FZ-07, FZ-09, XSR 900

[the Ferret]

Back from day 1 of testing at local Yamaha Demo days. The 3 bikes in the title were the ones I rode today. I had previously ridden the FZ-07 and FZ-09. The XSR was new for me.

First up was FZ-07. Last year I gave a report here on this bike.

http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread....demo+rides

I didn't like it much. People said I was wrong so I wanted to give it another fair shot. I still don't care for it much. Small, not a lot of power, too vibey for me and I am not a fan of Yamaha switches or gauges.

FZ-09 Very improved over the 1st gen. Fueling much better, but not as good as the XSR. Close though. Tried all 3 modes. I liked std mode. I could own one of these.

XSR 900. I liked it the best. Even though it uses the same power plant as the FZ/FJ 09 it feels very different. The fueling is better, by a bunch. Tried it in all 3 modes. I liked std mode in it as well. Was more comfy than the FZ-09. Better ergos. Seat was better and better shaped. FZ-09 really crushed my nads into the tank, but the XSR didn't. A bit tall for me. I can see why Geezer likes his.

Rode my CB 1100 to and back home from the demo rides. I like it the best of all. everything works better, fueling, switches, shifting, seat, ergos, height, What a great bike.

addendum:

I did think the FZ-07 was better than the R-3 I rode last year and the Indian Scout I rode a couple of weeks ago.

[Capo]

It's great that you get to test all those bikes, it's not a common thing at dealers around here. Yamaha is definitely on a roll, but I'm not fully on board with the styling of the FZ's. I do like the racing block retro look of the XSR. We are truly blessed with the choices we have these days.

[Stichill_imp]

Hey gang, dormant member here come back to haunt you. I almost bought a '14 DLX in the spring of '15, but Honda pulled the plug on the model before I could complete a transaction. All the inventory was gone. I moved on to a BMW F800GT and have been having a lot of fun with it (pushing 15,000 miles in 12 months)...but I still think the CB1100 DLX is a great bike and would someday like to add one to the stable.

Anyway, with the forecast calling for pop-up thunderstorms, high humidity with moderate heat, and given that I was slabbing it in a direction known for straight, congested roads...I caged it from northern Kentucky to the same Yamaha demo event on the east side of Cincinnati.

Upon arrival at the dealership, I spied a CB1100 DLX with fork gaiters...



and RLETs...



I said to myself, "I think that guy is internet famous."

So...I met The ferret! It was a pleasure...you're a fun guy Mickey!

Each participant was only supposed to get rides on three bikes, but due to gaps in filling all the time slots for all bikes, I somehow finagled five rides: Bolt-R, FJR1300, FJ-09, XSR900, FZ-07. I was disappointed that I couldn't ride an R3 or SR400. The R3s are on hold due to a safety recall (clutch) and the SR400, being kick-start only, is perceived as a hassle/hazard on a group demo ride if someone stalls in traffic and can't get it started again.



I thought the Bolt engine was a dog. Some torque but no powerband that I could tell. I had a hard time keeping up with the triples. The FJR is unbelievable...an exercise in smooth precision. However, being inseam challenged, I could only get one toe tip down at a time due to the excessive width at the front of the saddle...untenable.

The FJ-09 (MT-09) could be a serious competitor to my F800GT...the engine is a marvel and the ergos are great. Ride modes...meh, I'd probably leave it in B "rain" mode most of the time. No difference in full-throttle power, just twist ratio. Don't need a quick throttle in the first 10 degrees of twist. Overall, really couldn't find fault with the FJ-09/MT-09, other than the chain drive...and...it's not pretty.



I thought the gearing on the XSR900 felt short...need to look that up...felt like I was always in a higher gear than expected. It was very cool-looking and had great handling. It seemed like the engine was well-sorted and had a smooth character. To be honest, I felt like the XSR engine should be in the FJ/MT and vice-versa. The FJ/MT variant seemed to have a lot more character and charisma that would be a good match for the looks and style of the XSR. As it was, I felt surprised by the sterility of the riding experience on the XSR, mainly due to the character of the engine.

I thought the FZ-07 was an absolute rascal...torquey and grunty, the engine has loads of character and wants to play. The chassis felt well-sorted and the handling was extremely nimble. I thought it had a very well-appointed dash for the price category with digital bar tach, fuel gauge, digital speedo, separate left/right indicators, and more. Bear in mind, I also have a CBR250R so I appreciate a precocious, over-achieving small bike.

