The FJ-09 offers simple adjustment of both windscreen height and headlight angle via accessible knobs under the instrument panel. You can also see here the standard power outlet.
This is the completion of our report on our first ride of the new 2015 Yamaha FJ-09 sport tourer. As we stated in Part 1, the FJ-09 is based on the FZ-09. The FJ has the same engine and frame as the FZ. You can refer back to our review of the FZ-09 for the technical details. The essence of both bikes is an aluminum frame encasing an 847 cc three-cylinder, fuel injected engine with DOHC four-valve heads, staggered length intake funnels, ride-by-wire throttle and selectable fuel injection mapping (Standard Mode, Mode A and Mode B). In summary, we loved the engine in the FZ-09, but we weren’t entirely happy with the fuel injection mapping (abrupt throttle response in Mode A and Standard Mode), and the suspension was much too soft, both with regard to compression and rebound damping.
If you asked a random group of motorcycle journalists with the requisite experience three years ago to identify their favorite motorcycle, the majority would likely identify the Triumph Street Triple. A naked with a 675 cc three-cylinder engine, the Street Triple pushed the right buttons in terms of engine character and performance, as well as handling (due largely to a low curb weight). The Street Triple had that certain je ne sais quoi.
Triumph Triples may have had that certain something that couldn’t easily be described, but the Japanese ignored it. That is, until Yamaha brought back a triple in the form of the FZ-09. Listening to Yamaha describe the “cross plane concept crankshaft” and the “special feeling of connection between the throttle and the rear wheel”, we made notes, but weren’t sure what they were talking about. When we rode the FZ-09, it started to make sense.
Hard on the gas, the Yamaha triple sends a wave of emotion through the rider unlike anything experienced with a twin or an inline four. It is one of those things we cannot describe adequately with words. You need to ride it and experience it for yourself. Suffice to say it is pleasurable and functional.
We dare say that the engine alone catapulted the FZ-09 to “Bike of the Year” in many motorcycle publications. This is despite the fact that the engine itself suffered from relatively poor fuel injection mapping, and the suspension was soft and sloppy. The engine is that good. Did you hear that … the engine is that good!
So we went to the launch determined to see if Yamaha had addressed the suspension and fuel injection issues. Had they done so, we expected the FJ-09 to be stellar.
The suspension is fixed, as far as we can tell after one day’s ride. Yamaha did not take half measures. Without changing the spring rates, Yamaha said during its technical presentation that new valving in the fork made compression damping 50% stiffer and rebound damping 150% slower. The shock has 150% more compression damping, as well as slower rebound. These changes are big, but the suspension needed big changes.
Yamaha addressed the throttle response issues with new ECU settings on the FJ, as well as the addition of traction control (which can be turned off).
Without mentioning the new ECU settings (with revised fuel injection maps), Yamaha describes the changes found in the FJ (compared to the FZ) as follows:
- Standard traction control
- Adjustable windscreen
- Adjustable handlebars
- Larger, adjustable seat
- Revised suspension
- New meter
- Standard ABS
- Long life sport touring tires
- LED headlights
- Larger 4.8 gallon fuel tank
- New fairing
- Hand guards
- Center stand
- Touring accessories
Mind you, with proper fuel injection mapping and suspension, we expected the FJ to be awesome – without considering the other changes. Based on our initial ride, the FJ appears to be awesome. The suspension is dialed superbly. Despite the light weight and ultra-powerful motor, the suspension remains calm and composed, absorbing small, chatter bumps, but staying high in the stroke and minimizing excessive brake dive and acceleration squat. The suspension is very, very good.
We started out in rain on our ride (hence, my decision to switch to my full Aerostitch suit after the first photo stop), and in Standard ignition mode, I played with the off/on throttle response on the wet roads. I was impressed, and noted a significant improvement over the snatchy response I found on the FZ-09 last year. Mode B continues to be smooth, and benign, as it was last year, and Mode A is also more controllable as far as I could tell during our brief test. Keep in mind that Mode A is intended to provide extremely sharp throttle response and instant access to maximum power, which can be interpreted as an abrupt response.
So our initial test tells us Yamaha has addressed the two concerns we had about the FZ-09, but what about the rest of the package?
An entirely new rear subframe supports larger, more comfortable seating for both rider and passenger, as well as integrated luggage brackets. The rider seat is clearly more comfortable than the seat found on the FZ. It is broader and better cushioned. We will test the passenger seat when we get our long-term test unit.
The ergonomics are excellent. The bars are higher and closer to the rider, offering a more upright position, and the distance between the seat and the pegs is larger to create a notable increase in leg room. The handlebar position is adjustable with reversible mounts (10 mm in adjustment).
The windscreen can be adjusted in height to three separate positions (a total of 30 mm range). Although requiring a bit more effort than a Kawasaki Ninja 1000 (that you can adjust quickly at a stop light, for instance), the Yamaha system is tool-less, and shouldn’t require more than a minute or so of effort. The seat can also be adjusted in terms or height (15 mm).
In addition to the added wind protection and seating comfort, Yamaha gave the FJ-09 a larger 4.8 gallon fuel tank that should provide more than 200 miles of range under normal riding conditions. Standard hand guards are welcome wind protection for your mitts.
Instrumentation is also new, with LED read-outs with good contrast and legibility. More about that in our long term test next month.
Another nod to the touring function is a standard center stand, which facilitates chain maintenance. The lack of shaft drive is a plus if you value light weight, but a negative for those looking for the ultimate in low maintenance touring.
We rode with the adjustable, standard windscreen in its highest position, and found it kept wind pressure off our chest, while leaving a clean stream of air at the helmet level. Among many accessories available from Yamaha (including the pictured saddle bags, which are optional) is a larger (both wider and taller) windscreen.
The suspension on the FZ-09 prevented us from testing handling near the limits. We are happy to report that the FJ-09, with proper suspension settings, handles much more like a sport bike than a sport tourer. Reasonably supple while cruising in a straight line, the FJ-09 can boogie in the twisties in a manner that would embarrass most other sport tourers. The engine/chassis combination can leave dedicated sport bikes for dead when an expert is at the controls. Straight line stability is good despite the remarkable nimbleness.
The six-speed transmission was unremarkable (always a good thing) in that it did its job without complaint during our test. The brakes are strong and controllable, just as we found them to be on the FZ-09 last year. In fact, the brakes acquit themselves much better on the FJ due to the stiffer fork settings.
We were very impressed by the performance of the Dunlop Sport Max D222 Roadsmart II tires fitted to the FJ-09. With a mix of wet and dry roads, and some fairly aggressive riding, these tires felt like they gripped as well as dedicated sport tires, although they are claimed to offer substantially longer life.
The FJ-09 is in another league compared to sport tourers when it comes to claimed curb weight. With a full tank of gas, Yamaha claims the FJ-09 checks in at 462 pounds. That is a remarkable figure, particularly in light of the fact that the FJ-09 offers open-class levels of power and torque.
