Yamaha’s 847cc triple currently resides in the production FZ-09, which we tested at the press launch a few months ago. We have just finished a longer term evaluation of the FZ-09, which we will post shortly. The engine in the FZ-09 is a gem … just an inexpensive air/fuel ratio adjustment away from perfection.
With word surfacing roughly a week ago that Yamaha has sought to trademark the “FJ-09” name here in the United States, it appears likely that the new triple will next find a home in a sport tourer, as a smaller brother to the FJR1300. In our opinion, no significant engine tuning would be necessary … other than adding some additional flywheel weight to soften the power delivery. In the existing FZ-09, the engine already has loads of low-end grunt. Perfect for high speed, two-up, luggage-laden touring.
Given the popularity of the adventure touring category, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Yamaha feature this triple in a junior Ténéré, as well. Stay tuned.
for me a new tdm900 with this engine.
It is very unfortunate that the FZ-09 exhibits a twitchy throttle. Emissions is the whipping boy for everything. When a notion is repeated often enough, it becomes what is nowadays referred to as a “meme”. The twitchy throttle is most likely due to the fuel cutoff implemented in the ECU or processor in control of fueling. Since the computer also has the ability to close the throttle, it likely does that as well. The software likely has been written to do this anytime that it detects that the rider is closing the throttle. When the rider is closing the throttle, the rate at which it is being closed is enhanced, by the ECU. One effect is that it feels like engine braking is stronger than it is really, which lends a sort of binary feel, i.e., the twitchy sensation. But why do this? It does not seem likely to me that the underlying reason would be emissions per se. I say this for two reasons. First, any reduction in emissions would occur only while the throttle is being closed, and I’ve never heard of emissions being tested subject to that as a condition, which would be nearly impossible to do in emissions inspection stations. Second, there likely is no significant change in emissions anyway, and if there is, oxides of nitrogen likely increase, because a lean mixture (excess oxygen) combined with high temperature is the recipe for oxides of N.
I think it is very likely that this is the correct explanation. The only reason for doing it, that I can think of, is a marginal improvement in fuel economy. Any improvement in fuel economy will have some benefit with emissions, but not in the regulatory sense, for the reason discussed in the previous paragraph. I know that it seems silly to put up with a twitchy throttle just to get a little bit better fuel economy, but this is the only rationale that makes apparent sense, and I am reminded often that the Japanese manufacturers have a different philosophy about lots of things. Even with their cars, I see lots of things that just leave me scratching my head. Things that make perfect sense to them, but not to me.
The theory that is popular and expounded elsewhere, which is superficially similar but that claims that the fuel management logic is switching the A/F ratio between the setting that is best for power and the setting that is best for completeness of combustion, seems very likely incorrect to me. The reason is that, while it is true that a slightly rich mixture will improve power slightly at the expense of an increase in HC emissions and poorer fuel economy, the difference in power between the two settings is practically negligible and not easily justified given the tradeoffs. The difference in power certainly is not strong enough to produce the sensation of a twitchy throttle.
Thus, the reason that the throttle is twitchy is most likely that the manufacturer made it twitchy on purpose, in order to improve fuel economy slightly. The twitchy throttle most likely did not occur as an unwanted consequence of varying the A/F ratio in the effort to reduce emissions.
The fuel cut is a legal requirement in the US for all FI systems. I don’t know why it seems to affect Yamaha’s FZ line more than most.
yamaha fj-09 forums dought com
Will the new forum attract all of the FJ faithful?
A 900cc two stroke triple is what we need, what 200 hp.
Underpowered! Surely (like me) you would only be satisfied with a V6 supercharged 3 litre putting out 500hp? Its a the minimum in my book. 😉
under 500 lbs, of course… 1 H.P. per pound is what I call a good start!
I,ve never owned a triple but had my 86 BMW K100
for 19 years and everyone said how much smoother the K 75 was . I,m excited for the FJ or the Tenere Triple.
FJ-09!!!!!!!!!!!! and puleez, enough alternator output to handle heated gear. My mony is waiting.
If adventure touring is the broadly favoured market to be addressed by Yamaha then the MT07 / FZ 07 engine is my pick for the application. The bore / stroke ratio on the MT07 has a greater bias towards torque at lower revs and will still satisfy most power requirements.
It’s already been stated but adventure bikes generally offer a more open / upright riding stance, more length in the suspension and generally expanded versatility over extensively (read expensively) optioned street only models.
Put the MT07 engine into the 660 Tenere rolling chassis, get rid of the “smacked in the face” look of the current 660 Tenere and we have a winner. Probably the MT09 engine in the 660 Tenere rolling chassis would also work very well.
Seems to me that the twin would be better for a real off roadable ADV bike and the 3 cylinder for a 19″ or 17″ wheeled semi-ADV bike. I’d love to have both.
I recall back in the late ’70s, Yamaha was rather proud of the fact that, with the SR500, XS650, XS750 and XS Eleven, you could buy a single, twin, triple or four from them. Now with the return of the SR joining the Super Ténéré, FZ-09 and all the YZFs, you can buy a single, twin, triple and four again.
