We gave you all of the technical specifications relating to the Yamaha FZ-07 in an earlier article. The highlights include a 689 cc parallel-twin engine making a claimed 75 horsepower and 50 foot/pounds of torque. The chassis is light and compact, weighing a claimed 397 pounds wet, with a 31. 7 inch seat height and upright ergonomics.
A 3.8 gallon fuel tank provides plenty of range given fuel economy above 50 mpg during normal riding. Yamaha says this new, simple twin utilizes a “crossplane concept”, 270 degree crank for improved engine response and rideability.
At an U.S. MSRP of $6,990, you might expect budget components, and you would be partly right. The brakes are stout, 4- piston calipers squeezing twin discs in front, and the suspension is non-adjustable except for stepped preload in back.
We have been testing the FZ-07 on Southern California roads, ranging from freeways to tight, twisty canyons. To begin with, let’s talk about engine performance.
Fortunately, we found none of the fueling issues associated with its bigger brother, the FZ-09, as throttle response is smooth and predictable. The engine itself is very powerful for a parallel-twin in a displacement category similar to the Kawasaki Ninja 650, for instance. The FZ-07 clearly puts out more power than the Ninja 650, and the power spread is very broad with decent low-end and and a strong pull through the mid-range to a nice top end.
When we first rode the bike back from Yamaha headquarters on the freeway, it took a bit to get used to the handling. The bike is reasonably stable in a straight line, but compared to some of the larger bikes we have been testing recently it felt a tiny bit squirrelly above 70 mph. This feeling eventually went away, and what we found in twisty canyons was very pleasing.
The FZ-07 loves corners. It has an effortless nature about it, surely related to its light weight and relatively small displacement (by today’s standards). Despite the very wide 180 section rear tire, it changes directions very easily, helped in part by those wide handlebars and the upright seating position.
Most surprising, however, was the fact that we started dragging the foot peg feelers through corners even though it didn’t feel like we were pushing for big lean angles. The FZ-07 has decent ground clearance, but it inspires so much confidence while cornering you may run out before you know it.
The suspension is budget, as we stated, but Yamaha has struck a good compromise between bump absorbsion and stiffness. Despite our test rider’s 200 pounds, the bike could be pushed quite aggressively through tight, twisty roads without wallowing or feeling mushy. At the same time, it did a decent job of absorbing small road chop, and keeping the bike planted through corners.
The brakes are excellent for a bike in this price range. We experienced no issues related to braking power or fade. Good feel, as well.
The six-speed transmission shifts easily and positively. We never missed a shift during our testing, and the broad spread of power typically provides more than one gear that will be workable for any given situation. Sixth gear is a pretty good overdrive, and surely contributes to the excellent fuel economy (our mpg average was in the mid-50s).
The upright ergonomics are comfortable, although we would like even more leg room. Seat comfort is average … reasonable for shorter trips, but lacking some support on longer rides.
For the price and class of motorcycle we are dealing with, the Yamaha FZ-07 represents excellent value. Engine performance is outstanding, as are the brakes. We have to admit that we are so accustomed to upside down forks, the somewhat narrow gauge conventional forks on the FZ-07 (41 mm) felt a bit spindly, but we really can’t point to a performance degradation associated with it.
We really like the FZ-07. It is a light, simple, inexpensive machine that is economical to operate, yet provides plenty of performance to put a big smile on your face, whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider. We also like the modern styling and the excellent paint finish.
The FZ-07 is available in Pearl White, Liquid Graphite and Rapid Red. You can find all the details and specifications on Yamaha’s web site.
My impression – great little bike, and loads of fun. But make sure you get the “all black” model. Black goes a long way in mitigating ugly. Flat black on my ’08 WeeStrom saved the day. Slapped some P40 Flying Tiger graphics on her and now she’s almost pretty.
Wondering of this could be considered a spiritual successor to the old XS650.
We will need to see how it works for ice racing and scrambles to know.
