dust, and from water. The second “ambush” is associated with attaching the clutch slave cylinder to the crankcase. Quite thin screws with fine threads are screwed into the silumin crankcase and often, due to careless assembly, the threads in the crankcase break off (CRANKER PRICE?). The force transmitted to the clutch basket by the cylinder is quite large, and if at least one of the screws is not tightened (or broken), the remaining two will suffer the same fate. So, when buying a motorcycle, you should inspect this unit more closely, check the tightness of the bolts and, if there is any suspicion, drill holes, cut new threads and install repair studs or bolts. For clearer operation of the clutch, it is worth installing a reinforced hose (PRICE?) instead of the standard one.

XJR 1200 R 1996 (Japan)

Yamaha XJR1200

Springs of increased rigidity are installed on the “original” shock absorbers.
Springs of increased rigidity are installed on the “original” shock absorbers.

There are no comments regarding the front brake (Brembo caliper) either in terms of efficiency or reliability. At the rear is a Tokico with a massive jet thrust. Quite often the piston warps in the cylinder and jams. So if the wear on the rear brake disc is noticeably greater than on the front ones, or it is “tarnished” in color, you should bargain with the seller for an amount equal to rebuilding the caliper with replacing all the rubber bands (PRICE?), or even the brake disc (PRICE?) , if the case is completely “clinical”. The rear brake is as effective as the front brake, so the only reasonable tuning is to install reinforced hoses (PRICE?).

Chassis and brakes

The pendants here are very simple and, accordingly, quite reliable. At the same time, both the front telescopic fork and the rear shock absorbers are comfortable and soft. Since there is a fairly powerful engine here, the brakes are appropriate. Moreover, the latter were of good quality from the very beginning of production. Three impressive discs were immediately installed on the bike, and as a result, stopping the XJR 1200 “at full speed” is not a problem.

The frame of this bike is steel and stylish. The powerful chrome-plated pipes especially stand out. You can immediately recognize this iron horse as a representative of the road classics of the eighties and nineties: literally everything speaks about this, from the headlights and steering wheel to the shape of the tank.

Yamaha XJR1200

The fastening of the clutch slave cylinder is a weak point (the repair pin with nut is highlighted in red).
The fastening of the clutch slave cylinder is a weak point (the repair pin with nut is highlighted in red).

Perhaps the last significant “bug” worthy of attention is the standard anti-theft system that was equipped with motorcycles of recent years of production. Due to imperfect design and age, in almost all cases this electronics is very “buggy” and causes a lot of trouble at the most inopportune moments. The downside is that it is impossible to disable it, since the system is “hardwired” into the engine control unit, and the only way to get rid of it is to replace the “brain” (not at all a cheap pleasure!). So it is better to opt for a copy without “anti-theft” .

White variety - black variety

The XJR1200 was not a purely domestic Japanese model; it was also supplied to Europe. Buyers have always been quite concerned about the question of the origin, or rather, the purpose of the motorcycle, because the “Japanese” speed is limited to 180 km/h. It is quite simple to distinguish the “Japanese” from the “European”: the engines of the “island” examples were always painted entirely black, while the “Europeans” shine with bare aluminum. In addition, the “domestic Japanese” were never stamped with the engine number, only the series, while all “Europeans” were numbered. Quite often you can find restored copies on sale, with engines assembled from “organs from different donors”: an engine with a light-colored crankcase and a black cylinder head, or vice versa - this should raise red flags. The rule does not apply to cylinder head covers. On absolutely all engines, both European and Japanese, it was not painted. Perhaps the most shameless deception can be considered the fairly widespread practice of selling 1200 “hugers” under the guise of the next generation of motorcycle - the XJR1300. The old model is simply “dressed up” in plastic from a more modern version and sold, “counting on a fool.” Since an inexperienced person is unlikely to be able to distinguish one from the other, it is better to be wary of suspiciously cheap 1300s and avoid them. And if you come across a “very tasty” and cheap specimen, it is better to invite one of the experienced “hyzher breeders” to the “bride.”

