Continuing on with its Faster Sons theme, Yamaha has released the following video featuring another custom motorcycle designed by Roland Sands Designs. The flat track look appears to be based on the three-cylinder FZ-09. Interestingly, the video ends with a brief appearance by Kenny Roberts, Sr., and an indication that the story is “to be continued.” We suspect this custom will be revealed within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, take a look at the following video:
See more of MD’s great photography:
I must say that I like the DT-07 much better. I like the 07 engine much better also. That triple is a whiny bugger. The 07 engine is pretty sweet.
Now if they would rethink the tank and front plastics on the DT-07 to better resemble the YZ line instead of the FZ line. I’d like it better still.
While they’re at it. How about an SM-07? YEAH!
Looks like this might take care of the primary shortcoming of the FZ09, the too-small gas tank. (The other being weak suspension but at least that can be fixed by the owner.)
Since it’ll need a headlight they might as well throw on an RZ350-eque 1/4 fairing, done up with a bit of Roland Sands flair to match the rest of the bike. Nice job!
I was just telling someone how much I admire RS lately. Never a question of worship of the King. Yamaha has been on a roll with affordable, simple (compared to others), fun bikes. RS is gonna have a ball, I hope.
I Loved the KR appearance! Brought back Memories!
Bike looks very promising, too!
Fantastic. I love it.
Make that two votes from Texas.
Slap some lights and instrumentation on it, then get it out to dealerships and you have a winner!
Wow, one of the more desirable bikes, ever. Especially because of the expected stock performance. An updated ’83 RZ350 thirty-three years later. Sweet!
Depending on production numbers it might have collector potential. If you buy one, keep it 100.0000000% stock. Remove the OEM tires and preserve them as new.
Wouldn’t that be kind of like leaving your new wife’s virginity intact to make her more desirable to her second husband ten years from now?
Heh… Funniest line ever!
Beautiful!
Provologna, I know where you are coming from… and what Tom says is spot on. You have to buy at least two copies, one to ride, the other to preserve. I know of a fella here that bought two RC51’s, rides the hell out of one and the other is still in the crate for down the road, either as an investment or as a replacement for whenever he wears the first unit out.
BSA/Triumph ran some flat track 750 triples. One is in “On any Sunday”. There were some C&J framed privateer Kawasaki two stroke triples. They all went away when AMA changed the rules due to the TZ750 dirt tracker “they don’t pay me enough to ride that thing” comment from KR.
The FZ/FJ 09 has about the same crank HP as the original TZ750. And a nice flat torque curve. It’d make a good DT bike, if you think that 120hp DT bikes are a good thing.
Copy it, Yamaha, and we will buy.
That is an awesome looking bike. Not a Yamaha fan but that is a fantastic looking bike.
WOW!!! RSD took a BFH and knocked all the ugly off that FZ09!!! I hoped it could be possible, glad I’ve seen it done. Yamaha… take the lesson!!!
Couldn’t have said it better myself!
Agreed.
All YAMAHA has to do is add DOT legal headlight, tail light, turn signals, tires, mirrors, ABS, center-stand (for those who can’t do without), huge exhaust canister w/CAT, 36″ seat height and fueling that will take 3 years to fix. All for under $8,000.
If that video doesn’t make you want one, well, i guess maybe you should hang on that Sportster . . . . . . . . . .
The more models Yamaha throws that 900cc triple into the more they will sell. That has got to be the best recieved motor out of Japan in the past decade.
Triumph has done something similar with their 800 triple of late offering 6 versions of the Tiger 800 for 2016.
The mid sized triple hits a sweet spot in the market.
That motor is really pumping out a horny tune at nine seconds. I wonder if that pipe is street-legal?
If Yamaha sold the FZ09 or FJ09 with that tank and seat and minimalist styling, I’d buy one. I hate the “Plastic-Fantastic” look of the current triples.
The XS700 is definitely a step in the right direction. This Roland Sands version of the triple brings it home.
(Oh, and on a side note, Triumph and BSA flat-tracked triples back in the ’70’s!)
We are certainly seeing a big resurgance in the naked sport bike market. A sporty but minimalist 900 triple without all the fancy electronics IMO would sell around the planet. This bike could be it. With that engine a bike like that could come in under 400lbs and under $8 grand.
Re: “With that engine a bike like that could come in under 400lbs and under $8 grand.”
It’s a tall order. I think Yamaha’s current excellent pricing is more the result of a depressed Yen currency and their willingness to exploit it.
The stock FZ-09 is already $8190 and weighs 416lbs so I don’t think you’ll get your wish if they do produce it. Probably more like $10K and 410lbs.
This is cool, but a little diversity perhaps? Has anyone ever flat tracked a triple? How about somethign we can buy? Like, you know, the XSR or FJ07? How about a new 700 Tenere or 700 Scrambler? An XT700 twin and modern XT500 single? Let’s not lose focus, here, Yamaha!
Holy Crap Batman!….this is way cool…or is it just me? I like it.