fj-09 Do not think so

[900gc]

MCN stated 110 electronically limited-might be 115 indicated.

That makes it even worse.

Hopefully someone will come up with a reflash to free the top end.

From the MCN road test:

Measured top speed: 110.75 mph (electronically limited)

1/4 Mile: 11.13 sec @ 110.75 mph

0-60 mph: 3.26 sec.

0-100 mph: 7.40 sec.

As you can see, it hits top speed before the end of the 1/4 mile. The FZ-09 does it in about 11 sec. flat @ 122 mph. They could of at least set the limit to a speed just above a non limited 1/4 mile trap speed (say 123 mph?). Not that this matters much to most people in day to day riding, it's still irksome.

MCN tester Bruce Steever said: "the FJ's aerodynamics are sketchy over 100 mph..." as the likely reason for the low limit yet in the article they don't go into detail of what that 'sketchy' behavior really means. Is it actually unstable? They tested it with the bags, is that why? I'm guessing a shootout between the Tiger 800 and perhaps the Duc Hyperstada and BMW F800 GS will reveal more.

 

[Fred W]

MCN tester Bruce Steever said: "the FJ's aerodynamics are sketchy over 100 mph..." as the likely reason for the low limit yet in the article they don't go into detail of what that 'sketchy' behavior really means. Is it actually unstable? They tested it with the bags, is that why?

A little birdie told me that this is exactly why the speed is limited.

If you ditch the saddle bags and larger windshield it is essentially the same as an FZ-09 which has no limit.

Just need someone to come up with a way to get the ECU limit spoofed or removed.

 

[leedavis]

There are nits to pick here and there on my FJ-09 but overall it's outstanding and Yamaha will sell a lot of them. For western Carolina mountain riding where I live it's hard to imagine a bike that combines comfort with sport capability better than the FJ. IMO, it's the sporty old fart dream bike. There aren't many straight sections on 2 lane back roads here but I hit 107 indicated the other day before running up on a curve. Nothing to it though that was without luggage if it matters.

The FJR still has the advantage for plush comfort, serious distance touring and 2-up riding.

 

[Rain Dancer]

I would seriously consider the FJ-09, if it is comfortable 2 up. I don;'t run the FJR at 140mph, so 110 is not an issue. My wife and I prefer 2 lane roads, so even going from PA to Alberta, we were on interstates for 2 days out and back. Use the FJR bags, more than enough for us for a 3 week trip with a tank bag for the bike cover. I love my wife's FZ6, just not a 2 up bike. And the chain on that has never been an issue like the ones I dealt with back in the '80s. Wind protection, different shield.....it is a motorcycle. If I don't want to be in the wind at all or get wet, I'll take a car. I would rather it looked more like an FZ6 style, and I hate the dash....but all in all, more pluses than minus for me. All depends on what is important to ya'. That Versy's a great bike from what my friends tell....and that Kawasaki green!

 

[kballowe]

That poor Versys...relegated to mule duty. I traded a V 650 on the FJ, very similar handling and geometry on the two bikes. I hope the green V gets to shed the shipping box and romp once camp is struck, they are great bikes and very underrated.

Yes, but it LIKES it ! Besides, those side cases are aluminum and only 10 pounds each. TOP LOADERS ! It's amazing how much stuff ya can.... er, STUFF in there - and then tie some more STUFF on top.

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Had to add extra lights for the "wide load"

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Big boxes. "Mule" aptly describes the little fella.

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We are fortunate enough to have several bikes - but I would not give up my FJR1300 for an FJ-09.

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We use a GL1800 Gold Wing for those times when the Missus wants to go on a road trip. Her best one day was 829 miles. She won't ride as a passenger on much else. A cruiser-style bike with backrest, maybe.

If I were down to 2 bikes - then it would be that Wing and the FJR1300

 

[Kaelaria]

I rode and reviewed one today - great bike on it's own merits. No one should think it's a comparison to the FJR in any way though, apples and oranges. My only gripe was the seat, sliding me forward quite a bit making my knees dig the tank. A different seat would cure it and make it a ton of fun! It's quick but no where the torque of the FJR, VMax, Raider 113, etc. Not when you are actually riding it. 2-up would be no problem as long as it's not really long distance, the passenger seat is nothing like the FJR. My video will be on the site soon.

 

[BigOgre]

I'm not sure if this was worthy of a new thread so here seemed as good a place as any. Read this just now on RevZilla. We just might be at a great time in motorcycling.

 

[Hotboot]

Great article, I welcome the evolution. Lighter torque is always enjoyable but nothing tops the FJR's stability at speed, power and good looks.

The FJ-09's 114 mph limit was found several times today, very obnoxious as the bike pulls so strong and stable to that soft marshmellow zone. I'll see what real top speed is once a reflash is performed.

The hand guards have wind loading characteristics, this can produce some head shake behind a blocky vehicle at 70+, nothing dangerous but noticable. Passing is quick and easy.

Once in clean air the bike is stable and planted to top speed. I wager this may be the reason for the 114 mph electronic limit.

 

[bikerskier]

Each time I visit one of our local shops, I check out the new FJ. Luv the idea that FJR bags are a direct fit and the light weight is very appealing. That 3 cylinder engine is a sweetheart too. OTOH, it's a tiny bike, limited protection from the elements and has a chain...seems more of a one-up short trip / day tripper to me.
There will always be an FJR in my garage, it scratches the itch for 80% of the riding I do. The Tenere fills in the rest of the gaps!