Selection

As we have already noticed, the engine was noticeably derated before being “registered” in the XJR frame, thanks to which it received a truly tractor-like traction throughout the entire speed range. True, the engineers have retained good potential for a completely “budgetary” motorcycle inflating. The engine is very tightly “squeezed” by the air: there is a pipe on the air filter cover onto which the filter element is placed. This pipe is almost equal in length to the filter itself and “cuts off oxygen” to the motor, cutting off most of the incoming air. The first step to “perk up” the engine is to remove this “appendix”. But it is important to leave about 2 cm from its length so that the filter element is securely fixed on it. Even this simple move will significantly add “spin” to the engine. The second step is to install a zero-resistance air filter. Even with standard jets and carburetor settings, such tuning will not lead to a lean mixture, and the dynamic characteristics will only improve. Of course, this set of “young tuners” will come in handy with a direct-flow exhaust system, but after replacing the “can,” you can’t do without installing tuning jets and reconfiguring the carbs, and this work is no longer so budget-friendly, although it is very effective.

Installing a Dynojet kit into the carburetors gives a noticeable increase in power and torque in the range from 4000 rpm and above, although with a slight decrease in “thrust” up to these rpms. The described set of works can, on average, increase engine power to 110–115 hp.

The beginning of this story lies long before the purchase. I have been interested in motorcycles for a long time, but at the theoretical level. The sea has been read, the darkness has been scanned. Reviews, comparisons, tests, owner reviews. But even with some knowledge, buying a motorcycle was impossible. The reason is obvious: no money. But I want to. Very... Truly, the Road will be Mastered by the One Who Walks. Opened a category. And I don’t know how (without experience, without really knowing how to ride), but I was lucky enough to work in one of the motorcycle services in our city as a mechanic. Despite the specific team, I was happy beyond belief (another step closer to the Dream). My knowledge grew exponentially, my experience increased by leaps and bounds. It was here that I learned the basics of motorcycle mechanics. Synchronizing carbs, changing oils and fluids, servicing forks, replacing sprockets and chains, brake pads and other routine things that I greedily absorbed. However, knowledge, knowledge, but I was not able to really earn money from these guys. But I want to have my own money. Very. Changed jobs. 2 years have passed and there is hope of buying at least scabies. Oh, the agony of choice, you can’t forget them. Relying on the accumulated knowledge, I dived into the abyss of the Almighty Internet for my pearl. And she carried it. Siberian! Yes, I will stab like Jorge Lorenzo... But although not, I want to live. Yes, and a little too small for me somehow. Further. ABOUT! Shadovka! Finally the theme is fire! What? There are no living ones? Yes, and a little too small for me somehow. Bandit? Are all scabies so small? It's a pity! What more can you buy for this money? Yeah, Seabi 750. Option. More! Bandit 750? A little expensive. So! ABOUT! Khizher 1200. Damn, two hundred liters, a bit much in my opinion. So, let’s take a look at the parameters... Yeah, that’s fine. It’s a bit old, of course, but that’s okay, our hands are not for boredom, right? Wow 250 kg, or maybe scabies? No, I don’t even want to look there anymore.

I've never seen so many ads in my life. We don’t have many in our city, 3 of them. Eh, I didn’t even have time to watch one. Others are expensive. Neighboring areas? Why not? Here is the normal version in Tchaikovsky. I call, the answers on the phone satisfy me. We agree. It's decided - I'm going. I buy a ticket, withdraw part of the money, take the equipment I bought in advance (a helmet and a turtle, not a lot, but at least something), wait for the next weekend and hit the road. The half-empty night bus, farting, departed from the platform. The city lights floated through the window, and here was the route. Bliss. Music on headphones. Still, this bus works somehow strangely. There are some jerks... Oh yeah, never mind... It’s better to go poorly than to go well. And with such thoughts, I resolutely made an attempt to sleep. There is a long road ahead and a lot to do, we need to rest. So! What kind of smell is this? It's like oil is burning. I open my eyes, there is smoke in the cabin. Fuck, we're on fire! The bus pulls to the side of the road. I look out the window (I was riding in the penultimate row), everything behind me is illuminated with yellow light. The bus stopped and opened the doors. I put my bag on my shoulder and ran to the exit (I had to see how the cars were burning and at what speed). The most amazing thing is that I ran out first, even though I was sitting farthest away. He ran out and went to look at the stern of this Korean barge. On the way, a driver with a fire extinguisher overtook me. We opened the lid, there was no fire, we looked at each other and exhaled. I mistook the emergency lights for a fire. In the smoke, and in the darkness, and half asleep, it seemed as if there was a blaze from behind. Half-asleep people poured out onto the night highway. We learn from the driver that they will come for us only in the morning. A couple of passengers had a hysterical episode, like “I don’t give a damn what’s wrong with your bus, take me back.” Somehow they calmed them down. Whether long or short, after 3 hours they stopped a bus going in the opposite direction. It was getting light. I returned to the city at 5 am and walking along the empty Saturday streets, I thought: “probably for the best.” I sent a text message to the seller, saying anyway, don’t wait for me unless next weekend, but I don’t have any use for this motorcycle anymore.

But I'm itching, I want a motorcycle. Very. I'm still looking at the advertisements. Here is an option this time in Chelyabinsk. Well, I already know the scheme up to a certain stage, I hope to complete this quest to the end. This time the list with me is more complete: a list of components to check, a compression gauge, a kit for repairing tubeless tires, pliers, a knife, and a few different wrenches. As they say, I didn’t take anything, I forgot everything)) It seems like a small thing, but the bag has gained a lot of weight. I also had to take a backpack. And here again is a ticket, a station, a bus, night, a highway, and at dawn we approach the most severe Ural city. It is so severe that the bus breaks down at the first traffic light. Yes, what is this!!! But no, this time I got off easier. The driver picked something in the depths of the engine compartment, and we safely reached the station. I handed over a bag with things and a turtle to the storage room. I took a backpack with tools and a helmet. Now it's easier.

The inspection location is not far from the station, the sun is shining, the mood is excellent. The morning breakdown no longer ruins my event. The seller arrives. Yes, of course, he looked better in the photo. I measure the compression (10.5/11/11.5/11.5). Not ideal, but it will do. The overall condition is a C grade (especially the condition of the rubber bands). It starts in a jiffy, rumbles smoothly, acceleration is stable, and does not smoke. There's a dent in the tank, no big deal, we can fix it. Tires to be replaced. Serve it properly and put it in order, there will be candy. The seller asks for adequate money. A little bargaining and that's it. Do you hear? ALL! He is mine! Let's go get ready. OSAGO, surprisingly without any extra traffic or queues, although the office is kind of strange, we don’t have one like that. And the dog is with him, the month of August is here, I am insured for 3 months. If only they would register them with direct flows, but the stern Chelyabinsk inspector did not even look in their direction. Phew, it's gone. It's time to pay, we go to the ATM. I think everyone knows that ATMs dispense no more than 40 thousand at a time, and you cannot withdraw more than 100 thousand per day. Those. you need 3 visits to the ATM 40+40+20. I received my first 40-year mark, and then it was as if half of Chelyabinsk knew that “that guy over there is going to take off a hundred rubles right now,” and a line was forming behind me. Out of politeness, I stand at the end of the line, and after a few minutes I find myself face to face with the ATM, but not for long. As soon as the machine began painfully counting out the next pack, a couple of suspicious characters stood behind me; in general, everyone seemed suspicious to me in those minutes, even the children. The ATM gave out everything in thousands, I also have cash in thousands, and suddenly it turns out that I have nowhere to put the money. I’m standing there like a fool, my pockets are full, I somehow put the documents in my back pocket, bills are in place of the documents, there’s no lock. It got hot. I did it. I go out to the seller, he says: “I thought you were sucked into the ATM.” We laughed. I sat down on my butt, driving and thinking, but there’s no lock on my pocket. A picture appeared in my head of two guys riding on a motorcycle, and blue-green pieces of paper were flying behind them. I got goosebumps. So he rode and held his pocket in his hand. We arrived, counted, everything was in place. Phew, another step has been completed. All that's left is to get home. I ask the now former owner to take me to the station. There's a turtle waiting for me and a bag in the storage room, and I'll get out of there myself. I take my clothes and transform from an asshole into a motorcyclist. I put on a backpack and attach the bag with a net (I inherited it). And here the jitters began, to fuck him. What if what happened to the moto? But I’ve never driven such a big one, and even in an unfamiliar city, how can I cope with it now? “There is no turning back” - pounded in my head. I got behind the wheel and started the engine. At that moment it seemed to me that everyone in the area had come running to look at the newcomer on the cubature to witness this fiasco. Come on, get your cameras out. Coming soon to YouTube in the Humor section. I set off and drove off. Damn, how he reacts to the throttle, you need to be more careful. I see myself in the mirror wall of a shopping center. Oh, fuck, is it me? Crawling, no further than third, no more than 60 km/h, in the right lane, I got out of the stuffy embrace of the city.