The FJ-09 impressed us with its combination of long distance comfort and sporting capability. Most sport tourers weigh at least 100 pounds more. The FJ-09 handles like a sport bike. In the twisties, most sport tourers can change directions reasonably well and offer good mid-corner grip. By contrast, the FJ-09 feels almost like a supermoto. It is a Triumph Street Triple on steroids. It is what the FZ-09 should have been last year, together with added comfort and convenience.
We intend to test the FJ-09 further, particularly with regard to its long-distance capabilities, as well as its passenger and luggage accommodations. Obviously, we are impressed with this motorcycle, and fans of the FZ-09 might find the FJ an alternative with the fueling and suspension modifications they may have felt they needed to add to the naked version.
The 2015 Yamaha FJ-09 is available at an U.S. MSRP of $10,490 in either Matte Gray or Candy Red (both pictured in this article). Visit Yamaha’s web site for additional details and specifications.
Thanks Dirck for being first out with a full, detailed report.
I tried with lower setting and it’s just ok for my 29 inseam. Can not flatfoot but probably about the same as my FZ6. I heard that it is possible to lower it, although not sure how it will reflect on the center stand.
Did they mention whether the suspension and fueling changes will be implemented on new models of the FZ-09?
My dealer said he can currently reflash the current FZ09 thru Yamaha, which may help the fueling, but that won’t help the suspension.
My local Yamaha shop just got their first one built. I stopped by yesterday to check it out. I currently ride an FJR1300 (64 years old and 50+ bikes owned)and had been hoping for a 7/8 size FJR-type design for the new FJ-09, like so many of us. I am keeping an open mind, because “on paper”, the new FJ-09 checks most of the boxes for me.
Styling-wise, I just can’t warm-up to it. Seeing it in-person, only re-enforced that to me, it’s a tall, adventure-style bike. The seat height, even set at lowest position, is way too high for my 30″ inseam. I think I’d be OK solo but with my wife on the back, I’d be concerned about keeping it stable at stops, especially on inclines or gravel.
I love the FJR and it’s superb at eating up the highway miles. It does great in the sweepers as well. But it’s a heavy beast to move around and I long for something lighter and more fun.
I had my $500 deposit, ready to secure the first one but came home undecided. I know it’s a great bike and they’ll sell all of them but I might just keep riding my FJR for another year.
As a 64 year old multiple bike owning ( but a couple less than you) sport touring rider of similar proportions ( at least inseam wise) I know exactly what you are talking about.
We must be patient. Something is bound to come along.
Mickey – I think you’re right. Frustrating though, because at this age, time’s-a-wastin!
Check out the Multistrada. Its not nearly the tall beast all these other bikes are
Dan,
The MS is slightly taller even when the seat is in the lowest position.
It’s also waaayyy more expensive. I own a Ducati (have had 3) and frankly, I’m tired of the expensive service costs associated with most Ducati’s. The appeal of the Yamaha is reliability, lower cost of ownership and the fact that Yamaha dealers are pretty easy to find. At this point in my life, I just want to ride. What I’m seen on matters little.
Very good lookin motorcycle. Very Versys. Very moto-SUV. I like em.
Seems a very nice bike. Personally, the styling just doesn’t excite me, and kind of turns me off in fact. There are just too many little pieces that seem to be cobbled together. Of course a lot of newer bikes are like that. I like a cleaner look. That’s partly why I like shaft drive. I like chains too, but I just prefer shaft. There are pros and cons of both, and I never had any issue with keeping a chain lubricated, however I have found it annoing to have to perpetually adjusting the chain, to take out the slack that accumulates as the chain gets longer. Some bikes with chain drive have an eccentric thingy whereby you adjust the chain by loosening a couple of pinch bolts and then you rotate the eccentric thingy and tighten the pinch bolts. I’ve never actually owned a bike that was like this, so I don’t know for certain, but somewhere I got the notion that with this type of chain adjuster, you don’t have to carry a great big giant wrench. I’m not sure, but if this is correct, then this type of chain adjuster is a substantial advantage and overcomes the major disadvantage of chain. But the writeups never discuss this. For chain-driven bikes, the writeups don’t tell us anything about what is involved in adjusting the chain, and what tools you need to carry on a longer ride. Based on what I see in the pictures, this bike has a simple chain adjustment setup, i.e., no eccentric thingy.
I continue to find Yamaha’s marketing methods very irritating. It just rubs me completely the wrong way when a manufacturer makes all sort of made-up claims that have little if any basis in fact. Among motorcycle manufacturers, Yamaha is the worst at this, by a wide margin. About the crankshaft, they claim: “Crossplane Crankshaft Concept that provides linear torque development in response to the rider’s throttle input.” This is risible for multiple reasons. The cranshaft has three crankpins mutually offset by 120 degrees, just like every other in-line triple. It is also the same as every V6 engine found any car if you ignore one cylinder bank, and the same as any in-line six if you consider the three cylinders at one end. Thus, there isn’t any reason for them to foster the belief that there is something special about this crankshaft, and this is the kind of thing that only Yamaha does. And what exactly do they mean by “linear torque development”? No doubt someone else here will respond by explaining to me what this is supposed to mean, but it is hooey no matter. Someone in Yamaha’s marketing department made this up out of thin air, and the person who did that had no real understanding of technical matters. Why does Yamaha feel the need to do this kind of thing? The term “cross-plane” has a clear, well-defined meaning in the case of in-line four cylinder engines and 90-degree V8 engines where the two middle crankpins define one plane and the two outer crankpins define another plane, and these two planes form a cross of sorts, because they intersect at 90 degrees. This is what the term “cross-plane” has meant since whenever it was that the first V8 engines using this sort of crankshaft were available in production engines, which I believe was many decades ago. What sense would it make to use the same term to describe a crankshaft with three crankpins mutually offset by 120 degrees? I just find this kind of thing highly annoying. You could try a different type of crankshaft in an in-line triple, where the two outer pistons move in unison and in opposition to the middle piston. No doubt this has been tried at some point by someone, and the principal differences would be with the balance and vibration characteristics of the engine. The timing intervals would no longer be uniformly spaced at 240 degrees, so the fluctuation in torque, over each 720 degrees of rotation, would be more pronounced. Why not just refer to this as “smoothness of torque” or “steadiness of torque”, or something along those lines. “Linear torque development” seems to be alluding to something else, i.e., the shape of the torque curve, The shape of the torque curve is affected by stroke and thereby by the crank throw distance, but the crank throw distance and the orientation of the crank throws are two different things entirely, i.e., neither is influenced by the other. Why can’t Yamaha just use plain English to describe the features of their products? Why do they feel the need to do something that most other motorcycle manufacturers do not do? Why do they hire marketing people to makethis stuff up out of thin air?
Thingy?
whew
[snip]”What sense would it make to use the same term (cross-plane) to describe a crankshaft with three crankpins mutually offset by 120 degrees?[unsnip]
Because it has the same effect as using a 90 degree cross-plane crank in a twin or four cylinder engine. In all of these configurations the crankshaft runs with nearly constant momentum/speed since at no time are all the pistons stopped together as happens with in-plane crankshafts on in-line multi cylinder engines. That’s what Yamaha means by “linear torque” which is basically that torque delivery from combustion is not muddied in its delivery and sensation by a crankshaft that is constantly experiencing per-revolution speed ups and slow downs as it exchanges momentum with pistons that are all together stopping and starting. The pistons end up exchanging momentum among themselves leaving the crank to spin at a more constant speed.