A gem indeed, and would work even better in a bike that doesn’t sell for a measly 8K.
FJ-09= my DL 650 replacement
If the FZ-09 has fueling issues because of emissions, how can Honda make the air-cooled,(a disadvantage in emissions) CB1100 with fuel injection have excellent throttle response ( from what I read from road tests )and also pass emissions?
I think the blame has to fall at Yamaha’s doorstep. There’s no excuse for these leaving the factory like this. Unless they meant it to be like that, but I doubt it.
By tuning their 1100 to make 20-30% less power than Yamaha’s 900..
So there’s no motorcycle engines with a comparable HP to displacement that have good throttle response? I just happened to pick that example. I don’t think the EPA excuse works.
Re: “So there’s no motorcycle engines with a comparable HP to displacement that have good throttle response?”
None for under $8k that I am aware of. This thing was built to a handful of numbers (weight, HP, displacement) with what seems like a fair amount spent on appearance. Something had to give. I’m guessing that since you can’t “see” it (F.I. equipment), they chose to save $$ on it.
The Daytona 675 is a triple in an even higher state of tune than the FZ-09 and it has zero fueling issues. The same could be said of the Street Triple, every GSX-R, ZX, and CBR, as well as most every sportbike from BMW, Aprilia, and Ducati.
These days, the FZ-09’s (and MV Agusta’s) throttle-response issues are far and away the exceptions, not the rule. Yamaha simply screwed up. The same emissions requirements will still be in place a year or two from now when Yamaha introduces an updated FZ-09 with properly sorted fuel delivery.
Power of the internet baby. Without it we would be blissfully unaware of the issues before we walked in and plunked our money down only to discover these weaknesses on our own
And few outside of Europe or those who followed road racing would even know MV Augusta existed, much less would know they produce street bikes but can never seem to get the fueling right.
“The engine in the FZ-09 is a gem … just an inexpensive air/fuel ratio adjustment away from perfection.”
Nope, it seems MD believes it was on purpose. Surely, Yamaha could have made this adjustment at the factory level at no cost to themselves if they so desired.
As I have been saying, Yamaha’s goal is not to maximize sales, just to meet a sales target. If they sell too little or too much, heads will roll at corporate.
Yamaha’s goal, like any major company, is to maximize profit. No heads will roll if they sell too many at the right margin. It would be silly to assume otherwise.
It takes time and money to sort out fueling. Yamaha will continue refining the FI maps as they develop other models around this platform, and the FZ-09 will benefit from those refinements.
Jake, what do you base this on? Proof that they have a corporate policy not to exceed sales goals?
Actually fellas, Jake is right. The bikes are built in Japan to a specific target and Yamaha US is expected to sell each one of them. If they sell more, and the dealers always want more of a hot selling item, then the factory has to halt production on another model to build the extras. This is bad juju and Yamaha US won’t do it.
They have to plan for and set a specific production volume, yes, but selling out of a particular model is a nice surprise and will influence production planning for the next business cycle. It is a good problem, but a miscalculation nonetheless that carries the risk of customers potentially selecting a competing product with immediate availability. Jake believes they try not to sell too many to maintain some kind of status quo, IIRC, which I think is bunk.
Schmutz, I’m guessing you probably work/or worked for Yamaha at some point and probably saw with your very own eyes how Yamaha occasionally limits its sales in one form or another. I’m guessing this first hand experience is why you are not as dismissive of my claim as most of the others seem to be.
But I’ll just say that you may have saw what you saw, but I suspect your interpretations as to why is incorrect. It attempts to be too rational and the corporate world as I see it, many times does not necessarily seek to be rational. It does not see being rational as in its self interest, nor in its group’s self interest.
Schmutz, appreciate your well intended helping hand, but your interpretation is not exactly what I meant. I meant what I said literally and as a matter of fact. And Jeremy, I guess I will have to once again show you how one of my cockamamie ideas is not nearly as much bunk as your overly rational viewpoint tends to presuppose.
As far as proof, the real question is why any proof is needed, since my claim ought to be clear and obvious to everyone, ought to be just as easy to perceive as the sky being blue or that concrete is hard. Ask yourself, just what is the modern, secular, corporate world we live in. Why is it here? Why does it exist and why has this model come to dominate our economic world? I’ll tell you why: this world is just a modernized reformulation of the feudal world of landed titles, nobility, and aristocracy. Notice how corporations live forever, just as titles of nobility once did in feudal world. The nobility and their sense of wealth, rights, and privilege simply evolved to meet the demands of the ever changing, new secular world, when their old model became unviable due to the majority of people no longer believing in their inherited right to privilege, to have more than the common man, the regular Joe.
The response of the Aristocracy to this changing dynamic was shape shift themselves into corporate entities, with their primary wealth, power, and influence no longer tied so much to land, as much to the means of production, intellectual property, and control of the financial system. Now, once you understand the origin of the corporate world we live in, why it came to be, how it was no mere accident, then you can see how utterly plausible my claim of Yamaha desiring to limit their sales now becomes. It’s not just Yamaha, this principle of knowing your place applies to the majority of large corporations.
