Yamaha FJ-09 Review: Test Ride and First Impressions

Next in line to apply for the position of my next motorcycle: the Yamaha FJ-09 (known outside the US as the MT-09 Tracer). This quick FJ-09 review includes my thoughts on the bike's comfort, performance, and ginormous windscreen as well as how it compares to the Kawasaki Versys 650.
This is a very different bike from the Versys 650 in a lot of ways, including clutch response, engine performance, seat comfort, riding position, and dash setup.
In the battle of Yamaha FJ-09 vs Kawasaki Versys, which bike is more comfortable, powerful, and fun to ride?
Check out my test ride videos:
Kawasaki Versys 650: • Kawasaki Versys 650 Re...
Yamaha FJ-09: • Yamaha FJ-09 Review: T...
Kawasaki Versys 1000: • Kawasaki Versys 1000 R...
Suzuki V-Strom 650: • V-Strom 650 Review: Te...
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[@therealaaron8767]

Looking forward to that 1000 review.

[@DorkintheRoad]

The Real A Aron It's coming up next!

[@HippoDrones]

nice to see you trying a few bikes out mate! :-)

[@DorkintheRoad]

Hippo-Drones I had a good time riding them

[@captsam54]

Ur going to Love the V-Strom... Lots of aftermarket parts too...

[@dhiatt333]

If you like the V-Strom, you owe it to yourself to ride a 1000.

[@dry509]

Looking forward to you comparing the Versys to the Vstrom 650?

[@disekjoumoer]

I thought you'd prefer the Versys. It's fantastic value for money, especially where you live with all the long distances where comfort and range matter. It's a real pity that Yamaha doesn't sell the Tracer 700 in the US, because even though its suspension is too soft, it's a lot cheaper than the Tracer 900 with a similar fun factor.

[@MC-Racing]

Anybody know why Yamaha decided to call their bikes something different in the americas? this is an MT09 tracer anywhere else :-)

[@bluered3228]

No, but I think they're changing the names to match Europe this year.

[@riflemann14]

I think I read the FZ moniker was a call back to some older series bikes Yamaha had in the US. I didn't even know the tracer was here. I'd seen euro reviews and assumed it was exclusive.

[@lturner89]

z650?

[@mikeninjitsu4665]

How sad that he is wondering if the Ducati...ANY Ducati is a triple? Channel should be called Noob in the Road.

[@DorkintheRoad]

That would have been an accurate description three years ago when this video came out. I made no secret of my limited riding experience and did not have every manufacturer's lineup memorized. Kudos to you if you do.