Wow! 2014 Yamaha FZ-09

I think Yamaha hit this one out of the park, more power, better seating position, lower price than the fz-8, nice modern nekkid bike.



My only quibble, small tank size, but I assume this will be the footprint on which to build a new sport tourer with bigger tank, bags, etc.

Engine: 847cc liquid-cooled Inline Triple, 12-valve
Bore x Stroke: 78.0 x 59.1mm
Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
Fuel Delivery: Fuel-injection
Clutch: Wet multi-plate, cable actuation
Transmission: 6-Speed
Front Suspension: 41 mm Telescopic fork; adjustable preload and rebound, 5.4-in travel
Rear Suspension: Single shock; adjustable preload and rebound damping, 5.1-in travel
Final Drive: O-ring chain
Front Brake: Dual hydraulic disc, 298mm
Rear Brake: Hydraulic disc, 245mm
Front Tire: 120/70-17
Rear Tire: 180/55-17
Curb Weight: 414 lbs.
Wheelbase: 56.7 in.
Length: 81.7 in.
Width: 32.1 in.
Rake / Trail: 25 deg. / 4.1 in.
Seat Height: 32.1 in.
Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gal.
USA MSRP: $7,990

 

Every motor I'm aware of has ROUND exhaust ports.

I want ROUND exhaust pipes (and a ROUND headlight.)

Seen anything about fuel economy?

 

Spinalator,

I had started a thread a while back on these that brought up some good topics of discussion. Check it out:
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=43271.html
I've been looking at more videos that are posted on YouTube. Most everyone that's done a review is very impressed.

Fitz, a bit of research shows Yamaha's estimate to be 40MPG. With the potential to alter the gearing through a sprocket change, I'm sure that could be improved upon. And, that would help with it's tendency to lift the front wheel so easily. That way you wouldn't look like a hooligan every time you went out for some fun.

I'm also with you on the headlight. On the plus side, most of the aftermarket slip-ons are round...that should make you happy.

 

33 mpg to 40 depending on the map selection for Fi on the handlebar.

sorry HH, I did a search but it never came up, I forgot the dash in FZ-09, lol

 

Guess maybe i am old school. I m sure the bike is really nice but would rather it be more of a standard old style bike 4 cyls like the new 1100 honda. Don't get me wrong i loved my zx11 to me it felt like a sport tourer. It kinda reminds me of a sport tourer that was dropped and the fairings taken off.

 

I like that as well, i have not seen one on the road up here, only in the showroom!

 

I would like a half fairing version like the fz6. Wind protection but doesnt hide the motor.

 

Here's a concept mock-up that has a small fairing and panniers for ya:
http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/wp-cont ... ign-01.jpg

I'm sure Yamaha's working on something new......time will tell.

 

Accessories on the Canadian Site. Good to see things are still 15% higher than US prices. :evil:

Yamaha Canada


I like how you can "add to payment estimator" Very clever, put it in your basket and finance your genuine Yamaha accessories! :thumbsup:

 

Even at a 15% premium, I bet you're still planing a trip to the Yamaha dealer aren't you?

I wonder if my local dealer has one?

 

Saw one of these in person Friday, before they're even released!!

Sick looking and sounding bike, love the triple.

Owner was trippin out over how much torque it has, only had 178 miles on it though so still had to keep it under 5k for
Te first 500 miles, then things really get fun I'm sure

 

Sorry but I still can't wrap my head around:

It's the same physical size and weight as my 550 Seca (wheelbase within 1.5") both are chain driven 6-speeds.

Now granted, it makes more than DOUBLE the horsepower; but in Cycle World's testing they got a whole 33mpg with it. Compared to 53mpg from the 550 Seca.

For me, one of the appealing things about motorcycles is that they get so much better mileage than cars. I don't need a 115HP commuter bike if it means I'm only going to get the same fuel economy as my VW.

What I really can't understand is that the technology is probably there to tune for economy without giving up decent performance; it would probably be just as nice of a bike if it only made say, 95HP but got decent fuel economy. Same for the low-40mpg R6.

 

I agree with the economy thing for commuters. If it is also doing highway or two up duty then the extra ponies are nice, in bumper to bumper it is not fun for me to be on my 150 hp bike.

 

From the looks of that seat, it's not really what I'd call a two-up tourer.

I read this review: http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/09/20/20 ... tos-specs/ which concludes "If this is the future of the low-price utility bike, your commute just got a lot more fun."

Hence my argument in favor of a more practical machine if it's aiming to be a "low-price utility bike." I can't see it as being a practical commuter when I'm getting 32mpg from my 5-year old (gas) VW.

If this is the future of the low-price utility bike, my commute just got more expensive. And probably nearly impossible to service myself.

 

So I was doing some more reading. Apparently Honda have figured this out (giving up "class leading horsepower" for real-world practicality.) They're claiming 66mpg for the new NC700X.

 

i'am thinking that NC700X DCT ABS might be the ticket, i've shifted enough gears

 

They have 3 models of the 700 and a VRF1200 with the automatic, just wish they offered 1 that didn't look like a transformer.

 

Triumph Speedmaster is nice too.

 

I'm all for having some fun when I ride and I don't consider the FZ a commuter. And, I think anyone who buys an FZ-09 / MT-09 doesn't have fuel economy at the top of their list either.

Fitz,
For comparison sake against your 550 Seca (that has around 55BHP), the Honda NC700X stats are:
Power 38 kW (51 hp) @ 6,250 rpm
Torque 61 N·m (45 lb·ft) @ 4,750 rpm

As you said the claimed fuel consumption is (65.7 mpg-US). It has a high torque peak at a low RPM, mainly because of it being unusually under-square with a 73mm bore and an 80mm stroke. Kinda like having a Diesel power band, but it burns gasoline. Now that's a bike that would appeal to an enthusiast who commuted, being that their number one priority is probably fuel mileage.

Now if Yamaha downsized the triple (to the 500 - 700cc range) they could improve the mileage to beyond 50MPG. Not saying it would be on par with the Honda 700's, but they could add an another exciting addition to their line up (in the 75-90 BHP range ) for the fuel conscious buyer.

 

I like that alot! Thankz