2015 Yamaha FJ-09 - Ride, Review, and Reveal!

Ya ready for the reveal yet?! Ok, it only took a little over a year to finally get this vid done the right way (sorry 'bout that).
Here she is folks, my FJ-09, aka - Monica. Where we get into all the wonderful details of this bike between the stock stuff and the aftermarket additions. There is so much packed into this vid, there wasn't a way for me to keep it short, sooooo...yea. Enjoy! =0)
CaptinCranky's Vid Here!
• SW Motech Blaze Pannie...
Aftermarket Stuffs (so far):
National Cycle V-Stream Windscreen: bit.ly/2bVh8nS
SW-Motech Blaze Sport Saddlebags: bit.ly/2cgYAzm
CRG RC2 Clutch Lever: bit.ly/2ca6Lgp
CRG RC2 Brake Lever: bit.ly/2cxERci
Thanks as always for watching and more to come!
You, Me, Lets Facebook It!: dirthog365
FOLLOW on Google+: bit.ly/1oRovNZ
Woohoo Instagram Pics: bit.ly/1t85c3M
Feed the Twitter: / dirthog365
Filmed with GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition
Editing software by Sony Movie Studio Suite 13
All music from KZbin music library...for free! =0)
Links to my equipment and gear (links by Bitly)
Motovlogging Must Haves:
Sony ECMPC60 Electret Condenser Microphone: amzn.to/2bQSfes
Furry Outdoor Microphone Windscreen: amzn.to/2bQjTDN
Blackout Hero 3 Housing: amzn.to/2ca0v8n
Movo GM100 Mic Adapter: amzn.to/2cl0LjM
ProShot Helmet Mount: www.proshotcam....
Sena 20S: amzn.to/2cxyi9N
My Street Gear:
Speed and Strength SS 1700 Helmet: bit.ly/2c1bUWA
REVIT! Raceway Jacket: bit.ly/2cdpYzA
REVIT! SeeSoft Back Protector: bit.ly/2cxAGxg
Speed and Strength Rage Riding Jeans: bit.ly/2c3HYaJ
A'Stars WP Faster Riding Shoes: bit.ly/2bQUBtO
Impact Shorts - bit.ly/1pJK927
A'Stars SMX-1 Air (Summer) Gloves: bit.ly/2cDBVPE
A'Stars SP-8 (Winter) Gloves: bit.ly/2c1dYhd

[@wales2wheeler686]

I have a 2015 tracer (EU) with lots of mods. I recommend a front fender extender and a rad guard because the radiator is really vulnerable to loose chippings. I have an Akra race titanium and drilled 2 10mm holes in each of the 3 DB killer pipes and made it easier to remove and replace. The Akra without db killer is insane. About 2 months ago I had the ECU reflashed and it totally transformed my bike, no PC required. The thing about a PCV or similar however is you can always transfer it if/when you change bikes. Mirror extenders are very cheap from fleabay, about 20$ from china for 65mm and 100mm extensions. The bags look great and love how easy they were to remove. Nice bike and keep the vids coming. Ride safe.

[@Pmason718]

John Ramsbottom who flashed the ECU for you?

[@wales2wheeler686]

I am from Wales in the UK and A guy called Paul Bland on Angelsey did mine, everything including removal and re install and dyno runs for £175. A guy on the MT09 forums is doing ECU flashes and can give the names of Guys stateside who can do it for you.

[@DirtHog365MV]

Thanks for watching and appreciate the perspectives on mods. I picked up an R&G rad guard the other day along with Puig and SW-Motech frame and axle sliders. Hopefully I'll never have to use them, but also adds some character to those tiny bits often overlooked. I have been reading more on the ECU flash on the forums and interested to see the performance difference before/after the exhaust mods. I've been leaning more toward the Graves exhaust with the block off plates merely to keep the lines of the bike similar, but know Akra is great exhaust too. This will go along with the Kev 02 Controller after flashing to smooth the surges out. Definitely more install and ride vids to come. Ride safe just the same, glad to have ya along for the ride! =0)

[@DirtHog365MV]

Been reading on the forums of a company out of Washington state called 2 Wheel DynoWorks that has some great reviews. I've planned on reaching out to them to see what the rates would be, although not a huge fan of "shipping" my ECU out to honest.

