1 year review, 2015 Yamaha FJ 09 

One of the tings I forgot to mention in the video was the lack of felt engine heat on my legs. Unless there's a cross wind, almost all of the engine heat seems to flow around my legs, not so with the Versys 650. When you live and ride in a warm climate, this matters.

Very good review, thanks man. Getting a 2nd hand Tracer delivered in a few days, I’ll have to check the recall work first thing. Really glad you made this vid!! Also coming from Europe, when you took out the essentials from your tank bag my jaw dropped lol Kinda glad we don’t need these ... but props for the non lethal option though 👍

Believe me, quality suspension is AMAZING once you've felt it and spent some time on it. Going back to budget suspension components will be much more a revelation of what you get for your money. Suspension is very important too, not just a factor of "bling" or "money." Sure it's going to be rather "safe" in factory trim, but it could be much better. Traction, tire wear, control in the curves, confidence, acceleration, stability, braking distance, avoiding high speed wobbles, etc. are all a function of quality suspension control which cannot be had with cheap budget components.

Good video, good monologue. As a more seasoned rider, let me satisfy some of your curiosities: 1) I started on an SV650. You're right, a 650 twin has enough power, but not TOO much. It was great. I had it set up for touring, and the chain broke at 30k and cracked the crankcase. My next 3 bikes were shaft drive. ;) 600cc is enough to get in trouble. To start on a 600+ bike, you really need to be mature. 2) I had an '05 FJR1300. You're right, they are heavy, but they only FEEL heavy when you're going slow. Around the garage, U-turns. Also, if you are on a tight, twisty road and leaning back and forth. I sure do miss the shaft drive, though. It was SO nice, not having to ever worry about the chain. Just change the final drive oil every 15k, and that can be done on the centerstand and with basic tools. What's nice about these bigger bikes is the low RPM torque. I found that a combination of an FJR and a 150cc scooter was perfect. That way, I didn't roast around town, but I still had the big bike for long trips. (I also tried a couple of 250 motorcycles, but they take too much shifting to be good around town) That reminds me; these big 1.2L+ bikes might not be good for you in Arizona. There's just too much engine heat to deal with. 3) Before the FJR, I had an '01 Concours; original style. Best stock seat in the business, but the engine was buzzy and not torquey enough for two-up. Not in the same league as an FJR. 4) I tried a V-Strom 650. Great bike. Smoothed out the pot-holed midwestern roads nicely, and had that great 90° V-twin of theirs. I've heard the Versys' engine is just as good, and easier to work on, but in my experience, Kawasaki quality is not quite up there with Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki. 5) Re. gas gauges, none of them are good, on motorcycles. I don't know why it's so hard.

Great job with this video. You provided a lot of great information that a potential buyer needs to know. Thank you for taking the time to make the video.

Great info in this vid. I just picked up a brand new leftover '15, and checked all the things you've done. Very helpful to see the recall stuff and be able to identify that it has in fact been done on mine! And lots of good food for thought on future mods! Thanks.

I am about to purchase a 2015 FJ-09 here in phoenix, your videos have been very helpful. Cheers and safe riding!!

I needed this info just got a FJ09. Good jacket. Thanks

Moving to Tucson from San Diego with same bike. Hopefully not too hot to ride! Ride safe out there.

Love your roads over there, so much room and empty space.

I've been riding for 40 years and I'm a chief motorcycle instructor. You shouldn't be trying to "flat foot" with both feet, anyway. Ready-to-Ride position is just one foot down. At 6 feet tall, you should EASILY be able to get your left foot flat while keeping your right foot on the rear brake for control..

Thanks for the great review. I have grown weary of 5 figure+ motorcycles and appreciate the fact that one can purchase a lot of versatile motorcycle for a bargain and then make a few modifications to make it really excellent! I'm always researching for a friend of mine who recently got back into motorcycling and I think I'll ask him to watch your video about your FJ09. BTW, I noticed your blueline flag sticker on your helmet and obviously your OD weapon @ minute 19. From a retired, (33 years), LEO, Be careful out there and thank you for your commitment/dedication, and service.

thanks for the effort and the sharing. helpful as i'm looking to move from a v-strom/wee to either a fjr or a fj-09. not to change my appreciation but why are you carrying a handgun? is that really necessary? i carry a tool kit and tire change kit. thumbs up.

