Any Yamaha FJ 09 owners? | Page 2 | GTAMotorcycle.com

Any Yamaha FJ 09 owners?

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silverbullet132 said:
The Africa Twin will likely be the best option in the ADV segment, hoping Honda does not price it too high. Right around $12-14k would be the sweet spot :)
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Well we don't really have any details on the Africa Twin... so it's hard to say.

Matthew.Tremayne said:
I've always wanted the KTM Adventure since they had the 990... The 1190 is a wonderful bike.... But for those who aren't tall enough... The Super T or the Beamer GS1200 are the way to go. The GS is the best ADV bike, but for the price and the reliability of a Jap bike.... The Super T competes with the KTM and Beamer. Of course the KTM is better off road than all of the rest, but the Yammy is more than capable. The only PITA is the fact that you can't turn ABS off, for off road riding.... It's a big hassle. I am probably buying a Super Tenere after getting some time with the KTM 690, (1190 adventure was way too tall....) and the FZ-09/FJ-09 (Thanks again Chasem for letting me take your FZ for a whiz around to get a great feel for it) and a few other sport bikes. I need something to keep my R6 in the garage for every day riding, Sunday Funday is when she will get to come out and play.


The FJ is wicked on the street, suspension issue was fixed. Throttle in A mode is just fine if you're used to riding really twitchy SS bikes.. My R6 was way way way worse than last year's FZ, which is way worse than the FJ... I thought the FZ throttle I'm A mode was great, the FJ is even better for those who don't like super snappy throttles.
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Matthew have you tried the 1190 Adventure? Not R model. Much lower seat, electronic suspension vs manual, better windscreen.

The standard adventure has less a little less ground clearance, and a 19" instead of 21" front wheel... but it's still very capable offroad (for a larger adventure bike). The standard 1190 is a decent amount better on the highway than the R model.

I've ridden the bikes mentioned and the 1190 feels way more nimble and light than the BMW GS1200. The adventure model is a fair bit better on the road than the 1190R... So it really depends how much "off-road" you really do. I did like the GS1200, but it feels like you are piloting a tank.

I have the KTM 690 Enduro R now, which I really love... it sucks on the highway, but it's amazing offroad. I plan on getting an 1190 and a cheap offroad weapon (DRZ or something)
 
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I have an FJ09 as a Demo this year. Previously I have had FJRs and spent quite a bit of time on a Super Tenere last year. As I only ever take the bike(s) on dirt roads once or twice a year, I will leave that discussion to those with much more experience... However, I do spend a lot of time on the highway. The FJ09 feels much more maneuverable than the other two, and changes directions quickly and confidently. It borders on too quick if you are looking for the same feel as an FJR. I am fairly tall, but I prefer the lower seat position. The couple of 6 plus hour days in the saddle did not render me useless the next day. The wind protection was surprising. I thought by the looks I would feel much more of the wind, but the combination of the hand guards and front fairing push the air over my shoulders at highway speeds. though I did try all the windscreen positions, the lowest one produced the lease buffeting feels at highway speeds.

I have the hard bags, which are good for one-up weekend touring, but the passenger will be wearing a backpack if you plan on staying overnight. Two up on the highway was easy and comfortable. Two-up starting was not an issue, more like a 4 cylinder supersport than a touring bike, as the bike wants to jump off the line and get going. The gas mileage has been great so far (averaging approximately 5 L / 100 km). Given my choice of bikes to take, this one is right up there.
 
You really can't compare it to bikes such as KTM 1190 Adventure, Multistrada, BMW GS's and even Tenere.

The whole point and reason why this bike caught my eye in the first place is it's price tag and overall fit and finish. I couldn't believe the price when I saw this bike, it's unreal.

It's exactly as kwtoxman mentioned a few posts above, it's a great bike to try out touring and see if it's your thing, which is exactly where I am.
 
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Chasem said:
Well we don't really have any details on the Africa Twin... so it's hard to say.



Matthew have you tried the 1190 Adventure? Not R model. Much lower seat, electronic suspension vs manual, better windscreen.

The standard adventure has less a little less ground clearance, and a 19" instead of 21" front wheel... but it's still very capable offroad (for a larger adventure bike). The standard 1190 is a decent amount better on the highway than the R model.

I've ridden the bikes mentioned and the 1190 feels way more nimble and light than the BMW GS1200. The adventure model is a fair bit better on the road than the 1190R... So it really depends how much "off-road" you really do. I did like the GS1200, but it feels like you are piloting a tank.