The Aristocracy never disappeared, they just relabeled themselves, with them exerting more absolute control and influence than they ever have, even if the regular Joes living in this world might be somewhat oblivious to this ever present influence. And of course, the Aristocracy did not become the Aristocracy, above everyone else, by competing ruthlessly with one another. They rose above everyone else by cooperating and working in tandem, while everyone else was too busy flattering their self esteems by insisting on being John Wayne, rugged individualists.
Certainly, a noble aspiration, but also not every practical. As we all know, even a group of clearly weaker, less noble, and less capable people but who work together will always defeat and subjugate even the strongest and most capable of individuals working alone. Merely as a matter of common sense, the Aristocracy and their extension, the Corporate world, should be understood not so much competing as cooperating with one another. And why? Of course to dominate those who are not included in their elite group and who tend to work individually and compete ruthlessly with one another. They merely seek to want to maintain the appearance of competing with one another, so as to justify their existence, as if their existence was fought for and won, and thus deserved and legitimate.
In other words, competitive, survival of the fittest world you envision is only for the little people, and does not apply to the upper class and the Corporate world they control and based their wealth and influence on. Actually, in all likelihood, the very Theory of Evolution was probably promoted and popularized to encourage people to view the world at large in terms of survival of the fittest and competition. The Aristocracy was probably always to sharp to put much credence in a theory with such obvious weaknesses, as well as the theory itself not being very reflective of their general outlook on life and themselves, thus not very attractive in their eyes. But they do want the common man to believe in it. This motivation could also explain why athletic competition is so glorified and emphasized in secular, materialistic societies. It all could be just the elite encouraging you to think and have values in the way they want you to think and have values.
Now once we have the basic outline of the true nature of the corporate world understood, then we can applied it specifically to the Yamaha situation. There are only 3 current parties who are regarded as producing world class motorcycles – Europe, America, and Japan. Now, with globalization, no one area can completely dominate the entire industry, since each party needs something of value to trade in exchange for the value which comes from the other parties, or else there would be no point to trade. So it is in the interests of all parties to enure that all their partners on the other continents are alive and fairly healthy, esp. for the Japanese since they are by far the largest of all manufacturers, with them thus having the most to lose should the current status quo be upset or altered.
So we can assume that these 3 entities at some point got together to decided to divvy up the world market and delineate their territories. As we can all see, Europe and American received the aspirational, luxurious, flashy, glittery end of the market. Japanese got the bare bones, low cost, low end, sell to the average Joe market. But while not as prestigious, look at what the Japanese got to walk away. They basically walked away with the entire motorcycle market, all the parts with any substance – the most stable, most profitable areas – as well as complete domination in all the up and coming, high growth markets.
So being the sensible Corporation that it is, what does Yamaha do. They try to be as low keyed and least flashy as possible, happy to make mundane, stylistically challenged, probably gratuitously flawed bikes. Like a smart kid at the birthday table who somehow managed to stuff his face with the most cake, moreso than the others, he does not wish to do anything to bring attention to how actually stuff his freaking face is, since that is against his self interest, and instead prefers to yammer on about how hungry he is, pretending he did get his fair share.
Mark, I answered your question. It’s currently on mod by MD. So its up to MD and not me whether I can answer your question or not. It should be allowed since I was very general and said little of anything which is all that out of the ordinary or offensive, but you never know.
An observation:
If everyone who *says* they will buy the next cool bike as soon as it comes out…actually followed through with their claim…the motorcycle business would be three times bigger than it currently is.
Guilty. OTOH, if I had enough money to buy all the bikes I like, I would.
I did, I really wanted the ’07 CB1000R and finally got one in ’12. it sook a while, but not everyone is a flake.
Me 2. Got a 2011 in 2012.
re: “If everyone who *says* they will buy the next cool bike as soon as it comes out…actually followed through with their claim…the motorcycle business would be three times bigger than it currently is.”
translation: talk is cheap.
Good point, but also don’t underestimate the negative impact that delays in these bikes being built, or arriving in the states has on sales. There have been a number of bikes I absolutely would have bought, but by the time they get to the US I’ve fallen in love with something newer and prettier, and faster.
And that is the number one reason Yamaha has no qualms about putting the FZ out like it is.
At least in my case, Tim is correct. The only reason I don’t own a CB1100 is Honda took so long to bring it to the U.S. that I gave up on ever seeing it here and bought something else.
I said if Honda brought in the CB 1100 I would buy one. Bought the first one my dealer ordered. Liked it so much when Honda announced the 2014 CB1100 Deluxe, I traded in my 2013 for the new 2014. So I put my money where my mouth is twice in two years.
Mick, kuddos to you for proving time again that your words have some connection to your actions, but I also suspect, you maybe a bit more well off than most of here, which probably goes a long way towards making it alot easier for you to stick to words when it comes to things regarding finance.