“this is the kind of thing that only Yamaha does”
Please… If a manufacturer employs a marketing department, then they do this kind of thing. I personally can’t wait for Yamaha to come out with their cross-plane single so I can ditch my old, uniplane thumper.
yea, remember when the SOHC Hondas were popular and they came out with the DOHC as the hot thing, making those with a single cam obsolete… now they are promoting “Uni cam” doesn’t uni mean one? as in SOHC?
Rich Corinthian leather!
If only I could get back all those hours spent fiddling with my Honda single cylinder’s firing order…..
Based on the FZ-09’s low price of $8199, I was expecting a better price on the FJ-09. In other words, it shouldn’t cost $10490 ($2300 more). For that price they should throw in the luggage. Especially if they are going to bill this as a sport tourer.
Yup. $2200 is a lot for a tiny plastic windshield and a centerstand. But everyone is raving over it so it must be a good deal. By the time you add hard bags you might as well look at the heavier sport touring bikes that add way more wind protection and amenities. But I will be called the devil for disagreeing with the crowd. The FZ-09 was a great deal.. Perhaps the additional money charged for the FJ-09 was needed for fixi the fuel injection problems?
Perhaps you might wait to read the instrumented and long term test results before you condemn the bike. The FJ does get the fairing and centerstand but also an adjustable seat, ABS and traction control. Letting the buyer decide on how to finish the bike off with their choice of bags, rear rack, top case etc. is a smart way to go if you ask me. Even with the not so cheap Yamaha accessories the bike can be on the road for less money and packing less weight than its competition. In my case I’m probably going to use my current soft bags on it and just add the rear rack and heated grips.
Just rode down to my local dealer. They tell me they may have one on the floor in a couple days. Hope to get a chance to at least look at, sit on, and squeeze the levers on one early next week.
well go ahead and squeeze ’em, you old sailor you. (Vince Vaughn voice)
Norm G. says:
December 27, 2014 at 4:43 pm
well go ahead and squeeze ‘em, you old sailor you. (Vince Vaughn voice)
Would have preferred Jessica Beal in Chuck and Larry voice
Lol i replied Norm, but it has been awaiting moderation..since Dec 27 th lol
Well got a test sit. Too tall for me ( not the bike’s fault..I’m stubby legged) but it looked nice as far as fit and finish go. My younger brother ( 62) who rode over with me, took a look at it from the front and said ” what does it turn into?” I said ” a new corvette” , then he was cool with it.
At 5’8″, I couldn’t flat-foot it, but I could get a very comfortable amount of boot sole on the ground with the seat set to the lowest position. I did see where they have a “low seat” as an option.
It would seem “Low Seat Option” = less padding = long-distance discomfort. I too am 5’8″ and did a test-sit at my dealer. I don’t think I could get used to the tallness of this whole package. Pass.
I am very accustomed to tall bikes, so that is probably where my comfort level comes in. I think I have only owned two bikes over the last 20 years that I could flat-foot.
Came across the following posting from another forum, for those, like me, who would like to see cruise control available on the FJ-09 sooner, than later, looks like Yamaha may already be considering it. (Again, the following was posted by someone else on a bike forum.) Worth a simple phone call that may yield favorable results.
For all those folks that wish Yamaha offered cruise control on this bike, please give Yamaha a call.
Yamaha USA can be reached at: Customer Relations (800) 962-7926
I gave them a call today and even though the call took about 10 minutes they were very responsive and told me they are already looking at. A few more phone calls and I suspect this could happen pretty quickly.
Yamaha has done a very good job of listening to their customers. The two major complaints about the FZ-09, namely soft suspension and snatchy throttle, were addressed on this version. I also have a Super Tenere and for the 2014 model they made about a dozen changes that were requested buy owners. They do listen, they just need to hear from you.
Please call and help make this happen!
re: “For all those folks that wish Yamaha offered cruise control on this bike, please give Yamaha a call.”
don’t waste your time. you’re not telling the product planners anything they don’t already know…? and didn’t already discuss 4 and 5 years ago. Yamaha was RBW long before the lot ever knew what it was.
see “devaluing consumers” can’t be given everything all at once, they must be “spoon fed” (like so much infant) according to slowed timelines and product cycles. the term is perhaps better known as “planned obsolescence”, and due in no small part to OUR behaviour, it will always be a factor to one degree or another…
http://tinyurl.com/ppyoxut
re: “they made about a dozen changes that were requested buy owners.”
close, they made a dozen changes they already KNEW they were going to make from the moment they released the bike.
the fact that they paralleled whatever requests the owners made was just coincidence. keep in mind this is Yamaha we’re talking about here…? only the guys who managed to neutralize “the V5 shock and awe campaign” while handing Honda their asses on the way to 6 championships. they know EXACTLY what they’re doing.
This just proves that Triumph would have done really well with a Tiger 675 alongside the 1050…
Why? Isn’t that what the Tiger 800 is (a 675 with only a slightly longer stroke)?
No, the Tiger 800 is a pseudo-adventure bike. The Tiger 1050 was a sport touring bike. Take the 675 and put it in a sport touring package (people referred to the idea as the “Tiger Cub”). I don’t hear people giving the 800 the sort of high praises given the 675.
“Pseudo-adventure”? All motorcycles are adventure motorcycles. The Tiger 800 is just as capable as any other 450+lb motorcycle with street tires.
Besides, the FJ-09 is nearly 900cc. Why does it prove that a 675 would’ve done any better than an 800? Once the 675 engine were tuned for versatility, the bike would die on the vine due to unimpressive HP figures..
Visiting Dallas over Christmas, I found a FJ-09 on a dealer’s floor. Impressions: feels light (ok, little gas was in the tank), I am 5′ 10″ and I can flat foot it in street shoes, knee bend from the pegs is very comfortable, the bars are a little far forward for me but adjustable, clutch pull is a little heavier than I would like, suspension sag feels about right for my 165 lbs, easy to put on the center stand, typical Yamaha fit and finish (excellent). Without my riding gear I did not get a ride but they quoted $10,750 out the door with a local sales tax of 8.25%.
About the optional bags, etc.. I like options, you want them you pay for them, otherwise save the money for something you don’t want. I prefer a helmet capable top case only anyway. About chains, 5 minutes of chain maintenance is so easy compared to the weight/handling/cost penalty of shaft drive it is a no brainer for me. Still at the top of my next bike list. Finally looks, is your priority appearance or performance? (Yeah, I know, BOTH! and you want it under $8000 too?)
re: “Finally looks, is your priority appearance or performance? (Yeah, I know, BOTH! and you want it under $8000 too?)”
behold, the anomaly of requesting 3 things. it’s the subconscious “dealbreaker” we create to get ourselves of the hook.
I really like the bike. Hope the next thing we see from Yamaha is WR450 Dual Sport or FZ07 offroad focused enduro. Either one would be something the marketplace is yearning for.
