Though she was little more than 10 years old I traded in my '06. If you look at the classifieds section of the forum you may have seen that. I needed something newer. I don't believe I mentioned what I got in that thread but I ended up with a new '17 Yamaha FZ-09 (bone stock so far). I'm getting along in age so a crotch rocket is not the best choice for me at this stage. Anyhow, wow! This thing is a torque monster, and loving it so far...
I have a coworker that has a GSXR600, he's looking to keep it (zero cost of ownership, essentially) but he wants to add a bike to the stable. He's looking FZ-09, Street Triple, or Ducati Hyperstrada/Hypermotard.
All good bikes I'm sure. But given that the current FZ-09 comes with TC, anti-lock brakes, and now fully adjustable suspension may give it an edge, price-wise.
Yamaha are the price leader for sure, but there's just way too much plastic on show for my liking. I was tempted by the MT-10 but I couldn't get past the looks and the finish, you can tell they've had to cut costs but it's still a serious bike for the money. I'm sticking with the new Street Triple (RS) which should only be a few weeks away for me.
I think I'd go with the Street Triple too. They have high-quality components and the handling is superb.
In a way, I think it's primarily a difference between taking something with lower-end components (suspension, etc) to make something unique and to your desires, or having it roll straight from the showroom as you want it.
I'm so jealous of your impending delivery, I'm greener than my ZX.
I enjoyed my 05 FZ 6 for the ergos, and the range from the 5 gallon tank.... grew to hate the fairing, and the cheap suspension. Had more than enough zip and it was good looking. Reliable as any bike out there.
Looks like your 9 addresses each of my complaints. What are the numbers? Weight, HP, price? How many years has Yamaha been selling that motor and transmission?
It's a little heavy at 425 lbs but it carries it so low I don't even notice it. It feels light. Can't find the HP claim (Yamaha doesn't publish it) but I saw somewhere 105 I think. Being a 3-cylinder, though, its torque is 64.5 lb.ft. @ 8500 RPM. It power wheelies when I hit the gas. MSRP is 8999. They knocked a couple hundred off the price because they couldn't get me as much on the trade-in as I hoped. I think this model came out in 2014 (in the U.S. anyhow).
I had GP Suspension modify my '05 FZ6 damper rod fork internals as well as replacing the OEM springs, and we put on an Ohlins remote res shock..... that completely transformed the bike.
It all starts with the right springs.........
Curious to know if the most recent gen of FZ 09 has corrected the historically bad choices Yamaha has made WRT this.... just adding adjustability isn't enough, if the spring rates are still woefully off, or the rear shock is as bad as what was on my FZ6....
Does the handling on your FZ09 compare well to your ZX6? Suspension quality in particular? Does it weave when in a turn, or does it simply go where you point it.
It seems very well planted in a turn, no weaving. I don't know if its the wider bars or if it carries its weight lower or what but it seems lighter/less effort to make quick transitions. I do eventually need to get the suspension worked on as I remember it made a big difference on the 636.
Nice! I've been considering adding one to my collection for a while now.
Congrats!
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