I suspect you are some sly old coot who managed to do pretty well for himself, esp. for someone probably started out as a wide eyed, genuine, hick, country boy.
Congrats, but understand if the rest of us do not have your same Forest Gump like, seemingly magical attraction abilities when it comes to money. For the rest of us, money runs away from us, not to us.
I await patiently.
Bring back the Vision as a triple 🙂 An FJ-09 would be great if they can keep it light.
This is the problem with lost of new bikes. I understand why new cars get heavier (adding lots of safety stuff and whatnot) but where does it go on bikes? With modern metallurgy and manufacturing techniques I’d have thought we have rigid, light bikes from every manufacturer (save Harley and their ilk).
$$$$
Yes, relative to the rate of inflation, bikes have actually gotten much cheaper than they were back in the 80’s and 90’s. Everyone is amazed that a GB can sell for 12K, but back in 1990 it sold for 3,500 and minimum wage was 3.25. Now minimum wage is about to go to $10, so actually a GB at 12K, which everyone is amazed at, is just keeping up with inflation.
Even so, could the manufacturers offer such bikes at the current prices and still be profitable? Yes, of course, but why would they want to. Just less $$ going into their pockets. You can b*tch and moan but if there are no other alternatives you will either buy whats there or pony up and pay more for what you want. Either way, they win.
“Either way, they win.”
I think we ALL win considering the vast selection of amazing bikes on the market today. I certainly don’t remember a time offering such a variety of design and performance over so great a price range. They are earning their money as far as I am concerned.
And that’s exactly how they want you to think – that we all win, that the world is in a constant, perpetual state of improvement and progress (with this all being due to them of course). And yes, relative to the recent past, times are better now than before, but since they are the only ones offering bikes, and we have no other alternatives to what they provide to us or the prices they set, we have little idea of how much better it could be or get, how much cheaper, higher tech, and higher quality and reliability, if the manufacturers really went full bore and tried their best to please us and offered us the very best they’ve got at the best possible prices.
We can only speculate about what could be, whether it could actually be or not. Yes, relative to the recent past, we are better, but relative to what could be (use your imagination), this better may not be saying very much nor anywhere close to the very best which could be presently offered.
I think they do what they THINK is their very best – offering appealing products and price points that both make them money and that we are willing to pay. But I have to agree they play it too safe sometimes and we end up with a watered down version of what we (I anyway) really want. I also understand that position: It’s a tough business, especially the US market, that takes years of planning and millions of dollars to put out a product they hope will be a winner. You don’t normally win the game by swinging for the fences every time.
re: “With modern metallurgy and manufacturing techniques I’d have thought we have rigid, light bikes from every manufacturer”
we don’t…?
Seems the new Yamaha’s are finally proof of concept on that.
But, yeah, the CB500s are heavier than my old VT500 Ascot from 30 years go, that has a heavier engine AND shaft drive. How is that even possible?
Mostly because the VT500 was a spindly little piece of garbage? Thing couldn’t handle its way out of a paper bag…
As an FZ09 owner with 2500+ miles on it, a lot of the throttle issue can be taken care of in less than an hour for $0 in your garage with nothing more than a couple of allen wrenches and 8mm and 10mm wrenches.
It still is not perfect but it is good enough for most riders.
As for the suspension, the rear shock is absolutely junk. They really need to offer a better rear shock, even one that is not great but at least one that has SOME damping. Lots of guys are installing 2006ish ZX6RR rear shocks. I installed a Penske.
I gutted my forks and installed Traxxion Dynamics cartridges. BUT lots of FZ09 guys have gotten away with installing springs for their weight (stock is undersprung for 160 lb rider) and then using 10wt fork oil to get the compression damping somewhere within the ballpark.
Not perfect solutions but they are inexpensive and easy to DIY.
As for the FJ-09, sounds like a good progression of the model line. Hopefully they will use the same frame and increase the tank capacity by 1 gallon. That way, maybe I can install an FJ09 tank on my FZ09?
What does one do with a couple of allen wrenches, 8 and 10 mm open ends, and an hour to cure 09 throttle ills?
Very simple:
1) eliminate the slop in the throttle cable
2) eliminate the slop in the throttle position sensor
this does not cure 100% of it but it cures MOST of the throttle delay. It is about on par with a typical delay of a stock jetted carbureted bike.
A reflash ($125) will cure the remainder of the throttle delay.
I do not know why Yamaha has not resolved this issue themselves.
I have adjusted the throttle cable and TPS on 2 FZ09s with great success and it is very easy to do.
You have to wonder why – with fly by wire – did they use a throttle cable at all?
Couldn’t they just put the rheostat in the twist grip? or is there some regulation about that too.
No idea about that aspect of it but this is the way Yamaha has done it on all their bikes with ride by wire throttles
They likely retain the throttle cable for safety concerns. On the FJR with a throttle servo the cable operates a rheostat but it also has a mechanical connection to the throttle assembly. When you close the throttle at the grip you also close the throttle valves with this linkage. The servo closes the throttle valves and the cable linkage provides a failsafe. You can cut the throttle if the servo misbehaves.
