Well, here it is!

[Cookie Monster]

I guess Speed Racer was the closest with his guess of the FZ-09.

Here it is, my 2015 Yamaha FJ-09.









It's got 23 miles on it so far (all put on by me! ), so here are some very quick impressions:

The electronics package on this bike is great. Coming from something that just gives you a basic speedo, tach, and a handful of other warning lights and functions (one of them not being a gas gauge unfortunately), the menus and functions on this bike are mindblowing. It has a REAL gas gauge along with a dummy warning light, ambient air temp sensor, total and instantaneous MPG readouts, etc. The only thing it's lacking is ABS and TC modes. I would have liked to have different modes for traction control at least, but it's not a huge deal, especially at this price point.

One of my favorite features is the gear counter. I love being able to look down and see exactly what gear I'm in. The tach is also cool because it's a funky digital tach, though I'm not sure I like it more than a simple analog tach. Best of all, the menus and functions are extremely easy to navigate. I haven't read the manual yet but I was able to instantly scroll through menus and set the time and do other things. On the F4i it took me a couple minutes to figure out how to even adjust the clock since you have to use a combination of button presses to get to what you want, since it only has two buttons. Oh, one of the best parts about the electronics HAS to be the power mode, but more on that later.

Climbing on this thing, it can seem a little intimidating. The tank is GIANT, the bars are wide and the hand guards add on even more width. The CBR is definitely smaller and I'm glad I started riding (again) on that. Swapping to the LSL handlebars was also helpful because it helped me get used to the wide bars, so the wider bars weren't a huge issue for me. I was still able to lane split on the way home. Other than that, ergonomics are fantastic. You sit far more upright, without your nuts being squished into the tank, and the pegs are far lower, even lower than my lowered Buell pegs on the F4i. My knees definitely weren't as scrunched up and my feet were far more comfortable. I could tell this was a much better fit for me just because my knee armor doesn't bunch up and poke into my knees due to the less extreme riding position on the bike. I can't believe I rode to Nevada on the F4i with clipons and stock pegs.

So how does it ride? In a word, awesome (so far). Ok, so I guess that was 3 words. All the feeling of being too big when I first got on completely vanished as I started moving. The bike is a bit heavier than the F4i, but not as much as I initially thought. Wet weight for the FJ is ~462 lb, compared to ~438 for the F4i. The more relaxed, upright seating position and the wide bars make the bike feel very nimble and flickable, and not ponderous at all as I was first worried about. I didn't lean it over very much at all, because 0 mile tires are slippery and unpredictable, but just from playing around on the ride home it felt very controllable and manageable.

But then there's the power. Oh my god. On paper it doesn't seem that much faster than the F4i, as it's got about 20 more hp but is also carrying around 25 more lb. The big difference comes from the torque. Not only does it have close to 50% more torque than the Honda, but it's far more evenly spread out. Since I'm still breaking the engine in, I didn't go over 7000 rpm, but even from 3000 rpm the bike just pulls hard and revs fast. That 3 cylinder engine does work. On the CBR, anything under 6000 rpm and it'll fall on its face. Even whacking the throttle wide open from a stand still, the bike will bog down easily before waking up and moving. On the FJ, it doesn't matter where you are in the rev range (at least up till 7000 rpm... ), it just gets up and goes. The B-mode is decently quick. It's not as fast as the CBR but really tames the throttle response and is nice for putting around town. Standard mode is already punchier than the F4i, and just for shits and giggles I put the bike into A-mode and got on it, and holy shit. It pulls so hard that by the time I knew it I was bumping up to 7k rpm and had to grab the next gear, and that was at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle. I'm pretty sure that full throttle in the lower gears in A-mode would leave me on my ass with a wrecked bike. I know I've said that I prefer peaky inline 4's where you have to work to get your power up top, but 22 miles later on a motor that still isn't broken in and I'm a changed man. I was laughing and giggling uncontrollably all the way home. I absolutely can't wait to pass the 600 mile mark to open it up to redline and see what it'll do.

As for downsides? The only downsides I can think of right now is that the throttle is weird and the windshield deflects the air off my chest but into my helmet, making it extremely noisy. The throttle not only too loose (bike dealership's fault, and I'll have to adjust it anyways when I install the OEM heated grips, which, BTW, also are plug and play into the bike's harness and are controlled through the menu system and screen), but it's not linear like the Honda's throttle. In B and Standard modes it's fine, but in A-mode it's pretty choppy, like an on-off switch. I kind of expected that, what with all the complaints about the FZ-09's throttle mapping, and from experience with Yamaha's in the past. I've heard that an ECU remap/reflash will take care of that so that's on my to-do list.