[@vattghern3309]

Picked up my 2016 yesterday and your video was one of the top reasons I picked it up. Coming off a cruiser, it's world's different but I'm 100% satisfied. Great video and subbed!

[@DirtHog365MV]

Thanks for the awesome comment and the sub/support for the channel. Even more awesome that this vid helped with the decision. Yea it's way different from a cruiser, but it'll make ya giggle like a schoolgirl every time you twist the throttle! =0)

[@miodrag1]

Nice review.You dont need powercomander,you can buy Kev O2 controler.My vote goes to the other exaust,not akrapovic

[@DirtHog365MV]

Good looking out, thanks for the comment on the Kev 02 controller and yea I like the Graves exhaust way better. Thanks for watching! =0)

[@miodrag1]

your welcome,keep us informed :)

[@dogsnmotorcycles]

I first saw the FJ09 in May and I thought it was the most awesome looking bike I've ever seen! I have a 2015 Versys 650, also a good looker IMO, but the Versys was my first bike and after more than a year, I'm trading it in for a 2015 FJ09. After looking at different bikes "extensively" the FJ09 seems to do everything that was missing in the Versys. The dealer is ordering and installing the hard bags for me, but I'll be on it next week. Twice the power and weighs a little less than the Versys. Nice review! Stay safe out there...

[@DirtHog365MV]

That is awesome, congrats on picking up the FJ09! Before I bought mine I looked heavily into the Versys and the V-Strom, but it came down to bang for the buck with all the standard options out of the gate. Thanks for watching and have a blast with her! =0)

[@HawkGirlMistyV]

Awesome review! I really love those bags, awesome system! Really sweet bike!

[@DirtHog365MV]

Thank ya! They are a great set of saddlebags and have an install vid coming soon on them! =0)

[@WanderingBeast]

love it, definitely a bike on my wish list

[@DirtHog365MV]

Thanks bud! The N+1 equation still holds true, but most certainly a bike that won't disappoint.

[@JP1970]

Great video, sir...I just picked up one of these last week and it only had 864 miles on it...I love this bike and enjoyed your video. Subbed!

[@masonsadv]

Wow Monica is a beauty:) The bags are great! Great review Thanks

[@DirtHog365MV]

Thanks for watching- yea I am a big fan of those bags, great just to have around for the local rides. Even better that the mounts "disappear" into the bike when not attached. Lots more to come - stay tuned! =0)

[@masonsadv]

DirtHog365 will do! looking forward to it :)

[@ChiefJay]

Awesome bike man! Gotta say, I'm a tad jealous!

[@DirtHog365MV]

Thank-you sir, we'll have to get ya out for a ride sometime! =0)

[@strokerjoecaldwell9281]

I have had the 2015 FJ-09 now for about 8 months, and I am truly in love. I've logged bout 3000 miles on it, including several trips to the NC mountains with my buddy who has a 2014 Triumph Tiger, a comparable ride, but great seat, with a much lower driving position and wonderfully soft padding. I as well couldn't live with my stock seat and got a Corbin, bomber jacket black replacement seat which looks great, feels great, and was a ridiculously easy install, $500, with a full one year replacement or upgrade warranty if having ridden it, if you feel any tweeks are needed, more padding, or whatever, send it back for a free upgrade--they even pay the shipping. Also, the gas gauge isn't ideal. For all of the bike's electronic sophistication, one would expect a complete digital range of full to empty. Great review!!! Do you know of a way to electronically override the 115 mph speed governor?

[@DirtHog365MV]

I completely agree and ya sold me on the Corbin seat, just placed an order since I love riding this bike. The "butt fatigue" is too much with the stock seat and anything beyond an hour's ride gets old very quickly. The gas gauge could be a lot better and plan on adding an anti-glare film to the gauge cluster altogether, been blinded too many times already. As far as the speed limiter goes, the only thing I have been able to find is to flash the ECU from what the forums say. Apparently there is a mapping used for the FZ's that seems to work, watching the forums to see the longevity of the flash. Even still, this bike is a blast in the mountains or whipping it around town. Thanks for watching and the info on the Corbin seat, very excited to see that come in the mail! =0)

[@strokerjoecaldwell9281]

I also installed an after mkt "shorty" rear fender, but thinking about changing it back. You lose a lot of bungie hook up points, and I am thinking about the saddle bags you recommended, much more easily connected with the stock fender. I'll also tell you that if you turn off the traction control, which I have also heard referred to as "the anti-wheelie" switch, the bike is much more responsive without even going into A mode, which I have only done once to see what it was like. Thanks for your response.

