1 year review, 2015 Yamaha FJ 09

Links for some of the accessories you saw in my video.
Dryver Tank Bag Mounting Ring Lock Sets
www.cortech.net/inc/sdetail/dr...
Blue Sea Systems BelowDeck Panels, Dual USB Chargers, 12V Sockets and Mini OLED Monitors
by Blue Sea Systems
Link: a.co/jexaF9v
Blue Sea Systems ST Glass 6-Circuit Fuse Block with Negative Bus and Cover
by Blue Sea Systems
Link: a.co/08rUeTt
Plum Garden Front Footrest Foot Pegs For YAMAHA FJR 1300 FZ1 FZ400 FZ6R XJR400
by Plum Garden
Link: a.co/1G1ov4c
Ram Mount 1/4-Inch-20 Female Threaded Hex Hole with 1-Inch Ball
by Ram Mount
Link: a.co/7APAz6I
CNC Side Kickstand Stand Extension Plate For Yamaha MT-09 FJ-09 FZ-09 MT-09 Tracer
by Barbaren
Link: a.co/7uOkTBj
FZ09 Front Engine Guard Crash Bar Protection for Yamaha FZ-09 2014-2017, FJ 09 2015 2016 2017
by Issyzone
Link: a.co/d16iqKv

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

One of the tings I forgot to mention in the video was the lack of felt engine heat on my legs. Unless there's a cross wind, almost all of the engine heat seems to flow around my legs, not so with the Versys 650. When you live and ride in a warm climate, this matters.

[@BMRTV]

Yes, exactly. This is the critical info riders need to know.

[@krisrudecki9477]

Hey, can you give me some tips on tightening the cam tensioner you've mentioned in the review? I think I'll need to do it soon on the new bike I've got, there is a bit of a noise coming from the engine. Any links to service docs, or allen key sizes much appreciated ! Thanks

[@klx400sr69]

I apologize in advance but i didn't understand. Did you say there is less leg heat with the FJ or Versys? Thanks

[@kevinpedley8130]

Yes, this bit of information about engine heat is always not highlighted by reviewers; probably because it's a blessing in cold winters but it's a deal-breaker for us in hotter countries. And it's even more important for anyone who's thinking about moving up to bigger cc bikes. Thanks!

[@R3nchi]

How would you compare it to versys 650?' I just sold mine

[@flyenhi6926]

I am about to purchase a 2015 FJ-09 here in phoenix, your videos have been very helpful. Cheers and safe riding!!

[@randallodom1320]

Great job with this video. You provided a lot of great information that a potential buyer needs to know. Thank you for taking the time to make the video.

[@originalkontrol]

Great info in this vid. I just picked up a brand new leftover '15, and checked all the things you've done. Very helpful to see the recall stuff and be able to identify that it has in fact been done on mine! And lots of good food for thought on future mods! Thanks.

[@erikroberts1899]

Fuck yo U prick.

[@mrlim9205]

Moving to Tucson from San Diego with same bike. Hopefully not too hot to ride! Ride safe out there.

[@krisrudecki9477]

Very good review, thanks man. Getting a 2nd hand Tracer delivered in a few days, I’ll have to check the recall work first thing. Really glad you made this vid!! Also coming from Europe, when you took out the essentials from your tank bag my jaw dropped lol Kinda glad we don’t need these ... but props for the non lethal option though 👍

[@yellowbusguy]

I know this is an old post, but he's law enforcement.

[@erikroberts1899]

Are you Lacking in conversation skills, and your ability to spell? Response on a Post Card Please.

[@calebflickinger8034]

Great review man! Love what you did with your bike.

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

Thanks! I'm really happy with it.

[@erikroberts1899]

@@dogsnmotorcycles Gee Baby, I love it too.

[@ginoliotto1404]

I needed this info just got a FJ09. Good jacket. Thanks

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Believe me, quality suspension is AMAZING once you've felt it and spent some time on it. Going back to budget suspension components will be much more a revelation of what you get for your money. Suspension is very important too, not just a factor of "bling" or "money." Sure it's going to be rather "safe" in factory trim, but it could be much better. Traction, tire wear, control in the curves, confidence, acceleration, stability, braking distance, avoiding high speed wobbles, etc. are all a function of quality suspension control which cannot be had with cheap budget components.