Yamaha uses only one rheostat on it’s throttle control. Cars with throttle-by-wire typically have two or more rheostats controlled by the throttle pedal. Yamaha chose to include a mechanical linkage rather than use multiple rheostats.
BBTenn, the cable might work that way on the FJR, IDK, never been under the hood of the FJR. However, the cable on the FZ09 is connected to nothing but the rheostat/TPS. The cable has no mechanical connection to the butterflies in the throttle bodies.
Go Yamaha! I still miss seeing Rossi win race after race when he was in his prime on the Tuning Fork.
If I just fit better, and did not blow a con-rod bearing (splashing all kinds of hot liquid on my poor right calf), my old ’83 Vision would be my all time favorite ride. Ask the guys on Lucas Valley Road who crashed (hard in one case) trying to keep up with it. Rode it with and without the full fairing, which had absolutely fantastic lower leg air vents (closed, cool outside air, or warm radiator air).
Rode the pants off the motor, easily done because it was glass smooth from idle to past red line and ignition shut-off. I still miss it. 461 lbs full tank sans fairing (dual front disc, flawless shaft drive with absolutely zero jack shaft effect even riding the throttle like a madman). The motor is a V-max cut in half vertically, tuned way higher.
yeah, they were as good on a race track as a GPz550, when the Venture came out, we called it the double vision
Ah, the XZ550RK Vision.
I loved my ’83. Black with gold trim. Adjusted my valves, synch carbs and replaced the vacuum tubes to the YICS canister leading to unexpected second gear roll-on wheelie.
Sold it to move away to college. Great bike.
With that new triple Yamaha has huge options. I don’t want the naked FZ but adventure or touring maybe.
I test rode a 83′ Vision and still regret not buying it.
I think Triumph needs to think ahead and come out with a Sprint 800 and Speed 800.
The “Daytona” engine treament on the 800 would really be something…
As I have an FZ-09, I would like to see the suspension improved first. All they need to do is pick the right oil for the forks (easy) and shock (harder). It needs this to get the rebound under control – particularly when hitting a high speed bump at stock settings.
Then get the fueling right. There are a few people re-flashing the ECU’s to do that and it seems to be working. So it probably is an emmissions thing.
The only engine glitch so far seems to be the camchain adjuster, but they are on top of that and it should be fixed soon. Perhaps the heavier flywheel will cut down on clutch rattle too.
The riding position is excellent (for me), just needs the footpegs a bit further forward, which should be easy as they did not run the gearchange shaft thru a hole in the frame. But there is that clutch in the way on the right hand side???
Fuel consumption could be improved with higher gearing also (+1 front -1 rear), I doubt it would stop the front wheel coming up, but would get my commuting MPG up from the current 47 average… and premium fuel?? really?? It seems to work well on regular.
It seems to me this engine would work as an FJ sport tourer, a Super Sport faired version of the FZ, a smaller version of the Super Tenere for the street (the new twin would no doubt make a better DP bike).
Personally, an FJ appeals most.
The 700 cc twin needs to be in a 700cc Tenere, and in a semi-faired commuter bike with optional bags to compete with the CB500s and NC700X. And a modern scrambler similar to the defunct BMW X-Country.
I had the 1987 FZ-750…it was a wonderful bike, for the time. It was a bit heavy by modern sportbike standards but it was smooth and stable all the way up to extra-legal speeds…
Back in the day I did high speed runs down the 101 from Augora to Calabassas…huge 5 lane wide sweepers at 130+ mph between 1:30 and 2:00 am….after getting off work in T.O.
I am squarley in the FJ camp though…
Good memories
FJ 09 will be the 2015 hit for so many ! I would love to see the 660 Tenere in North America. Thanks to all the Manufacturers for keeping us two wheel junkies wet.
apparently because 660 Tenere is built in France we cannot get it here in N. America something to do with not having Canadian or American safety ratings??? so I am told
The 660 Tenere looks cook and modern, but is the opposite of that. Fat, slow, heavy.
A 700 Tenere twin would be lighter, faster, better. And probably cheaper. The 660 actually costs more than the new FZ-07.
Yep, a Super Seven adorned with bladder busting tank, weather resistant, big stator output and don’t forget a center stand. A adventure pack mule would be great!
Last June when I saw the first reviews of the FZ-09, I called Yamaha to say “Put this mill in an FJ.” The rep that I spoke with said, “You know that’s a good idea” and gave me an address for Product Development. I wrote them these words:
“The blogosphere is active with talk of your new FZ-09. Looks like a great package. Since I’m not a naked bike buyer, I am writing to say that I’d sure like to see that triple motor and aluminum chassis as the foundation for a middle-weight sport tourer (a la BMW F800GT) as well as an adventure bike (think 847 Tenere). Based on what I’ve read this morning on various moto forums, I can tell you I am not alone in this regard. Make it and they will come.”
Anyway, you all can thank me later.