No, the XS650 was a lot rougher around the edges than the 07. You know while the 650 had tons of character it didn’t handle all that well, wasn’t very quick and vibrated a lot. A real man’s bike yes but not so much of a real performer. The FZ-07 reminds me a lot more of the RD400 and RZ350, light, quick and good handlers. A Giant Killer like the RDs and RZs.
The stock seat looks about as comfortable as a concrete slab.
Don’t judge a book by its cover, or a seat by its looks. My experience is you can’t tell if something is comfortable by looking at it.
My DR650 seat looks all Cushy, and it anything but. Like sitting on a metal pole.
My KTM with 50 of padding removed is perfect!
+1 it’s shape, not padding necessarily. Your butt is already soft.
+1 I paddle my kayak for hours comfortably and it only has about 1/4 inch of foam on the seat , but the shape of the seat is perfect.
Looks totally comfortable to me.
Those of you who think this bike and similar bikes as the Versys are over priced should join me in Ecuador. The dealer here quoted me a 650 Versys at $15,600. We have a 100% duty/tax on imports over 250 cc.
Thanks Norka–we need as many perspectives as possible–I would have no idea had you not shared with us.
It’s not much better in Mexico. And the selection is absolutely awful. Even the 250s are overpriced.
I have rided this bike (mt07) for few months . The front end feels light but not producing the same amount of self steering force compares to bikes in this class. The result is it is easy to steer in low speed and you can adjust your line in corner, but when you push hard or hit a rough surface the grip is not very good.
I guess it is the “taste” of this bike with the shorter front trail 90mm . Other bikes I riden in this class are closer to 100mm .
A bike like ducati and sv650s, the handle bar is beating you if you are not doing it right .
Frank do you think the tires are to blame for the grip? after a set of Shinko radials I switched to Battleaxe. Not a Bridgestone fan at all but I cannot deny the superior construction and performance.
BT-020 – best sportbike tires I’ve ever riden
It seems like the Aprilia Shiver did 5 years ago what the new Yamahas are doing now. I’ve seen new ones for $8k right now.
Those Shivers are heavy bikes, but they are nice and a good value. However, I don’t think they offer the level of price/performance the FZ’s are offering.
re: “the Aprilia Shiver did 5 years ago what the new Yamahas are doing now.”
everything except sort their dealer network.
ps, congrats Marcus 2x “Worl’ Baby Champeen”.
the Shivers are awfully cool–I was smitten when I first saw the pics–but shy of the brand–I have to be very pragmatic in my choices–I need to see proven durability and parts availability–in other words I might choose a bike others dismiss as boring or a “girls” bike—I must have dependable scoot to get me to work and back home.
I have owned a Shiver for a couple of years with no problems. In the AF1 Aprilia forum there are owners that have in excess of 100,000 kms, up to 150,000 km, with no issues other than regular maintenance and replacement wheel and steering head bearings – heavy but understressed motor with more reliability than Ducatis in general
Stopped by a local dealer and saw one in the flesh. Very compact but nicely detailed with one exception. The blue paint on the frame looked like it was applied with a rattle can, in a dusty garage, on a cold day. Disappointing as the rest of the bike was finished to a high standard. Still, if I were in the market for a new bike at that price point I’d be all over one, with a black frame.
Every blog and pulication has been all over the FZ07. We all know there is not a bike out there that appeals to everyone. if we want perfect this and that, Ducati will give it to us with a powerful motor and Ohlins suspension and we can show up and pose wherever we go. – This bike is about new and old riders for a price. A lot of people really like it. That is all that matters, really. The dealers around Boston sold out of the first wave of FZ07s and FZ09s. That is what matters. We complain to entertain. Yup. We do. Like most Americans, I have bills piled high. I can’t afford perfect. A bike like this, or the CBR500 or the SR400 for that matter, will do just fine. Great motor. Decent suspension. Decent ergos for many people. That’s what it’s all about. And the new Duc Scrambler? Haven’t even ridden it yet. But, that, is a motorcycle.
