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Yamaha FJ-09 is Coming (even to the U.S.!) … And It Should Be A Big Hit

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To say we liked the Yamaha FZ-09 Triple is an understatement (despite some suspension and fueling issues – ed.). You just won’t find a better power-to-dollar value in any other motorcycle on the market. That’s not enough for some of our readers, who expect comfort, luggage capacity and wind protection for dollar-store pricing.

Well, here you go. Recent design filings in the European Union reveal this Yamaha motorcycle, which appears to be based on the frame, motor and swingarm of the FZ-09, known in Europe and other markets as the MT-09. Key differences are a larger tank, longer subframe with a larger saddle and a small fairing with a large (and adjustable?) windscreen.

The design filing offers no info other than the shape, but that gives us plenty of info. It looks like the frame, swingarm and exhaust are all the same, so you can expect this motorcycle to feature the neutral and responsive handling of the FZ-09. As far as performance, I’d expect the motor to be a bit neutered on top for more low and midrange torque, as well as have smoother fueling and maybe even better fuel economy. That combined with what should be at least a 4.5-gallon tank should yield impressive and practical range figures.

Expect the bike to have a full array of touring accessories and comfort/convenience features. I was impressed by the equipment of the revised Super Tenere I rode this year—durable hard luggage, cruise control, comprehensive and intuitive trip computer, all-day saddle—so I hope this Mini Tenere offers a similar array of touring-related features, except in a package that makes almost as much power, a lot less weight and a price tag under $10,000.

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Almost sounds too good to come to the States, eh? Well, buck up: a California Air Resources Board filing has approved an 847cc on-road motorcycle named the FJ-09 for sale in the Golden State as a 2015 model. Yamaha has also trademarked the term ‘FJ-09’ with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The ‘FJ’ moniker is confusing, as that usually designates a Yamaha sport-tourer, not a quasi-adventure bike like the one in the renderings.

Expect things to be hot in the Yamaha booths at motorcycle shows this fall—we’ll get this FJ-09, as well as a 300cc R-3 sportbike and maybe even a new R-1. Stay tuned.

151 Comments

  1. skybullet says:

    Riders buying “Adventure” bikes really don’t need 1000cc plus, 500 lb plus, off road poser machines. 9 out of 10 of us buy them to ride on the pavement because they have comfortable ergos, will haul bags, usually have better than average suspension and don’t have expensive body panels.
    If the FJ-09 looks like this and has the suggested improvements it will be close to perfect for what most of us like in an Adventure bike without the weight and price of the present offerings. Where do I sign?

  2. Al says:

    With longer travel suspensions as it seems to be, the FJ09 will be a nice middle weight sport/adventure touring bike here in Québec (Canada) with its poor road condition… At the same time, it will bring some competition to the new Honda VFR800, the BMW F800GT and the Ducati HyperStrada 821 for way less money…

  3. Geep says:

    Just give me a baby FJR….a small sport tourer, not a small sport adventurer….I see more S/A on the highways than on the back roads!

  4. Mars says:

    it looks like a regular bike that they pulled-up on the front and rear ends for old guys so they dont have to lean over as much.

  5. spokexx says:

    Im glad im old enough and have owned many bikes to judge a motorcycle not on superficial terms (style, color, etc) but for how it seems to work by the whole package. Lightweight, quick handling, plenty of power, luggage for long trips (either by Yamaha or Givi), comfortable riding position and a back seat that seems comfortable for a passenger on a few hours of riding. This new FJ is making my ’06 Vstrom nervous in the garage.

  6. red says:

    “The ‘FJ’ moniker is confusing, as that usually designates a Yamaha sport-tourer, not a quasi-adventure bike like the one in the renderings.”

    FJ prefix fits well from what I see. What in that picture indicates quasi-adventure bike? It looks 100% sport-tour to me.

    • Sam Jones says:

      You’re correct, Red…if the FJ09 is shod with a 17″ front wheel, it’s a sport-touring rig for sure. If it shows up with a 19″ front hoop (and it should), then it’s got some off-road capability…Ducati’s Multi Strada would be just that much better with a 19″ front wheel.

  7. Bob L. says:

    Too much going on here. It surely doesn’t look like an FJ that I am familiar with. I’m sure it will be a pleasure to ride but I couldn’t stand looking at it! And yes, looks still matter to some of us. Give me and FJR-09….smooth, clean styling, good passenger ergos and hard bags, otherwise, the Honda VFR will be my next ride.