[@kerobi88]

Best review video so far. Keep up with the quality videos :) Be safe out there .. Is that a SIG ?

[@erikroberts1899]

No hounds dog.

[@triv7252]

Love your roads over there, so much room and empty space.

[@triv7252]

Think I may emigrate....

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

I love them too, I hope it stays that way forever. Thanks for watching...

[@erikroberts1899]

@@dogsnmotorcycles Space has lots of room! Even at warp speeds.

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

thanks for the effort and the sharing. helpful as i'm looking to move from a v-strom/wee to either a fjr or a fj-09. not to change my appreciation but why are you carrying a handgun? is that really necessary? i carry a tool kit and tire change kit. thumbs up.

[@desertrider325]

Great video! Lots of good info.

[@JP1970]

Great review--I like it a lot! Thank you. Subbed!

[@erikroberts1899]

Grow up ""

[@Smaug1]

Good video, good monologue. As a more seasoned rider, let me satisfy some of your curiosities: 1) I started on an SV650. You're right, a 650 twin has enough power, but not TOO much. It was great. I had it set up for touring, and the chain broke at 30k and cracked the crankcase. My next 3 bikes were shaft drive. ;) 600cc is enough to get in trouble. To start on a 600+ bike, you really need to be mature. 2) I had an '05 FJR1300. You're right, they are heavy, but they only FEEL heavy when you're going slow. Around the garage, U-turns. Also, if you are on a tight, twisty road and leaning back and forth. I sure do miss the shaft drive, though. It was SO nice, not having to ever worry about the chain. Just change the final drive oil every 15k, and that can be done on the centerstand and with basic tools. What's nice about these bigger bikes is the low RPM torque. I found that a combination of an FJR and a 150cc scooter was perfect. That way, I didn't roast around town, but I still had the big bike for long trips. (I also tried a couple of 250 motorcycles, but they take too much shifting to be good around town) That reminds me; these big 1.2L+ bikes might not be good for you in Arizona. There's just too much engine heat to deal with. 3) Before the FJR, I had an '01 Concours; original style. Best stock seat in the business, but the engine was buzzy and not torquey enough for two-up. Not in the same league as an FJR. 4) I tried a V-Strom 650. Great bike. Smoothed out the pot-holed midwestern roads nicely, and had that great 90° V-twin of theirs. I've heard the Versys' engine is just as good, and easier to work on, but in my experience, Kawasaki quality is not quite up there with Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki. 5) Re. gas gauges, none of them are good, on motorcycles. I don't know why it's so hard.

[@Andriig75]

A lot of very good info there. I started on SV, sold it in perfect condition at 38k mi. Got an 03 dr650 'tastefuly' modded it for Adv Touring. Love it. Now looking for dl650, versys650, or similar. Might even wait and see about Tenere700. All good bikes. Mt-09 maybe, don't need anything that big, light and narrow for me. Thanks for your comment 👍

[@brianfolding40]

Thanks for the great review. I have grown weary of 5 figure+ motorcycles and appreciate the fact that one can purchase a lot of versatile motorcycle for a bargain and then make a few modifications to make it really excellent! I'm always researching for a friend of mine who recently got back into motorcycling and I think I'll ask him to watch your video about your FJ09. BTW, I noticed your blueline flag sticker on your helmet and obviously your OD weapon @ minute 19. From a retired, (33 years), LEO, Be careful out there and thank you for your commitment/dedication, and service.

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

A shaft drive bike would be nice, but I have the chain maintenance task down to where it's not hard to keep up with. The fj09 has a lot of versatility and is a pretty good bike. I've been riding it 2 years now and still pretty happy. I did add a top case, so now I have a place to lock up my helmet. 22 years USAF, the 15 years of patrol, so I'm always careful. Stay safe out there...

[@erikroberts1899]

@@dogsnmotorcycles Get Out!!!! Really!!

[@meandmyRC99]

Good detail, thanks.