Between the 07/09 all manufacturers have a LOT of catching up to do. No matter the socalled MPG figures, I wish all manufacturers would put over 4.5 gallon tanks on anything over 250cc. I was glad they made the bike work with 180 rear tires. Even though the bike would work(better?) with smaller tires, they are the easiest and cheapest to find. A belt would’ve been nice, but understandable it wasn’t included at this price.
This bike is a winner I think but not for me. I could never get past the “style”. Give it a round headlight, conventional fenders and I’m there. The Guzzi and Bonneville may be light on the performance end they have the style about right.
Re: “The Guzzi and Bonneville may be light on the performance end they have the style about right.”
Those are bikes designed to look old by companies who make old looking bikes. The Yamaha’s style is right, just not for the 50+ boomer customers that the retro-rigs are targeted at.
The average age of new motorcycle purchasers in the US is hovering on the high side of 45. Yamaha is hoping to reach a younger audience with bikes like this.
I wonder how the editors decide whether to include a wheelie photo in a write-up.
Whatever the process/reasoning, to me it means this bike won’t, or at le4ast we shouldn’t expect to perform such maneuvers on this bike.
I think it is sort of a subliminal (a subconscious subliminal) categorization of the bike in that the editors do not consider it a bike that a wheelie person would want, and so they don’t show it.
Interesting, the subtexts.
Uninteresting bike. SOmething about weak components makes it feel sort of Wal-Mart-ish, and that is fine for dish soap and underwear, but not for a motorcycle.
TO my mind, why would someone buy a new bike that has “spindly” forks when he could get a stunning used bike for the same money.
THis thing is gonna be, what, 8K out the door? More? That’s a nice used bike price right there.
41mm forks are not “spindly,” that has been the default size for non-inverted forks for many years.
You “used bikes rule” guys just kill me. Must be fun looking at all of these new bikes being introduced and planning out which one you are going to own five years from now. I guess it is a good thing there are guys like me out there to feed the used bike market and keep you guys happy.
And I don’t think a 41mm fork is “spindly”, especially on a 400 lb bike.
Us “used bike” guys are imperative to the circle of life. Don’t forget, we pay you for your used machinery (usually more than you would get as trade in) so you can then reinvest in the latest and greatest; and yes, I’m glad you’re out there feeding the market. Its a symbiotic relationship that works. Doesn’t mean we have less passion for the sport. I recently saved 10K from new on my most recent purchase…..YeeHaw! Having said, Mars sounds a bit off, who buys any bike, new or used, based on whether or not there is an ad showing a wheelie????
I didn’t intend that as a an insult at all! I buy both ways. 🙂 I just think it is hilarious when people come here and comment, “meh, I could bike a nice, used SV650-CBR-etc.-etc. for 1/2 the price.” That is great, but not particularly relevant to a new model introduction in my opinion. Because we are really big on relevance on this forum! 🙂
Well, if I can afford to, I would much rather break in a new bike my way–although I think most scoots are tough and tolerant enough to survive no matter how they’re broken in. But I wouldn’t trade my first night out with my brand-spankin’ new KH400 for anything : – ) I couldn’t sleep so I rolled her out of the driveway all quiet like, pushed in the choke lever by the left grip and romped down on that big kick-starter. She runbled to life and took me out under the August moonlight for one of the best rides of my life. I was 15 years old-:-)
“Mars” = “where this guy is from.” “Interesting, the subtexts” – stay off the grass when commenting, please.
Q: “why would someone buy a new bike that has “spindly” forks when he could get a stunning used bike for the same money. this thing is gonna be, what, 8K out the door?”
A: the person who doesn’t actually have 8K, but 4k and needs financing.
Mars, read the article?
Despite our test rider’s 200 pounds, the bike could be pushed quite aggressively through tight, twisty roads without wallowing or feeling mushy. At the same time, it did a decent job of absorbing small road chop, and keeping the bike planted through corners.
Well, this one has a 689 cc parallel twin, the Triumphs have 865 cc, I think. Of course, the Triumphs aren’t real high output, but I wonder how it runs with the more traditional (better looking) Triumph classics.
