Seriously been thinking about fz-09

[boilovepho]

Alright I really need help and input from the folks who own a Yamaha fz09.

This will be a second bike for me in the garage. Lately I have found it troublesome/uncomfortable riding my zx10r and want a more comfortable bike in the garage as a second bike. I love my zx10r so getting rid of it is out of the question.

I am pretty attracted to the fz09 due to the reasons of price, looks, reliability, and maintenance costs.

So besides from the twitchy throttle people were having in the 14 model and horrible suspension, Are there any other problems that you guys are experiencing? Any rants/raves about it? Please convince me to buy or not to buy! Thanks for you help!

 

[jh2586]

I wouldn't call it "horrible" suspension. It's adequate in most situations unless you're doing some SERIOUS twisties and bumpy roads. Yamaha has issued recalls for the twitchy throttles and I believe the '15 models already have it fixed from the factory. You can also pay a shop to fine-tune the throttle so it isn't as abrupt. You can also ride in "B" mode and the throttle is not jerky at all. I had my suspension dialed in by Mr. Dave Moss and it has been awesome on the street and mild twisties. One complaint that I legitimately have is that it sucks riding on the highways above 70mph. Its naked body and the posture really makes you as the rider take a beating from the wind. They do sell aftermarket windscreens for that though, which from what I hear, helps quite a bit. Basically, if you aren't expecting it to be a track star from the factory, it's one of the best bikes you can buy for the money right now. Spend about $500-1000 in upgrades (suspension) and you've got yourself an amazing bike both on and off the track. YMMV. One more thing. An oil change takes me 7 minutes to complete on this bike. It's ridiculously easy to maintain this bike.

EDIT: I just saw you're in Sac. If you want, you're more than welcome to hop on mine to test ride it. Just let me know.

 

[boilovepho]

I wouldn't call it "horrible" suspension. It's adequate in most situations unless you're doing some SERIOUS twisties and bumpy roads. Yamaha has issued recalls for the twitchy throttles and I believe the '15 models already have it fixed from the factory. You can also pay a shop to fine-tune the throttle so it isn't as abrupt. You can also ride in "B" mode and the throttle is not jerky at all. I had my suspension dialed in by Mr. Dave Moss and it has been awesome on the street and mild twisties. One complaint that I legitimately have is that it sucks riding on the highways above 70mph. Its naked body and the posture really makes you as the rider take a beating from the wind. They do sell aftermarket windscreens for that though, which from what I hear, helps quite a bit. Basically, if you aren't expecting it to be a track star from the factory, it's one of the best bikes you can buy for the money right now. Spend about $500-1000 in upgrades (suspension) and you've got yourself an amazing bike both on and off the track. YMMV. One more thing. An oil change takes me 7 minutes to complete on this bike. It's ridiculously easy to maintain this bike.

EDIT: I just saw you're in Sac. If you want, you're more than welcome to hop on mine to test ride it. Just let me know.

Ah thank you my friend. I will keep that in mind!:thumbup

 

[DTM74]

I have no complaints with the bike. I got the revised Yamaha flash before I went aftermarket with the exhaust. The motor is flat fantastic. Transmission is smooth.

70% of the issue with the suspension is the rear shock. Sucks. So went the cheap(er) route and put a ZX6RR shock on. I'll just do gold valving in the forks when I get around to it. But for commuting and such, it's great.

One complaint that I legitimately have is that it sucks riding on the highways above 70mph. Its naked body and the posture really makes you as the rider take a beating from the wind.

I put an Ermax 25cm windscreen and Pro Taper Carmichael bars on. With the bars leaning you forward a couple inches and the windscreen, 80 mph feels like 60 mph. Big improvement.

 

[Smash Allen]

I've done two track days at Thunderhill East on my FZ-09. I weigh 230lbs before gear and I was mid B group no problem. If you need to go faster than that on the streets then I would consider upgrading suspension, but it looks like you have a track bike.

The engine is amazing, easy to maintain like JH mentioned. You probably would be smart to get an APE manual cam chain tensioner as the stocker can lose tension at times, leading to a noisy engine (at best) or bent valves (at worst).

Going down the front straight at THill east around 130mph the wind starts to pull you off the bike, but I don't find it bothersome ~80mph. YMMV

Overall I have found that my sv650 is better as a track bike and the FZ-09 is a better street bike. The best street bike, in my opinion (and limited experience).

 

[FXCLM5]

try it, but i doubt you will like it, i started on a fz6 the predecessor to the fz09,

the bikes are budget bikes, with parts from the budget bin, suspension, rearsets, swingarm, everything about the bike screams budget

 

[RightCoastBias]

try it, but i doubt you will like it, i started on a fz6 the predecessor to the fz09,

the bikes are budget bikes, with parts from the budget bin, suspension, rearsets, swingarm, everything about the bike screams budget

the fz6 and fz9 have very little to do with each other.


There are some folks around these parts that are VERY good riders who standby the FZ-09.

