Hail
Moderator
My local Yamaha shop had a demo day yesterday and today. I ran up there this morning and test drove the 2014 FJR and the 2014 FZ09. These were VERY tame 30 minute test rides with Yamaha leaders and sweepers. You really did not get to see what the bikes can do.
FJR - Great ride! Felt very nimble at speed which was surprising. The seating position was comfortable and fairly neutral. I was actually surprised that he pegs seems to be in a fairly sporty position up and back. I am not sure my knees could handle it on a long trip. I may just be used to the tall seating on my Tiger and DRZ. Power was more than enough. The exhaust note was one of the coolest I have heard with a stock exhaust. electronically adjustable suspension, fueling and windshield were all very cool! This may be my next bike if I can get my hands on one for a longer test ride.
FZ-09 - Great torque down low. Feels tiny and light. Turn in was easy and actually made me feel uncomfortable my firs few turns. I have been riding bigger bikes with more rake and longer wheel bases lately. The suspension is absolute non-adjustable mushy crap. Something I would expect on a Hyosung. I think it is sprung for a 120lb metro-sexual. The right hand engine case is in the way of my shin even with the balls of my feet back on the pegs. It was very annoying when braking (yes I use the rear brake.) Over all I am very disappointed. For $1,000 more you can get a Street Triple with better styling and good suspension. Still waiting for a Next Gen FZ1!
I apologize in advance for the crappy cell phone pics!
This is the one in hooligan colors that I rode.
FJR - Great ride! Felt very nimble at speed which was surprising. The seating position was comfortable and fairly neutral. I was actually surprised that he pegs seems to be in a fairly sporty position up and back. I am not sure my knees could handle it on a long trip. I may just be used to the tall seating on my Tiger and DRZ. Power was more than enough. The exhaust note was one of the coolest I have heard with a stock exhaust. electronically adjustable suspension, fueling and windshield were all very cool! This may be my next bike if I can get my hands on one for a longer test ride.
FZ-09 - Great torque down low. Feels tiny and light. Turn in was easy and actually made me feel uncomfortable my firs few turns. I have been riding bigger bikes with more rake and longer wheel bases lately. The suspension is absolute non-adjustable mushy crap. Something I would expect on a Hyosung. I think it is sprung for a 120lb metro-sexual. The right hand engine case is in the way of my shin even with the balls of my feet back on the pegs. It was very annoying when braking (yes I use the rear brake.) Over all I am very disappointed. For $1,000 more you can get a Street Triple with better styling and good suspension. Still waiting for a Next Gen FZ1!
I apologize in advance for the crappy cell phone pics!
This is the one in hooligan colors that I rode.
Last edited:
