Very tempted to buy one of these. It seems to cover all the issues I had with my Tiger 800. Smaller front wheel, standard center stand and hand guards, traction control, power modes and ABS, not to mention full LED lighting. Add heated grips and it's near perfect!
I really like the revzilla reviews. They are simple and have the info I want. Please don't change the format. Don't need or want anything flashy or distracting.
Julio Osilia In Sean's review, he mentions that the suspension is much better than the stock FZ-09, so most people will not need to upgrade the suspension. Hope this helps! -DrewZilla
The suspension and brakes is what disappointed me on the stock FZ09. Î loved the engine and the whole character of the bike, but you can tell it's built on a budget when you start to push it.
I ran across this bike by accident. I was looking for a new VStrom 650 or Triumph Tiger Sport 660. The dealer had a used 2017 FJ 09 on the floor. I had never heard of it before. It fits me better than the other bikes. I think Yamaha really messed up on the naming and marketing of this bike. It should be at least as popular as the VStrom.
I don't know why so many people trash talk the FZ-09's throttle and suspension. I have own/ridden one for 12,000 miles now. Yeah the suspension is not racing quality. It's a 8,000 dollar bike, not a 15,000 dollar CBR. The throttle was a little sensitive, nothing to complain about and Yamaha improved the throttle a long time ago. It's crazy smooth now. I corner turns at high speeds and have gone well over a hundred MPH, the suspension works just fine.
I'm a fz 09 owner and yeah, when I first got the bike I had no confidence in the turns or when things got bumpy. I'm 150lbs and was able to fix all that by just adjusting the suspension to my weight. It's not perfect, but at least I have confidence around the bends now while I save up for some suspension parts :)
It does look like a nice bike, though it's the MT-09 Tracer over here, and I shall test ride one. The only thing I don't like is the clocks. I prefer an analogue rev counter with a digital speedo as my Tiger 800 has.
I really enjoyed this review. The MT-09/FJ-09 sounds like a solid replacement for my aging Tiger1050.. or, something the size of the Tiger 800 with the power & torque of the 1050. Also, Sean, I'm loving the PVC backpack-pod. You should probably paint it flat black, though. Keep up the great work, RZ squad.
Excellent review that is finally informative and shows onboard footage. The last camera view was my favorite because it showed the riders position and attitude on the bike and then the bikes angles and attitude relative to the road. It was also ironically good that you missed your turn because I was able to see the fj09 do a quite power wheelie! Sick ass bike. Is the audio entirely you talking while riding? Really composed and relaxed tone if yes.
First of all i love Revzilla. You give great points here on this review. For some reason I can't get over your tone in the video. You sound like you are bored on a couch while saying "this is an absolute blast to ride" it's off putting. You are riding a brand new fun bike down beautiful California twisties show some excitement lol. Not trying to hate just wanted to mention this.
Nice review...makes me want to give this bike a close look...the price is right and the riding position looks comfortable for all round, day to day use. Plus I want to try a triple....never have. Thanks for the review and thanks for not adding obnoxious music.
Half of this review talked about the FZ09, and there's more to a review than just the suspension and ECU mapping. I dunno, this just seemed more like a comparison to the 2014 FZ09 than a brand new model review, but that's just my two cents
Kamotion This is exactly what we're looking for. Thank you for adding your 2¢. Our subscribers' feedback is extremely valuable. If there's anything else, let us know. ;-) -Hi-Viz Brian
Well thank you for taking constructive criticism instead of getting all defensive about it. Haha, I do refer to RevZilla's informative product reviews on the website quite often which helps to sway the purchasing decision. thanks
Don't the FJ09 and FZ09 share the same motor? If so, that's one really big reason to talk about the FZ in this review. It also doesn't hurt that the FZ is insanely popular right now.
Great review! I concur and thank you for validating my love for the bike as well. I ride it everyday.. rain or shine to decompress! It is mental, emotional and spiritual therapy on two wheels! Ride on and safe!
Like the review, sounds like it could be the bike I have been waiting for, need to see one in person, and hope I can get a ride on one, for this type of bike touring capable with fun too;) its between the this & the new V Strom 1000, and maybe the Versys, so its more like 3 bikes shootout. The best thing about it is, there is now a fair choice of rides. What are the mpg ratings & valve shim checks times, thats important to me ? Thanks for the review. yl
Great review Sean! I have 48k on my 08 Versys and love it. Basically the same weight and 100hp at the rear, oh my. Still the whole package would really have to be special to replace the V. Any bad engine vibration at highway speeds?
Kristofer Torres I'm with you. The newer Ninja 636cc bikes get me all hot and bothered. I'd love to upgrade to a newer ZX6R from my '06 636. -Hi-Viz Brian
RevZilla I wish I could buy the 636 but here in Philippines import taxes are way beyond understanding,at least for a ex-pat like me from US,double of the price,no joke..so I got the Ninja 650 wish is assembled here in Pinas,after been built in Thailand of course,and so the price remains the same as in US due to the fact that is not imported in one piece..wow...keep up guys.always watching.Happy New year and safe rides to you all.