Performance-wise, the Triumph classics are not even close. Nice bikes, but with the exceptions of being reliable and smooth running, they are very “classic.” Brakes suck, suspension sucks, chassis sucks and sllllow. Also 100 lbs heavier than the Yamaha.
The only other bike I’ve ridden that makes the Bonneville line feel exciting is a Guzzi V7: all of the “benefits” of the Triumph with less refinement and all of the blistering acceleration of a beached whale.
Who needs blistering acceleration???
I’ll just pretend I didn’t read that.
Rotfl
I have 2 Triumph classics (Bonnie & Scrambler) and a Guzzi V7 Classic. I recently test rode an FZ07 and now have one of them also. All of them are a blast to ride and all have their own character. I don’t compare them to each other, I just ride them and smile.
Four bikes?! you dirty dog! ; – ) I’ve always wanted a Guzzi after reading about one set up for racing named Overdog. Was in one of the scoot magazines way back when.
I might be showing my age, but I see this bike as the spiritual successor to the R5 and RD series machines. Fast, light and inexpensive. Good job, Yamaha.
My first thought was the same. My first bike was a 73 RD, traded my car for it. I think this one is better. Too bad I don’t have a car.
Good post, I had a 1974 RD350 it didn’t get better then that.
I keep looking at Daytona RD 400’s–IMHO one of the best looking of the Yammie Twins
She sure does look like a lithe little thing, especially with our barrel chested, he-man leader manning the controls. It looks like a great bike for the money, especially the engine. I was hoping for a adventure takeoff on this motor with a bigger tank and racks on it. I like the ‘Jed Clampit’ look when I see a bike with everything strapped all over it, but that’s just me. I’ve only sat on one of these and they are tiny little things.
Dirck Edge says: I didn’t want to post your entire comment but you certainly made me laugh!!!! Your Cabal most certainly discussed how to further the publics thought process that BMW’s are obviously the best in the world and oh so reliable, Harley’s are tractors and Goldwing’s are ancient spaceships, small, cramped bikes are good for the environment and that Kawasaki will give us a 300 HP street legal bike!
I have enjoyed watching the development of these “Starter bikes,” designed to be unintimidating for the new rider and an alternative for we ‘seasoned’ citizen’s that can’t tolerate excess weight on a bike but have no trouble with our own because as we know, round is beautiful!
Sam:)
Nice bike but looks painfully uncomfortable to me; another bike built for a midget.
Go sit one and get a test ride. Unless you are NFL sized it’s roomy enough and the seat isn’t one of the plywood plank types either. I found it to be one of those bikes that just makes you grin inside your helmet.
Right. This is why they make 1000cc and up motorcycles. Sheesh. Big guys whine every time they make a smaller bike for people under 6′ tall and 250lbs when 1000cc and up bikes are the largest part of the market.
Yeah, but most of the bigger bikes are also designed for smaller folk. Unless you are talking about the V-Stroms, R1200GSs, Versys 1000, or most dual-sport thumpers. Took a look of myself on CycleErgos when this bike was first brought to Europe – too small for 6′ 2″ me.
With all respect, really? You can’t fit on a Ducati Multistrada, on a KTM 1190 AND 1290 Adventure, on the aformentioned V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 1000, on the Versys 1000, on the BMW R1200GS, on a V-Rod (probably the first quintessential tall-guy’s bike, because nobody else fits on it), on a Suzuki M109 (I ride with a 6’1″ M109-rider), on a BMW F800GS, on an Aprilia Caponord 1200, on a Kawasaki 1700 Voyager, on a Kawasaki Concours 14…??
motorcycle.com/top10/top-10-motorcycles-tall-riders-adventure-bikes.html
motorcycle.com/top10/top-10-best-cruisers-for-tall-people.html
You’re being to rigid in your examination of possibilities. Many bikes introduced in the past 5 years are now designed for an average 5’10 to 6’0 guy, your 6’2″ is only a 2″ “stretch”, if 2 inches can be called that. It is FAR easier for you, being tall, to find bikes than for shorter people to find them in today’s market.