  8. takehikes says:

    I was on the east side of the Sierras this last weekend and each motel had adventure-ish bikes parked in them along with many others including some truly hideous baggers. Over and over I walked right past the a-bikes to anything, really anything other than them….ugly, overdone, anything but an offroader (not one of them had anything but bugs stuck to them) just zero appeal in any way. You can have style and function you know. Glad Yamaha is trying something anything but really does this “thing” really inspire in any way?

  9. Wigs says:

    ADV blah blah blah. This, like so many of branded “ADV” motorcycles is built for the road. The FJ-09 will make a fantastic, lightweight UJM/tourer. Based on the now famous FZ-09 but with some upper wind protection and saddle bag mounts. The after market will fill in with rear racks, windshields and suspension upgrades. Kudos to Yamaha, if you need bigger get the bloated FJR.

  10. Benjamin says:

    I don’t wanna be an asshole but the European Union (EU) and Europe is not the same thing. And no, Paris is not “the capital” of Europe either 😉

    On topic: It’s a nice bike!

  11. Charlie says:

    Hopefully it won’t have a matt finish dull gray as these pictures appear to be.Please Yamaha: give us a choice of regular finish colors!

    • Curly says:

      Don’t worry, what you’ve seen are just colors images that have been converted to grayscale for the patent application. They’ll probably have two or more color choices when the bikes arrive.

      • fivespeed302 says:

        Since the FZ-09 comes in white/black, red/black, or black/purple, I’d bet those are your color choices for the new bike.

  12. Al says:

    I’m sure it will sell well here in Canada as a mid-size Sport Touring bike. In fact, it will become the VFR’s killer as it will sell for less $$$ and will offer the same kind of riding/ergo… We’ll see…

  13. Tommy see says:

    Young riders are going to Rev N Rip older riders will buy the V-Strom to Tork N Truck

  14. ze says:

    Great substitute of the TDM900. Lighter, more powerful and better forks. For me could be a perfect bike.

  15. Tom says:

    And rumors of the demise of the light sport-touring class have been greatly exaggerated.

  16. todder says:

    Based on price I don’t think it will be too long before people try to figure out how to retro fit touring bits onto stock fz09. Also hope the fj one comes with Cruise Control.

    Next step make a dirt worthy bike based off the fz07!

  17. Red Merle says:

    I was genuinely wondering which Triumph Yamaha would be cloning next. As it turns out, it would appear to be the Tiger 800 Roadie.

    The obvious next step would be the spoked wheeled “XC” version, I guess.

  18. Skif says:

    I think Yamaha missed out on a great opportunity here. If they had just chromed the large fake air scoops the bike would have been all time hideous.

    • Starmag says:

      Think of it as a riding incentive. You’ll feel free to engage in more risky riding behavior because you won’t be as worried about wadding up your shiny new toy when it’s styling from the factory can be described as “pre-crashed”.

  19. Jay Bird says:

    Ok Yamaha , here goes! Longer wheel base for a less choppy ride, better seat for longer rides, larger front fender to protect that sweet engine. Keep the price down ! Then fill up the containers and ship to the Americas and we gonna buy.

  20. Kagato says:

    This scoot does make a Versys look better. Maybe it’s just not photogenic. I have seen bikes myself that do not look good in images but look pretty good in person. I sure would like to see Yamaha make a Trident knock-off using their triple.

  21. Mike says:

    Count me in as one of the few or the only one here that wants a bike that is two up comfortable and roomy, yet is also competent for solo sport rides.

    The ongoing trend in prior Adv Tour bikes had the comfy part covered with long suspensions, large rider and passenger seats, roomy top cases the passenger could use as a backrest, lower foot pegs and ample space between the rider and passenger and of course good wind protection ………..all sadly missing on sport bike based Adv Tour variants like the FJ-09.

    I really like the FJ-09, but lets call it what it really is…….a sport bike with handlebars, hand protectors and a stupid looking fairing without a beak.

    • Curly says:

      Again, who said that Yamaha says this is an Adventure bike? They haven’t that I know of and it isn’t. It’s an FJ-09 not an XTZ850. I think they could have gotten away with calling it a TDM but FJ is about as good based on their past models. This is a mid sized Sport Tourer not an ADV bike. Let’s hope they build an XTZ for you but this ain’t it.

      • Mike says:

        Good points indeed……….but do we agree with what I actually said………..(one word added)

        FJ-09 = a sport bike with handlebars, hand protectors and a stupid looking fairing/windscreen without a beak.

