Joined
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350 Posts
After 300 miles, my take on the fz-09: free advice is worth what you paid for it.
First off, I am not an A class racer, nor am I a noob. I have owned 6 bikes in my life from a 50 cc Harley-Davidson (yes, the used to make those) to a norton commando in college. My most recent ride was a 2004 honda F4i, a 600cc sport bike, a great bike by the way.
I have only 300 miles on the Yamaha, but I am impressed. My impression differs from some of the professional reviewers a bit so here it is. The suspension is on the soft side, but I am not going to rush out to upgrade it. I weigh about 185 and with the rear full stiff and the front forks dialed down to about 3.5 lines, it is pretty balanced. Too soft for the track for anyone over 150, but just about perfect for commuting and moderate thrashing. I also don't find the A or standard modes 'too snatchy to use' as some have reported. A mode is pretty touchy on a rough road since the slightest bump will upset the throttle and lift the front. But on a smooth surface with a careful hand it's fine. Great fun to feel the front end lift while accelerating out of a corner. Standard is fine for my city commute and B mode is fine too. I hated the seat at first, but either my butt is breaking in or the seat is; now I think it's fine.
This bike has the most useful poweband of any I have ridden, and that includes liter sport bikes. Gas mileage is quite good for a bike with this power, in B mode with a gentle right wrist I am getting about 50 mpg.
This is NOT a good beginner bike though, even though it is priced that way. I predict a lot of new riders may be attracted to them, crash, hurt themselves, and hike the insurance rates. The combination of high torque at low revs, touchy throttle in A, combined with the upright posture and high handlebars (a little too high and close for me) takes a little getting used to for a sport bike guy. A sport bike (forward lean, higher foot-pegs, clip-ons) handles this power a little better I think and if Yamaha puts this engine in their r6 frame, that will be a kick -ass canyon carver. But as an old guy, I don' handle the crouch as well as I used to.
Take it easy at first if you don't have a lot of riding experience, and even if you do. This bike does demands careful throttle control, something that beginning riders usually don't have. Nothing to be afraid of if you are careful, and big fun. I really like the bike and don't regret the purchase a bit.
This would not be a good choice for a new rider ho
First off, I am not an A class racer, nor am I a noob. I have owned 6 bikes in my life from a 50 cc Harley-Davidson (yes, the used to make those) to a norton commando in college. My most recent ride was a 2004 honda F4i, a 600cc sport bike, a great bike by the way.
I have only 300 miles on the Yamaha, but I am impressed. My impression differs from some of the professional reviewers a bit so here it is. The suspension is on the soft side, but I am not going to rush out to upgrade it. I weigh about 185 and with the rear full stiff and the front forks dialed down to about 3.5 lines, it is pretty balanced. Too soft for the track for anyone over 150, but just about perfect for commuting and moderate thrashing. I also don't find the A or standard modes 'too snatchy to use' as some have reported. A mode is pretty touchy on a rough road since the slightest bump will upset the throttle and lift the front. But on a smooth surface with a careful hand it's fine. Great fun to feel the front end lift while accelerating out of a corner. Standard is fine for my city commute and B mode is fine too. I hated the seat at first, but either my butt is breaking in or the seat is; now I think it's fine.
This bike has the most useful poweband of any I have ridden, and that includes liter sport bikes. Gas mileage is quite good for a bike with this power, in B mode with a gentle right wrist I am getting about 50 mpg.
This is NOT a good beginner bike though, even though it is priced that way. I predict a lot of new riders may be attracted to them, crash, hurt themselves, and hike the insurance rates. The combination of high torque at low revs, touchy throttle in A, combined with the upright posture and high handlebars (a little too high and close for me) takes a little getting used to for a sport bike guy. A sport bike (forward lean, higher foot-pegs, clip-ons) handles this power a little better I think and if Yamaha puts this engine in their r6 frame, that will be a kick -ass canyon carver. But as an old guy, I don' handle the crouch as well as I used to.
Take it easy at first if you don't have a lot of riding experience, and even if you do. This bike does demands careful throttle control, something that beginning riders usually don't have. Nothing to be afraid of if you are careful, and big fun. I really like the bike and don't regret the purchase a bit.
This would not be a good choice for a new rider ho