Most sport (i.e. race replica) bikes aren’t comfortable for either short or tall people. The short people have trouble reaching the ground from the fairly high seats, the tall people have trouble folding their legs up onto the very high pegs. People should know better than to expect to be comfortable on something essentially designed for racing, I guess.
I’m 6’3″, 180lb and I think the FZO7 is a perfect sized bike.
6’3″, 280 lbs., 48k on my 250 Ninja
Shame on you, Yamaha for not offering ABS to American and Australian riders.
The FZ-07 is known as MT-07 in Europe and Australia. Only the riders in Europe can buy this bike with ABS.
Suzuki are behaving in the same shameful manner with the SFV650 (known as Gladius in Europe and Australia. Americans and Aussies cannot get this bike with ABS brakes, but once again, Europeans can.
I don’t know why they can’t at least offer it as an option for an extra $500 (or whatever) like Honda does on a lot of its entry-level models. I guess they figure that most buyers of this class of bike here aren’t aware, or don’t care. I wish my Fazer 8 had ABS, too – they offer it in Europe.
Actually market survey after market survey says Americans don’t WANT ABS on their motorcycles. Those that do are just a tiny minority ( but growing larger all the time). I suspect here in American we won’t see full model line ABS from all manufacturers, until it is mandated by the feds.
I own 2 motorcycles without and one with ABS. Never had to use the ABS yet, but it’s there if I ever need it..and to the he men in the group yes, I learned how to use brakes 47 years ago.
re: “Actually market survey after market survey says American…”
…motorcyclist’s are price sensitive.
as a consequence of being constantly bombarded by all the Wal-Mart ads for “roll back pricing”…? they forget themselves. assuming they were ever motorcyclist’s to begin with.
re: “I suspect here in American we won’t see full model line ABS from all manufacturers, until it is mandated by the feds.”
and let’s be honest, do we want them (ie. outsiders, ICE haters, anti-2 wheelers) sticking themselves in and mandating ANYTHING in regards to motorbikes…?
today it’s ABS, tomorrow it’s no supercharging or riding before 9am.
Nice going Yamaha for building a LIGHT bike. I have said it before, so you get to hear it again… Less weight is just like adding horsepower, improving brakes and suspension. Without the weight to fight, everything works better.
I love a light bike, but it isn’t quite like adding horsepower.
“I love a light bike, but it isn’t quite like adding horsepower.”
It’s better than that. It improves the hp/weight ratio at every rpm.
That is true only up until a point. The faster you go, the more important added power becomes important over the reduced weight. For normal, everyday street riding, though, I can’t argue with you: light is right.
That’s why I like Yamaha’s formula. Give it more power AND less weight.
re: “That’s why I like Yamaha’s formula.”
I’m drinking the potion of Team Green.
WOOT…!!! WOOT…!!!
Once you factor in the rider’s weight, it is significantly less useful.
Yes. Weight is a weird thing, sort of like HP. Mostly it matters in the back of magazine articles, and less so on the street. Spending a ton of money to save a few pounds by using aluminum instead of steel or something exotic like CF, it might be easier to forego the super-sized fries or not to carry so much crap with you. Less weight is always better.
re: “Spending a ton of money to save a few pounds by using aluminum instead of steel or something exotic like CF, it might be easier to forego the super-sized fries”
therein lies the rub… it’s NOT easier. pork chops taste good, curly fries taste good (Vinnie Vega voice).
it’s far easier to shell out for one of those spendy $$$ lithium batts (and we do) than to exercise discipline. ironically, this also goes some way at refuting our claims come motorcycle buying time that we don’t have money.
The problem is finding the right balance of light and the other aspects that make motorcycles fun to ride. In order to be light, everything is generally made smaller. Skinnier, shorter wheel bases, etc. That often translates to twitchiness, with the smallest inputs having a big effect. Smaller lighter bikes also get blown around by wind, both natural and man made coming off semis, etc. They also cramp up space for rider and passenger.