[@shreksexy6879]

Chuckasaki, Considering a nice 2nd hand 2016 fj09 with low miles. Any issues to watchout for other than the recalls? In your opinion, still worth buying this bike now in 2022 or buy something newer with a few more features?

[@rollingsteady3107]

Thank you for the information.

[@normandegeorge6526]

Thank you, ride safe!

[@erikroberts1899]

Easily pleased.

[@normandegeorge6526]

Nice looking bike! Questions: did you install the skid plate and does it cover the coolant reservoir? Can you get "crash bars" for it? Can the seat or suspension be lowered enough to get another inch or two closer to the ground for a shorter rider? What other mods are you thinking of doing or that you think it needs to be more of an adventure bike.

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

I installed the skid plate, it doesn't cover the coolant reservoir. There are several makers of crash bars for this bike, I chose a Chinese version of the SW Motech bars that I found on Amazon. There are lowering kits, but I've never researched or even considered one. I've not really modified anything, just accessorized and don't plan to do anything else to it. The bike is serving my needs very well as it is. Thanks for watching and for your comments. I hope I've answered your questions. Stay safe...

[@applecorp]

What windshield do you have on your bike? Looks a lot better than the useless stock one.

[@AnthonysWestTexasRides]

How is it for commuting in cold weather? I live in Texas and ride year round, winters typically only see low 30's when it gets cold so I was wondering how the cold air hits you on your hands and legs. Great video along with your other videos as well.

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

The wind protection as I have it is pretty good, but the OEM windshield was useless and was one of the first things I had to upgrade. If you're riding into the 30's, some heated gear would be nice.

[@rzu7120]

I'm going to a Yamaha test ride event tomorrow, so I'm finding your videos to be very interesting. What mpg do you typically get, and what's the best mpg you've ever gotten with the bike?

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

Average 47 mpg, but 55 mpg is doable if I'm easy on the throttle and keep the speed down around 55 mph.

[@erikroberts1899]

If you are concerned with the MPG of the bike then get a moped.

[@pilyomotoride7781]

What year is your bike ? Do the 2016 have recall too .

[@garystackhouse5787]

I've been riding for 40 years and I'm a chief motorcycle instructor. You shouldn't be trying to "flat foot" with both feet, anyway. Ready-to-Ride position is just one foot down. At 6 feet tall, you should EASILY be able to get your left foot flat while keeping your right foot on the rear brake for control..

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

I'm actually comfortable with just the balls of my feet on the ground, flat foot was just sort of a reference to describe the seat height. You're right, I can get one for down at a time, usually to backing up a slight incline or to hold the rear brake. Thank you for your comments, I always appreciate hearing from experienced/knowledgeable riders.

[@philipcrow3806]

I think he sits to far back on the seat anyways. I am 5'10 nd can flat foot it easily. I have one with 30k miles now

[@micaKTM1290]

2 points of contact is more stable than 1.

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

Try that on my bike with the wife sat on the back with all the bags packed you will end up on with the bike on its side. That's 1150 lbs balanced on one leg, I will stick with my two feet on the ground and do the quick dance/balance to get the back brake pressed and off we go.

[@pipingmad11]

Chief motorcycle instructor????? Once you are stopped or coming to a stop, you put your right foot down, finish braking with front brake and leave the left foot to select neutral and first gear. Why do you think the Police all ride this way?? Put your left foot down and you have to keep changing feet to put the bike in neutral if stopped at lights and then swap again to select first gear. Hate to see one of your courses you instruct on.

[@lpete531]

I'm actually looking to purchase FJ 09/tracer, nice review, would have like to seen the inside of the side bags and your opinion on the storage. Be safe 🏍️

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

The Yamaha side cases are very well built. I may have to do a video on them.

[@lpete531]

Chuckasaki please do, thanks for a speedy reply 👍

[@kellyburris287]

I may have missed it if you touched on it, but what foot pegs are those? I've heard the FZ6-R ones fit right on? (Stock ones are not rubber, right?)