    • VLJ says:

      “Count me in as one of the few or the only one here that wants a bike that is two up comfortable and roomy, yet is also competent for solo sport rides.”

      Sincerely,
      Every VFR Rider Who Ever Added Heli-Bars

      P.S. – Come on, Honda, this ain’t rocket science!

    • Norm G. says:

      re: “Count me in as one of the few or the only one here that wants a bike that is two up comfortable and roomy, yet is also competent for solo sport rides.”

      your local BMW dealer says they’ve got a 12GS with your name on it.

      “she may not look it, but she’s got it where it counts” – Han Solo

      • Mike says:

        Thanks Norm for the comments.

        You are right the BMS12GS certainly is “two up comfortable and roomy, yet is also competent for solo sport rides” …that …..and far more. My son had one and I was able to put quite a few miles on it. I liked it alot, so did my wife.

        We went for a leftover 2002 Caponord back in 2004 which fit my wife a weeee bit better and it cost 10k less. We went for it vs GS because of the Adv Tour long suspension and my wifes bad back might make any motorcycle riding not an option so why spend the extra $ for a GS…….two years and one operation later her back was perfect!!! On our Capo I some econo handling fixes, sport tires, used $35 Ducati mufflers, full Givi three bag set…….more minor stuff and ended up with this in solo mode on the straights and a bike that was never last home on the solo sport rides no matter what latest/greatest bikes others on the ride had.

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b_rTuE1-sU

        All that was a long time ago as motorcycle technology goes as you know and time did not wait for me to go from old then to way old now…….the FJ-09 is just not tempting for the reasons stated which Yamaha could have had on this bike and appealed to those of us that two up riding in important, but I like it and hope it sells well here. Maybe a variant in the future would be perfect for us.

    • peter harris says:

      V- strom calling.

      • Sam Jones says:

        Amen, Peter. The “Wee-Strom” 650 with updated Gladius motor and even the new 1000 are both equipped with 19″ front wheel and, I think, represent the best bang-for-the-buck in ALL of motorcycling IF you plan any off-roading at all. I can’t believe the number of (primarily) 650’s I see at BMW rallies.

  22. Teddy says:

    Hey Yamaha; make bikes for where we want to go, not for what you think we want to look like.

  23. ApriliaRST says:

    >>The design filing offers no info other than the shape<<

    I expect the shape shown in the illustrations is nearly completely wrong. The real bike will look more FJR-ish rather than dual sport-ish. IMO, the FZ-09 would make an absolutely great ST so long as the drive chain is enclosed enough that it can be ridden in the rain without washing off the lube.

    I expect the hoped-for dual sport will use the engine from the FZ-07. I have confidence in Yamaha to get this right. BTW, I had my first glimpse of an FZ-07 yesterday and might buy one if the passenger foot pegs were a few inches lower, or if Yamaha were to sell a kit to do the same. In any case, it was a very nicely put together motorcycle.

    • Robert Paulson says:

      These aren’t just illustrations; these are the actual patent documents filed with the OHIM.

      “Expect” all you’d like, but this is the bike we’ll be seeing very soon.

      • ApriliaRST says:

        You are right; this is the bike we will see soon at dealers.

        Bikes like this one and the new Aprilia Capo represent the new sport-touring section. Truthfully, sitting upright is easier and better overall unless you like riding at extra-legal speeds.

    • xlayn says:

      Come on, passenger pegs are not that much mess (or deal breaker) to replace… get the rest of the bike right is

      • ApriliaRST says:

        Lowering passenger pegs is easy, but hard to make look decent and not overwhelm the mounting points with extra leverage.

        But the real situation is that I want a bike that comes with tires, geometry and wheel sizes for riding sketchy unpaved roads. A 70/30 road dirt mix is about right for me. Like some others, I have to consider garage space as well.

  24. MGNorge says:

    I’m rather unsure of what to think. As always, a view in person will tell. Not looking for a bike at the moment so this doesn’t ignite anything in me.
    One thing though, I’d sure like to see bikes, all bikes, get away from the dark motif. I like color and I like shiny. Last year went looking for slightly wider wheels for my HD truck that’s used for towing. From all vendors most that was available are black or gray wheels. Where’s the color, where’s the shiny?

    • Max says:

      It ain’t too purdy and I do hope it comes in a color a little more appealing, but it does look like a lot of fun. Throw some soft bags over it and take that lovely triple’s song everywhere its light little body will roll. It’s proportioned properly for comfotable all day stints regardless of where that might be.