This going light trend pays dividends in solo mount canyon carvers and truly off road mounts Add a passenger, some luggage and head out on the highway through some high speed sweepers and you will appreciate a little weight, rider and passenger accommodations and wheel base length.
A bike like this, light weight is no problem, a bike like the Yamaha 1300 previewed earlier, and too light of weight can be a detriment IMO.
re: “Smaller lighter bikes also get blown”
i say good on ’em. more the merrier.
see as guys, we tend to only impart POSITIVE connotations this…? but here, a negative instance DOES exist.
making a bike lightweight, doesn’t necessarily “improve” the suspension. One thing it does to the suspension, is make it more critical in how its settings allow it to work. A heavier bike, will operate fine with close suspension settings, when a lightweight bike with close suspension settings seems like they are out of the ballpark. A lighter bike will always be harder to set up, fine tune suspension, correctly.
looks like fun but wow the XJR suddenly seems way better looking now , oh i must be getting old
So the bike is “reasonably” stable in a straight line and a little squirrelly above 70mph. Sounds like a winner.
Did you not read the next sentence? ” This feeling eventually went away”.
This might sound funny but I can’t tell what the power plant looks like by glancing at it. Look back again and huh? The pipes look good.
Otherwise a jumble of shapes and parts. No classic twin for sure. In keeping with modern design I suppose.
A great power plant, amid a slew of others arriving.
I bought an FZ-07 in August, and have been having a lot of fun with it since.
I rode both the FZ-07 and FZ-09 at a Yamaha Demo Days ride, came away with the feeling the FZ-07 was more fun to ride, and bought one two days later.
No regrets.
It feels light, thin, maneuverable, and has what I believe is an excellent power delivery for back road sport riding, which is what I bought mine for.
Because of the Crossplane 270-degree crankshaft, the engine runs, sounds, and feels like a V-Twin, including a very torque power delivery, yet is compact like a parallel Twin.
The front brakes are great with those monoblock 4-piston calipers – thank God they’re not cheaper 2-piston slide pin ones.
I changed the pads to EBC HH ones, and they’re excellent.
Big thumbs up here.
I owned a 2007 SV-650K7 (bought brand-new), threw money at it with all of the typical mods (Race Tech Cartridge Emulators, Ohlins shock, 2002 GSX-R750 4-piston calipers, BMC air filter, cut airbox, Factory Pro velocity stacks, Power Commander, lower gearing, Pilot Power tires, Timing Retard Eliminator, Leo Vince slip-on, braided steel front brake lines… I just know I’m forgetting some things.
As fun as that SV was, I’d much rather have the FZ-07.
Hi John, how much vibration makes it through the handlebars?
Not much.
I actually removed my bar end weights when I changed the grips to ones I like which do not have open ends for the weights.
Since the engine feels like a V-Twin, any vibration you do feel is more a throb than a tingle.
Cool! thanks for the reply–my Ninja 500 produces high frequency vibes, although my throttlemeister had an option for the heavy end weights–I think they do help. still having probs with my arms tingling–using a trackball on my pc at work and home has helped a lot. I previously rode a Vstar 1100 and did not note any tingling issues, so I think you are right about the throb having less of an effect.
Congrats on your new purchase. I think the FZ-07 is a great looking bike, and great value – comparing this to that new GSX-S750, which appears to have 2-piston sliding calipers, and a box section swingarm. Honestly, I’m not sure how Yamaha packs all this good stuff in at this price.
I was seriously considering the FZ-07 myself, but ended up buying a leftover ’13 Fazer 8 for only about $1000 more than the price of the FZ-07. It has some advantages, but it’s also a lot heavier. I think I would have been happy with the FZ-07, although I do like having the wind protection I get with the half fairing.
Fairings can come in handy – I have owned two FZ-1s in the past.
It’s good to hear a real life review of this bike John. I like the looks of the bike and for that money you can throw some gold valves and a new shock at it if you want. I have owned a lot of bikes in my 47 years (22 and counting) and I always have found that the samll light ones are the most fun. I may need to test ride one today (and after hopping off my ’77 BMW R100/7 everything will seem like an improvement!).