[@azdesertdog]

Nice bike! You can hear the grin factor in your commentary. Looks like you have some really smart modifications. I especially like the saddle bags. I have gone to a small set of bags myself. The back pack full of tools was getting cumbersome. Congrats!

[@DirtHog365MV]

Thanks buddy, having bags is a blessing especially when carrying tools and/or beer - which is also a tool right?! =0)

[@twistygrip4180]

Hahaha!!! Awesome mode! Sweet bike man! Bet Monica likes the twisties.

[@twistygrip4180]

Lol! You're not the one one with "noassitol" disease......

[@DirtHog365MV]

Hahaahaaaa...knew there was a medical term for this condition! =0)

[@DirtHog365MV]

I have a feeling awesome mode will get me into trouble, but why else would they put it on there right?! Thanks for watching! =0)

[@Voyage2NoWher3]

Very cool man. Great looking bike.

[@DirtHog365MV]

Thanks bro! =0)

[@wtw100]

I hAve those bags fro my CBR. They are small for weekend trips only.

[@DirtHog365MV]

True, don't think these bags alone would be good for anything longer than a weekend without more capacity. Still nice to have a place for your tools and picking up a six-pack and some food. Thanks for watching! =0)

[@PapaC-ej3kz]

Nice bike! I have the same bike, same colour. I modified the stock exhaust for better sound and you can watch my videos to hear it. Do NOT put a Power Commander on Miss Monica, do some research and reflash to factory ECU as many of us have done. The end result is not even comparable. Good video. Ride safe!

[@DirtHog365MV]

Thank-you, yea I had actually watched your vid on LED turn signals while shopping for a pair myself. Went with the LightTech and found shortly after that all the other bits were not included, like yours had - lol. Those are on the way now and like what you did with your exhaust. Still like to get rid of the CAT overall, just not a big fan of how it looks under the bike. Definitely struck the Power Commander off the list and now shopping around for a local place to do the ECU flash to incorporate with the Kev O2 Controller. Thanks for watching and do stay tuned, all of these comments have helped me tremendously and can't wait to show the end results. Ride safe! =0)

[@PapaC-ej3kz]

DirtHog365 I also have the same bags as you...they are definitely great

[@zakmilas]

nice review, thinking of buying the new 2017 model.

[@DirtHog365MV]

Thanks, yea the 2017's are good looking with the galaxy blue color scheme and redesigned swingarm. Just keep some coin in the bank for the mod's, it can be an addictive/pricey hobby - lol! =0)

[@zakmilas]

I know I have a 2007 FZ6 model and cost me an arm-leg just for the mods. The two Scorpion under the seat slip-ons cost me almost $1000.

[@stevedarling5883]

I think I sat on Ms Monica at Ride It Now in Concord... if not nearly identical.

[@AnthonysWestTexasRides]

you ought to take a look at an Ivan's ecu flash for your bike! he does some cool stuff for the FZ and FJ-09. Great review!

[@drewfields3945]

Love the vid! just Subscribed just to see your input with Monica. I'm looking at getting one myself ASAP just waiting on scratch. love to see all the mods you do, nobody keeps straight stock. have some riding experience on dirt and street but never bigger than an R6, I'm 5'6" and kinda hesitant on the height of this bike. may heave to get a lower kit lol. thoughts? suggestions? thanks DirtHog365. for the page, those who have Dual sports what tires is everyone using??

[@DirtHog365MV]

Thanks man and thanks for the sub! Definitely dressing her up and will have some vids out soon with all that I've done. Check out FB/IG for preview pics and updates. They are kind of all the tall side, but the stock seat does lower a bit and wouldn't rule out a lowering kit. If you're looking at dual-sport tires, check out Kenda TrakMaster 2's - they got good bite for the dirt and are DOT rated. Just my two-cents on the subject! =0)

[@jesuschrist2616]

I live in manhattan and I'm looking to buy this to commute vs the subway

[@DirtHog365MV]

Guaranteed to be way more fun on this than on the subway, is filtering legal out that way? Thanks for watching! =0)

[@jesuschrist2616]

