darius
Never stop exploring
I test rode the FZ-09 today at a demo event. Many more bikes this year- 3 FZ09s, 2 FJRs, at least 2 Teneres. FZ8 is gone.
I was warned several times that the throttle is twitchy. I said my FZ6 is the same and it's taught me to be smooth so I should be alright.
Yikes STD mode was awful. It was smooth where the FZ6 is twitchy (roll-on from closed throttle) and twitchy where the FZ6 is smooth at odd spots in the RPM range - notably around 4-5k RPM. It was like the throttle would be cut with significant engine braking then the bike would surge with a touch more gas- yet the throttle was no-where near closed.
Near the end of the test ride I switched to B mode but not enough time to comment on it really. Ignoring its bad spot for a moment I really liked the character of the engine and its power. Nice to ride a bike that doesn't feel as busy as the FZ6 with its power locked up in strictly the high RPM range.
Other thoughts:
Pics- The first #FZ9 isn't the demo- the owner of this one rode in to test ride the new gen FJR. He actually mounted an old FJR windshield to his 9, fabricating his own mount.
I was warned several times that the throttle is twitchy. I said my FZ6 is the same and it's taught me to be smooth so I should be alright.
Yikes STD mode was awful. It was smooth where the FZ6 is twitchy (roll-on from closed throttle) and twitchy where the FZ6 is smooth at odd spots in the RPM range - notably around 4-5k RPM. It was like the throttle would be cut with significant engine braking then the bike would surge with a touch more gas- yet the throttle was no-where near closed.
Near the end of the test ride I switched to B mode but not enough time to comment on it really. Ignoring its bad spot for a moment I really liked the character of the engine and its power. Nice to ride a bike that doesn't feel as busy as the FZ6 with its power locked up in strictly the high RPM range.
Other thoughts:
- 1st gear was so much more pleasant and usable than the FZ6.
- Nice light smooth clutch.
- I like my wind protection!
- I much prefer my analog tach vs the digital.
- Handlebar is nice- has very little sweep to it.
- Bike feels tiny with a narrow tank that was slippery against my mesh suit.
- The ergos suit much smaller riders- at 6' I was too large to sit forward enough to get comfortable and squeeze the tank at all.
- The motor has heaps of power- you can tell it has a lot of potential.
- The Yamaha guys (who aren't salesmen) say it really needs a new map and then it becomes a completely different bike.
Pics- The first #FZ9 isn't the demo- the owner of this one rode in to test ride the new gen FJR. He actually mounted an old FJR windshield to his 9, fabricating his own mount.