Would like to see a Hydraulic clutch. How are the mirrors? They look very close to your body. The grips look very narrow maybe grip puppies would flesh those out a little. Really thinking about moving from an ST1300 to this during the summer.
Regarding your comment re: Soft suspension; the suspension is adjustable. I own an FJ 09, 2015. The only issue I have is the electronic "governor", which limits top speed to 115mph at 9000 rpm. Without the speed limiter, this bike would easily do 140mph. In sport mode, one can safely hit 60 mph in second gear, 90 in third. I've ridden cruisers most of my life, but the Harley sits idle in the garage as I'm riding this midsized beast 90% of the time....!
Great review. I am disapponited that there is no one in the UK doing reviews like this. MCN do the odd review bu t they use shitty cameras and it is just shite. There is a large motorcycle shop called Sportsbikeshop UK. They have a coupke of videos but again, plain boring. Keep up the good work guys.
Thanks for the great reviews Sean! Looking to replace my 08 Triumph Tiger 1050 and it's a tough decision between this and the Ducati Scrambler for commuting, sport riding and trips. Maybe next time try the GoPro suction mount on the windscreen so you don't have to cover your display(?) I also like the custom backpack mount :)
Also looking at the FJ for commute/fun bike. Interestingly I'm also looking to find a low-mileage 1050 Tiger as an alternative, so it would be great to get your opinion on the FJ vs your Tiger as they are pretty comparable on paper. I got to ride a 1050 Tiger a few years back and loved the motor and handling. I think the Tiger's longer-travel suspension would be better on rough roads but will have to wait to test ride the FJ myself. Yamaha maintenance intervals are longer apart, but haven't heard of any real negatives to the Triumph durability.
I am a big fan of Yamaha and still waiting anxious to the release of MT09 Tracer in Brazil. Could you please let me know what kind of jacket are you using in this video? Regards.
One thing I wish all motorcycle reviewers did was state the height of the guy riding that motorcycle and provide a side view of the guy sitting on it.. At 6' 4", I have less choices than most and would like to be able to gauge the size of the bike being reviewed. Otherwise, no complaints on this review or any other for that matter.
This bike is limited to 115mph in North America. It cuts power at that speed. Knowing that it will likely cut power before I reach the end of a quarter mile made me rethink my purchase of this bike.
ItchesIt Never mind, I found it on Google Maps, I think. www.google.com/maps/search/reyes+creek+restaurant+highway+33/@34.680147,-119.308622,17z/data=!3m1!4b1
The FJ-09 is a very capable road-only sport-touring bike, while the Africa Twin is definitely geared toward both on- and off-road riding. Both have great motors, so it really comes down to the type of riding you intend to do. -DrewZilla
Maybe you guys at revzilla or anyone reading the comments could help out. I was considering getting a BMW 1200GS but thought for that price it isn't smart to spend that much on my first bike. I am pretty sold on the Yamaha FJ-09 it seems like a great bike for everyday riding and a great bike for a long weekend trip with some bags attached (I'll ride on smooth paved roads 99.9% of the time but I think I can push it to ride on the occasional dirt/gravel road of need be for that .1%) All that being said I plan on having a camera attached. My question is what sort of camera to use (my gut say GoPro) and where would be the best place to mount it? On the bike facing frontwards? On my helmet mounted on the side, top, of near the chin? Also, it may be worth noting that you guys at RecZilla have some killer gear. Once I get my bike expect a large order from me :). Thanks -R. P. Singh
PlaceboTree The FJ-09 would be great, though I'd probably recommend first getting a used 250 to learn on until you've really reached its limits...and dropped it a few times. As for cameras, GoPro has a ton of mounting options, which is good. If you notice in our video review, we use a lot of different camera angles, so that's what I'd recommend for you. Get some shots with the camera mounted on the helmet looking forward, on the dash looking back at yourself, on the tail looking forward, on the front fairing looking back, etc. Mix it up and play around to find shots you like. Or just watch all our bike reviews and copy us! -DrewZilla
PlaceboTree Also, see what super-talented ZLA Cameraman Extraordinaire Ryan has to say about it! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LMuX9PE_Wt8.html -DrewZilla
I have a question about how you filmed this... You used a Sena GP10 and 20S, correct? Do you mind telling me what settings you used to get the audio from the bike as well as the sound of your voice to be so clear without one or the other being louder? Also, did you use a boom mic or the wired one?
We did all the audio mixing in editing, and that's down to our awesome video team. We took audio from multiple cameras as well as the voice audio. It's a bit more complicated than a single camera setting. You can set the GP10 to combine voice and camera audio though with the simple switches on the back of the GP10, and that will do a decent job. -DrewZilla
+RevZilla that's actually what I'm asking about. When I have the Bluetooth mic on and the gp10 on at the same time it's sounds awful but if I have only the Bluetooth mic on, my voice sounds great but the bike is inaudible until high revs! Is the only way to solve is problem another mic?
