Yamaha FJ-09 / Tracer 900 : Exciting & Practical Sport Touring Bargain

[@BigRockMoto]

Order your parts and riding gear using this link to support Big Rock Moto. Please bookmark it! While there is zero cost to you and nothing will be visible on your end, my channel receives a small commission from each sale which I invest back into content creation. www.rockymountainatvmc.com/?ref=1053&BigRockMoto&

[@xclent1975]

So I’ve watched this a few times and Ian, I believe you interrupted your buddy Brandon ,who owns the fj-09 ,a bit too much and I actually believe he did a great job at reviewing this bike …good voice and he winged the heck out of this presentation. A+

[@Scandi-Hooligans]

Send your ecu into Two Wheel Dynoworks. I had them do the mapping on my FJ-09 and it made a huge difference. The throttle went from being extremely snatchy, to just a tiny bit snatchy. Plus performance and mpg’s improved.

[@TheDrewker]

How much does it cost to do this? Just bought a '15 FJ-09 last week (had only 1526 miles, came with Two Bros S1R exhaust)

[@tezz4480]

I bought my 2016 used w 2000 miles on it in 4/18 for $7200. The engine has none of the jerkiness referred to but it may have been 'tuned' by the previous owner (It does always default to A mode, not standard on mine). It's a blast to ride even though the suspension still needs to be addressed. And I can't seem to get more than 3500 (s)miles from a set of tires - the edges keep wearing off!

[@oldsmokie101]

Absolutely spot on review, these guys are riding in the real world. For me...The stock tires and suspension are very average if your on bumpy roads or pushing it. Michelin road 5 give much better handling and grip especially if it's damp. Both shock and fork are undersprung and yes, causes it to pogo. if your over 150lb. Budget for a new rear shock and fork springs down the line, and it's a fantastic bike. The throttle is more instant than snatchy, you get used to it, in fact it becomes addictive ! Just don't shut the throttle right off and on. If you want something heavy, sedate and really comfortable, look elsewhere. You can throw this around all weekend and then tour on it. Trip meter difficult ? Touch the rubber reset button on left of dash, trip flashes then hold for 2 seconds and it zero's. A smaller screen works better, unless you want a barn door type. End of the day, this bike is huge fun, and light !

[@BigRockMoto]

Yep you are right on all points. The stock tires are terrible! On my bike I had changed them too. Brandon needs to do that.

[@oldsmokie101]

Big Rock ADV haha yup, hard and wear quickly, worst of both worlds. A new rear shock is almost a must, nitron on mine. I'm no track day addict, or a perfectionist, but will sort a lot of problems out, squatting on acceleration unbalancing the bike etc, and will save your spine over potholes. ( small bumps harsh, fast riding wallowing) Fronts meh, but the rear shock makes it feel worse. I reset trip 1 at fuel stop, just a habit from red light warning days. You can customise the 3 menus, a bit like organising apps on phone, so menu 1 can have your everyday info without scrolling through the other 2 . Again, what a realistic review, very refreshing. Have fun !

[@pnwgreg300]

@@oldsmokie101 I was ready to complain about the stock tires but they have been fine. They are a little soft on the sidewall and not fantastic in the wet. I already have Bridgestones waiting to go on but the dry grip is there, should get 7k+ on the set.

[@oldsmokie101]

Greg That's great. Have road 4 on my cbr, so when riding Tracer, Dunlops felt just ok, a bit wooden. Maybe in hot climate they are better. Great vid, honest and no prejudice. Very refreshing.

[@BSC610]

Excellent observations! Thanks for watching.

[@froehlcj]

I have the 2017 MT-09 Euro version, all the important niggles you mentioned, were solved on this later model, i.e. throttle response sorted, suspension forks and rear (turn up one notch from standard) Yamaha also added a slipper clutch in 2017. I you want to purchase used look for a good 2017 model, agree quick shifter is a must for FUN and go for a MRA screen. Michelin 4 or 5 rubber is best. Still put a smile on my face everyday!

[@StoicRiding]

Indeed, few of the things are fixable. I have the 2015, ECU flash solved the throttle and you can retro fit the newer slipper clutch.

[@gazworld1808]

Yes the throttle is on or off and jerky a re map will sort this , you can slip the clutch to ride through it but still can be annoying , will be doing a review in the summer in the mt09 with pros and cons on my channel gazworld 🌍

[@StoicRiding]

@@gazworld1808 I don't mean to slip the clutch to make the on/off throttle smoother, but to actually install a slipper clutch that comes in the MT09 2017+ into the older models to have this feature.