OK Bones…you can be in the club.
I’ll go ahead and thank you now…
I’ve been wanting this kind of bike since about ’99 or 2000, when my wrists would ache after a few hours on my GSX-R750.
A friend had a Hayabusa and another the GSX-R1000. I dreamed either would make a great SPORT-touring bike with different ergos and not packing on 200 lbs.
MMMM can you say TDM with an extra cylinder?
Hell-to-the-yeah, Karlsbad (as a current TDM owner)
I wish they would have brought the TDM900 over here, but I’m wondering if Yamaha will make Kawasaki Versys-like triple.
I’m with Blackcayman’s first detailed comment. Make it All Day Comfortable, keep it light, offer Bags, Heated Grips, (even Cruise Control) as options and get the Fueling RIGHT! Either a tweaked FJ-09, a Sport Touring version or street oriented Dual Sport version. The engine has great potential.
The only thing I wonder is, if the FZ-09 engine is “just an inexpensive air/fuel ratio adjustment away from perfection,” why couldn’t Yamaha get it right before putting it out on the streets? Is it really too much to expect for manufacturers to get the fueling right on bikes before releasing them? Arguably abrupt, snatchy response to off-on throttle transitions can be a safety issue, even.
To meet emission regulations. Just about everything is too lean from the factory.
Emissions control are the likely suspects… To meet emissions standards consistently, the engines don’t always respond smoothly.
Just my guess…
right – they need to show a lean and clean burn…
In real life we want them to RUN, so blame an intruvise government and get a new computer
So, if the culprit is emissions, then it’s OK to put out a bike with poor throttle response? Emissions aren’t going to get any less strict in future so this is how it’s going to be from now on? We have to buy the bike and then spend $300 – $500 more to make it right? Ugh, that really stinks – and it’s a very good argument for buying used. I hereby refuse to finish the development of your new model for you (for free).
re: “So, if the culprit is emissions, then it’s OK to put out a bike with poor throttle response?”
yes.
re: “Emissions aren’t going to get any less strict in future so this is how it’s going to be from now on?”
yes.
re: “We have to buy the bike and then spend $300 – $500 more to make it right?”
yes.
re: “Ugh, that really stinks”
yes.
re: “it’s a very good argument for buying used.”
no.
Haha. As always, your brevity is refreshing. I also agree completely.
Norm is camped out at the 3-point line and just draining the ball.
He funny
If it was just emission requirements all bike would have poor throttle response. My guess is Yamaha cheaper out on with the components or the engineering hours (or both) to get it right.
I would hope on a higher priced ST they would get he FI right.
An related thought, Dirk suggested heavier flywheels to smooth throttle response, I thought the same. On second thought we may both be showing our age. Yamaha could probably get the required power delivery in the ECU. The brave new world of electronics.
Goose
It took Yamaha 3 years to figure out the fueling issues on the gen 2 FZ-1.
yup. similar to their FZ6. seem’s yamaha’s not so good at this sort of thing
They heard all my prattling on…I guess
So its finally here; well the idea at least. The proof will be in the pudding. If its “real”, it will be the first “New” bike I’ve ever purchased, because life is short and I want one. I usually buy that 3-4 year old garage queen, in 99% perfect condition with low miles that I pick up for in the off season.
Stlying wise I HOPE its way more updated and modern than the current refreshed FJR1300….something closer to the MV Turismo Veloce than the current FJR… Because I still want to hang with the 30 year old sportbike riders in the USBA, rather than the 60 year old Harley dudes
True upright “FJ” Ergos – “ever so slight forward lean”
ABS & Traction Control
450 lb Maximun Wet Weight Please – before optional luggage
More than a Bikini – “ST” Bodywork
Adjustable windscreen, clean air to helmet
25-30 Liter Factory Hard Bags – One Key Solution
Big Piston Forks or similar
Two Piece Seat
Accessories Option Package (heated grips, plug in power slots & high output alternator)
Easy-Peasy remote rear suspension dial
Sounds like $11,499 – $11,999 to me…
If it comes as I hope, a true Mid-Sized SPORT-tour ride, emphasis on light weight, nimble handling with ST ergos, I think it will find a solid demographic of buyers. I think they will be lifelong sportbike riders who still want sportbike performance but in a comfortable all day riding position. The other reason I think it will do well is it will be a one-bike-solution for many.
It seemed to me that with every other bike that came near to this there was a limiting factor;
Tiger 1050 – Tall Suspension
MV Turismo Veloce – Price and lack of Dealer Network
BMW F800 GT – Price and buzzy vertical twin (reknown brand reliability Question)
VFRs – Near sportbike ergos
Ninja 1000 – I know I’m a nit-picker on this one but I just don’t like it although it’s probably the closest thing…Electric Kwacker Paint? … and what 50 year old wants the “Ninja” moniker??? I was there when Tom Cruise busted out the Ninja in Top Gun back in the 80s… So just like at the end of Ferris Beuller – he says “It’s Over” (meaning the name Ninja).
