FJ-09 First Review

[JRE]

This is the first I've seen anyway. Sounds like a pretty nice ride. That dash looks familiar ;D
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/273/20713/Motorcycle-Article/2015-Yamaha-FJ-09-First-Ride.aspx

When you add it up, the FJ-09 makes for an appealing intermediate sport-touring option. Granted, it sheds horsepower and some of the creature comforts found on larger-displacement ST options, but it also drops a couple hundred pounds and the as-tested $11,748 MSRP ($10,490 base model) is literally less than half the price of most top-shelf touring bikes. The FJ-09 fixes, or at least improves, the shortcomings of its wildly successful FZ-09 sibling. It delivers an authentic sport-touring experience at an affordable price point, a combination which I’m sure many riders will take keen notice in the upcoming year.

 

[mcbrien]

I sat on one and liked the fit but after reading article all I see
is another project bike Maybe Nick at Soltec could fix the
fork . I'm smitten by my inaugurated brakes. It doesn't carry enough
fuel then there's that chain issue.

 

[Andylaser]

They do look appealing.

Just not as appealing as the S10.

 

[JRE]

To me it's seems to be a Super Tenere Light. I see a lot of the same features and even parts. The handguards, grab handles, dash, etc all seem to be the same parts as on the S10. I've never ridden a triple and would like to test drive one for fun.

 

[2112]

I think they will be a sales success for Yamaha, they are pitched very competitively in the UK and should do well. I like the 'S10 light' comment, good point, 'parts bin specials' rule these days.

 

[Big Blu]

At 115 hp and only 462 lbs..... it's got smiles and giggles written all over it. Fuelling and suspension has been improved over the FZ-09.

Yamaha had their demo fleet at AIMExpo and I was able to score a test ride on a FZ-09. The triple motor was impressive with power everywhere, got me thinking, I'd like to have one but the suspension sucked and a naked bike doesn't interest me. Fixed on the FJ..... if only I had room in the garage for just one more bike! )

Paul

 

[Lutsie]

They do look appealing.

Just not as appealing as the S10.

I agree.

Plenty of adv bikes that look and sound great but the s10 has got it all for me.

 

[Mtbjay]

Good lookin' bike! …and what great value! For those who ride primarily 1-up and 90/10, this is a fantastic Yamaha offering.

While I've not ridden one, I did test a Triumph's Tiger X/C with it's triple-cyclinder motor prior to buying my S-10. It struck me as very smooooth. I felt it lacked real grunt (coming of a Ducati Monster 696), but it picked-up from very low RPM's without a hitch... then kept on revving, quite freely, into the double digits before redline. Something I was not used to.

I suppose Yamaha's triple will be similarly characteristic. I was impressed and felt that it would be an outstanding bike to ride smoothly in and out of corners.

 

[Big Blu]

I visited the dealer and got to sit on one today and was surprised at the seat height. With a tall seat and upright riding position ya might think you sitting on an Adventure Tourer.... but then it's got the wheels of a sport bike. Could it have an identity crisis?
I sure hope I can score a test ride someday soon. That's one very very sweet motor and I like to park one in my garage! ::012::

Paul

 

[fredz43]

My dealer got 2 cool looking red ones in today. I sat on one, revved the engine a bit and wished it were warmer that 19 degrees outside. Much colder than that tomorrow. They have the hard bags and taller screen ordered for one of them. One of those is a demo and I WILL take it for a ride as soon as it warms up a bit. Couldn't replace the 14 ES of course, but looks like it could be a fun second bike.

Also got a 15 S10 in red and it looks great also.

 

[Brick]

Fredz43 Where are the photos?

 

[fredz43]

Fredz43 Where are the photos?

I can take some of the FJ09 tomorrow, Brick.

 

[JohnB]

I think that for the first time in my life I'll be owning 2 bikes from the same manufacturer. Unless something more exciting comes along in the next couple of months, I'll be trading the Street Triple for the FJ-09. ::018::

 

[fredz43]

Fredz43 Where are the photos?

Here's a few, taken in the wash bay today, Brick.

 

[dcstrom]

Almost looks too small for you Fred? Roomy enough to tour on do you think?

 

[Big Blu]

Fred, for reference only.... what's you height, inseam, weight?
It looks like one up touring would work fine for you.

That RED is one DAMN NICE LOOKING BIKE!!! ::012::

This Friday I have a service appointment to have tires mounted on my Vespa at the local Yamaha/Suzuki/Vespa dealer.
If they have a RED FJ in stock I'm doomed....

Paul

 

[fredz43]

I am 5' 11" with a 30 inch inseam, so tall torso, short legs, I guess. I normally am 180 pounds, but after the holidays I am up to 190. In looking at that pic, I can see that it is time to get back to a normal diet and back to my normal aerobic classes. ;D

I think it would be a fun SPORT touring bike. It seems to sit about like my son's Weestrom, but slimmer. I used to tour on VFR's and a Super Hawk and this would be better, but of course, not as good a tourer as the S10. In any case, I like the ergo's much better than the FZ09 and am looking forward to taking it for a test ride. The OEM hard bags and tall screen have shipped and will be installed before it warms up around here, I'm sure. Right now it is 4 degrees F. :'(

 

[Reveille]

Looks like a nice machine, but who in the world wants chain drive in this day and age? Never again for me. Yes cheaper, more power, no shaft jacking, yada, yada. Chain drive goes with points ignition and carbs for me. I lived through that faze of my riding career back in the 70s and don't care to remember those motorcycle days. They can sell for $500 and if chain drive, I won't be buying. Bring in the FJ09 shaft drive, maybe.

I would kill for a chain drive on my Tenere. It would be the perfect bike if one could adjust/adress the high 1st low 6th gear issue, which one could easily do with a chain drive. Shaft drives on a street bike yes, but definitely not a dual sport. Obviously this is debatable. YMMV yadayada

Fred, that bike is sure sweet! Enjoy it, once the temps get above 0 at least.... Brrrr it's cold now!

 

[BravoBravo]

Looks like a nice machine, but who in the world wants chain drive in this day and age? Never again for me. Yes cheaper, more power, no shaft jacking, yada, yada. Chain drive goes with points ignition and carbs for me. I lived through that faze of my riding career back in the 70s and don't care to remember those motorcycle days. They can sell for $500 and if chain drive, I won't be buying. Bring in the FJ09 shaft drive, maybe.

::026:: Although I wouldn't completely and automatically rule out a bike with chain drive, it is normally a deal breaker for me. I love the cleanliness and low maintenance needs of my Super Ten's shaft drive.

Bruce

 

[dcstrom]

I would kill for a chain drive on my Tenere. It would be the perfect bike if one could adjust/adress the high 1st low 6th gear issue, which one could easily do with a chain drive.

Pick one... you can't get both by changing sprockets. But I agree, 1st is too high, 6th is ok for me.