YMMV

--G

You could add a WR450F to your garage.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Each time I visit one of our local shops, I check out the new FJ. Luv the idea that FJR bags are a direct fit and the light weight is very appealing. That 3 cylinder engine is a sweetheart too. OTOH, it's a tiny bike, limited protection from the elements and has a chain...seems more of a one-up short trip / day tripper to me.

There will always be an FJR in my garage, it scratches the itch for 80% of the riding I do. The Tenere fills in the rest of the gaps!

YMMV

--G

You could add a WR450F to your garage.

Ralph, as much as I want to, the mind is willing but the body isn't!

--G

 

[fjrbird]

I sat on it more than once in a dealer nearby. I don't think I like the hand guard very much, both functionality and look. It makes the bike looking bigger and wider than it actually is. In southern California, I can't think of how I need a hand guard. I don't ride off road (the bike isn't designed for off road) nor in super cold weather (coldest around here in the 40s) to protect my hand. I wish it were made like FJR with full fairing and sporty look, and why pretend to be for off road?

 

[audiowize]

I can't imagine having both the FJ and the FJR. I could add a Tenere or FZ6 to the collection though...

 

[Hotboot]

Two totally different rides. Some of us are weird. That FZ-6 is a low powered fat pig. Grab a 675 instead.

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Two totally different rides. Some of us are weird. That FZ-6 is a low powered fat pig. Grab a 675 instead.

The newer (2010 and up) dropped the HP considerably. The older, 04-09's have close to 100 HP. There is NO comparison torque wise between the FJR and FZ.

Having owned an 04 FJR for 7 years and currently owning an '07 FZ6, once your in the powerband (7-14,000 RPMs) you best be hanging on as the front wheel will come up and easily get into the triple digits just beyond second gear..

The FZ6 will generally run low 11's(1/4 mile), depending on the year FJR, high 10's(1/4 mile). The FZ6, being a mid sized bike, much lighter and a much wider RPM operating band (same rider) will do the twisties faster than the FJR.

The 675, ( https://www.motorcycle-usa.com/252/10084/Motorcycle-Article/2011-Triumph-Daytona-675R-Street-Comparison.aspx ) will run a 10.61 (1/4 mile) however your on a "lay down" bike unlike the upright seating of the FJR and FZ6 (for longer, more comfortable rides)

As noted above, their two different animals..

Should I wreck the FZ, an FJR would be back in the garage. However, for the type riding I do now, the FZ is my favorite bike..

 

[LKLD]

Nice looking "6"! The weight difference should not be under estimated, as the flickibility factor is greatly increased.

On occasion I ride my wife's FZ6r, though not as fast and powerful as yours, it still has a great fun factor.

Then when I ride my daughter's Ninja 300, I feel like I'm on a feather with two wheels! One day I will add a middleweight bike for myself, if my Secretary of Finance will grant approval.

 

[Intech]

I rode the FJ-09. It was a blast to ride. Was able to hit some local twisties. The light weight was a hoot. If I bought one it would be an additional bike, not replacing the FJR. That being said, if I am going to drop $10k or greater an additional bike will be a dual sport.

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Thank you for the compliment on my 6..

Well, I paid $2k for the FZ6 wrecked, 4,500 miles (mostly cosmetic) as a replacement for my beater (2005 KLR 250), Left side crank bearing would fail every 32,000 miles. It was getting old tearing the engine down every couple of years..

Put another $2,300 or so into new tank, fairing, fairing stay, farkles, etc on the 6.

Once done, especially with the aftermarket open Scorps, this bike, by choice, is my only bike. Down from the FJR (Gen I was too hot in Florida most of the year) and an 04 Goldwing.

What's really nice is the tires last on the FZ easily 3 x's longer than the FJR (MIcheline PR2 and PR3). My shop rarely see's me anymore...

I really like the '15 FJR but for my use, the 6 keeps me out of trouble and its rare I get near an interstate. Now, in the twisties, the FZ is a whole different ball game from the FJR..

 

[Hotboot]

I ride with a guy loves his 6 as you do, did not mean to insult the bike. The weight at 430 is in the flickable fun range, my Versys and the FJ are around 450. My impression of the FZ-6 was comfortable like the Gen 1 FZ-1 but you had to rev the piss out of it to get performance.

The FJ has max torque right off idle and flat to redline, this suits my riding metamorphisis great right now.

I exercised my well sorted '05 Feejer for 200 miles yesterday, she's heavy but nothing can compare to it's power and stability. Perfect pocket of pilot airspace too, none of the crazy buffeting and wild gyrations associated with the FJ.

BTW...if you found twisties in Florida I would keep them secret, people have scoured the state for years looking for a curve to ride.

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

No offense taken... The more I rode, modded the bike, the more I liked it... What started out to be a beater took the place of three bikes.

IF I still did any LD rides often, there would definitly be an FJR back in the stable..

The Smokies, Dragon, Cherohola highway, etc are about 12 hours from here and actually, north of Gainsville its not a flat as way down at this end...

 

[LKLD]

Oh no Hotboot, they're there, but only locals know where, and we're not telling.