This bike would render the SV1000 N a lonely machine in the garage…so it will go to a new home. Normally I would shed a small single tear, but the new bike would just quash that sentiment.
Bring it on!
Sounds like a winning spec sheet to me, also…
As long as we are wishing, here’s to say that the Adventure version should NOT have a beak (or make an optional beak for those that feel the need?).
since it’s likely it would be a JR Tenere (a’la Dirck’s utterance).. it should have a similar nose to the big one.
Triumph Sprint GT. WTF IS IT??? In freaking Europe, that’s where it is.
OTOH, the Tiger 800 street is purty cool.
I find it odd that it seems like everyone buys a VFR to convert into a sport tourer when Honda should just give it up and turn it into one.
I don’t know about now…but the Sprint GT (1050) did come to the states…I sat on one long enough to realize it had sportbike ergos…
The Tiger 800 has the Trailie / tall suspension so its automatically disqualified (ie not a SPORT-tourer)
There is NO Telling why Honda keeps churning out the VFRs with 1980’s ergos…
Are you sure you don’t mean ST? If it did come, did they stop this year? I don’t see it in the catalog.
Not sure the point of 17″ wheels and long suspension.
Google Search Triumph Sprint “GT” and it comes up under Model Year 2013…
I guess it was dropped from 2014 production – IMHO that is because the ergos were CRAP
@John. the Sprint GT came to the US. There were great deals on leftover first-year 2011’s. I never saw a 2012, but they were rumored to exist.
@Blackcayman, it took me 20 minutes and $25 to raise the bars a bit, for a huge increase in comfort. The commitment for lowering the pegs is about $75 and two hours, if you need FJR1300 ergos.
You don’t need much else. The bags (standard) work great and that triple is a torquemonster. No traction control is needed beyond a little right wrist restraint when you are out at the edge of the back tire. The rain setting doesn’t require a stop, just ease off a bit more on the right wrist.
I call the GT one of the best-kept secrets in sport-touring. I got a bit excited about the F800GT, until I went to the dealer and saw the prices on the highly-optioned US models, over $14k and that was before you get bags.
I looked into it…I wanted at least 3″ up and 1 or two back and the cables didn’t appear to have enough slack, so it was out. Too bad, because I loved spending a day on a Tiger 1050 other than the tall stance…
The F800 GT was over optioned & priced IMHO…then the reviews came out regarding the buzzy nature of the vertical twin… Add in the Consumer Reports Poll of the least reliable brand and POOF went any thoughts on it…or the new and very advanced electronics of the New R1200 RT.
I’ve been on the FJ kick since the FZ broke cover…I think its a potential winner
@Blackcayman True, if you want real sit-up ergos, the Sprint GT will not work for you.
My neighbor has the FJR and let me take a couple of long rides on it. I love the fork, it is far better than the Sprit GT, but, the compliance in back is lacking, I assume due to the weight of the shaft. Being a shaft guy for many years, this was part of what got me out of chain-avoidance mode, which was about my only hesitation with the GT.
Still, I probably would have bought a used FJR if my wife hadn’t complained about the seating position in back. There are plenty of good ones out there.
I would be soooo happy with that, especially the 450 lb wet weight. Porker VFR’s and to a lesser degree Ninja’s are off-putting.
An observation:
If everyone who *says* they will buy the next cool bike as soon as it comes out…actually followed through with their claim…the motorcycle business would be three times bigger than it currently is.
This would be a nice engine in a sport side x side!
With MV Agusta’s Turismo Veloce, and the FJ-09, where is Triumph with 800cc Sprint or Trophy? Then there are the other players BMW’s F800GT, the new Honda VFR…
For a lot of people a smaller Sport-Touring bike is an ideal size for 1 up touring. This will no doubt be another home run for Yammaha.
that’s right…it’s all about me = 1 up SPORT-touring
Occaisionally I’ll slap the wife on the back and make due, but it’s for ME
I suspect that sport touring bikes don’t get bent up like a pretzel very often and rarely need replacing, except after about 10 years and 100,000 miles. Therefore, the demand isn’t that great.
you just failed my demographics class…
To be fair though one needs to have been born in the 1960s or very early 1970s to grasp my thesis…
Occaisionally a younger squid will get it though… I mean that in the nicest possible way
Can we get a mid-size YZF sportsbike out of this? It’s been a while since YZF750 was around.
The R1-R6 line has become long in the tooth. Can we hope that Yamaha will develop this triple into an advanced super sport series?
I can’t see them abandoning the I-4 for racing applications. That doesn’t mean that they won’t make a sport platform, though I’d be surprised if it would be in a state of tune comparable to the R6 or R1 if they did.
re: “The R1-R6 line has become long in the tooth.”
no worries, that’s just your devaluing consumer mentality kicking in. you have to guard against this.
Q: Can we hope that Yamaha will develop this triple into an advanced super sport series?