Kind of wondering if the street bias of this bike might leave the door open for a true “adventure bike” based on the FZ07. A real adventure bike based on the FZ09 would have probably killed any chance of that happening. Although my eyes water a bit when I look at this bike (not in a good way) it looks better with the bags attached.
Looks like a potential winner to me, a ’39 model ‘Old Fart’ but still with distance touring intentions here in Oz. If the pricing is anywhere near as good as with the FZ model it should walk out the door, even if the bags are extra. I’m ready to trade my BMW R1200 R Classic for this lower, lighter, more ‘flickable’ machine, even if with some regrets…
Hmmm.. I always said my TDM900 was missing a cylinder, and finally they’ve made something resembling a TDM triple. Could this be the one to tempt me from my TDM/Speed Triple combo and consolidate to a single bike? Tried a bunch of bikes with this in mind before; KTM 990SM, Triumph Tiger 800/1050… but none have ever hit the spot. Ten years of my (heavily modified) TDM and it still makes me grin like a loon.. touring in Spain this year I fell in love with it all over again. But this… this could be the one! Shame it’s so goddamn ugly!
Dirck, is it a definite that those bags aren’t deep enough to hold a full-face helmet? In the pics they look too narrow to handle the job, but perhaps the pics are deceiving.
I am pretty sure by looking that those bags won’t wear a full-face helmet, unless you’ve chronic micro-head.
I tend to agree, obviously, but I’ll wait for Dirck to give us the final word.
Didn’t check this at the launch, but will do as soon as we get our test unit. Didn’t look like enough space, frankly, but we will check.
I’d be really surprised if a full face helmet fits in the FJ-09 side cases. The -09 bags are 75mm narrower than the FJR bags and my Scorpion 700 (sixe XL) full face barely fits in the left side case.
One option is to buy FJR cases for your FJ-09 and have them painted to match. The inner cases that mate to the bike are identical I’m told.
Rusty, not only does it appear that you are correct about the inner cases being identical to the FJR1300’s, it looks like those deeper outer cases are in fact available for the European version of the FJ-09…
http://www.motorkari.cz/clanky/moto-novinky/yamaha/novinky-yamahy-yzf-r1-a-r1-m-mt-09-tracer-wr450f-rally-tmax-29949.html
I’m shocked………..just shocked that they didn’t design and build the bike “EXACTLY” how I imagined it should be…
#sarcasm for you haters
But its by far the closest thing on the market…
Sure I would like:
The seat a little shorter
The design to be less of a modern TDM (those bare-naked forks are obscene!)
The fairings to have a bit more coverage (but not so stodgy as an FJR1300)
But its got near Sportbike chops and its not 700 lbs. Its also got touring ergos for us “Old Guys Rule” club. The triple motor will loft the front wheel and provides plenty of squirt… for one at least
This bike just went to the top of the list for me.
I gotta say – all the whining about no shaft/having to lube chain on the road – the bike comes with a centerstand, which makes this totally trivial – 5 minutes at the absolute most!
Without a centerstand, this would be a more serious gripe.
Then again, is it just me or should bikes without a centerstand have an off-center fuel filler? How many do this – I’m thinking a couple underseat-tank BMWs?
My Tiger 1050 has 22K miles, original chain/sprockets with plenty of life left in them. I ride FAST, burn through tires and do 500 miles days fully loaded. Shaft drive is not something I desire (and I have had several)
I have not had to adjust the chain on the road yet, but if I did, no big deal.
re: “I ride FAST, burn through tires and do 500 miles days fully loaded.”
FISTPUMP…!!!
I still prefer shaft drive for long-distance touring. But you pay a heavy price (literally) for the convenience. And that weight is un-sprung. You really feel it in the handling.
I be never noticed the difference. If I had a chain drive R75/5, a chain drive Seca 650, or a chain driven K75S then I could compare. I do know my chain drive Monster handles worse than those bikes but I’d still need to ride a shaft drive Monster to make it a fair comparison.
Re: ” I do know my chain drive Monster handles worse than those ”
I cannot imagine the criteria that you must be judging those experiences on..
the criteria of being able to go around corners quickly and maintaining a smooth line. The Monster doesn’t do either all that well, requiring constant and heavy pressure on the inside grip, being as smooth as possible on the throttle, and trying not to let the bucking rear Ohlins suspension upset your bar pressure or position on the throttle. The bike is too much work to get cleanly around a corner quickly.
If either of those bikes goes around corners more easily than any model Monster, please consider having your Monster checked for set-up and…I don’t know…anything…right away. Is it possible that ‘Monster’ was a typo, and you intended to say ’71 Electra-Glide?’ Because if so, I’m with you. If not, that is one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever read I think.
With my ’82 Yamaha Seca 650 & 102,000 trouble-free miles on the clock, I would’ve needed to replace the chain & sprockets at least 3 times, possibly 4. That’s a chunk of change that I never needed to fork over with the shaft. Not to mention the fact that I never needed to clean chain lube & associated grunge off the rear wheel on a regular basis. Chains are very durable and efficient today but I was spoiled by the lack of maintenance needed on the shaftdrive bikes I’ve owned. Going to a chaindrive ride is a step backward for me. I must reiterate again, however, I hope Yamaha sells the crap out of this bike…it’s very impressive. I had just hoped for more emphasis on touring than sport…it’s too close to the FZ09, in my opinion. I’d envisioned an FJ1300-style machine with similar styling and touring amenities but with the 09/triple engine on a slightly smaller scale.
I like everything about it. aesthetics, ergos, engine, weight and all other specs. Agree with the guy below – this is a punch right in the mouth to the 800 vfr (interceptor). Who’s going to buy that now, a couple viffer die-hards maybe? This Yamaha has the Honda completely covered even if the prices were even.. but for 2k less!? wow.
Does the 2015 FZ-09 get the suspension and throttle upgrades?
I hear that the 2015 FZ-09 does have the fueling issues fixed and the 2014 ECU can be flashed to those specs by a dealer. Got to look at the 2015 parts lists and the fork springs and damping rods are the same as on the 2014. The inner and outer fork tubes are the same part numbers as the ones on the FJ-09 so those damping rods and springs should fit the FZ. The rear shock on the 2015 FZ is a new number though.
The FJ has the same fork springs as the FZ. The stiffer damping was achieved entirely with changes to the valving.
Dirck, I just checked Yamaha’s online parts catalogs on that. FJ-09 fork springs are part number 2PP-23141-00-00. FZ-09 springs are 1RC-23141-00-00 so something is not the same between them.
Went back to my notes. i think you are right, but the fork springs in the FJ are apparently softer than the FZ, interestingly enough, so it was new valving that did the trick.
These new “big trailie” sport-touring bikes including the Multi Strada miss the dual sport segment without a 19″ front wheel…My hat’s off to the V-Stroms, F800GS, F700GS for recognizing this important feature….who wants to take a 17″ front wheeled machine off-road..?
Q: “who wants to take a 17″ front wheeled machine off-road..?”
A: SuperMotoans.
“Big Trailie”? Show me a photo or video where Yamaha shows this bike going off road and we can call it a big trailie. I’ve seen a video of the new V-Stroms on gravel but I’ve never seen one of the FJ-09 off pavement. It’s just a sit up street bike, sport tourer. No dirt pretentions implied as far as I can see.
