10-25-2014, 11:00 AM
So, I went and test rode the bike that I originally wanted when I ended up with the CB1100 instead. The Yamaha FZ-09 is a hot mess of a hooligan bike. It's probably a good thing I didn't buy one just for the way it makes you ride. 110 hp and 415 lbs makes for a rather lively bike. I have never ridden a triple engine bike and it really was the best of 4 cylinders and twins combined. The mid range was tellar. It had a guttural induction note that I could not stop myself from letting it scream.
The ergos on it fit me very well. I felt in control with a reasonably upright position and my 34 inch inseam legs were not bent excessively. Also impressive was the smooth wind blast at 80 mph. I didn't have to cling for dear life just to stay on. With just a small cowl to deflect a few bugs and cover the unsightly wiring leading to the LED display, it would be fine.
The whole time, I was cackling like a loon. The bike was an absolute hoonage fest, but it has some pretty big issues, at least ones sufficient for me to hold off on buying one. The biggest, was the fuel mapping. You read all the reviews on the bike and they complain that the throttle response is incredibly sensitive in all but the least aggressive ride mode. It's at best, an annoyance. I could see this bike getting out from under you in the right situation and I was shocked how easy it broke traction mid corner.
The other common complaint is on the suspension. For a 200+ lb rider, it is too softly sprung. Regardless of rider weight, it is also under damped. It was quite bouncy with larger swings through the suspension travel. This is easily fixed with aftermarket suspension upgrades. I also don't expect high spec dampers on a bike at the price point, but I think they could have dialed in the settings a bit better. Same goes for the throttle response. Hopefully, they fix it on future models...and offer it with ABS.
I also wanted to look at the 9's little brother, the FZ-07. It seems to be getting more positive reviews than the 9 and has a little more sane powerplant. Shame the ergos felt so cramped. Looks like I'll be holding on to the CB. It is just so civilized and natural. I just need to get my saddle sorted and add a few other farkles...ride, rinse, repeat.
The ergos on it fit me very well. I felt in control with a reasonably upright position and my 34 inch inseam legs were not bent excessively. Also impressive was the smooth wind blast at 80 mph. I didn't have to cling for dear life just to stay on. With just a small cowl to deflect a few bugs and cover the unsightly wiring leading to the LED display, it would be fine.
The whole time, I was cackling like a loon. The bike was an absolute hoonage fest, but it has some pretty big issues, at least ones sufficient for me to hold off on buying one. The biggest, was the fuel mapping. You read all the reviews on the bike and they complain that the throttle response is incredibly sensitive in all but the least aggressive ride mode. It's at best, an annoyance. I could see this bike getting out from under you in the right situation and I was shocked how easy it broke traction mid corner.
The other common complaint is on the suspension. For a 200+ lb rider, it is too softly sprung. Regardless of rider weight, it is also under damped. It was quite bouncy with larger swings through the suspension travel. This is easily fixed with aftermarket suspension upgrades. I also don't expect high spec dampers on a bike at the price point, but I think they could have dialed in the settings a bit better. Same goes for the throttle response. Hopefully, they fix it on future models...and offer it with ABS.
I also wanted to look at the 9's little brother, the FZ-07. It seems to be getting more positive reviews than the 9 and has a little more sane powerplant. Shame the ergos felt so cramped. Looks like I'll be holding on to the CB. It is just so civilized and natural. I just need to get my saddle sorted and add a few other farkles...ride, rinse, repeat.