I have the KTM 690 Enduro R now, which I really love... it sucks on the highway, but it's amazing offroad. I plan on getting an 1190 and a cheap offroad weapon (DRZ or something)
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Didn't get the chance to try out the KTM Adventure. Was too tall. If there is a lower height model like you said, I can pop by GP Bikes and get on one no problem. The model I seen was way, way, way too tall. You know, I'm vertically challenged at 5'9 and a half ;) lol. Got some time to really rip the Super Tenere and man, could I boogie on that thing!! I was looking into the 690, but the on road capabilities really pushed me towards something that is a lot better on the road. I'm impartial to Yamaha's, I can admit it. Everything I've owned except two machines have been Yamaha's.... 1976 Suzuki TS 2 stroke and a 125 cibber for tootling around town on. I have tried a bunch of the other brands, but Yamaha keeps dragging me back with their quality machines. The Beamer 1200 is a tank lol. It's a proven tank though. I plan to do mostly on road stuff, but I want to be able to get off road as well. Wish I didn't sell my dirt bike... Stupid decision!

The FJ is a sweet machine @ the Road Warrior. Never said it wasn't a capable machine or anything. I would highly recommend it over the FZ-09 in stock form. Suspension is just that much better out of the box. Plus wind protection, hand guards, luggage racks, etc. That triple is a beeeeaaaassssssttttt! I would highly recommend it. The Super Tenere is a big step up in price, but holy crap does that thing ride wonderfully. I swear, other than the R1M.... It's Yamaha's 2nd best bike!
 
Were you able to flat foot the Tenere?



Matthew.Tremayne said:
Didn't get the chance to try out the KTM Adventure. Was too tall. If there is a lower height model like you said, I can pop by GP Bikes and get on one no problem. The model I seen was way, way, way too tall. You know, I'm vertically challenged at 5'9 and a half ;) lol. Got some time to really rip the Super Tenere and man, could I boogie on that thing!! I was looking into the 690, but the on road capabilities really pushed me towards something that is a lot better on the road. I'm impartial to Yamaha's, I can admit it. Everything I've owned except two machines have been Yamaha's.... 1976 Suzuki TS 2 stroke and a 125 cibber for tootling around town on. I have tried a bunch of the other brands, but Yamaha keeps dragging me back with their quality machines. The Beamer 1200 is a tank lol. It's a proven tank though. I plan to do mostly on road stuff, but I want to be able to get off road as well. Wish I didn't sell my dirt bike... Stupid decision!

The FJ is a sweet machine @ the Road Warrior. Never said it wasn't a capable machine or anything. I would highly recommend it over the FZ-09 in stock form. Suspension is just that much better out of the box. Plus wind protection, hand guards, luggage racks, etc. That triple is a beeeeaaaassssssttttt! I would highly recommend it. The Super Tenere is a big step up in price, but holy crap does that thing ride wonderfully. I swear, other than the R1M.... It's Yamaha's 2nd best bike!
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Matthew.Tremayne said:
Didn't get the chance to try out the KTM Adventure. Was too tall. If there is a lower height model like you said, I can pop by GP Bikes and get on one no problem. The model I seen was way, way, way too tall. You know, I'm vertically challenged at 5'9 and a half ;) lol. Got some time to really rip the Super Tenere and man, could I boogie on that thing!! I was looking into the 690, but the on road capabilities really pushed me towards something that is a lot better on the road. I'm impartial to Yamaha's, I can admit it. Everything I've owned except two machines have been Yamaha's.... 1976 Suzuki TS 2 stroke and a 125 cibber for tootling around town on. I have tried a bunch of the other brands, but Yamaha keeps dragging me back with their quality machines. The Beamer 1200 is a tank lol. It's a proven tank though. I plan to do mostly on road stuff, but I want to be able to get off road as well. Wish I didn't sell my dirt bike... Stupid decision!

The FJ is a sweet machine @ the Road Warrior. Never said it wasn't a capable machine or anything. I would highly recommend it over the FZ-09 in stock form. Suspension is just that much better out of the box. Plus wind protection, hand guards, luggage racks, etc. That triple is a beeeeaaaassssssttttt! I would highly recommend it. The Super Tenere is a big step up in price, but holy crap does that thing ride wonderfully. I swear, other than the R1M.... It's Yamaha's 2nd best bike!
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To give you an idea, I'm 5'11 and stock the 690 was REEAAAALLLY tall. Unless you are doing at-least 50% off-road, I wouldn't recommend the 690 Enduro R.

