2015 Yamaha FJ-09 – First Look Review

2015 Yamaha FJ-09
The new FJ-09 should be perfect for fans of the in-line triple concept who want more sport-touring capability.

Yamaha’s FZ-09 sport-standard triple is so popular that it’s unlikely a slight price increase for 2015 to $8,190 will have any negative effect on its sales. In fact, that popularity has led Yamaha to spinoff an adventure-styled, sport-touring model variant on the -09 triple platform for 2015 called the FJ-09, which will reach dealerships in December 2014 with prices starting at $10,490. While some were expecting the much-rumored FJ triple to pack some actual adventure cred, perhaps in the form of a 19-inch front wheel, longer suspension travel, etc., for now Yamaha is sticking with the idea that most riders never take their ADV bikes off-road and want more street sport-touring capability instead.

 Read our 2014 Yamaha FZ-09 Road Test here

2015 Yamaha FJ-09
A top case and taller windscreen are available for the FJ-09 as well as side cases.

To that end the FJ-09 is based heavily on the FZ-09, sharing its crossplane-concept, liquid-cooled, in-line-three-cylinder, 847cc, fuel-injected engine, and its aluminum main frame and swingarm. The bike also features the Yamaha D-MODE (Drive Mode) variable-throttle-control system, which allows the rider to choose the optimum engine character for the riding situation. Importantly, Yamaha says that both the 2015 FZ-09 and FJ-09 throttle-by-wire and ECUs have been tweaked to improve their throttle response, presumably making them less abrupt, which was a complaint on earlier FZ-09s (and Yamaha added that those who have an issue with their FZ-09’s throttle response should see their dealer, as the new components are retrofittable). The FJ-09 also offers an upright riding position and many position-adjustable components—including windscreen, handlebars, and 33.3- or 33.9-inch seat—designed to further accommodate a wide range of riders and riding preferences. Both the 41mm fork and single rear shock have adjustable spring preload and rebound damping, and the 4.8-gallon fuel tank is 1.1 gallons larger than the FZ-09’s for more range. Cast wheels wear 120/70-17 and 180/55-17 tires, and the FJ-09 weighs a claimed 462 pounds gassed and ready to go.

2015 Yamaha FJ-09 Headlights
A pair of LED headlights are flanked by new side fairings on the FJ-09.

Hand guards, LED headlights, a centerstand, and both ABS and traction control are standard on the FJ-09, and Yamaha will offer a complete range of custom accessories including a top case, side cases, a taller windscreen, heated handgrips and a comfort saddle seat. The 2015 FJ-09 will be available in two color options, Matte Gray and Candy Red.

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11 COMMENTS

  1. I must be missing something. It’s just like the FZ-09 except for tiny hand guards and little windshield and cost over $2000 more? I’d be upset if it wasn’t that it is EXACTLY what I was hoping for. 🙂

  2. Kinda had my mouth set on a Versys 650 LT, but equipped, this is 2000 more and a triple,rbw,tc…….counting pennies…counting pennies….

    • I’ve never ridden one but i hear the Versys is a great bike. I know the 650 V-Srom is, but i don’t think there is much difference between the price of FJ & the 650 Strom, (unless Yamaha has shamed them into lowering there price). and the FJ SHOULD BETTER it in about every way. But, that doesn’t mean it will. Have to wait for the road test & comparo’s. I’m with you on the pennies thing. It sure is nice that there are all this great choices now. 🙂

  3. I have a 2012 V-Strom 650 and it’s an awesome bike. I like this FJ-09 but really wish it was more than a more-upright FZ-09. The price isn’t bad. It’s better looking than the restyled Versys (I preferred the original look). The FZ-09 might be the better deal if you just want a commuter.

  4. The extra cost of the FJ-09 when compared to the FZ-09 is because of the following additions:
    1.ABS brakes
    2.Traction control
    3.An adjustable wind shield
    4.Twin LED headlights and running lights
    5.A center stand
    6.An adjustable seat
    7.A larger twin display.
    8.Handguards
    These additions especially the ABS and Traction control totally justify the price increase.
    How it handles remains to be seen.Waiting for the reviews!!!

    • Thanks for the list, obviously I was missing quite a lot. With it’s lite weight and terrific engine it should really be something if the handling is decent.

  5. It uses the same switch gear as the Tenere and FJR 1300 but they deleted the cruise control. you can even see the blanked out spaces for them. Once you have CC, it’s hard to go back. I gladly would have paid a few hundred more for it. It has those RIDICULOUS one light for low beam and one for high beam. The last thing motorcycles need is to be LESS conspicuous and have less night vision. Finally those hideous ancient parts bin turn signals are back. You just know that they are a planned “improvement” to LEDS in a year or two along with CC. Lost a sale here.

    • I agree John,
      Yamaha has this in the same “SuperSport-Touring” class as an FJR1300, but fails to include or offer cruise control??

      Cruise & heated handgrips should be standard on a “touring” cycle!

      The single low-beam lamp idea I just don’t get, my FJR has both headlights on for low beam, why not the FJ-09?

  6. The lack of cruise control is a deal killer. I’m looking for a bike to do long weekend and week rides on, and droning down an interstate for a few hours, cc would be nice to relax and not worry about speed limits. The fact that it is a throttle by wire bike and all they had to do was wire up a few controls to do it makes it slightly offensive, like we’re too stupid to notice and will buy a much bigger bike to get that feature. Well job done Yamaha, I’ll get a multistrada for twice the price and get a bunch of other cool stuff in the deal. You want to treat American riders like children, you can do without my money.

  7. Most serious sport tourers not only want but need CC. Touring guys are on average older and have hand issues. I did 900 miles in one day when I was 70 years old but only because my RT1200 had CC. Leave CC off the FZ and put it on the FJ…now if you have a phobia about having CC on a touring motorcycle you now have a choice. I am hoping Yamaha relents before I am too old to ride.

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