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

These are FJR-1300 foot pegs. They have a rubber pad and more importantly (for me anyway) they're a little longer. I found them on Amazon, they're chinese and the source (link) keeps changing, so I didn't include a link. They were about $12 for the set. You'll have to drill or dremel off a rivet to get the left side off, but it's an easy install.

[@bryankburrows]

What seat cushion apparatus did you got with ?

[@dnlgrhm]

I notice what seems to be a bicycle type water bottle holder on your handlebar. How did you mount it?

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

That's exactly what it is and I got it at a local bicycle store. It was made to mount to a handlebar with a couple screws, so I just clamped it to an empty spot.

[@dnlgrhm]

Thanks

[@chrispeterson4357]

Great video! Question about the Barkbusters. Are they narrower at the bar end than the stock??? Thanks in advance....

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

They're about the same size as OEM, much stronger and adjustable.

[@chrispeterson4357]

Chuckasaki Ahh, ok. Thank you sir! My FJ is a tight squeeze into my shed. Thought theses might help me a bit!

[@desertrider325]

What do you mean they cut oil groves in the head?

[@CJ3B1]

Two questions here: Don't you miss your Versys ? & Why didn't you pick up the Yamaha Tracer?

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

I liked the Versys, but I like this bike better. Tracer is the name of the same bike in Europe. Now it's called the Tracer 900 in the US.

[@michaelottesen5062]

By the way love your channel.

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

Thank you for watching and for the comments. Stay safe...

[@erikroberts1899]

Do you still love me? Extinct.

[@profighter1234]

Seems like you regret selling your Versys. I would too after that review. Plus you kind of made it look like a Versys. What say you?

[@christopherschmid3168]

Great Video - very informativ and very relaxed ! - Unlike so many crazy wheely vids from stupid Irresponsibles ... Thanks !

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

Thanks for watching and for your comment. No wheelies or road rage on my videos...

[@t-mac6210]

I want to see more wheelies!

[@Alastairtheduke1]

Is this bike too much after a year on a ktm duke 390?

[@aggyslacker]

What happened that made you go down?

[@kyjelly5524]

Seems like a sweet bike. I like the fz too. But I kinda want an adv bike lol. I’m so torn

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

The FJ 09 can be both. Take off the windshield and bags then be a hooligan for a while. You can do almost anything with it.

[@kyjelly5524]

Chuckasaki I’m looking at the ktm 1090 too but I’m worried about ktm reliability lol. There’s a 2015 fj09 for sale locally for 7500. He added cruise control, and hard saddle bags. Seems like a good deal

[@eb626]

i just bought the 2019 gt, looking at the v stream touring screen, which height do you have in this video?

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

I have the medium windscreen.

[@eb626]

@@dogsnmotorcycles thanks. I think I'm going to go with the higher touring.

[@VoodooCru]

at how much miles on trip 1 you go to get gas and when you do, how much gallons are you putting in?

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

I usually add fuel after 100 miles or so, about when it gets down to 1/2 tank and it will take about 2 1/2 gallons. On straight highway, not speeding, it can take 130+ miles to get down to 1/2 tank.

[@Andriig75]

@@dogsnmotorcycles not bad

[@marcosmedinasalud]

I' m looking for this bike for the price... bmw and triumph are expensive , I need it for a long trip, from NJ to Sudamerica chile .....but you said that star shaking when you pass 65milles/h ...... and what do you think if this?? this motorcycle will work for long long trip with the hard case and more baggage ????

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

It shakes a bit when I'm behind large trucks from their wake, but it's good in clear air. I have Hard top and side cases and it does well on long trips. I always take some chain lube on long trips and lube the chain every 400 miles or so.

[@diegor4341]

I'm thinking about buying beetween a Versys and a FJ 09, so I think that there's no better person to ask these questions but you. Why did you changed your Versys for th FJ 09 ? Have you ever regret this change, I mean if you're starting from zero would you buy the FJ 09 again or you've ever thinked about getting back to the Versys. Thanks in advance

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

Thanks for watching my video and I see you've subscribed, so 2x thanks. You're not the first to ask this question, it's not a simple answer and I feel that I should try to give you a better answer than a typed reply. Watch for a video regarding this, most likely by tomorrow night, but this week for sure.