[co6aka_imp]

I have F07; she is a lot of fun. Sure she is vibey, and has funky looks. But take her on a spirited ride through a nice twisty road and you're in heaven. Or go for some hooligan practice at a safe place, and you'll be grinning all day long. She is exfremely versatile, and while not perfect at any task, she's a great all-around bike for city riding, commutng and knee dragging, if you wish.

Now, can you guys provide a more detailed comparo between how the XSR900 and CB1100 actually ride? From what I see, XSR has an eager character, fast-revving engine and sportbike geometry. So as I see it, CB should be a more refined and relaxed ride, XSR would me more engaging. I am considering buying either one of these, so you unbiased opinion is much appreciated

[the Ferret]

Hey Stichill, it was great meeting you. This guy is too nice to be riding a BMW, and not snooty at all lol. He also has a son in law to be that's into riding and appears to be grown up beyond his years. Should make for an enjoyable relationship for years to come if the kid learns to get up and eat breakfast before a ride and still make " kick stand up" time eh Stichill? Lol

Almost everyone seems to like the FZ07 except me, and that's ok. They make lots of motorcycles and some appeal to some and not to others. Some think the CB is a heavy slow dog with no charachter. I love mine.

Co6 I think you described it very well, the CB and the XSR are very comfortable to ride but are bi-polar in their attitudes. The CB laid back, smooth, comfortable, quiet while the XSR is raucous, energetic, wants to run and act crazy. It's impossible to ride it sedately, not because the motor isn't capable of doing that, but because the exhaust note encourages you to accelerate just to hear it. One is an older gentleman the other a teenager with tats and piercings. One plans on being in by dark, the other won't be in until the club closes. That's how I view them anyway.

Which personality type are you?

I am going up in a couple of hours to ride some more.

[JustCruising_imp]

These bikes have always caught my eye, I've seen many at the bike meets I go to. One of my ride partners has the MT09, new last year, and he loves it. He is though a bit of a speed freak. I like the look of the XSR with it's hint of retro but have not yet been able to ride one.

Still the CB for me though

[co6aka_imp]

Here's an interesting take on this:

http://www.cycleworld.com/yamaha-xsr900-...e-you-want

[JustCruising_imp]

Here's an interesting take on this:

http://www.cycleworld.com/yamaha-xsr900-...e-you-want

This hits the nail on the head for me. XSR900 or even the 700, attractive as they maybe they are most definitely not the bikes I would wish to own as an 'only' bike. They offer something, a lot, but not enough of the whole package I am looking for. If I were rich they would for sure be in the stable, but only along with other machines.

I can now only own just one bike, and that bike has to provide the underlining essence of what is important to me in my motorcycling. As good and as sexy as the Yamaha's are, they can't do that.

[the Ferret]

Back from riding FJ09 and Super 10 or Tenere'.

FJ-09 is even much improved over the 15 model I rode. I liked the 16 model I rode today. Again std mode.

The Super 10 was very comfortable to sit on. Very tall though. 2 modes sport and tour. I preferred the sport mode. Our biggest complaint about the super 10 is the motor sounded like a bucket of bolts. Don't remember this from last years ride so maybe this one was just a bit clapped out.

As far as the article above, I disagree completely. No way could a bike with the FZ-07 motor be my only bike. Listening to others at the demo, they basically claimed the XSR 900 great (universally) and the FZ-07 just Ok. I could live with any of the 900 variants as my only bike. But that's just me. The XSR was the most comfortable and the most linear power and plenty of it, but it would be hard to tour on..maybe ok as a sport tourer with soft bags and a tank bag. The FJ-09 was close and you could mount hard bags to it, which made it good for touring, but the seat was too sloped.

Personally I'm waiting to ride the FZ-10. Think I will love that! We shall see.

Our group from today 3 triumphs, a Ducati and my CB


[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/DSCF3803_zpsjatjwsaq.jpg.html]

FZ-09

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/DSCF3784_zpsk1ul14pc.jpg.html]

XSR 900

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/DSCF3781_zps9xqxboqg.jpg.html]

my son on Tenere'

[url=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/theferret111/media/DSCF3798_zpszo3rvlmg.jpg.html]

on way home from demo ride

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[kennyw]

Sometimes the world gets smaller.