Free Test Rides

[the_undecider_imp]

I've ridden the FJ-09, FZ-09, a 2012 Super Tenere, and owned a 2005 FJR1300. I'd be interested to see if the newer FJR felt much difference. Certain the ES model would. Same for the S-Ten ES. The 2012 S-Ten was a nice bike, but felt rather agricultural. It was like a giant KLR, thought not necessarily a bad thing. It wasn't as powerful as I was expecting.

The FZ-09 would be a terrific little hooligan bike if it had suspension sorted out for a big guy. I rode a 2014 model which had the really snatched throttle response. There is supposed to be a free software update to fix those and the 2015 software is good to go. For me, it would end up costing another grand or more for proper suspension. At that point the price delta is too close to the FJ-09 to ignore the better wind protection, bigger tank, rider aids, and decent enough suspension out of the box.

Which is why I really like the FJ. It checks all the boxes for me. If I were to decide to thin the herd, that would be in the running. I also want to demo a V-strom 1000. Funny coincidence happened last weekend. I ran into the guy who bought my old V-strom 650 from me. We were both at the motorcycle shop and he was checking out the FJ-09, FJR, and V-strom 1000. He wanted more power, particularly for 2-up riding. Great minds must think alike.

I also really dig the FZ-07. Too bad the bike feels awkward. The ergos look good on paper, but my knees don't fit around the tank well and it makes the bike feel very cramped. Maybe the XSR700 will be a better fit.

[Motogeezer1949_imp]

I like them all too Geezer, but at this point I'm searching for a particular tool for my tool box ( if you get my drift)

I do I used to have a pretty complete set of tools. Enjoy

[the Ferret]

Today I rode the Super Tenere and the Naked Fz09

Super Tenere' is really too tall for me. Almost very tippy toes at lights. ergos were great. I thought it was a bit gutless compared to other liter bikes I have owned/ridden. Same wonky mirrors, switches and bar graph tach as all the Yammies I rode yesterday. Gear indicator was nice but a little weird. If you have the clutch in it shows a - in the window, but as soon as you let out the clutch it shows you what gear you're in. Anyhow, bike is alright, but I would never buy one.

Naked FZ09. They have improved this model a lot since the first model year which I also rode. Much much smoother especially in the std mode. A mode can still be a little twitchy, but I could ride this in std mode. Ergos are not nearly as good as the CB1100 and anyone that wants to complain about the CB seat should be forced to ride one of these. Not only is it hard, it's small, dished and slants terribly into the tank. I thought while I was riding if I had one, I'd have to find some way to raise the front of the seat an inch. Even in STD mode ( default setting when you turn on the key) this thing gets up and goes, and in A mode you don't want to grab a big handful of throttle as you finish the apex of your turn unless you like horror movies cause it will scare you. It did me anyways. Again, I don't think there is a place for this bike in my stable, but YMMV.

My favorite of the 5 bikes I rode was the FJ-09, and my son really like that one and rode it again today. He must be getting serious. I know he has been hankering for a new bike. BTW he said the ergos were better on it than his gen 1 FZ-1 but the motor wasn't as strong.

So happy with my choices of the CB and the ST. Wish the ST weighed about a buck fifty less, but I won't give up the smoothness, comfort, and refinement of it just for a little less weight...and of course the CB isn't going anywhere.

[JustJohn_imp]

Free test rides...do you have to pay for some of them?

[jwoods986_imp]

Good report, thanks. I had to miss the Yam demo truck last year because it was on the weekend that my company was moving offices and I had to move the IT equipment. The truck didn't come to the D.C. area this year, I still want to ride an FJR1300 and an FZ or FJ -09.

I've ridden an S-Ten a couple times and the_undecider's word "agricultural" is spot on, IMO. Didn't do a thing for me.