Other mods I'm going to do include swingarm spools, axle sliders and an engine cage, and of course a new windshield. Other than that the bike is just amazing.

The CBR didn't last very long as my only bike. Hopefully this will last longer!

Sorry for all the spam.

[Eye of the Tiger]

YAMAHA

you know, my 1977 Suzuki had a gear counter...

[shp4man]

What's the purpose of the wide part attached to the front of the gas tank, some kind of an air intake?

[CaminoRacer]

A wickerbill on the windshield might help.

[12,000 RPM]

I am pretty surprised, but not. Nice pick up! Makes a lot of sense the more I think about it. I feel like this has the suspension way more sorted than the FZ-09.

[Cookie Monster]

Welp, I don't feel like taking this nice bike apart so I'm going to fork over the $100 to get my heated grips installed.

Also I'm gonna order the crash bars and spools and sliders tonight.

[MX793]

I am not entirely surprised.  I can approve of this purchase.  Not sure how much they changed with regards to gearing or throttle mapping on the FJ vs the FZ to make it a little more touring friendly, but the FZ I rode was a BEAST.  Really snappy, really grunty, really explosive motor.  Almost a bit too much, really, as it was difficult to not ride it like a hoonigan.

Also, if you're considering panniers for any longer trips, I've read that the larger FJ1300 bags will fit on the FJ-09.  The -09 bags are a bit small (IIRC, they won't fit a helmet).  And the bigger bags don't look that out of place, either.

[Cookie Monster]

I am not entirely surprised.  I can approve of this purchase.  Not sure how much they changed with regards to gearing or throttle mapping on the FJ vs the FZ to make it a little more touring friendly, but the FZ I rode was a BEAST.  Really snappy, really grunty, really explosive motor.  Almost a bit too much, really, as it was difficult to not ride it like a hoonigan.

Also, if you're considering panniers for any longer trips, I've read that the larger FJ1300 bags will fit on the FJ-09.  The -09 bags are a bit small (IIRC, they won't fit a helmet).  And the bigger bags don't look that out of place, either.

Yeah, I think I'm going to get in a lot of trouble on this bike. It just rips gear after gear and is so exhilarating.

I also almost got t-boned by a left turning BMW on the way home from the Mazda dealership, 6 hours and 30 miles into its ownership.

[12,000 RPM]

It's a pretty dark bike. What color is your gear? Mite be time for hi viz.

The more I think about it the more perfect I think this bike is for you. I remember you pining for something "adventure" or "dual sport" like.... this def has that look

[Speed_Racer]

Nice ride! If you get panniers, be careful when lane splitting.. or around docks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMIseBf8mJ0

[Cookie Monster]

It's a pretty dark bike. What color is your gear? Mite be time for hi viz.

The more I think about it the more perfect I think this bike is for you. I remember you pining for something "adventure" or "dual sport" like.... this def has that look

My jacket is black and my pants are white. I've got a bright neon rain suit but obviously don't wear that everywhere. I went with yellow fairings on the CBR just to stick out like a sore thumb. This stealth grey may be a bit too stealthy.

It may seem like an impulse buy, and I guess in a way it is since I wasn't planning on buying a bike over the weekend, but I've thought about it for months and this is the only bike that really ticked off all the boxes for me. I wanted something with over 100 HP, more torque than the F4i, with ABS/TC, a comfortable riding position and not a pig of a bike for a reasonable cost. Other than something like an S1000XR, this is the only bike that offers all that, and the XR is 2x the cost. I just can't wait to pass the 600 mile break in mark to really open it up, but it's raining here and I don't want to ride it in the rain yet. I've actually parked it in the living room for now while the poor CBR gets drenched.

Nice ride! If you get panniers, be careful when lane splitting.. or around docks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMIseBf8mJ0

Hah, I didn't want panniers just because of the lane splitting issue. I did buy an Ogio Mach 5 backpack, though.

[Eye of the Tiger]

I imagine spontaneous uncontrollable wheelies at the 600 mile mark.

[12,000 RPM]

I dont think it was an impulse buy. CBR wasnt hitting the spot. Bikes are 100% emotional purchases so some impulsiveness is expected.

[MX793]

It may seem like an impulse buy, and I guess in a way it is since I wasn't planning on buying a bike over the weekend, but I've thought about it for months and this is the only bike that really ticked off all the boxes for me. I wanted something with over 100 HP, more torque than the F4i, with ABS/TC, a comfortable riding position and not a pig of a bike for a reasonable cost. Other than something like an S1000XR, this is the only bike that offers all that, and the XR is 2x the cost.