Is anyone familiar enough with pricing to tell me the MSRP prices of the Triumph 800 XCX (or whatever), the Verses 1000, THe Ninja 1000 and this one, all with the bags on them included in the price?
Oh, yeah, and the V-Strom 1000, too.
The Triumph Tiger 800 line is actually 4 bikes now. The closest competitor to this bike would be the XR, and its MSRP is $11,399. The upscale XRX and XCX are more expensive, but have many extras that the FJ doesn’t have (crash bars, cruise control, etc.) Bag pricing for the Tiger hasn’t been announced.
The Ninja 1000 new with bags will run you close to $13k. It doesn’t have a center stand, though, and that’s a big knock in my book.
The Versys 1000 with bags is $12,799.
The V-strom 1000 adventure (bags included) is $13,999.
Still regret selling the Multistrada 1200 last year. This looks like am awesome replacement. I’ll be doing a test ride of this soon. Anyone know if the center stand comes off easily? With that removed and an aftermarket can, you’re looking at significant weight savings on an already light bike. Well done Yamaha.
Should be a matter of removing a few bolts and two springs for the center stand. But in this instance you might have to remove part or all of the exhaust system first. But probably not.
re: “regret selling the Multistrada 1200 last year”
why…? no I mean why did you sell it…?
re: “significant weight savings”
in fact, so much savings you may even opt to reinstall the stand…? 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQNGCwLN9oA
Interesting. If he’d have worn safety glasses I’d been more at ease.
I too was hoping for mini FJ styling not mini Tenere but nice package none the less and should hit a large demographic with the price power and weight.
That’s right, it isn’t pointed at the old man market (I can say that ’cause I’m an old man). The FJR13 looks old to me so it really wouldn’t make sense to try to fit an FZ/MT-09 variation model into that mold. Also, the bike really is more a descendant of the TDM850/900 than the Super Tenere. See the low pipe, cast wheels and street only tires. It wasn’t meant to be a super tourer or an ADV bike. It’s a sport tourer like the TDM. I think they did it right by leaving the bag/trunk choice to the buyer but giving him/her a good starting point to make it what they want. I’m thinking I’ll probably go with soft bags and just a rear rack on mine if I can bring myself to sell off the TDM.
I’m 34 so I wasn’t looking for an old man bike just more complete fairing and scrren for a more integrated and useful package. After all they’re calling it an FJ.
They also call it an MT-09 Tracker. I wish they’d have called it the “TDM850 II” instead 🙂
20 years later, Yamaha brings the same concept to the table. I’d say they are somewhat visionary. Is a new Vision soon to appear?
Although I see the market for this bike, it was not the bike I wanted in any real way. i don’t like the seat design, it’s a bit too tall in the saddle, it really isn’t a sport tourer, nor did it hit the ADV design. It really isn’t the bargain the the FZ09 is. It doesn’t have the shaft drive of the FJR.
It’s hard to explain but it just…doesn’t nail it for me like I’d hoped. Really, I just wanted an FZ09 with bags and some wind protection for maybe $1000-$1500 more. Once you break $10K, it’s like……give me a Tiger 800 XR.
re: “Once you break $10K, it’s like……give me a Tiger 800 XR”
and there it is.
that’s the other increase I was going to comment about. who’s going to be the first to recognize the price hike and call “dealbreaker” for crossing the magic $10000 dollar threshold…?
A: heeerrrees johnny…!
At this price, it should include the bags. Kaw 650 Versys includes the bags for about $2K less with ABS and 5.5 gal. tank.
re: “At this price, it should include the bags”
but instead they see your bags and RAISE you a cylinder, a piston, a con-rod, and 150cc’s.
smokey-D please tell me you’ve seen this movie…?
Well, It would appear that Kawasaki will see that 3rd cylinder and raise you another cylinder, almost 150cc’s and still includes the bags and a 24 month warranty… and call it a Versys 1000LT
re: “and call it a Versys 1000LT”
AND charge you $12800 for the privilege. somebody’s not paying attention.
Paying attention to the $2K price difference between all of them and thinking the Versys650 LT has enough power and all the features. Plus they de-uglyfied it.
re: “Paying attention to the $2K price difference”
yup, now take a look at the price difference between MSRP and $0…?
“you can save $8700 dollars by switching to Geico…!” (announcer voice)
err… I mean selling off all of one’s kit and not consuming anything in motorcycle space.
I mean if the objective of getting IN to motorcycling is to save money…? well you’re just scratching the surface of human ability. 🙂
re: “thinking the Versys650 LT has enough power”
right now, the only thing I’m “zzinking” is how the sweet buzz of a triple differs from everything else…? and how this combined with my willingness to come off the dime allows me to enjoy life prior to death.
http://youtu.be/gMq9K20hSsk?t=3m3s
re: “they de-uglyfied it.”
fairplay, but gimme a heads up when it’s Scarlett Johansson in a cat suit. loves me some Ginger.
Norm, had an H2 when I was 22 years old and survived and have been riding an ’08 dos fitty Ninja for the last 50K miles. Love to ride and a small part of the equation is the fun/$ ratio. Have to admit that have to wring the neck of the dos fitty, but manage to keep up. Thinking about replacing the Ninja now that I am retired, but curious about how long it can possibly last. Of course there are also quite a few used 999’s for sale.
The 999 would be Scarlett, have you heard her sing?
True, the Tiger roadster has gone up quite a bit, which is unfortunate. It is an expensive 800 but it just seems to nail it so well. Dollar drops in value….huge price increase. Dollar rises in value…..small price increase.
Nice looking bike.
Does the center stand come standard?
Yes
Centerstand on the FJ is standard (included).
For now, I am reserving judgement on the “looks” of it until I see and ride it. I am one of the guys who was hoping for an 3/4 sized FJR-styling. On paper, this checks all the boxes for me. We’ll see, maybe I can warm-up to the styling.
I have to agree scaled down FJR would have been so much nicer, looks like another adventure tourer minus the beak
It’s a shame it is so ugly. It looks bad enough from the front, but that 3/4 rear view with the quasimodo hump that ties the tank to the fairing is atrocious. And why do street bikes have to look like they have 12″ of rear travel like an mx bike? Ridiculous!
Make something with that engine that looks like a down-sized FJ1300 or even a Gen 1 FZ-1 and it would be a more appealing package all around.
I really had high hopes when the rumors began about the FJ version of the FZ-09, but I think I’ll hang on to my 2008 Bandit 1250 for awhile longer.
Couldn’t disagree more because I think this bike looks good, and better than the FZ-09 it is based on.
I feel the “12” of rear travel” look makes for a light-weight impression, something that suits me just fine.
It’s bikes that look like they have 3″ of rear travel that appear to be heavy-looking, and to me, a turn-off.
I always thought my Gen 1 Fz-1 was one of the best sport touring bikes out there. Lots of power, light weight, awesome brakes, some wind protection but not so much plastic you couldn’t see the motor, good gas capacity, and decent comfort. This actually looks like a better version of the same bike with less weight and more safety stuff std., plus available hard factory bags and trunk.