And here I am on the track, the weather is super. The finish line is 250 km. The difficulties are over, I relaxed. So, why does the steering wheel shake on bumps? Damn, I wish I could get there. On the highway no more than 90 km/h, I console myself with the fact that at least I won’t get any fines. Still boring. Motorcyclists come towards me and wave their hands, and I belatedly wave back. Cars are overtaking me, but it’s not scary. I started to overtake the truck when there was a blow from the side that set aside the bricks. Well, nothing, and this time I survived. The first 50 km, you have to stop. I brake, stand on the side of the road and take my hands off the side of the steering wheel because they won’t unclench. It’s as if I’ve finished a shift, I’m walking around the mooch, resting, stretching my hands. But time passes and we must go. I sit down and let me go, just like a samurai is not afraid to go to the battlefield, because he is ready to die, I start the engine and move off. No, I didn’t go to die, there’s nothing to it, but inside it seemed clear that life is life, and we don’t know to whom and how much is measured out, so we need to be able to enjoy the moment. We must be smart and try to prevent dangerous situations. It’s me who needs to do this, because I’m the most vulnerable participant (not counting pedestrians), and it’s me who needs to think about that guy in the two-wheeler who can’t hear anything because of the deafening rap, and figure out how this truck will turn, there’s a bus It’s slowing down, apparently for good reason, and there are children playing nearby... and thousands of situations. And my wife and son are waiting for me at home. With such thoughts, I didn’t even notice how my hometown appeared. And immediately into a traffic jam. I think, well, since I don’t have enough experience, I’ll drown again in the right lane. It turned out to be quite sad in the right lane + the air vent motor doesn’t like traffic jams. We need to master the aisle. And when I go, there’s just a lot of space between the curb and the right lane on the right. I change lanes and suddenly the situation occurs: the pilot of the cruiser decides that he, too, can fit here without a turn signal, and turns sharply to the right. Your mother!!! And here I am. The speed was not high and I managed to stop and the front wheel jumped onto the curb. Obscenity poured out of me like a river, it’s a pity that modular was closed. But I also saw my mistake, there is nothing to do to the right of the right. I changed lanes into the first row and made it to the garage without incident. Phew, I survived)) Or maybe take another ride at night? YES! I want to. Very.

The moral of this story is that if you are traveling to another city, you need to take with you a defect sheet, a belt or shoulder bag for documents and money, a small set of tools and always be prepared for the unexpected.