Um, N1K and GSX-S1000F?

[Cookie Monster]

Um, N1K and GSX-S1000F?

N1k is $1500 more than the FJ-09 ($12k vs $10.5k), and I got my leftover 2015 for $9k, so there's a substantial price difference, unless Kawasaki dealers were having a substantial fire sale on 2015 N1k's. According to Wikipedia, the N1k is also 502 lb wet, which is 40 lb more than the FJ.

The GSX-S1000F is very ugly and is $11k. Since it's a 2016 model they're not going to have any on sale, so that's still a $2k difference between the FJ and the GSX-S. Sure, it's got more power due to that K5 GSX-R1000 engine and only weighs 12 lb more, but I'd still have to look at the damn thing every day. Even comparing 2016 models I'd still take the $500 cheaper FJ over the GSX-S.

Lastly, they've both got a more sporty riding position than the FJ, with less wind protection. cycle-ergo.com shows the FJ having a 0 degree forward angle, 75 degree knee angle and 97 degree hip angle. The other two bikes are pretty comparable at a 10 degree lean angle, 66 degree knee angle and 78 degree hip angle. May not seem like much but at my height and the miles I ride I want all the room and comfort I can get. My knees were where I was having the most problems on my F4i, and a stock (without my lowered pegs) F4i has a 64 degree knee angle, compared to 65 degrees on the N1k, so a stock N1k would probably feel more cramped than my F4i, at least on paper, in the knee area.

[Eye of the Tiger]

I dont think it was an impulse buy. CBR wasnt hitting the spot. Bikes are 100% emotional purchases so some impulsiveness is expected.

Bullshit. I bought my CM400 for the gas mileage. Then I traded it fur an EX500 that got almost the same mileage but was much faster and more exciting.

[MX793]

N1k is $1500 more than the FJ-09 ($12k vs $10.5k), and I got my leftover 2015 for $9k, so there's a substantial price difference, unless Kawasaki dealers were having a substantial fire sale on 2015 N1k's. According to Wikipedia, the N1k is also 502 lb wet, which is 40 lb more than the FJ.

The GSX-S1000F is very ugly and is $11k. Since it's a 2016 model they're not going to have any on sale, so that's still a $2k difference between the FJ and the GSX-S. Sure, it's got more power due to that K5 GSX-R1000 engine and only weighs 12 lb more, but I'd still have to look at the damn thing every day. Even comparing 2016 models I'd still take the $500 cheaper FJ over the GSX-S.

Lastly, they've both got a more sporty riding position than the FJ, with less wind protection. cycle-ergo.com shows the FJ having a 0 degree forward angle, 75 degree knee angle and 97 degree hip angle. The other two bikes are pretty comparable at a 10 degree lean angle, 66 degree knee angle and 78 degree hip angle. May not seem like much but at my height and the miles I ride I want all the room and comfort I can get. My knees were where I was having the most problems on my F4i, and a stock (without my lowered pegs) F4i has a 64 degree knee angle, compared to 65 degrees on the N1k, so a stock N1k would probably feel more cramped than my F4i, at least on paper, in the knee area.

Fair enough on price.  Didn't realize you got the FJ on a leftover firesale.  Might have gotten a leftover N1K for $10K, not sure about $9K, though. 

N1K weighs exactly the same as the S1000XR, though.  Ergos are better than any sportbike I've sat on (no way I'd have survived an 800+ mile day on a sportbike) but might have been a little cramped for you.  And wind protection, not sure I'd say the FJ is better.  N1K has an on-the-fly adjustable windscreen.  With it all the way up (all of the press photos show it in the lower setting, because it looks sportier), only my head is in the airstream.  And an aftermarket shield can cheaply get you even better protection.  Lower body coverage is likely better on the N1K as well.

I get comfort.  Gotta remember that although I don't ride daily like you (and therefore don't rack up the same annual miles), when I do ride, I'm putting in at least 100 miles in a shot, with plenty of 250+ mile days under my belt.  My average day ride for the past couple of years is at least 200 miles.

[Raza]

Cool bike.

[Cookie Monster]

Fair enough on price.  Didn't realize you got the FJ on a leftover firesale.  Might have gotten a leftover N1K for $10K, not sure about $9K, though. 