A mini FJR if you will, may have been a preferred replacement, but I’m not so sure this won’t be quite acceptable. have to wait for a test ride and see.
I think it looks GOOD. Not as good as Scarlett Johansson, but still. I think they got everything right. Shaft drive is heavy and more expensive. I can get a Beemer or Guzzi for that. The FZ always seemed like it wanted to race somehow. Plonking around town was a bit odd for me. Nicest suspension I’ve ever had though. Yeah the FJ11 was ok but it’s time has come and gone.
It’s a fine-looking bike, and looks to be well put together…I give them a lot of credit. It’s not quite what I had in mind, personally…I was hoping for a 7/8’s scale, smaller FJR 1300 with shaft drive and that sweet triple. I know, I know…chain drives are lighter, and cheaper to manufacture. Blah, blah, blah…I get it. And shaft drives are not truly maintenance-free, but it’s just more convenient to ride long distances without having to worry about lubing the chain every few hundred miles as opposed to changing out the final drive oil every 5000 or 10,000 miles. Regardless of my preferences, I hope Yamaha sells a ton of these.
re: “it’s just more convenient to ride long distances without having to worry about lubing the chain every few hundred miles”
that’s the OCD, you just keep twisting that throttle pal…! 🙂
I said it when the FZ-09 was introduced and I will say it again … Yamaha continues to hit homeruns in just about all m/c categories.
Kawasaki is on the move up … Suzuki seems to stay the same … Honda continues to fade.
Honda is more interested in selling expensive cars to rich Anericans and small displacement bikes to third world nations because that’s where the money is. It’s the reason we were offered a regurgitated VFR800 instead of what the actual VFR riding customer wanted. Go where the money is, that’s the key to staying alive in business.
re: “Anericans”
who are these people…? (Seinfeld voice)
re: “Go where the money is”
and THERE it is.
Honda sells expensive cars?
Americans are rich?
Some are…some aren’t
Check out any of touring versions of their models. We bought an Accord Hybrid Touring and it came to >$40k with the added extras! If you haven’t bought a new car in awhile, any new car, you may be in for a shock? Whether you think $40k plus is expensive is between you and your wallet!
re: “Check out any of touring versions of their models. We bought an Accord Hybrid Touring and it came to >$40k with the added extras!”
see, load up Honda Accords with extra amenities and the price goes up. load up Yamaha Triples with extra amenities, the price goes up. it’s only logical. (Liam Neeson voice)
I own a hyperstrada and this fj09 seems like a great bike to compare.
Both have about 110 hp, center stands, small side bags, small windshields, about 450 lbs fully fueled and traction control/abs.
Price difference might be an issue to some.
Duc dealers are nonexistent at this edge of the earth.
I was told the bags aren’t large enough to hold a full face and I don’t see anything confirming that in the article.
But then you have to empty your bag just to put your helmet in it.
I was gonna say, I think the man’s looking for a “glove box”. I consider it myself when I attend races. though I like to think when I’m fellowshipping with the BOM (Brotherhood Of Motorcyclists) I can leave my helmet, my gear (perhaps even my wallet) draped over my bike, and I don’t have to worry about anybody touching it. and of course there’s the bad weather aspect.
now this may or not be true…? so i readily admit, this is just something i find pleasing to “think”. never once come back to find anything missing but there’s always a first.
Just get one of these things. Perfect helmet lock, even thought it could be defeated by $10 bit set from Harbor Freight.
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/helmet-guardian-black
looks good but honestly, I’m not that fussed. granted YES it would be a major (PIA) inconvenience to lose my lid, but that discomfort’s only temporary.
I mean if somebody needs my stinky, 5 year old helmet so bad that they’re willing to steal it…? ok then maybe they DO need it more than I do…? LOL who knows, maybe it’s a drug issue, or they need to put food on the table, dunno. I try to look at it with an eye on the BIG picture.
ultimately it means $550 bucks of my money gets “recycled” into my local shop’s economy and I get a new toy, so that’s a lot of WIN.
I have helmet guardians on all my bikes. Good unit, inexpensive and easy to operate. Wont stop someone from stealing your lid, but if they do they will have to sew on some new D rings as they need to cut the chin strap to steal the helmet
don’t understand why that matters
Well, when I go out on multi day tours, I like to stop and rest, even experience local food, scenery, etc. I don’t want to have to carry my helmet around so it doesn’t get ripped off.
I suppose if you’re a “point A to point B” traveler, your point stands. Some of us enjoy the journey just as much as reaching the destination.
Seems like if your traveling the bags will be full. I am easily distracted, so I stop alot, carry a bicycle cable in my jacket and thread it through the sleeve and the face port of the helmet and around the fork. Helmet and jacket secure.
Exactly what I do
Exactly, simple and effective. Just leave it right side up so it doesn’t fill up with rain! Seen it happen to some poor guy.
Helmet belongs on you head.
Not when you stop along the way. Some of us actually do that.
Fit a set of FJR bags on the 09 and you can put a f.f. helmet in the bag.
I agree with Canuck. Most trips are short and having the ability to quickly stow your helmet in a hard pannier is very handy. We’ve had helmets stolen from our M/C parking lot at work and most were stolen by cutting the strap and leaving the victim with just a D-Ring souvenir. For the money Yamaha is asking, the panniers should be standard equipment.
Thanks for the review. The bike market really seems to be hot this coming season. Manufacturers seem to really have an ear out. Keep it up Yamaha, but don’t fret you will never please everyone. If they want shaft drive they can fork up the cash for BMW or step up to the FJR, connie class. You even have some choices in middle weight sport touring with the VFR, new tiger 800s, and the F800gt. The VFR and tigers being chain driven and the f800gt being belt driven. Since when have you had so many options in the 800cc market?
Yes, we’re fortunate, these days, for plenty of great, new choices out there. Many commenters just have to persistently complain, as if you can have an impossible combination of features to please every possible buyer, with no compromise (especially regarding price and weight).
Agree. You should add the great new MV Stradale to your list though.
It is refreshing to see some nice concepts emerge from Japan again. Better power to weight ratio than both the big power C14 Concours and the K1600GT.
Triumph should see this as a slap in the face. Imagine a Sprint GT without all the lard.
Honda might as well scrap the VFR800 and throw the blueprints in the garbage at this point.
“Triumph should see this as a slap in the face.”
Actually, no. Triumph got the ball rolling in this category with its excellent 800 Tiger. I’ve ridden one and it is a GREAT bike.
Agreed, the Tiger is a great bike, used to ride with a guy that had one, Impressive.
The Yamaha is the same weight as the Tiger800, 20 more HP. 17in front wheel, it is strictly a street bike where the Tiger is an adventure bike with very strong street credibility.
However there is no question that this new segment of sport tourers have an adventure bike lineage. Look at the new BMW S1000XR for example.
With the Versys and Multistrada it seems that this is already an established segment of the touring bike market. The difference is that this new offering makes no pretense to be an adventure bike.
re: “The difference is that this new offering makes no pretense to be an adventure bike.”
in much the same way soccer mom in the Murano makes no pretense she’s on her way to do some “rock crawlin”.
the car-side term you’re looking for is CROSSOVER.