Yamaha XJR1200

On domestic Japanese copies, the engine number was not stamped.
On domestic Japanese copies, the engine number was not stamped.

Repeated attempts to further increase power by removing the rev limiter were unsuccessful: all attempts to “deceive” the electronics only led to a drop in power, so we do not recommend experimenting with this. The only way out is to install Power Commander. But removing the “Japanese” speed limiter is quite simple: just disassemble the device and disconnect the wire - the only one coming out of the speedometer. True, in this case the maximum speed will not increase much - to about 195 km/h, then the speed cut-off is triggered, so there is no particular practical sense in this modification.

Trust as an element of the system

Yamaha's principled approach, implemented in the A-S1200 integrated circuit, inspires respect and trust. They could have done like many others - left the XLR connectors “for beauty” and quietly abandoned the proprietary concept of a balanced path, used more cheap op-amps, even reduced power and increased distortion... No, they retained the high class, everything that affects on the character of the sound, and reduced only minor things that may not be needed at all.

This is how user loyalty is won. And it is more important than short-term gain.

Prepared based on materials from the AudioVideo Salon portal, October 2022
www.salonav.com This review has been read 7,098 times

Yamaha XJR1200

We control the oil level through the inspection window on the right side of the crankcase.
We control the oil level through the inspection window on the right side of the crankcase.

Another very useful and not very burdensome procedure designed to improve the consumer properties of the device is replacing the standard “525” chain and sprockets with “530”. The higher cost of the reinforced kit will more than pay for itself with a significantly longer service life.

Yamaha XJR1200

Cut pipe of the air filter cover (the original length of the part is indicated).
Cut pipe of the air filter cover (the original length of the part is indicated).

It is also worth paying attention to the rear tire. At the factory, the motorcycle was equipped with 180/55ZR17 tires. If you install a little wider tires - 190/55ZR17, the stability of the device at speed will improve slightly. But there is no point in experimenting with wider “rollers”: “stability” will turn into “sluggishness”.

How much for two hundred kilos?

Unfortunately, in Russia the motorcycle has not gained the popularity it deserves. There are noticeably fewer “hizhers” on sale, both in motorcycle dealerships and among private owners, than, say, a Honda CB1000. Apparently, this is due to the lower cost. On average, the price range ranges from 90–100 thousand rubles. for devices from 94–95 years, up to 150–170 thousand rubles. for copies of recent years of production. Don't be surprised to see a motorcycle in an ad with a bikini half-fairing and a rectangular headlight. This is not a home-grown tuning, but a version produced in small quantities. By the way, the small fairing does its job very well. Also, don’t be surprised to see the year 1997 in the ad. 2 years???THE YEAR 2000 after the end of production of the “1200” model, Yamaha released a kind of “anniversary” series of the XJR1200SP. The EsPe differs from the usual “hyzher” in its coloring and some details, but otherwise the motorcycle is identical to the basic version, but due to the more recent year of manufacture it costs 10–20 percent more.

Dimensions and weight

You can't call the XJR 1200 a lightweight car. Even without fuel, its weight is 232 kg. The fuel tank is impressive in its size - there are not many road bikes that have a capacity of up to 21 liters. But it is important to remember that gasoline consumption per 100 km here can range from 6 liters to 10 liters, and to save money you should not drive too fast. In general, the car has average dimensions and will be comfortable for a person of average height.

Yamaha XJR1200

The frame number is traditionally stamped on the steering column.
The frame number is traditionally stamped on the steering column.

As for selling the device after a few seasons, as a rule, there are no problems. Although the motorcycle is not as popular as others, there is always a stable demand for it. XJR doesn't lose much value as it ages. The guarantee of this is the more than once mentioned reliability and unpretentiousness of the machine. And, besides, everyone knows that true classics do not age, which means they do not lose value.

The author thanks Pavel Orlov from Moscow for technical advice and the motorcycle provided for filming.