At some point (probably after winter) I probably will buy a top-shelf rear shock.
The bike feels too good not to tinker with. 🙂
I’m looking at the FZ07, but that seat. It just reminds me too much of the horrible SV650 seat. That’s what I love about the new Scramblers. A nice bench seat. How I miss them. Also, I really hate this whole origami look. I’m used to smooth, curvy bikes – Ascot, Sabre, HawkGT, Monster. Well, not as bad as Suzuki at least. And the fact that a big guy looks cramped on it is a good sign for me.
I’m looking at the FZ07, but that seat. It just reminds me too much of the horrible SV650 seat. That’s what I love about the new Scramblers. A nice bench seat. How I miss them. Also, I really hate this whole origami look. I’m used to smooth, curvy bikes – Ascot, Sabre, HawkGT, Monster. I don’t need to cut myself on one.
Since last June i own a FZ-07. Great bike. I did try the 09 last fall. I chose the 07 because the 09 would make me do too much silly things. Love the low weight and performance numbers of the 07. It’s my 10th bike. Great position, better than my previous SV650S. But he seat of the 650 was way better. If memories are good, the 07’s gearing is taller than the 650’s. So, the fuel consumption is better. I would love to take the 07 on the same track that i practice with the SV. I remembered that the SV’s suspension was soft. But i can’t say if the 07 is better or worse. It’s beeen almost 10 years that i sold the SV. Overall, very happy with the 07. I use it more like a commuter. But did some long distances and ride on some gravel roads. As a previous V-Strom 1000 owner, it would be fun to put some Avon Distanzia on the 07.
I’d sure like to see this bike with a half fairing and ABS.
Sounds like a winner for all around bike! great gas mileage for work commute, light and nimble for weekend fun on the local mountain twisty, light enough for around town, and probably power enough to travel some long distance trip! what is not to like? I see one in person and look even better or mistakenly with FZ-09.
Interesting bike, but I don’t really love the styling. I hate to sound like a broken record, but I would love something like this with more old school type bodywork. Since that probably wont happen, I would have to say this is the machine I would buy if I were purchasing today. I wonder what it sounds like? Us old guys sure miss the way vintage twins sound. This sounds like a revver, with probably flat exhaust tone. Aftermarket exhaust would help the looks quite a bit, in my opinion. Overall, a sweet offering from the tuning forksmen! Did I just type forksmen?
I just bought a CB500X… if the Yamaha corporate mind had seen fit to offer ABS on the FZ-07, that would have been my choice. After years of big, powerful ADV type bikes and sport tourers, lightness feels good. Kudos for Yamaha on their recent bikes… and I don’t want to start an argument on the merits of ABS… I just wish consumers had an option on the Yamaha small bikes.
Despite the strong family resemblance, the FZ-07 manages to look a lot better than the FZ-09. Not quite sure why that is just yet… the proportions created by the steel frame vs. the aluminum maybe? It isn’t a bike I am in the market for; but with almost 70hp and a 400lb wet weight @ $7,000, I have to give major kudos to the tuning fork company.
The real question: “Will it get as many comments as the Duc Scramble?
Haven’t the FZ-09’s fueling issues have been sorted?
By whom? Not that I have heard….and BTW if you believe Norm, it never had any to begin with
re: “if you believe Norm…
…and you should.
re: “it never had any to begin with”
and there it is.