DirtHog365 sorry cant answer you question im kinda new at the whole motorcycle thing

[@DirtHog365MV]

Just looked it up for NYC and it is not "legal" - issuing a 2-point moving violation if get caught in the act - ouch! While this bike is great ride, I'd caution you to check out something in the 250/500 class to get used to riding. There is a lot of muscle memory involved that you act on without thinking and if new to riding, it may be best to start on something smaller. I merely throw that out as a caution - not knowing your skill level and past experiences. The ongoing debate of starter bikes is vast and deep without a clear consensus on right/wrong - it really all depends on the rider IMO - hell all of them will kill you, just a matter of respecting the bike and knowing your skill level. The FJ really settles in around 4th gear and beyond, where the lower gears have a lot of torque in almost a surging kind of way. Still great in traffic to flip the throttle and blast through the seams. Also important to note that I consider it as a tall bike. I stand 6'2" and with the stock seat, in some areas of the road, I was on my toes holding the bike up. Those are just a few mentionables and my two cents, for whatever it is worth! =0)

[@Pmason718]

jesus christ I have this bike and it's harder to white line or split lanes bc of the wider handlebars vs a sportbike

[@jesuschrist2616]

DirtHog365 thanks for the advice

[@kolgya]

I founded it on my local dealer on sale from $10,450 to $8,000 2016 available on silver and black, I'm really considering this bike after 14 years of not using any motorcycle . My first option is the 2016 Honda NC-700X But this model it looks pretty decent and quality to . Would you mind to make a video at night then we can see the headlight and the cluster at night , to me night light it matters , for to many reasons , safety , fashion etc...

[@DirtHog365MV]

Definitely a great bike to get back on two-wheels with, what did you ride before taking a break? Sure, I will do my best to get a night vid out to show the cluster back light and what the headlamp looks like. Stay tuned and thanks for watching! =0)

[@kolgya]

Thank you buddy.!

[@kolgya]

nothing fancy, Honda 250 year 2000

[@kiwicanuck5459]

Good video, can you tell me your height. I am trying to decide if I get the sport or sport touring screen versions . I am 5.8. Thanks

[@DirtHog365MV]

Thanks for watching and I am 6.2 if that helps with the decision. =0)

[@nesanrockstar5296]

Sir, does your bike wobbles during high speed? Is the windscreen effective?

[@DirtHog365MV]

I get a little bit of wobble at times, seems to be common on the FJ's. the windscreen is 100% better than stock in my opinion and looks way better too, slices the air so it deflects over your shoulders. =0)

[@nesanrockstar5296]

Thanks for the info sir, i appreciate your help. This is one of my dream bike.

[@Pmason718]

Is that the Vstream windscreen? If so which one?

[@DirtHog365MV]

Yes it is, the model number on it is N20316 from National Cycle. Thanks for watching! =0)

[@Pmason718]

DirtHog365 that's the sport version of that windscreen which I was looking at the other day and was curious how it looks on the bike and would it be functional compared to the sport/tour and touring version of that windscreen. Now that you've had it for some time what's opinion on? Is it really better than stock? Are you getting any buffering in the helmet area still?

[@DirtHog365MV]

I absolutely love this windscreen over stock since it has more wind deflection, pushing the wind out and away instead of right at your head/body. After the install, I instantly noticed a huge difference riding at highway speed as it no longer felt like I was going to be blown off the bike. The buffering head-wise is dramatically reduced as it feels more like a neutral pocket at the sitting position, but can still feel it on your arms due to the wider handlebar position. Install was a bit of a pain, but so worth it in the end. Since it is the sport version, I'd be willing to bet that it wouldn't be nearly as comfortable for the longer hauls as their touring versions would be better suited. They really did a good job with this one and looks alone made it well worth the investment.

[@Pmason718]

DirtHog365 thanks for that info I'm going to pick one up. I bought the bike back in June and have yet to do one mod also it looks like Akra released a new exhaust for this bike a few weeks ago so I'm probably going to pick that up too.

[@simsaudio1714]

i love me a quiet bike given i get home at like 1 or 2 in the morning but she douse sound like she is missing her bite

[@DirtHog365MV]

Totally understand, don't wanna be waking the neighbors up that early in the morning. Like you said though...she is missing some bite on the exhaust notes. =0)

[@Me-yh4uc]

🙄🙄🙄