I know this is an old video, but it's only now that I might be able to afford this bike. You talk about a snatchy throttle when going on/off throttle. Since I'm commuting in Atlanta now (boy do I miss Bay Area commuting), will this launch me into the car in front of me in stop and go riding? In other words, how slow can this bike go?
Newer model years don't have the same issue as far as I know. Those who have the FJ-09 here at RevZilla commute on them a lot and haven't complained about the throttle response. -DrewZilla
Sat at the dealer on this bike lots of room on it thought it would be smaller, I am 6ft 1in. Power seems to be good wonder how it can haul a passenger and bags fully loaded.
It seems to have been improved on the new Tracer GT. As for your Raider, you might try to find a different throttle tube or try tuning the bike's off-throttle fueling. -DrewZilla
***** But what you think is better for an all day 2-up ride every now and then or maybe a weekend trip here and there? I want a bike like the fj09 for its more aggressive/sporty nature but at the same time, I like the v-strom/versys for its distance oriented setup.
there is no bike that trustfull like v strom.of course the handling and design of this is far betterand the brakes which in v strom are the weak part of the bike.but as i saidr nd if you want to travel all over the world there is no better than vstrom.and its much cheapeif you want a trustful friend for many years to travel even around the world there is no better than the strom.plus that its cheaper.
***** Really looking forward for your review of Versys 1000 and please, while you're at it, see if you can do little comparo to FJ-09 as well, this will be so very helpful! Any idea when that might happen?
Anuranjan Pegu Well, FJ-09 has same weight as Versys 650 (great for city rides), but the engine virtually of a Versys 1000 (great for freeway overtakes) ... AND it's 90 pounds lighter than V-1000 which makes it even stronger! I don't think V-650 has any chance against FJ-09. Plus, FJ more comfy than both V's. I was on NY show and had a chance to carefully compare the ergo, V's seats are too much of a slope forward, it hurt my jewels, passenger seat is also too demanding, not good... I spent 7 hours there, checking every single aspect of all bikes. FJ has optional windscreen, wider and taller, it goes right to the tip of my nose, perfect. V's leave your head in the wind. FJ has better seat that has flat areas, it doesn't push you anywhere like V's did. FJ is better.
I was at the NY show too and yes, the FJ, to me, is the better bike. I have the FZ09 and do not have the same fear of it as Sean does- that engine is addictive and anything less or heavier would be a compromise to me The FJ is attractive to me for its extra features and that passenger seat. The Versys and even the V-strom oddly felt a bit cramped (though they are larger- must be rider triangle for my body)- the Strom specially with its armchair seat position which did not feel right to me at all. Plus, the Versys is notorious for its vibrations which Kawasaki has said they have fixed but by how much, only time will tell. But yes, the power to weight of the FJ blows everything out of the equation, including the Tigers- lightweighted-ness is extremely valuable to me. This could be my trade in- unless they make a dirt capable version too- that would kill the market, esp at the same price (ala the Tigers). Yamaha should totally do it.
I like the bike and found the only problem to be the smaller grip diameter for the bike. I am used to cruisers with Kuryakyn ISO grips. Is there anything that anyone can recommend to add diameter to the grips to keep my hands from cramping with the smaller grips. That is what is keeping me from moving from my cruiser to a bike like this!
As a tester I'm disappointed you didn't mention the hard seat, crap suspension, crap screen, crap out of date indicators, not to mention the suspension especially with a pillion. We all know the engine is great, tell us something new & do an honest review.
PlaceboTree Define "adventure". I'd say it's more of an upright sports tourer, like the Kawasaki Versys, Ducati Multistrada, and new BMW S1000XR. It has 17 inch wheels front and rear with pure street tires, so I wouldn't take it off-road. Other Adventure bikes such as the V-Strom, Tiger 800/Explorer, BMW GS, KTM, Super Tenere, etc. have bigger 19 or 21 inch front wheels to better handle off-road conditions. -DrewZilla
Vega Rapidus I agree, not what I like to see. I'd prefer to have some opinions that aren't so slanted towards speed too. It isn't a race bike, cover what it's intended use is.
+Reynaldo Ruiz Here in the US, Euro4 emissions standards don't apply. In the EU, the FJ-09 is known as the MT-09 Tracer, but I cannot confirm whether it meets Euro4. -DrewZilla
That is curious. I have watched a few youtubes that said there is. I wonder if they are mistaking the character of a triple at high revs? gonna try one on the 16th.
+peter piscopo I just bought a '15 FJ-09, 2k miles. There is a bit of "Bar Buzz" from 4500-5000 RPMs. It's more "engine characteristic" of the triple than a buzz really, I don't find it very annoying. I checked in on the forums and may others have this buzz at the same exact RPMs. Some say that a throttle body sync helps, and others say a PCM re-flash helps. Mine isn't bothering me enough to have the PCM reflashed. The TB sync is part of normal maintenance schedule, so I will be doing that shortly. Overall, I love the bike. Hope this helps.