Lol … Norm, you are a very learned man ( or very gifted at BS) and I enjoy your posts immensely but there are two things you will never convince me of..a Spanish Conspiracy in MotoGP and that there was no issue with the fueling on the FZ-09
Interesting that you insist there was no issue with the FZ-09 fueling ( which every magazine tester on the planet noted and which I experienced first hand when test riding one), but it was immediately noticeable to the tester that there was NO such issue with the fueling on the FZ-07 and also to other testers whose reports I have read ( not had the opportunity to test ride one myself yet..but I will)
re: “Norm, you are a very learned man”
thank you, I work hard. valuing education is a DELIBERATE choice btw (not accidental) as I discovered from an early age that trading on my good looks was going to get me f@#kall.
re: “a Spanish Conspiracy in MotoGP”
there are no conspiracies. try not to think of it in those terms. it’s all just man tending to his daily business.
re: “you insist there was no issue with the FZ-09 fueling which every magazine tester on the planet noted”
I do. once upon a time every PERSON on the planet thunk the landscape flat… and this would STILL be popular opinion if not for the musings of an “enlightened few”.
re: “it was immediately noticeable to the tester that there was NO such issue with the fueling on the FZ-07”
less apparent seems to be the “Apples V. Oranges” comparison. same manufacturer, but that’s 2 different engines, 2 different displacements, and 2 different firing orders. naturally this begs the question, where are we going with this…?
http://tinyurl.com/nyxm3ds
I can’t stand it anymore! I must confess. I am a member of the “motojournalists pretending the FZ-09 Has a Fuelling Problem” conspiracy. It was formed months ago … before the first word was written concerning this new triple from Yamaha. It literally came together in an instant, without premeditation or malice. I was at the secret monthly meeting of grizzled Editors-In-Chief, which took place at the usual burger joint. As the jaded and tired men began their typical lament (it goes something like this: “I’ve spent years riding every exciting new motorcycle on the planet – power slides, wheelies, top-speed runs and quarter miles, so now my adrenal glands are shot and nothing excites me. Nothing, I tell you!”), the plot was hatched out of thin air. The communal french fry bucket was almost empty when one of the most bitter editors (whose print publication had completely missed the internet wave) blurted ” let’s all pretend the Yamaha FZ-09 has poor fuel injection mapping.” Startled, several in attendance choked on their potatoes, with one requiring a decisive heimlich (not the first time for this fellow, so we were ready). As the group recovered, they looked at one another and nodded as the junior editor of the bunch began to clap. As if a tide suddenly rose, the whole of them were soon on their feet cheering the old fellow as if he had revealed his carefully hidden significance to them all in a flash of light. Then, as we finished signing an oath in blood, as we were wont to do under similar circumstances, the same fledgling who prompted our show of admiration added “Let’s say it is worse in B mode”.
Yeah, That’s what I thought.
Well, you dastardly editors sure got me. I feel like such a fool. How gullible I must be. I feel so humiliated.
Jaded, wicked, purveyors of the poisoned pen – you have lain a challenge at the feet of the naïve and gullible ….. “ride it for yourself and make your own mind up”
Bloody troublemakers ….. lol
Haha! And this is why these guys get jobs riding and writing about motorcycles while we poor saps must be content with posting about them and paying for our rides.
Well written.
Nice creative snark.
Meanwhile on the other side of the world, GMT -2 (casually spain time zone, but it’s not in spain… definetively not) another even more evil meeting were going on….
they got to the tapas… I mean burguers… secret place, the leader took away his hoodie and more that one of the assistants saw the shine through the rope… a gold NG pendant…
and it started…. (Conspirative voice)people, I have exhaust all the possible conspirations for why results doesn’t come as I predict so I have this new version that will just fix everything… let’s say you are so tired of seing the same old gp Gods go round after round to loose against the new boy without explanation.
(he pauses and take air)
(Economist voice)let’s say the new boy as a sensation can do more money per round won than the old ones, it’s not worth it to think they conspired to let the boy win and split the earned money thus maximising the perceived income for everybody?
(Popeye without spinach voice )what, why is this lunch so expensive? is it that there is no free lunch?
Meanwhile on the other side of the world the chief and editor of MD wondered why Yami never sent another model back to them to review….
I knew it!
I agree Mickey – over here in the UK there is a big waiting list for them. They ar the new LC (in spirit).
I’ve been waiting for a long time for a modern day LC, but I have to ride one first to be convinced. If it’s a go, I’ll buy one – white please, and I’ll put on the two-tone blue stripes myself.
Other than the questionable (to me) styling, it sounds like a winner.