“Honda might as well scrap the VFR800 and throw the blueprints in the garbage at this point.”
By what measure, they aren’t the same type of bike and probably appeal to different riders.
By the measures of weight, complexity and cost.
re: “and cost”
cost to whom…?
VFR Haters always about the “cost of ownership” = valve checks at 16k miles
Which, to anyone that actually has owned one knows- is Totally unnecessary. Most owners never bother and the engines still last longer than 99.5% of the riders on here will see.
Re: “By the measures of weight, complexity and cost.”
If those metrics mattered to must American consumers, BMW and Audi would be *nowhere* in the marketplace.
I’m somewhat jaded in that I have an ’84 VF700F Interceptor so I have an eye for them. If I was shopping for something similar to it today I’m not sure the Yamaha would be it. But then, I’m an old guy now, very tall and big. Leaning forward to grab bars and their controls is not something on my current list of wants. But that’s why I have the Norge.
It’s all about the test ride. I have to say that the Norge exhibits jerky throttle response sometimes just off idle. Depending what you’re doing it can be a real pain. After riding all day the last thing you want is to tame a bucking bronc! But then, other times it’s fine. The Interceptor (mine) is carbureted and responds as smooth as a baby’s bottom…all the time! That’s got to be one reason I’ve kept it all these years!
I just sold my 02 sv 650 without a replacement in sight but now I know what the replacement looks like. Exactly what I was hoping for. Way to go yamaha!
I sat on one in the showroom. It seems more Adventure bike than Sport Tourer. It would probably do OK off the pavement with some dirt tires on it. Sure is better looking than any V-Strom I’ve ever seen.
Pretty sure Cannon Ball Baker rode across this country in 11 days on a chain driven Indian on mostly unpaved roads and all you pussi…..guys can do is whine about too heavy, no shaft drive, where is the weather protection, cruise control, nut up, or shut up.
Agree with you Smoking’ D! I have had all sorts of sport, ADV and sport touring bikes and it is up to the BUYER to decide what is important to them. All bikes are a compromise in some regard. If you need shaft drive and amenities, buy a machine that ticks those boxes. If you want a Yamaha triple that rips, comfy, light buy this.
Quit nitpicking and buy/sample as many bikes in your biking career as possible. Variety is the spice of life and embrace all things 2 wheeled. It’s the reason we all read and enjoy this website… Kudos to all the manufacturers for getting back to producing so many excellent options for us to choose from and discuss. 2015 is a wonderful time to be an enthusiast. Cheers!
re: “If you need shaft drive and amenities, buy a machine that ticks those boxes. If you want a Yamaha triple that rips, comfy, light buy this”
and if you want a car…? then buy a CAR.
can’t throw a rock without hittin’ one.
Yamaha is sure making Honda look bad these days.
“the enemy dragon you can’t vanquish at the racetrack is easily slayed in the showroom.”
– Ancient Japanese Proverb, author unknown.
(j/k the author is known. it’s me, I came up with that 5 seconds ago)
Excellent!
Norm G is on a roll…
Don’t throw banana’s in the apes cage, he’ll get excited and may find a way out.
re: “Norm G is on a roll…”
…with mustard.
Race results are a great way to choose a race bike. They are a lousy way to choose a street bike — even a sport bike.
Some of the finest performers on the racetrack can’t keep up on the street with bikes they regularly beat at the track. That’s because the riding positions, suspension setups, and engine torque curves that work best on the track are usually poor choices for street use.
Expecting a bike that won World Superbike to be a great sport bike for the street is just as silly as expecting a Formula 1 car to be a great daily driver.
Nice write-up, looks like Yamaha is onto something here with the FJ-09.
Too bad they didn’t include the heated grips & cruise control (noticed the left-hand switch housing has provisions for it) on their newest sport-touting bike.
Chain drive? Well, shaft or belt drive would have been nice to keep maintenance low, but I could deal with lubing a chain every so often.
re: “I could deal with lubing a chain every so often.”
the older I get the more I find “lubing stuff” becomes part and parcel of human existence.
modern chains are low maintenance, inexpensive, reliable, and they even put a center stand on it
re: “modern chains are low maintenance, inexpensive, reliable”
and that’s just what they fitted from the factory. but just like every other component on the bike (read suspension, hand controls, foot controls, wheels, etc) the chain is also sourced to a price point.
so, just like how a new owner might bin the stock exhaust and wheels for aftermarket akrapovic/marchesini BEFORE they even take delivery of the bike…? if none of that’s important to you, one can always pay the tech to immediately cut the chain and sort a fancy DID or Regina X-ring…? there are nothing but options here, so like the Hollywood cabbie said to Burt Munro we just have to…
“Open our wallets and let the moths OUT!” (spoken with verve and vigour)
One of the best written modern mc test reports. It reminds me very much of the old (discontinued) Cycle magazine tests when Daytona winner Cook Nielsen was there, minus some of the cute and witty comments they often fit between the more fact-based text.
I’m sure sold on this FJ-09. Knowing Dirck is taller than average, glad to see his moderate knee bend (my inseam is 34″).
I’m thinking the only thing that might dissuade me from this bike would be Honda’s promised true adventure twin.
Double ditto.
re: “I’m thinking the only thing that might dissuade me from this bike would be Honda’s promised true adventure twin.”
FJ9 #238… sold.
Another home run for Yamaha.
Still waiting on a crossplane R1 naked sport bike (not watered down please!)…will sell my 2014 BMW S1000R naked in a heart beat and be first in line!
Come on Yamaha, time to get serious and show these Euro brands what the “Tuning Fork” folks are capable of.
re: “Come on Yamaha, time to get serious and show these Euro brands what the “Tuning Fork” folks are capable of.”
done…
http://tinyurl.com/kkxuewz
http://tinyurl.com/mp6wzla
http://tinyurl.com/mvezg5s
My point was redarding a hyper naked….the Euros are killing the Japanese manufacturers in this class…the most important class as far as I’m concerned.
Hyper-Nakeds are the most important class?
certainly not in this country ( USA) ..not even close.
Unless your saying its the most important to you, because you want one.
Makers don’t sell well in the USA. Never have, probably never will. An American and a Euro are two different animals when it comes to motorcycles.
Not “Makers”, but Nakeds.
Thats the truth Gordo!!!
One of the most common bikes I see on my long commute in a busy USA metro area is the Ducati Monster. But then I often see multiple KTMs on the commute also (not nakeds, altough a 690R isn’t exactly a full-dresser), so maybe I live in a parallel universe from the mainstream US motorcycle market
dman: Last time I checked, Harleys outnumbered ADV bikes 3,467 to 1. Perhaps you live outside the USA?
BTW, the bike looks rather bland and boring to me… Plain VANILLA if I dare say! Would’ve looked much better if it had under seat pipes like… Say… Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 or older air cooled Ducati Hypermotards or Monsters… Plus a single sided swingarm. But then again, I’m expecting Italian Cues from a Japanese Bike… Which is simply Foolish!!!
