Not since Yamaha built the XS750/XS850 models from 1976 through 1981 has the Japanese motorcycle marquee wandered down the road of building triple engines in its motorcycles.
But this has changed for the 2014 model year. Unveiled Tuesday at Yamaha’s National Dealer Meeting in Las Vegas, the FZ-09 features an 847cc inline triple that produces 65 ft. lbs. of torque.
Yamaha went through great efforts to compare and contrast the FZ-09 with its other leading naked sportbike, the inline-four FZ8. The FZ-09 is lighter by 53 lbs., has more power, better ergonomics, and, what was vastly emphasized, an MSRP of $7,990, which is almost $1,000 cheaper than the 2013 FZ8.
Attached above is a photo gallery of Yamaha’s FZ-09; for a preview of the motorcycle, click here.
Each photo above also makes for great wallpaper. To use as wallpaper, simply click the desired thumbnail to expand, left click on the image and Save to Desktop Background.
This week, Editor Don Williams somewhat reluctantly rides the Beta X-Trainer 300 off-road bike. The Beta is a bit of an odd beast. It’s a not-quite-full-sized 2-stroke dirt bike, designed to be a little less intimidating than a full-sized machine. Previous years’ versions were hampered by less-than-stellar suspension. So a highly skeptical Don rode the 2023 model to see if any of the issues have been addressed.
========================
We’re all familiar with the Suzuki Hayabusa—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. However, the latest 2023 version is now faster, and easily the most technologically advanced Hayabusa ever. Check it out at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more—you won’t be disappointed!
========================
In our second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with Ashley Lutzky, co-founder of Kickstands Up, the one place where riders of every style can connect to all the motorcycle rides, races, meetups and rallies in their area. Ashley is a long-time off-road rider, yet she still doesn’t consider herself an expert. She recently returned from a serious ADV trip to Baja, California, and she and Teejay chat about the challenges for young women learning to ride off-road.
So from all of us here at Motos and Friends—we hope you enjoy this episode!
We love your feedback! Please send us your comments and suggestions at producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com and if you like Motos & Friends, hit the Subscribe button…