2015 Yamaha FJ-09 First Look PreviewYamaha shook things up with the introduction of the FZ-09 in 2014, which came naked but armed with its all-new 847cc liquid cooled three cylinder engine — the first triple for Yamaha since the XS series 750 and 850cc bikes of the late seventies.
While the triples of the seventies had some issues, popular opinion on the latest effort holds that this time, Yamaha got the triple right.The latest iteration of that engine powers the 2015 FJ-09, which unlike the FZ-09, comes with some supersport touring goodies not found on the FZ. Touring amenities include a height adjustable windshield that can be adjusted to three positions at 15mm increments without the use of tools, side fairing, adjustable riding position, 12V electrical outlet and a 4.8 gallon fuel tank.The aluminum tapered handlebars are adjustable up to 10mm and the main seat section can be adjusted to two height positions at 15mm increments without using tools. An accessory top case is available for added touring cargo capacity.At the heart of the FJ-09 is the aforementioned 847cc liquid-cooled, in-line 3-cylinder, DOHC, 12-valve engine with fuel injection. This engine combines advanced high tech components including YCC-T and Yamaha D-Mode, with a crossplane crankshaft concept. A new 6-speed transmission has also been adopted to match the new engine.The transmission “stacks” the input/output shafts to centralize mass and to keep the overall engine size shorter front to back, to optimize engine placement in the frame. The new transmission focuses on low- to mid-speed torque and excellent response characteristics to minimize the need for frequent shifts—an asset for touring applications.The Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) is a ride-by-wire system that senses throttle input by the rider, relays the data to the ECU which sends commands to a servo-motor actuator controlling the intake airflow volume. D-MODE (or “Drive Mode”) is the variable throttle control system. The rider can choose from three throttle valve control maps (Standard Mode, “A” Mode, and “B” Mode) for different performance characteristics.The Traction Control System (TCS) helps ensure smooth starts even on wet road surfaces or unpaved roads. The system detects rear wheel spin and reacts though combined control of the ignition timing, fuel injection volume and throttle opening (YCC-T).Making all the electronic interventions work well for the rider requires a stout chassis to carry the load and keep things in line. Front suspension is an inverted fork with 41mm inner tubes with 5.4 inches of travel. The front suspension is adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping.The rear suspension has an adjustable link-type Monocross shock that provides 5.1″ of rear travel. The shock is positioned below the seat and features an almost horizontal alignment, which helps make the body design more compact.The rear suspension includes spring preload adjustment, allowing the rider to tailor the settings to match rider weight or load—a useful feature for touring and sporty riding alike.A lightweight Controlled-Fill die cast aluminum swingarm is used to reduce weight. ABS brakes consist of two floating 298mm discs with radial mounted 4-pot opposed piston calipers up front and single hydraulic disc brake on a 245 mm rotor on the rear.The 2015 Yamaha FJ-09 is available in two colors – Matte Gray and Candy Red. It retails for $10,490.2015 Yamaha FJ-09 Specs:
This week we ride two genre-departing motorcycles from the established American manufacturers. Jess McKinley gives us his thoughts on the all new Harley-Davidson Pan America Special, and Ron Lieback gives his on Indian’s latest version of the FTR 1200 S.
