Cycle News

Cycle News 2017 Issue12 March 28

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/804174

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2017 YAMAHA FZ-09 FIRST TEST P118 also reshaped. Overall, Yamaha was going after a more aggres- sive look with the FZ-09 and we think they got what they were looking for. It looks even cooler in person than it does on your computer screen. Colors, however, aren't over- the-top flashy or anything, but do go along well with the 09's streetfighter motif. Three color options are available: Intensity white, Candy red, and Matte silver with neon yellow. And they are all available with the same attractive $8999 MSRP. (For comparison, the FZ-10 will set you back $12,999.) RIPPIN' AROUND If you like the previous FZ-09, which so many of you did (as did I), then you're going to love the latest version (as do I)—it's everything the older 09 was and more. It still feels, sounds and performs a lot like the original 09 but is far more refined, such as throttling. I attended the first FZ- 09 introduction in 2014 in San Francisco and loved the bike, but its anything-but-smooth on/ off throttling issue stole some of the bike's glory. Since then, however, Yamaha has been addressing this issue and has it pretty much dialed now, though I wouldn't say it's perfect yet. Throttle response is still instant but not so herky-jerky anymore, especially compared to the 2014 model. All three engine modes, which are easily accessed via a switch on the handlebar and can be adjusted on the fly, are useful, though I generally liked the stan- dard mode best—it's still spunky when you open 'er up but remains very controllable and smooth at slower speeds. Direct ("A") mode is great for when you're feeling a little naughty and want instant response (and lots of it) to make it easier to loft the front wheel, and Soft ("B") is nice for when you're feeling a little chill. Standard is a great compromise, where you can get away with doing a little bit of both. Suspension is much more pleasing now that the fork is fully adjustable, though it's set up pretty darn good right from the showroom floor. For my 175 pounds, I didn't feel the need to make any immediate changes,

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