N1K weighs exactly the same as the S1000XR, though.  Ergos are better than any sportbike I've sat on (no way I'd have survived an 800+ mile day on a sportbike) but might have been a little cramped for you.  And wind protection, not sure I'd say the FJ is better.  N1K has an on-the-fly adjustable windscreen.  With it all the way up (all of the press photos show it in the lower setting, because it looks sportier), only my head is in the airstream.  And an aftermarket shield can cheaply get you even better protection.  Lower body coverage is likely better on the N1K as well.

I get comfort.  Gotta remember that although I don't ride daily like you (and therefore don't rack up the same annual miles), when I do ride, I'm putting in at least 100 miles in a shot, with plenty of 250+ mile days under my belt.  My average day ride for the past couple of years is at least 200 miles.

I didn't realize the XR was so heavy, but then again I never actually considered one given that it's $20k+ and has vibration issues.

I didn't know that the N1k had an adjustable windscreen either. Looks pretty tall in this pic:



I can't say how the wind protection would compare, but wind buffeting around my legs is surprisingly minimal. I think it's the giant tank/air intake on the front helping deflect air away. The only problem, as I said, was that the windshield deflects air to my helmet, making it noisier. I lowered the windscreen a little bit to see if it'll help with the noise, but it's raining really hard right now so I won't be riding it today.

Also, I was reading through the owners manual and just found out that the seat is height adjustable. I swapped it to the higher seat position and can feel a slight difference just sitting on the bike. I can't wait to go try it out now.

I also just ordered the first mods for the bike - Woodcraft axle sliders and Pitbull spools. Revzilla is out of stock on their Givi engine guards so I'll have to wait on those.

[Cookie Monster]

I imagine spontaneous uncontrollable wheelies at the 600 mile mark.

I don't think the TC has wheelie control.

Cool bike.

Thanks!

[MX793]

I didn't realize the XR was so heavy, but then again I never actually considered one given that it's $20k+ and has vibration issues.

I didn't know that the N1k had an adjustable windscreen either. Looks pretty tall in this pic:

That looks like the highest setting.  The vast majority of press photos have it in either the lowest or middle setting (I usually keep it in the middle, only go full upright if it's cooler out or raining).  You're technically not supposed to try to adjust it while moving (the lever is a little hard to reach down under the gauge pod), but I've done it.  Very easy to quickly adjust at a traffic light, though.

I don't think the TC has wheelie control.

If it's like the TCS on my Ninja, it doubles as wheelie control.  The system should be able to detect differences in wheel speed between the front and rears once the front goes aloft and cut power to reign things in.

[12,000 RPM]

Yea, if it cuts power to keep front and rear wheel speeds within a certain range u aint gettin no wheelies off.

[Cookie Monster]

Hmm, interesting. I did find out that the TCS is defeatable so it'll still do wheelies all day.

[Gotta-Qik-C7]

Cool bike!

[Cookie Monster]

Cool bike!

Thanks!

Just installed the first of the mods... Woodcraft axle sliders and Pitbull spools.

Hoping to get the Givi engine guards at some point and a Yoshimura fender eliminator. I also got the OEM heated grips installed today... they're quite nice.

[Cookie Monster]

Damn, Givi engine guards won't be in stock at Revzilla for another 2-4 weeks. I'm going to hold off on riding the bike too much till then.

I also rode the F4i for the first time after getting the FJ-09. God damn I can't believe I rode that for 13k miles. I don't mind the peaky powerband but the brakes suck, the riding position is still cramped and too far forward, the wind protection is non existent, the grip heaters suck, etc.

I'm so spoiled.

[Speed_Racer]

Damn, Givi engine guards won't be in stock at Revzilla for another 2-4 weeks. I'm going to hold off on riding the bike too much till then.

I also rode the F4i for the first time after getting the FJ-09. God damn I can't believe I rode that for 13k miles. I don't mind the peaky powerband but the brakes suck, the riding position is still cramped and too far forward, the wind protection is non existent, the grip heaters suck, etc.

I'm so spoiled.

This is why I can't test ride bikes until I'm ready to buy - I get bike envy and all the faults on mine are magnified haha.

[Cookie Monster]

Just ordered an engine cage. It was pricey but it'll be worth it.

[12,000 RPM]

Wow, cant believe you put 13K on the CBR. I feel like you just got it. I barely cracked 15K over the last 3 and a half years.

[Cookie Monster]

Wow, cant believe you put 13K on the CBR. I feel like you just got it. I barely cracked 15K over the last 3 and a half years.

I've only had it 6 months.

I put around 3k on it in November alone.