A: no.
again…I have to agree with Norm
But then why is Yamaha holding back in making them competitive with the competition? I’m assuming they’re going to break out with something revolutionary. Of course I can be wrong.
real Sportbikes are for Racing…
The Panigale 899 is an odd duck (haha)…its a serious sportbike without a racing class. Thats a rare bird.
Maybe they watched Field of Dreams….
I just hope it has UDX forks.
oh, and it should be a two stroke.
Yamaha has always made great bikes and I’ve owned a bunch. Whatever they decide to stick that great engine in, here’s hoping they abandon the current cartoonish “styling” trends as embodied by the FZ-09, FZ-07, Tenere, and Raider. Besides, doesn’t Japan have child labor laws? Their head of styling appears to be a 12 year old Manga fan. Send him/her back to school.
+1
+1 +1 +1..
With the exit of Honda from the mid-size ST segment, a new offering from Yammy would be very welcome…. shaft drive, please
Honda has re-entered that market.
How so, Jeremy? I haven’t seen it yet.
he refers to the new vfr800, but i think yamaha could comfortably undercut that and the f800gt, which are both well over 12k without luggage.
Yes, I was referring to the reintroduction of the 800cc Interceptor. It is still a heavy and relatively pricey bike, though.
and the ergos are straight out of the ’80s.
They are so convinced they had it right back then that they are unwilling to see the massive success of ADV bikes – a big reason is the upright ergos.
The VFR800 is close, but the ergos are a bit too sporty for LD riding… also I have yet to see what options are available for luggage, wind protection etc. As someone else mentioned, a more upright riding position would be better, IMHO.
I think I’d rather have a near-fully enclosed chain. I regularly get 7k mile adjustments, 30k+ miles total out of the chains on my RST; the downside is extended rain riding.
I’ll take mine in chain flavor, thanks!
I guess only a product announcement a lot further down the road will tell us which (if any!) we get!
yea a triple sports tour would be a hit, I just loved the old 850 special torque had and this one should even be better.
With the “FJ-09” moniker I would expect a smaller FJR1300, not a baby brother for the Super Ténéré. FJ Yamahas are usually sport-tourers, not dual-sports or ADV rides.
noooooo, not another trailie thing ..let it go already… Yama please let the FJ-09 be a rival for the re-vived VFR800f or the BMW GT 800…add some neat lean bags and THEN bring out a new Triple FJ 1200 sports tourer not as cushy bagger but as new take on what was the the Honda blackbird style super touring machine (now that Honda has left behind the development of bikes like the XX or SP series RC & VTR)…hey about a test review of the 2014 VFR…
Right on. The Adv bike thing seems like a bucket list thing. Not many people are gonna drop 15+k on a bike and then see if they can shake the bags off of it. I used to ride my Beemer off road before GSs were around, no big deal, take it easy. Now it’s gotta have a beak, 100+ horses, 500+ lbs, $1000 in hardbags. Kaw KLR650s for the dirt (only one with enough tank and cheap price), FJ09,VFR800,BMWGT for the rest.
hasty…I can see where you got your name…
The news is out for an “FJ” which would be an ST, like what you’re asking for. And I believe you are in good company 🙂
Dirck simply opined for a JR Tenere
Don’t knock adventure bikes before you try one. Even if you never go off road with one, they’re incredibly comfortable for touring, with more leg room than even the biggest, most comfortable touring bikes. I had a Versys (not really an adventure bike as such, but with a similar riding position) and in many ways it was more comfortable than my current big touring bike. the upright riding position is all day comfortable, and the wide bars make for great control in the twisties. With aluminum luggage you can pack more in them than you can with most touring bikes. The only real down side is the height is not short person friendly. Still, at 5’8″, I’d love to own another one.
This motor would be ideal for a Super Tenere type bike. Compact and powerful, it would be a run away hit. There’s a reason why people buy those bikes, even people who don’t have much intention of ever going off road. There is also a reason why there are more choices than ever in that market segment…it’s because people have discovered how great they are for long distance touring.
the exact point I’ve been making for why the new VFRs aren’t selling well…
They are stuck on the ergos they had in the ’80s – 90s
The market and the industry has moved – and Honda is left scratching their collective pointy heads
Actually Honda had a pretty half-hearted stab at making the VFR more (fake) adventure touring – it was called the VFR800x and came out a few years ago. They basically made the VFR really ugly, and put flat bars on it. Here in Australia dealers couldn’t give them away, although all the reviews were brilliant. Apparently the change from high pipes to low, along with some minor engine changes (heavier flywheel, different inlet trumpets), further smoothed out the VTEC transition.
Shame about the looks, though… https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/21272450/web_images/forums/vfr800x.jpg
let me be more specific…
IMHO of course:
The upright ergos is one of the reasons ADV Bikes have been so successful. The aging demographic meant that some 40-50-60 year old riders wanted to sit up while riding.
Tall Trailie Suspensions are not for everyone. Some of us, want a SPORT-touring bike; heavy on the light weight and sporty handling. That’s why so many of us think this FJ-09 could be a real winner and sales success.
The VFR was/is heavy, expensive and had/has near sportbike ergos = failure.