Seat Heights:

KTM 690R- 35.8"
KTM 1190R - 35"
KTM 1190 - 33.85
Super Tenere - 33.3/34.3

So there is no way you would be comfortable on the 690, unless you had it lowered a lot. The Standard 1190 (which is better on road than R) has roughly the same seat height as the Super Tenere. The spec sheet indicates 1.15" difference (from the R), but it felt like a lot more to me.

Based upon the reviews, the FJ should be a pretty sweet bike at that price point.

OP: I have not ridden the FJ-09, but I did own the FZ-09. If they fixed the suspension and fueling I would highly recommend it over the FZ-09. Also the tank range is better... which is a huge plus.
 
The Road Warrior said:
Seat height itself is not the only factor. It also comes down to how wide the seat and bike itself are in the seat area.
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This^^^^. The Goldwing FB6(?) is pretty low, but because of how wide, I had trouble with it (in runners). Damn short legs!
 
Chasem said:
To give you an idea, I'm 5'11 and stock the 690 was REEAAAALLLY tall. Unless you are doing at-least 50% off-road, I wouldn't recommend the 690 Enduro R.

Seat Heights:

KTM 690R- 35.8"
KTM 1190R - 35"
KTM 1190 - 33.85
Super Tenere - 33.3/34.3

So there is no way you would be comfortable on the 690, unless you had it lowered a lot. The Standard 1190 (which is better on road than R) has roughly the same seat height as the Super Tenere. The spec sheet indicates 1.15" difference (from the R), but it felt like a lot more to me.

Based upon the reviews, the FJ should be a pretty sweet bike at that price point.

OP: I have not ridden the FJ-09, but I did own the FZ-09. If they fixed the suspension and fueling I would highly recommend it over the FZ-09. Also the tank range is better... which is a huge plus.
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Yeah, I'd have to lower the 690 big time.

I fit on the Super Tenere no problem. Typical slide to front on seat (lowest part) and I could get most of both feet down. I'm also the guy who tippies on his R6 in a proper riding position, but I slide forward, balls to tank and touch no issue. I was briefly thinking Yammy WR250 but I'd need the yamalink to drop her down. Don't wanna mess with height on a machine... Throws them outta wack. Unfortunately I'm the perfect size for race bikes, not adv bikes or dual sports. When it came to Moto X.... I managed with all the tall machines... Proper boots helps a ton with the height issue.
 
Matthew.Tremayne said:
Yeah, I'd have to lower the 690 big time.

I fit on the Super Tenere no problem. Typical slide to front on seat (lowest part) and I could get most of both feet down. I'm also the guy who tippies on his R6 in a proper riding position, but I slide forward, balls to tank and touch no issue. I was briefly thinking Yammy WR250 but I'd need the yamalink to drop her down. Don't wanna mess with height on a machine... Throws them outta wack. Unfortunately I'm the perfect size for race bikes, not adv bikes or dual sports. When it came to Moto X.... I managed with all the tall machines... Proper boots helps a ton with the height issue.
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Can confirm on the lowering process... You can lower a bike, but it requires a fair bit of work to re-correct the geometry, sag, etc...

I lowered my 690 and spent almost a month tweaking the suspension to get it set correctly. I had to keep adjusting the forks etc due to the geometry change.

What a royal PITA. Guess I probably should have gone to a suspension shop... but I learned a lot in the process.
 
I am one lucky rider. At 5'10 I can flatfoot anything so far. You guys need some leg stretchers.
 
RedDogDarren said:
I am one lucky rider. At 5'10 I can flatfoot anything so far. You guys need some leg stretchers.
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heh heh.... If you can flat foot an 1190 Adventure R or 690 Enduro at 5'10 that would be amazing... You would have incredibly long legs, like Dandy Long legs.
 
The Road Warrior said:
Nice. :)
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Yes. After seeing that vid and reading a few more reviews it seem the TCS on the FJ-09 is anti-wheelie. With the TCS off, people say the FJ-09 can do power wheelies in the first three gears. When I get a chance to try, if so I will have to edit my earlier comments in this thread that found the FJ-09 to to be a little less powerful than the FZ-09 and not be so wheelie crazy (it was a test ride with TCS on).
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