![]() ![]() ![]() I only experimented with the B (softest) mode when crawling through traffic, and while it doesn’t eliminate the STD mode’s crisp off-to-on throttle response, it does scale it back for smooth, easy low-rpm riding. I found the throttle response to be vastly improved, though most riders will likely never see the need for the A (most direct) setting, as the STD (middle) setting provided a crisp feel for sport riding. On our test ride in the Santa Monica mountains, we spent most of our time leaned over onto one side of the tires or the other, accelerating hard and braking into tight corners as we rode up and down and all around on some of the best roads in Southern California. Aiding the FZ-09’s smooth moves is a new assist-and-slipper clutch, which Yamaha says produces a 20 percent reduction in lever effort as well as added stability when downshifting. The YCC-T ride-by-wire system features the same three A, Std and B Drive Modes, ranging from direct to soft throttle response, but a new ECU drastically reduces the abrupt feel that plagued the previous generation. The high beam is on in this photo, which illuminates the outer two LED lamps.įor starters, ABS and Traction Control (TCS) are now standard, and the TCS has two settings (and off): Level 1 for low intervention when riding aggressively and Level 2 for high intervention for normal street riding. So what’s new? A new Twin Eye LED headlight assembly produces bright white light for great daytime visibility. The aluminum main frame and swingarm also remain unchanged, although the subframe was shortened by 1.14 inches. The engine was already the FZ-09’s best feature, and why fix what ain’t broke? The only change to the potent three cylinder was the addition of an optional quick shifter. ![]() With the introduction of the flagship FZ-10 and the completion of the FZ family, Yamaha decided it was time to implant some of that FZ-10 DNA and take the 2017 FZ-09 to the next level. It has continued to be a strong seller, although over the last three years the FZ-09 has lost some ground to its smaller (and even less expensive) FZ-07 sibling. The new look works it’s aggressive without being overly Transformer-like.ĭespite a few flaws, the FZ-09 earned a loyal following, and was a large part of what Yamaha says was 318-percent growth in its “Sport” lineup from 2013 to 2014. The flatter seat, shortened tail, new headlight assembly, tank and radiator shrouds, and swingarm-mounted license plate bracket are easy to spot in this photo. The styling was clean and purposeful, but I never found it particularly inspiring. That’s not to say it was perfect the FZ-09’s abrupt throttle response, especially at low revs and in lower gears, became a defining (and not very attractive) feature, and it was clear that Yamaha chose to sacrifice suspension to the bike’s sub-$8,000 price when they built the FZ-09. But it was the FZ-09’s character-filled Crossplane Concept-inspired in-line triple that won most of us over-including Senior Editor Drevenstedt ( read his Road Test Review of the 2014 FZ-09 here). The bike’s $7,990 price certainly didn’t hurt. When the FZ-09 first hit the market in October 2013 (as a 2014 model), it was universally lauded as one of the best “bang-for-the-buck” bikes out there. The “bang-for-the-buck” king is better than ever, with a host of upgrades that improve performance and rideability, and sharp, aggressive new styling befitting its sporting nature. ![]()
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