  25. garjo says:

    It doesn’t have a rack.Horrible looking screen/styling.

  26. PN says:

    Good concept but the looks are not appeaaling.

  27. Mark says:

    Can’t wait to hear more about it and hopefully take a test ride.
    My Tiger 1050 is starting to get some miles and I am looking. I really want some dirt (dirt Roads, not single track) worthiness, which for me means 19″ front wheel and at least 7″ of travel.

    This bike doesn’t have that so I will remain patient

    • Mike says:

      If you are looking for any of the new slightly modified sport bike Adv Tour variants to appeal to you more than your Tiger 1050…….I am thinking you just might have a long, long wait that beyond any of our patience time limits

    • edioe says:

      No need for a 19″ front tire. One of the motorcycle rags, I can’t remember which one, tested all the “AD” bike off road along with some other non-AD bikes and the consensus was one of the non-AD bikes was better on dirt than all the AD bikes, including the that pig heavy BMW. I know, I know… sounds like I’m whistling dixie because I can’t remember which bike it was, I’m sure if you google hard enough you can find it. I just don’t remember which road bike it was.

  28. Jschmutz says:

    I like this a lot. A little concerned about the wind screen flapping at highway speeds; it looks flimsy. What do you think about the dash? Do I see a digital tablet like interface? Could GPS be a built in option or is it wishful thinking?

  29. Matt says:

    I rode a versys 650 and it was just a little too heavy (454 lbs) and a little short on power (59hp). I liked everything else about it.

    If the specs stay similar to the FZ this FJ could be up to 40lbs lighter (414) with 56 more HP (115).

    Wow. Perfect. I even like the looks.

    With a Tenere 700 and a WR350-450R, my Yamaha conversion would be complete.

  30. Don Fraser says:

    wow, FJ-87 comments, Caponerd- 25

  31. Jeremy in TX says:

    I like it. It doesn’t have the ABS rings on the wheels that I can see, so Yamaha may still be holding out the availability of that feature which does seem to carry some importance in the sport-touring market. Not sure that is the best plan, but ABS may yet show up as an option when details are released.

    At least they added a center stand!

    I hope this bike carries the FJ moniker. ‘Cause would imply that something else may be in the pipeline sporting the Ténéré name.

    Keep ’em coming Yamaha. The FZ’s are selling like hotcakes in my area. I hope this bike continues the trend.

  32. Mark L says:

    Nice bike, i wish it was a small or middle adventure.

  33. mickey says:

    It will be interesting to see how it sells. It’s practically the bike people were screaming for when MC daily reviewed the FZ 09.

    Personally I’d rather have the Honda 800 Crosstour. that Honda isn’t going to let us have. I’ve had an inline 3 and a V4 and I prefer the V4 mill even if its heavier and costs more. I’m not taking it anywhere off road anyway.

    • Terry says:

      If Honda would lose the VTEC and go back to gear driven cams, I would probably agree with you. Honda has lost my interest with the current engine design.

      • joe b says:

        Just what is the infatuation with the gear drive cams? you know they are not like race spec parts, production cam gear drive have split gears, with springs taking up the slack. Current design chain drive, delivers more precise cam timing.

        • Terry says:

          Complexity and difficulty/cost of maintenance are the biggest concern for the VTEC motor. That and power characteristics and SOUL. There isn’t a V-4 quite like a sound of a gear driven cam V-4. If a bike doesn’t have soul its not worth owning…IMHO

    • GKS says:

      +1 on the VFR800X Crosstour

  34. falcodoug says:

    I like it. Best part is getting to read Norm G’s comments. Keep up the good work Norm.

  35. Jose says:

    Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good looking Touring Bike. But it can’t be compare to any Adventure Bike, due to the location of that muffler. It will be like “dead in the water” first time it has to cross a little water stream.

    • Curly says:

      It’s an FJ-09 not an XTZ850 so those expecting a smaller Tenere will just have to wait. No high mount exhaust for you! Personally I’d rather the tiny Tenere be a twin so how about an XTZ700?

      • GKS says:

        Precisely, why is almost everyone calling an adventure bike? Yamaha has given it the FJ model designation of a sport touring bike. Do people not believe them?

        • Blackcayman says:

          we SEE the tall forks and stance of a mid size ADV bike, rather than the smooth and sleak line of a SPORTtourer

          some of us are still hopeful an FJR-09 could come – although now its doubtful

          • Jeremy in TX says:

            The fork and swingarm angle look identical to the FZ-09. Or you sure the forks are taller other than the handlebar rise? I agree that it isn’t yesterday’s sport-tourer, but a sport-tourer it is. Smooth and sleek are so passé!