 

[Smash Allen]

try it, but i doubt you will like it, i started on a fz6 the predecessor to the fz09,

the bikes are budget bikes, with parts from the budget bin, suspension, rearsets, swingarm, everything about the bike screams budget

FZ6 95?HP and 45?lbs torque vs. FZ-09 115HP and 65lbs torque? That's like saying don't try the ninja 500, the 250 sucks lol.

$/HP new, what other bike comes close? The only things that scream about this bike are the engine, and bang for your buck :thumbup

 

[DIY]

I don't know man. Going from a ZX-10 to a FZ seems like quite a downgrade.

 

[unhinged]

$/HP new, what other bike comes close?

The BMW S1000R/S1000RR and Suzuki Hayabusa come pretty close. :nerd (among high performance bikes).

Now if you do $/HP/pound, FZ-09 blows everything away. The BMWs are still not bad. Until you add the pricey option packages I guess.

 

[luckyducks]

For comfort and street performance, also consider a 990 SMT. They are going for bargain prices these days on the used market.

 

[1962siia]

Some people with the early bikes have had trouble with the cam chain tensioner. I havent had any issues with mine after 10k miles. The stock seat is really uncomfortable. Suspension was a cheap easy thing to improve, reflash solved throttle issues completely. Its a really fun machine!

 

[Deftone]

My wife just bought a brand new 2015 FZ09 and she's in love with it. I feel the same way, it's a fantastic bike.

Just to give you some background:

My wife has been riding Dirt since '75, street since '85 and she rode supermoto with Elena Myers when she was a pup.

I've been riding dirt since '80, street since '82 trackdays since 99. I ride an FZ1 every day, '08 R6 at the track and had a few other liter bikes for track and street.

The FZ09 has good power, it's fun to ride and confidence inspiring. I think it's an outright winner. I highly recommend it.

Ask Kazman, he has a '14.

 

[boilovepho]

I don't know man. Going from a ZX-10 to a FZ seems like quite a downgrade.

It wont be a downgrade since i'm keeping my zx-10r.

I went to the dealership today to take a look at them. I am really digging the silver with blue rims. I wouldn't mind any of the three colors they have available though.

Thanks for the input guys! now its all about insurance costs and the best OTD price i can get it for. I also gotta clean up the garage a little bit lol..

 

[FXCLM5]

the fz6 and fz9 have very little to do with each other.


There are some folks around these parts that are VERY good riders who standby the FZ-09.

i did say predecessor, and what i mean by budget bike is, budget swingarm, budget suspension, budget brakes

i had an ohlins shock and r6 fork swap on my fz6, i outrode the suspension on the fz6, and it was my 1st bike, so bad, dragging the centerstand/sidestand was a normality. I eventually outrode the suspension geometry of that bike all together and needed a more "supersport frame/suspension setup"

surely it wont "handle" as well as a more expensive 600cc supersport right? I figure your ninja would out accelerate, brake, maneuver high/low speed - and you maybe disappointed with its performance :x

 

[RightCoastBias]

i did say predecessor, and what i mean by budget bike is, budget swingarm, budget suspension, budget brakes

i had an ohlins shock and r6 fork swap on my fz6, i outrode the suspension on the fz6, and it was my 1st bike, so bad, dragging the centerstand/sidestand was a normality. I eventually outrode the suspension geometry of that bike all together and needed a more "supersport frame/suspension setup"

surely it wont "handle" as well as a more expensive 600cc supersport right? I figure your ninja would out accelerate, brake, maneuver high/low speed - and you maybe disappointed with its performance :x

Maybe you had bad lines and were excessively leaning the bike. I can scrape pegs on my f800, but don't come close when riding properly and using good lines.

Also, predecessor would indicate the FZ-09 replaced the FZ6, which is untrue. They have very little in common and aren't even in the same class of bike.

Naked Standard vs Sport Touring half faired bike.
I3 vs I4 "detuned" from an R6

They share "FZ" and nothing else.

 

[WWWobble]

There are some folks around these parts that are VERY good riders who standby the FZ-09.

Yes, and the uncomfortable truth about this is....these VERY good riders ride very good on anything. (no disrespect intended for Yam FZ09)

WWWobble

 

[RightCoastBias]

Yes, and the uncomfortable truth about this is....these VERY good riders ride very good on anything. (no disrespect intended for Yam FZ09)

WWWobble

To a degree, you're correct. But these folks aren't doing what they can do on the FZ-09 on a sportster or some kymco.

Fact is, this is an awesome priced naked standard with a whole ton of potential. Folks have had great success with oil/fork change and they're on their way.

 

[crazyirv]

Never rode one but when I sat on one at the dealer it felt small and flimsy. With that engine i'd want a little more size to the bike. Just seemed kinda....cheap, which it is of course! I would take a Street Triple over it in a second.

 

[Smash Allen]

Never rode one but when I sat on one at the dealer it felt small and flimsy. With that engine i'd want a little more size to the bike. Just seemed kinda....cheap, which it is of course! I would take a Street Triple over it in a second.

On the street...okay you bring 2015 street triple I'll bring 2015 fz-09.. I'll see you at the lunch spot

On the track...okay you bring 2015 street triple I'll bring 2015 fz-09.. I'll be tired as shit but I'll pass you the first straight and you won't see me again