VOL. 52 ISSUE 42 OCTOBER 20, 2015 P121
quality components, but that
will certainly drive up the cost of
what is already a very affordable
motorcycle at $8190. As it stands
now, however, the FZ-09's is
satisfactory for everyday and up
to semi-aggressive riding.
The FZ-09 has a comfort-
able cockpit. Its motocross-style
handlebars and more upright
riding position, similar to a Super-
moto machine, gives the FZ-09 a
roomy feel. It is far less cramped
than a traditional Sportbike,
making it good for a wide range
of riding conditions while still
maintaining comfort.
Braking is strong and predict-
able at both ends, which is a
good thing since the FZ-09 is not
offered with ABS.
The seat, however, has a slight
forward slant and for some might
become a little uncomfortable
on longer rides. Luckily Yamaha
offers an accessory "comfort
seat" for logging miles. If you
do ride long distances, the FZ's
bigger cousin, the FJ-09, might
be the way to go because of its
added fuel capacity, fairing with
windscreen, longer sub frame,
two-piece seat and accessory
saddle bags, just to name of few
high-mileage features.
We've said it before and we'll
say it again. We love Yamaha's
FZ-09! Riding this motorcycle
brings out the inner hooligan in
you and turns every road into
your personal playground. It's
also priced at such a reasonable
dollar amount it makes the FZ-09
one of the best bang-for-your-
buck motorcycles on the market
today. CN
S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
2 0 1 5 Y A M A H A F Z - 0 9
ENGINE: .......847cc liquid-cooled, DOHC,
inline 3-cylinder, 4-stroke
BORE X STROKE: ............. 78.0 x 59.1mm
COMPRESSION RATIO: ..................... 11.5:1
FUEL SYSTEM: .... Yamaha Fuel Injection
with YCC-T
TRANSMISSION: ......6-speed; multi-plate
wet clutch
FINAL DRIVE: .................................... Chain
FRONT SUSPENSION: ...... 41mm inverted
forks, adjustable preload and rebound
damping; 5.4 inches travel
REAR SUSPENSION: ......... Single shock,
adjustable preload and rebound damp-
ing; 5.1 inches travel
FRONT BRAKE: .......Dual hydraulic discs,
298mm
REAR BRAKE: .....Hydraulic disc, 245mm
FRONT TIRE: ......................... 120/70ZR17
REAR TIRE: ............................180/55ZR17
RAKE: ................................................ 25.0°
TRAIL: ............................................... 4.1 in.
SEAT HEIGHT: ................................32.1 in.
WHEELBASE: ................................. 56.7 in.
GROUND CLEARANCE: .................... 5.3 in.
WEIGHT: ........................................414 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY: ........................... 3.7 gal.
COLORS: .......Matte Gray (tested), Matte
Silver, Cadmium Yellow
MSRP: .............................................. $8190
>>T I C K S
>>C R O S S E S
•Best bang for your buck
•Lively engine
•Good cornering
•Versatile
•Suspension under sprung/
under valved
•Slight jerky off-idle fueling
•Forward slanting seat