  36. Spike says:

    You people would bitch if you were hung with a new rope.

    Be thankful that the manufacturers are recovering, economically and are able to start up their R&D again.

    The manufacturers could bring in everything they made and you’d still bitch to high heaven.

    • Mike says:

      “You people would bitch if you were hung with a new rope.”

      Yes, because new rope manufacturers aren’t listening to us and have designed new rope wrong. All wrong. Heck, the rope would probably break because they didn’t use a tried and true rope design! 😉

      Part of the fun of commenting on new bike announcements is pointing out things that we like and don’t like. We can’t all be satisified by a single bike after all.

      On the topic of the FJ-09, I like it and hope it comes in colors. Would also like to see the luggage options. Looks like a winner in my eyes.

  37. Guru says:

    I was reading about this on the FJ-09 forums and I think this will sell like crazy. I want to trade my FZ-09 in for one.

  38. Ziggy says:

    As soon as I saw the picture I said out loud “That looks pretty cool, actually!”.

    I think I’ll buy one!

    ZB

  39. Pete says:

    More beak!!!!

  40. Frank says:

    Good looking bike, but in order for it to be a great every day ride this version will need to avoid the 5 D’s of motorcycle suspension.. ‘dip, dive, dodge, duck, and…dive’. Want to see what the luggage looks like, but I think they have another winner here.

    • Norm G. says:

      re: “to be a great every day ride this version will need to avoid the 5 D’s of motorcycle suspension.. ‘dip, dive, dodge, duck, and…dive’.”

      no fair, you said cited DIVE twice…!!! lol

  41. Bob L. says:

    I was hoping for something more like a downsized FJR-like, sport touring style. I can’t see my wife being comfortable on the back of this. I guess my FJR1300 will stay in my stable for awhile.
    I’ll test ride one of these, when available but not crazy about the adventure bike styling. Tell me again, why do I need brush guards on a street bike???

    • t says:

      Brush guards are great at deflecting wind around your gloves making it much nicer for us cold weather riders. Also, if you ever tip over your bike, they protect the clutch and brake levers nicely.

    • Norm G. says:

      re: “I can’t see my wife being comfortable on the back of this.”

      let’s be honest, what wife is going to be comfortable on anything that’s NOT a low slung Harley with a backrest…? or a Goldwing with both arm AND backrests…?

      god bless ’em, they don’t want to hurt our feelings, but “smaller” is NEVER better.

  42. Dave says:

    Love it – and Loving Yamaha more and more!

    Is Yamaha the only damn company to actually LISTEN to customer feedback on their motorcycles…cough cough….ahem…..HONDA…..ahem………..

    Nice Job Yamaha!!

    • mickey says:

      They didn’t listen to me when I asked them to put the R-1 crossplane liter motor in a Gen 1 style FZ-1 sport standard.

  43. Norm G. says:

    re: “The ‘FJ’ moniker is confusing”

    Yamaha’s got nothing on Kawi’s use of Ninja H2.

  44. Tommy See says:

    Hot dam Yamaha! This should of been in the market 5to10 years a gone!

  45. Norm G. says:

    re: “That’s not enough for some of our readers, who expect…”

    (wait for it)

    …free lunch.

    • xlayn says:

      and why not… it’s one of economy tenets… the most benefit from the lowest price… and free is the lowest it can get.
      and beak… as much beak as attitude

      • Norm G. says:

        re: “and why not”

        trust me, you don’t really want to KNOW the answer to this question.

        why…?

        the answer saddles you with a burden of responsibility… a burden of behaviour modification… and that’s not what you want so “beware what you wish for”.

  46. stoggy says:

    expect the motor to be a bit neutered on top for more low and midrange torque

    how nice they are ensuring that we can wheelie with luggage.

    I bet they drop the current A mode and that’s it. A/B mode. A bigger tank!

    • Norm G. says:

      re: “I bet they drop the current A mode”

      I bet they don’t. things like Yamaha “D-Mode” and “YCCI” are branding features that have been present on the AMA championship winning R1 (now 4X) since it debut in ’09 (6 years ago) and before. as you can imagine, such business priorities SUPERSEDE any one or group of individuals inability (or unwillingness) to comprehend them.

    • Jon says:

      No need to neuter that motor at all – it’s not lacking power anywhere in the range in the FZ09.

  47. Jason says:

    I think this is going to cut deeply into Suzuki’s V-Strom market share.