Great review man! Love what you did with your bike.

Best review video so far. Keep up with the quality videos :) Be safe out there .. Is that a SIG ?

What seat cushion apparatus did you got with ?

Is this bike too much after a year on a ktm duke 390?

Chuckasaki, Considering a nice 2nd hand 2016 fj09 with low miles. Any issues to watchout for other than the recalls? In your opinion, still worth buying this bike now in 2022 or buy something newer with a few more features?

What do you mean they cut oil groves in the head?

I'm actually looking to purchase FJ 09/tracer, nice review, would have like to seen the inside of the side bags and your opinion on the storage. Be safe 🏍️

Good detail, thanks.

Great video! Lots of good info.

You are mistaken on the "long travel" suspension, it has the same travel as the fz-09, 137mm front, 130mm rear.

at how much miles on trip 1 you go to get gas and when you do, how much gallons are you putting in?

Great Video - very informativ and very relaxed ! - Unlike so many crazy wheely vids from stupid Irresponsibles ... Thanks !

Seems like a sweet bike. I like the fz too. But I kinda want an adv bike lol. I’m so torn

What year is your bike ? Do the 2016 have recall too .

Seems like you regret selling your Versys. I would too after that review. Plus you kind of made it look like a Versys. What say you?

What happened that made you go down?

Thank you, ride safe!

Thank you for the information.

I believe you can get a gas Cap with a fuel gauge on it, with like a dip stick looking thing.

Nice looking bike! Questions: did you install the skid plate and does it cover the coolant reservoir? Can you get "crash bars" for it? Can the seat or suspension be lowered enough to get another inch or two closer to the ground for a shorter rider? What other mods are you thinking of doing or that you think it needs to be more of an adventure bike.

Great review--I like it a lot! Thank you. Subbed!

i just bought the 2019 gt, looking at the v stream touring screen, which height do you have in this video?

Two questions here: Don't you miss your Versys ? & Why didn't you pick up the Yamaha Tracer?

How is it for commuting in cold weather? I live in Texas and ride year round, winters typically only see low 30's when it gets cold so I was wondering how the cold air hits you on your hands and legs. Great video along with your other videos as well.

I notice what seems to be a bicycle type water bottle holder on your handlebar. How did you mount it?

I' m looking for this bike for the price... bmw and triumph are expensive , I need it for a long trip, from NJ to Sudamerica chile .....but you said that star shaking when you pass 65milles/h ...... and what do you think if this?? this motorcycle will work for long long trip with the hard case and more baggage ????

I'm thinking about buying beetween a Versys and a FJ 09, so I think that there's no better person to ask these questions but you. Why did you changed your Versys for th FJ 09 ? Have you ever regret this change, I mean if you're starting from zero would you buy the FJ 09 again or you've ever thinked about getting back to the Versys. Thanks in advance

I may have missed it if you touched on it, but what foot pegs are those? I've heard the FZ6-R ones fit right on? (Stock ones are not rubber, right?)

Gun, less lethal option.... here there have been some hind of misunderstanding: when they say ride safe they don't mean that!

I'm going to a Yamaha test ride event tomorrow, so I'm finding your videos to be very interesting. What mpg do you typically get, and what's the best mpg you've ever gotten with the bike?

Great video! Question about the Barkbusters. Are they narrower at the bar end than the stock??? Thanks in advance....

Does the side bags come with the bike?

By the way love your channel.

Hello, what type of windshield do you have on your bike? Tia

Chuck, whats up. Radar detectors are pretty much useless as most state highway patrols use lasers now. By the time the laser detectors react its too late and very hard to beat in court because they are really accurate. The only reason I'm telling you is your wasting space and power on your bike by having one, (and I'm not criticizing you). Be safe.

It makes me a bit sad that you are pulling out all the 'essentials' from your tank bag, and you have pepper spray and a gun. You talk about them so casually, but I couldn't name another Canadian who keeps a weapon (maybe minus a baseball bat here and there) in their vehicle.