[@diegor4341]

I'll be looking forward for your video. Thanks !!!

[@johnnyViDeO]

Seriously consider the V-Strom 650.

[@maherardat]

I am currently debating fj09 vs versys 650 LT. has the video comparing the two been posted?

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

Take a look at these... kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5_beJ2apat1f8k kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4q6lX2dZbhjaq8

[@jasonsduca]

Hello, what type of windshield do you have on your bike? Tia

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

National Cycle, V-Stream. Medium height.

[@jasonsduca]

chuckasaki thank you very much. I really enjoy your videos

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

Thank you for viewing and for the comment...

[@kris-b-crunch4291]

You are mistaken on the "long travel" suspension, it has the same travel as the fz-09, 137mm front, 130mm rear.

[@1compaqedr8]

Kris-B-Crunch ! Yes. Long travel would be like the 1190 adv

[@exothermal.sprocket]

That is long-travel. Compared to standard street motorcycles such as an MT-10 with 4.7" travel f/r. Long-travel suspension is one of the defining factors in the ADV category, whether pavement-biased or dirt capable. In the case of the MT-09, that bike was designed as a "roadster motard" from factory so the bones of the MT carry over to the ADV category just fine.

[@kris-b-crunch4291]

Lifted_Above So something like a Ducati monster 1200 with 130mm front 149mm rear is made for dirt/motard? The point I was trying to make, is most people think the FJ/Tracer is a "lifted" version of the FZ/MT09 when it has the same frame, suspension & wheelset.

[@Fabry2773]

Gun, less lethal option.... here there have been some hind of misunderstanding: when they say ride safe they don't mean that!

[@jimmcc2543]

Does the side bags come with the bike?

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

The bags are an accessory, but the dealer added them as an incentive to make the sale.

[@marcalampi5036]

I believe you can get a gas Cap with a fuel gauge on it, with like a dip stick looking thing.

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

I've looked around for just such a thing, with no success. I just reset the trip A every time I fill up, I usually hit 100+ miles before the gauge hits 1/2.

[@michaelottesen5062]

Chuck, whats up. Radar detectors are pretty much useless as most state highway patrols use lasers now. By the time the laser detectors react its too late and very hard to beat in court because they are really accurate. The only reason I'm telling you is your wasting space and power on your bike by having one, (and I'm not criticizing you). Be safe.

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

Most of the time, I don't run the radar/laser detector and stay pretty much within the traffic laws. There are some smaller jurisdictions that still use speeding tickets as a source of revenue rather than public safety. I've spent 12+ years in law enforcement and I know from personal experience, that a bike is a smaller radar or laser reflector and they have to be much closer than a car to get their speed. Radar/laser detectors aren't useless and are better on a bike than a car, but as with anything, they have limitations. Most of the drivers I've stopped for violations were just not paying attention, talking on the phone, loud music ect. The best way to avoid getting stopped is to; obey the law and stay alert.

[@lukasp5989]

It makes me a bit sad that you are pulling out all the 'essentials' from your tank bag, and you have pepper spray and a gun. You talk about them so casually, but I couldn't name another Canadian who keeps a weapon (maybe minus a baseball bat here and there) in their vehicle.

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

I'm not Canadian and not in Canada.

[@lukasp5989]

​@@dogsnmotorcycles I know. I've been watching your videos for a little while (just missed this one), and based on the content and scenery, we're talking AZ or NM. What I mean to say is do you feel its really necessary to keep a gun on you where you live? Is crime that bad? I just mean from my perspective, its shockingly casual that you just have a handgun on you.

[@hANNAbONE]

@@lukasp5989 : he obviously carries when he's not on his mobike, so it is perfectly natural to not only casually talk about it but also house it where he can get at it via the tank bag. I do the same.

[@lukasp5989]

@@hANNAbONE just pointing out that the US might be the only country in the world (that doesn't have a war going on in its borders) that you would say "it's perfectly natural" when talking about carrying a gun.

[@hANNAbONE]

@@lukasp5989 : pretty much, freedom is a terrific thang.