P.S My current ride is a Monster 796…
re: “But then again, I’m expecting Italian Cues from a Japanese Bike”
no worries…
http://tinyurl.com/n7hpcuk
re: “Which is simply Foolish!!!”
foolish is spending the unrecoverable days of one’s life on a fruitless quest for “free lunch”.
Sport tourer my arse. That seat wouldn’t be good for more than a couple of hours and with minimal weather protection. Who wants to be dealing with chain maintenance on a long tour too? Fuel tank is too small. Tacked on panniers always look goofy and what’s with the useless rear fender and dinky lighting it carries? It might have SPORT, but it ain’t no TOURER.
Gee this ain’t the bike you are looking for is it? I haven’t ridden one yet so I think I’ll wait for Dirk’s long term test to see what he says about seat comfort, wind protection and chain service.
I have an old Japanese friend who rode around the world in 1964 on a YDS3 250. That was before the days of o-ring chains and cell phones. I met a couple who rode around the world on XTZ600 Teneres in the late 1980s. They made it without shaft drive. So I guess long tours can be done on less than a full boat 550 pound shaft drive ADV bike. I also suspect that the great majority of people who buy this bike will never even use it to cross the continent so maybe it’ll suit them just fine. Not too big and not too small but just right and fun too.
550lbs…you found a light one!
Q: “Who wants to be dealing with chain maintenance on a long tour too?”
A: well nobody, but these people also readily substitute their UNWILLINGNESS for chain maintenance with a WILLINGNESS to come off the dime for a Connie.
see what I did there…?
Aye, there’s the rub! Why can’t Yamaha, Honda, or Kawasaki build a TRUE sports tourer based on a smaller than 1300 (or greater) cc engine?? Envision an 800 cc V Four engine in a Honda ST1100 style wrapper, with all the long distance touring amenities that the 1100 had. Perfect for the long distance solo tours. That’s what I would buy.
re: “Why can’t Yamaha, Honda, or Kawasaki build a TRUE sports tourer based on a smaller than 1300 (or greater) cc engine??”
they can. as we see the producers of society are very skilled, very talented.
re: “That’s what I would buy.”
get me a $5000 dollar deposit, and the deposits from 49 others of like mind and i’ll get started.
It’s not really the chain maintenance that turns me off..it’s the mess and the noise coupled with the rest of it..I was on the fence for quite a few years watching and waiting, but the “Right” one never showed, so finally I put my money on a new old stock 2011 Honda 700cc ntv. Old style technology although it does have ABS..but the fact is I ride several days regardless of weather conditions knowing that i do not have to worry or bother with any part of the drive train during my
trip!
I bought a perfect condition, K75S a few years ago for $3000. They can be had for less, if you so desire. Under 500lbs, shaft drive, center stand, triple, fuel injected, ABS, plenty of storage, heated grips, single-sided swing arm, 50 mpg, does not look like an insect, etc. Plenty fast for touring, comfortable, super reliable, answer to all your prayers. What are you waiting for?
I also have an ’82 Yamaha Seca 650 that I picked up for free. It’s also a great shaft drive/center stand, light weight, reliable tourer like the K75 but it really was “free lunch.”
Don’t limit yourself to new bikes. Chances are there’s something exactly like what you’re looking for if you don’t mind being seen on something that isn’t the latest thing.
I’ve also had a Seca 650…put 102,000 miles on it, stock motor, and was still running great when I sold it. Other than changing the final drive oil at the recommended intervals, the shaft drive was maintenance-free. And have also owned 2 K75’s…unfortunately BMW had some issues with the driveshafts/final drives on some of these models. Splines have to be greased frequently. A problematic design. Otherwise, yes, I agree with your assessment of them…a great value as long as you keep those splines lubed!
I just recently had Bruno improve the splines and U-joint on my K75 but, yes, they should be looked after – albeit, much less often then a chain. Thankfully, the shaft and splines on my Seca and R75/5 don’t share the same issue. I’ve only put 30,000 trouble free miles on the Seca yet so it’s got quite a bit of life left in it.
I also intend to use Bruno’s when the need arises…they get great referrals. Other than the spline issue on those early K-bikes, they are pretty stoutly built. My brother still has his ’87 K75 that he bought new…put 327,000 miles on the original, stock engine. He replaced that motor last year but it was still running fine. At 70 hp, they are tuned for longterm durability, not the dragstrip!
And getting back to your comment about picking up a nice clean used bike, I agree…I bought my ’91 K75 in late 2012 for $3995, only had 17K miles on it and is immaculate. I’m also envious of your Seca…I loved that bike. Rode that thing all over the country & it never broke down, ever. Never left me stranded…one of the most reliable machines I ever owned. Very easy to work on, too.
Sounds you want lots of TOURER, but not much SPORT. Plenty of bikes like that out there. This FJ looks to be a true sport-tourer to me, at least in the way I would define the compromise.
Seems like a winner to me… Never ridden The FZ9 but the way its triple build torque on the dyno seems pretty impressive… Although, being an off-road fan; I would prefer The Triumph Tiger 800XC or BMW F800GS… Or perhaps… Honda’s “TRUE ADVENTURE PROTOTYPE”…???
FINALLY someone did what we’ve been asking for!
Sign me up! FJ09 Sport Tourer…Bags, windshield,decent sized gas tank, weight medium… oops!!…no shaft drive……sorry no sale……
Just proving that Triumph would have hit the ball entirely out of the park with a Tiger 675.
…and I thought they should make a Street Triple 800
It looks like Yamaha has found that we don’t like pork with every meal. “Finally” a bike that scoots, handles, and doesn’t beat you up! A Multistrada with a easier engine. I don’t really need all the fairing most of these bikes are offering, I’ve always been a naked sport fan (pun intended). Maybe Triumph will step up with MV and Yamaha and offer the Street Triple in stroked form, or take some weight off the Speed Triple. Good days to be a biker.
Seating position looks godawful. How does anyone accumulate miles with your feet that far behind your ass? From the position of the passenger pegs, it looks like ones passenger would be stepping on the riders achilles tendon. I’m sure it’s an engineering marvel but…….dang it’s ugly.
if you’re judging the triangle by that first side-on photo, note that he’s got his toes on the peg, not his heel. check yammy’s site … the pegs on this bike are pretty much due south of your ass.
It looks like the pegs are directly beneath you. To me, this looks far more comfortable and in control for long distances than sitting on my tail bone and legs awkwardly splayed out in front.
So you don’t like the gynecological exam seating position on cruisers with “highway pegs”?
I was on a FZ09 today and Beasty you’re right about the footpeg placement – they ARE too far back
Wow, great write-up. Thanks. Can’t wait to see this motorcycle live.
Good to hear they’ve fixed things, but 150% more rebound damping… wow, how could they be so off the mark in Version 1.0? Did they even test it?
This is the bike the FZ-1 aspired to be. Well done Yamaha. Between this, the FZ-09, and the new R1, Yamaha is taking things very seriously. What’s next? Maybe the new R6 will be a 675 triple? Maybe a complete redo of the FJR making it into a 1200cc triple weighing under 600 pounds wet? How about an R4? Ok, I’m reaching on that one, but still…
And the new R3.
Just going by looks, alone, it looks like a winner.
Should be a fun bike for lots of riders.