    • Norm G. says:

      and their own Tenere.

    • Don Fraser says:

      haw many of he new v-stroms or teneres have you seen on the road anyway?

      • Hot Dog says:

        That’s a good question, the answer is right in front of us and we still don’t see it. I ride a Wee Strom Adventure and every day people will ask me how I like my BMW. I go to bike night and American Cruiser riders will walk right up to it and like my German bike. When they discover it’s Japanese, they scurry back to the safety of the other sheeple. I’ve seen quite a few Teneres and Stroms on the road only because I can tell the difference.

        • Don Fraser says:

          I work at an all Japanese dealership and yes, lot’s of wee-stroms, but not one new 1000 V-strom sold yet and one Tenere. Lot’s of faux Harleys.

  48. Gary says:

    I especially like the exhaust. It eliminates any volume constraints for luggage on that side. I hope the other manufacturers are taking note.

  49. joe b says:

    Seeing this bike, it makes sense. when I first saw the FZ-09, it looked as if it had some parts missing, and was ready for factory add-ons. It looks like Yamaha did their homework, with little changes, this base model can become different versions, and satisfy specific groups. Remember when Honda had CB, CL, SL versions of basic models?

  50. beasty says:

    Dang that’s ugly! My local dealer will order two. One will sell immediately to someone that’s just gotta have it. The second one will hang around ’til next year and be severely discounted thus ruining resale for the first guy. And the dealer won’t order any more until the second one sells which will probably be two or three years after the initial order.

    • bikerrandy says:

      Have to agree. Definitely not made in Italy. It just looks like a bunch of parts bolted together with no consideration of what it looks like to the eye when completed. I guess if all you care about is it’s specs-performance-price, that’s all that matters.

      • Hot Dog says:

        Nope, I think you cowboys have got it all wrong. I think they’ll sell the heck out of them. My local dealer traded for every FZ-09 he could get his hands on and moved 15 of them, said he could sell that many more again. I like the looks of a minimalist bike with added equipment. This machine will have people snapping them up like crazy.

        • Norm G. says:

          re: “This machine will have people snapping them up like…”

          …hot dogs at a baseball game.” (pun intended)

    • Neil says:

      Check the mirror. 😉

    • Neil says:

      You want beautiful? – Check this out! http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/4774/img0922tv6.jpg – We are so critical of this, that and the other thing. But as a country, we POUR money into Harley Davidson. We somehow filed out market surveys that produced the first VStrom, the Versys, boatloads of heavy, underpowered Japanese cruisers, many hideous iterations of the Kawasaki Ninja, many many scrapped together sport standards and on and on. The photo is grey, like mine now (Har har!), and many reading this. I think it says, “Let’s go for a ride.” Like the idea. We know the motor is great. Nice job Yamaha. There are some ugly bikes out there ) early 80s Japanese short wheelbase cruiseque thing a ma bobs. This bike looks pretty good compared to other adventure bikes out there. The Beemer GS ADV bikes are beautiful? Not looking at MotoGP grid girls enough I guess. Beer goggles!

  51. HalfBaked says:

    Will it be available in colors? Seriously!? It’s already available in 3 colors: flat black, gloss black and satin black. What else do you need. And it’s got a beak too.

  52. zrx4me says:

    “good looking”is not a phrase that will come up in any future road tests im sure.

  53. Chef says:

    Hey Yamaha before you introduce another triple in a new model get the kinks worked out of the FZ09. Get those warranty parts stocked for the FZ09. Most important, communicate with the 09 owners so we know when our warranty parts will show. No one wants to buy a new bike and have to wait 3 to 4 weeks for a part under warranty.

    • Dave says:

      The rate at which Yamaha sells the FZ09 indicates that it’s not broken and customers aren’t concerned with waiting for anything except for another FZ09 to come to their dealer to buy.

      Besides, the plan is the plan. You can bet the work developing this bike was done before the FZ was released.

  54. Scott says:

    It needs 17″ wheels, a larger tank, and cruise control. The Multistrada needs cruise, the BMW S1000XR will have it.

    I agree, don’t mess with the engine other than improving the throttle.

  55. Sean says:

    Hopefully more Sport Tourer than “adventure” bike.

  56. marloweluke says:

    This is exactly the bike I was hoping they would build around the 847 triple. Don’t alter the engine at all, it has enough midrange. Hopefully it has a 5 gallon tank. This is not an adventure bike with its 17 inch wheels. The Multistrada isn’t an adventure bike either, its a sport tourer just like this one. Perfect. Hopefully they fix the fueling, the suspension I’ll probably replace anyway.

