Yamaha FJ-09 Sport Tourer Update

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While the color matched bags are aesthetically pleasing, it seems a tad bit contrary to the design of the bike to strap a big wide butt onto such a slender and nimble ST. Yeah it would be much more convenient on a longer tour, function first and all that, but for daily or short weekend rides the thinner bags are more in keeping with the rest of the bike IMO.

Either way, this is a very interesting bike.
That's why I like commuting with only my top box, then put the side cases on for touring. I'd run the FJ09 the same way, but haven't seen any mounts for a top case.
They are selling the top mounts:

https://pencoadventures.stores.dealerspike.com/product.aspx?zpid=5866342

 
While the color matched bags are aesthetically pleasing, it seems a tad bit contrary to the design of the bike to strap a big wide butt onto such a slender and nimble ST. Yeah it would be much more convenient on a longer tour, function first and all that, but for daily or short weekend rides the thinner bags are more in keeping with the rest of the bike IMO.
In addition to the width, the FJR bags are also heavy, it is pretty easy to add 50 lbs of weight with FJR bags and luggage.....and if you already have the red FJR bags you probably also have the bike that came with them. Everyone's situation is different but I can't think of anywhere I would want to go where a heavy loaded FJ-09 would be a better choice than a '14 FJR.

 
While the color matched bags are aesthetically pleasing, it seems a tad bit contrary to the design of the bike to strap a big wide butt onto such a slender and nimble ST. Yeah it would be much more convenient on a longer tour, function first and all that, but for daily or short weekend rides the thinner bags are more in keeping with the rest of the bike IMO.
In addition to the width, the FJR bags are also heavy, it is pretty easy to add 50 lbs of weight with FJR bags and luggage.....and if you already have the red FJR bags you probably also have the bike that came with them. Everyone's situation is different but I can't think of anywhere I would want to go where a heavy loaded FJ-09 would be a better choice than a '14 FJR.
I can!

You guys do realize that the smaller bags available aren't all that much smaller or lighter than FJR bags.

 
While the color matched bags are aesthetically pleasing, it seems a tad bit contrary to the design of the bike to strap a big wide butt onto such a slender and nimble ST. Yeah it would be much more convenient on a longer tour, function first and all that, but for daily or short weekend rides the thinner bags are more in keeping with the rest of the bike IMO.
In addition to the width, the FJR bags are also heavy, it is pretty easy to add 50 lbs of weight with FJR bags and luggage.....and if you already have the red FJR bags you probably also have the bike that came with them. Everyone's situation is different but I can't think of anywhere I would want to go where a heavy loaded FJ-09 would be a better choice than a '14 FJR.
I can!

You guys do realize that the smaller bags available aren't all that much smaller or lighter than FJR bags.
NO....I haven't seen a FJ-09 in a showroom but I did note that Yamaha says the bags are 75mm narrower and only 22L (they claim 35L for the FJR bags) and does not recommend using bags and a trunk at the same time....yea, I know, same thing Yamaha says about the FJR and S10. Still seems like a lot of additional weight for a very light weight bike that will probably be under sprung for me to begin with. If it turns out to be as great as you say maybe I will buy one to park next to my ES but you will have to break it in for me because I am getting too soft to do it myself.

 
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Must resist......must resist.....must resist.....
Have you even tried one on to see if it fits? You need to get Skooter and his Truck o' Toys® out your way. I look at the weather protection and remember your self proclaimed riding in ---

I have literally ridden my '04 in four different hurricanes and two tropical storms
None the less, it should be fun riding in the twisties and mountains in your area. Oh, ya, hmm
blush.png
never mind.

 
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While the color matched bags are aesthetically pleasing, it seems a tad bit contrary to the design of the bike to strap a big wide butt onto such a slender and nimble ST. Yeah it would be much more convenient on a longer tour, function first and all that, but for daily or short weekend rides the thinner bags are more in keeping with the rest of the bike IMO.

Either way, this is a very interesting bike.
That's why I like commuting with only my top box, then put the side cases on for touring. I'd run the FJ09 the same way, but haven't seen any mounts for a top case.
Yeah, I'm not a big fan of the "top-box only" look. I do it now and then on the VFR just because the side bags are pretty big (Givi E36s) and I really do not need that much room for just day rides. But to me, any top box spoils the looks of any bike. At least with the saddlebags it seems less atrocious.
 
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I agree, top box only doesn't look great, but it's way more convenient for daily riding. My briefcase fits in the top box, but not in the side cases. It's also a bit easier to stow my helmet and jacket in the top box for running into a store. The Admore light kit increases my rear-end visibility too. Unfortunately, it's become a function over form compromise.

 
Picked my FJ-09 up yesterday. Took this picture at the dealers with a 14 FJR side bag on the already provided mounting bracket, which BTY is provided with hooks at both ends for bunggie cording stuff down. Had to use a towel to get the bag to hang near correct.
RedFJ-09_zps9813f5bf.jpg


I am hoping this platform will get to 50/50 between the FJR and the FJ. I might even try to ride this to Kanab for the SWFOG event. I am liking it. Here is a link to Don Canet's write up in Cycle World a couple days ago. https://www.cycleworld.com/2014/12/17/2015-yamaha-fj-09-sport-touring-motorcycle-review-first-ride-photos-specifications/
Ken, I do hope you are putting some gold wheels on that puppy so we can recognize you when you get to Utah.

 
Local dealer had their first FJ set up on the floor, looks even better in person.

Was expecting it to be too tall (for me), but was surprised that it's not a bad fit for a shorter person with the seat in the low position.

If the roads wouldn't have been covered with road salt, I'm sure a test ride would have been offered, and it would have been hard to resist!

 
I got to sit on one today at a local dealer and the S10 sitting next to it. The FJ-09 seemed like a 7/8 sized S10 rather than a FJR.
That's what I thought as well.

Sat on a FJR right after sitting on the FJ and the first thing I noticed is how light the FJ felt, and the more upright seating position.

 
I got to sit on one today at a local dealer and the S10 sitting next to it. The FJ-09 seemed like a 7/8 sized S10 rather than a FJR.
That is the same impression I got when I sat on one. I think it is mostly the shape and location of the handlebars that makes it feel that way.

 
Needs shaft and we're in..

Nah. Yamaha already builds a full-on sport-tourer: The FJR!

Though I am no chain lover, however in the application of the FJ-09 Yamaha got it right with the lighter weight, lower cost, and more efficient power delivery of chain.

 
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