2015 Yamaha Fj-09

2015 YAMAHA FJ-09

IGNITION

FIRST RIDE

Have triple, will travel

Don Canet

Fresh on the heels of the FZ-09, Yamaha’s best-selling model, comes a new sport-touring variant heavily based on that sport naked. This new FJ-09, which offers greater comfort and versatility, has been in the works since long before the FZ-09 made its public debut in 2013.

Intermittent rain showers plagued the one-day FJ-09 press ride staged by Yamaha in the coastal mountains near Ojai, California, but they failed to put a damper on my enthusiasm for this machine. I’m happy to report that the new Yamaha FJ-09 makes excellent use of the FZ-09’S 847CC 120-degree “crossplane” triple, the only

difference being the mapping of the D-Mode throttle-response characteristics. Basically, the 2015 FJ-09 has less edgy initial fuel delivery in each of the three selectable modes.

Also setting the FJ-09 apart is standard traction control, along with ABS. That’s a smart move by Yamaha. ABS is always active, yet TC can be toggled off while the bike is stationary. But be warned: Doing so unleashes the same third-gear clutch-less wheelie ability that has made the FZ-09 such a hit with performance buffs. Both systems worked superbly on the slick and damp roads.

The main chassis components

remain the same, though the new progressive fork spring with softer initial travel is what likely accounts for a i-degree reduction in rake to 24 degrees. (Yamaha couldn’t provide a definitive answer as of this writing.) That stated, the new FJ-09 offers an excellent blend of stability and agility, aided by what Yamaha says are longerlasting Dunlop Sportmax D222 Roadsmart II radiais. The FJ-09 employs the same KYB suspension components as the FZ-09, though the compression and rebound damping of the fork and shock have been increased for heavier loads and greatly improved ride control.

What’s new is a subframe that’s 5.1 inches longer than the FZ-09’S to accommodate the roomier and more deeply padded two-piece saddle as well as the detachable slim-profile hard saddlebags and 9.8-gallon top case, both of which are accessories. Although roomy, the hard saddlebags will not accommodate a full-face helmet. The FJ-09’S claimed 33.3-inch seat height is 1.2 inches higher than FZ-09’S and feels even more

so due to the increased width near the tank. To accommodate the long-legged, the saddle can be raised an additional 0.6 inch. As for the taper-style handlebar, it’s 1.6 inches wider than the FZ’s and perched on a riser that’s 0.9 inch taller for a more upright and relaxed riding posture.

Also, the riser can be rotated 180 degrees to position the bar 0.4 inch forward.

While the new 4.8-gallon fuel tank (up 1.1 gallons compared to the FZ) is wider, splaying your knees a bit, the 2015 FJ-09 remains narrower than typical sport-touring or ADV machines. The mid-height windscreen has a 1.2-inch range of tool-less manual height adjustment, and I found both extremes of adjustment to provide decent torso coverage from the rain. Although wind rumble was ever present, there was no headrocking buffet.

Hand guards are standard, and of the 30 available accessories I highly recommend the heated grips ($283.99), which plug into the pre-wired stock harness.

An all-new LCD dash features comprehensive trip computer

info and a status display for the heated grips, all of which is controlled by FJRyoo-style switch gear. A cigarette-lighter type DC outlet is on the left, while there’s a spot for an additional plug ($36.99) on the right to take advantage of the 415-watt charging system.

Available in Matte Gray or Candy Red, the 2015 $10,490 Yamaha FJ-09 is a centerstandequipped sport-tourer that offers exceptional performance, comfort, and convenience at a price that will expand the popular category in a very good way. FIR

TC CAN BE TOGGLED OFF WHILE THE BIKE 15 STATIONARY. BUT BE WARNED: DOING SO UNLEASHES THE SAME THIRD-GEAR CLUTCH-LESS WHEELIE ABILITY THAT HAS MADE THE FZ-09 SUCH A HIT WITH PERFORMANCE BUFFS.

SPECS

2015 YAMAHA

FJ-09

PRICE:

$10,490

ENGINE:

liquid-cooled inlinethree, DOHC, 12 valves DISPLACEMENT:

847cc

SEAT HEIGHT:

33.3 in./33.9 in.

FUEL CAPACITY:

4.8 gal.

CLAIMED WET WEIGHT:

462 lb.