  57. D Rob says:

    Shaft drive?

  58. tuskerdu says:

    may well be my next new bike.

  59. moto says:

    Why would you expect the FZ to be neutered? It already has bags of torque…no need to mess with a good thing.

    • Norm G. says:

      Q: “Why would you expect the FZ to be neutered?”

      A: ’cause everything must be dumbed down for those LEAST capable.

      re: “It already has bags of torque”

      and there they are.

  60. Terry says:

    19″ front wheel and a spoke option, like the Triumph Tiger 800 PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  61. skybullet says:

    Yamaha has a golden opportunity here. Starting with the state-of-the-art engine (well, as soon as they get the fueling right) and a light chassis. Common sense says fix the flaws and target the Adventure Bike market. Clarification: Adventure Bike really means a comfortable, decent handling, load capable bike that will be street ridden. The F-09 platform has more potential than anything to come along in years. Do riders and your dealers a favor, get it right this time.

    • Norm G. says:

      re: “as soon as they get the fueling right”

      fairplay. a wholly reasonable action plan, if and when one “assumes” that something is wrong.

      re: “Common sense says fix the flaws”

      common sense also says… assumption is the MOTHER OF ALL F@#K-UPS. (Everett McGill voice)

  62. Ramblin Red says:

    There IS a god !

  63. KevinP says:

    Way to go Yamaha. Now the V-Strom 1000 has serious competition and the FJ-09 ought to undercut it in price. For the Northeast a true naked bike makes little sense (like the FZ-09) but this FJ with it’s fairing will offer cold weather protection, better range, and touring to the picture.

    That triple motor should be awesome in this package.

    Don’t let it gain much weight please!!

  64. Bill says:

    I’d heard from my dealer that there’s an announcement coming Oct. 15. I was hoping for this bike but with a 19- or 21-inch front… and I’d like that with the tubeless spoked wheels like my Tenere.

  65. david says:

    Just tell me that it’s actually going to have actual springs in the front forks instead of the rolled up cotton balls they’re using now in the fz-09

  66. Dave says:

    Kinda’ reminds me of the FZ6 with just a little more volume in the body/tank area. This should be a great bike for a lot of riders.

    Ditto comments on the FZ-07, though I think that bike will cover most riders with an accessory here or there as it is.

  67. kjazz says:

    “The ‘FJ’ moniker is confusing, as that usually designates a Yamaha sport-tourer, not a quasi-adventure bike like the one in the renderings.”

    The notion of what is a sport-tourer has changed over the years, IMO. Sure, there are still portly sport bikes with clip ons that carry the moniker of Sport Tourer (ST). But just like cars have evolved (most people tour in Suburbans, Tahoes, etc) bike touring folks are increasingly choosing a two-wheeled SUV to tour on instead of a two wheeled Cadillac or grand tourer platform. This is of course w/o ANY hard research data….just my speculation and what I see being ridden around on the highways and byways.

    I think these bikes like this Yamaha and the GS and the GSA and the VStrom, the Multistrada etc. etc. are just two wheeled SUVs. They offer WAY more versatility and comfort for touring than an FJ, Connie, or BMW R1200ST or any of the others of that ilk…..IMO.

    The big differentiator is the “sit-up” position and wider bar. Those two factors make a motorcycle much more natural feeling, more comfortable and increase control, visibility (to and from the bike), and are just more fun.

    Recently I was out riding in California and my rental GS rear tire went to hell, it was already way down in tread. The rental agency told me to bring it back and since they didn’t have a fresh tire for the GS, they would send me back out on a R1200RT. Immediately I felt cramped compared to the GS. The RT handled well, felt light at speed, great balanced performance, but those narrow bars felt like I’d given up some measure of control. I admit the electic windshield was cool as hell though.

    Anyway, I think SUVs whether two or four wheeled will continue to redefine sport touring. After all “sport” just means lighter, not necessarily faster. All motorcycles these days are fast. And a GS or new FJ-09 is a much lighter mount than an FJ1300, goldwing, connie or any of those.

    • Norm G. says:

      re: “The big differentiator is the “sit-up” position and wider bar. Those two factors make a motorcycle much more natural feeling, more comfortable and increase control, visibility (to and from the bike), and are just more fun.”

      particularly so if you GREW UP on motocross. don’t overlook the influence of “muscle memory” and the, “it’s all you’ve ever known” factor.

      conversely, there are many who don’t know from dirt bikes (or even a BMX bicycle) and for them, being a “windsock” seems unnatural.

