2017 YAMAHA FZ-09
FIRST TEST
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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,