      • kjazz says:

        I see your point. I grew up on dirt bikes, but then spent the next 20 years only on street bikes… mostly sport bikes, sport tours of the 1980s – 1990s. However; I recognized the short comings of the sport bike position pretty quickly even though I continued to ride them. I think whatever your original orientation was, that few can deny that high leverage from wide(r) bars make a bike roll quicker, seem more stable, and offer way more feedback; particularly about such crucial things as … is my back tire about to break loose? And do I still have grip left on the front end? The sit up position is good for everybody, not just us aging guys. Sitting upright is about overall better perception of what the bike is doing, visibility and overall situational awareness mostly because the head is level.

        I think a sit up sport bike can be ridden faster than a pure sport (with narrow, head down position) on REAL roads for the reasons above (as long as the speeds are not so high that drag does not dictate the outcome). So it would seem that motorcycles manufactures have figured this out, admitted it, notice that public also concurs and we are now seeing more bikes that embrace that approach. Hence that “naked” class of sport bikes, the touring bikes discussed here etc.

  68. Kirk R says:

    Is that the new Yamaha Versys? 😉

  69. John says:

    Perfect. Because i want the offroader to be bui!t on the 07.

    • Poe says:

      EXACTLY! Something to compete with the Tiger 800XC and F800GS but be slightly smaller/lighter (and hopefully cost less)!

  70. Lloyd says:

    Nice job Yamaha! I like it!

  71. Gentleman Rook says:

    I’d like mine as pictured: I really dig Yamaha’s new “Noir” colour scheme.

  72. xlayn says:

    nice, a lot of models with shared core means more aftermarket parts and spares later on the road
    now… about a turbo model with extra beak…

  73. Joe Bogusheimer says:

    It does look rather Adventure bike like, in its overall proportions. Shouldn’t the naked version be the one that retuned for torque, while the faired bike gets the full power version, since you can make better use of that power with a fairing?

    • Curly says:

      Why when you already have switchable modes at you thumb and all three have lots of torque? As long as they improve the fueling glitches from the FZ-09 then this bike will do fine. No reason to cheat the naked bike buyers. Hope they add ABS as an option on both versions though.

  74. Starmag says:

    This looks like the FJ variant. I think the ADV variant will have a 21″ front to steal sales from the 800GS. This seems great except for the,um,busy styling.

    • Blackcayman says:

      those tall forks look like an FJ???

      Which one? What Year? What are you smok’in

      • Starmag says:

        4-5 inches of fork travel. FJ. Don’t be fooled by the higher handlebars. The trend is away from low bars. I’m sure this will be quite sporty without them. Just because they call it an FJ doesn’t mean it has to look like the current FJ1300. See the new “H2”. The ADV variant will have to have at least 8 inches travel and 19″-21″ front wheel to compete in that class and not be a joke.

        Your over-reaction over model designation? Really?

        • Blackcayman says:

          …”This looks like the FJ variant”…

          Which one? What year?
          ____________________________________________

          absolutely nothing you said answers the question

          It looks NOTHING like ANY FJ variant, ever. Not even a little bit. It does however have a similar stance and profile of a TDM or Super Tenere.

          Also, Model names do have meaning; that’s why you see a referrence to an R3. Everyone instinctively knows this relates to a sportbike like the R-1 or R6.

          I get that you are fuming and now busily crafting your responce, just accept the possibility that you were wrong.

  75. Scotty says:

    This looks good. Very good.

  76. SD Louis says:

    Nice! But will it have any colors? 😛

  77. Blackcayman says:

    “confusing” is right!

    This is obviously a Super Tenere minus the SUPER or more accurately a TDM-09

    The FJ-09 MUST be a SPORTtour mount – or even better yet an FJ”R”-09 with upgraded suspension, braking and performance bits.

    • Curly says:

      I agree, that’s more TDMish than Tenere. Do I spot something that looks like bag mounts below the pillion seat?

      Bring it on. My TDM has gotten to feel just a little too heavy for me when the tank is full. This bike should come in a good 60-70 pounds lighter full up and that could be just about right.

      On the R3, hasn’t that reported as 320cc not 300? M’mm 42-44hp at 366 pounds. Sounds like an RD350 for this century.

      • Curly says:

        OOh, I just noticed the center stand! Yippee! That’s an item my TDM has sorely lacked. I wonder if that’s a bolt-on mod for the FZ-09?

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