[@gazworld1808]

@@StoicRiding yes thats ok ,just on the mt09 the throttle is very jerky,sometimes re map sorts it :)

[@c0ck_l2oach75]

Bought an FJ-09, purchased early spring 2021 and set it up to tour for under $8k total. Did over 7,000 miles in 2 weeks -- it did amazing and allowed me to comfortably knock down miles. I traveled in "B" mode 90% of the time because of the smoother power.

[@teamconspiracy]

500 miles a day for 14 days!? You are a beast dude

[@pnwgreg300]

For anyone interested in these bikes... An ECU flash will set you back

[@professorvoluck9311]

Thanks, that was a helpful comment for me. I think I’m going to install Ohlins right away when I purchase it.

[@GNR325]

Great review guys. I have 5k miles on a 2015 and agree with all your comments. Considering the price point though you can’t really complain given all you get. As one commenter noted, if you avoid complete on/off throttle transitions and just modulate the throttle in a range it doesn’t feel as snatch (more like super responsive). Still requires more concentration, but feels less abrupt. Super reliable bike. A number high mileage FJ’s on the Tracer forum including one guy with over 200,000 miles. And yes the FZ variants are thrashed on KZbin with seemingly no ill effects. I was curious if the 2” increase in wheelbase on the newer models would take away some of the flickability. That’s one of the things I like best about the bike. It rides like a super moto in the twistys. As numerous others with a lot more street bike experience than me have said, one of the best motorcycle engines ever. The power delivery, sound and rider connection combine for a great experience. I’ve also seen 55+ mpg at times. I haven’t changed a thing on mine except replacing a worn out rear and am very happy.

[@TheDrewker]

I totally agree. I grew up riding YZ's and WR's, my first street bike was a 2016 FZ-07 and it was great, but the throttle was very snatchy at low speed/low gear. I moved up to the FJ-09 recently because I wanted more power, and more of an adv. profile. But so far I'm finding it a lot easier to modulate the throttle and ride it smoothly. Maybe just because I already got so used to the snatchy F-bike throttle, bigger motor probably has wider gearing too. But yep... 55+ mpg is easy to hit on average, peaks around 65-70mpg. It cruises at 35-40mph comfortably in 5th gear, where the 07 started to bog. In fact, come to think of it the FZ-07 just kinda always felt like it was in between gears, doesn't have a lot of comfortable cruising range in the throttle at any gear or speed. But again, that could be partly my dirt bike roots... you don't do a whole lot of "cruising" on a dirt bike, you're always rowing through the gears. In any case, the FJ is just overall a lot more comfortable and natural to ride. Much better legs for the highway, better wind protection, more comfortable riding position, smoother throttle for city... very happy with it.

[@CopperRed3]

Great review guys, thanks. I bought a new 2015 model December 2019 for under $7000. Twitchy throttle indeed. I do intend to have the ECU flashed. Love this bike.

[@BigRockMoto]

thanks

[@okie-rider]

Those Yamaha pumpkin turn indicators need to be swapped out. Getting a full exhaust and tune is simple and fixes the throttle response. The factory windscreen is pretty much for decoration and was the first thing to get swapped out. Lots of the issues were updated in the Tracer 900. Only things I have left to add is cruise control and rear shock.

[@BSC610]

I completely agree.

[@ricksalazar2909]

Very good synopsis of the FJ09. I have a 2016 bought to train for an S1000XR. The FJ 09 was so much fun, I kept it, and ride it as often than the XR. Thanks for the fork tip 👍

[@theshindogg]

Nice review. I have a 2017 FJ09 and your points are spot on. Greetings from NJ

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@bramvandermey8779]

Sounds like staying with the VStrom 650 would help avoid a lot of the negatives on this bike unless you’re addicted to the higher horsepower.

[@laexh]

I have a 2016 FJ 09. On the jerkiness, I notice it riding on the city in STD mode. I just turn in to mode B, and it's fine. On the highway I don't perceive it or is minor even in mode A, and it's fine for me. Yes, the suspension is cheap and stiff, not comfortable for long rides. I once replaced it (springs only) by Racetech and didn't improve at all. Some claim the Ohlins suspension s is a huge improvement, yet yes, kind of high investment. I keep the bike because of the excellent CP3 motor, it's powerful and fun... I once considered to change it for a Triumph Tigger 900 Rally... A triple cylinder motor as well, yet I did some reviews on it feeling not as powerful as the Yamaha CP3. So, I'll keep my FJ 09, and if I find and affordable upgrade to the suspension, will be perfect...any recommendation on alternative suspension, will be welcome 🙂

[@stevenbrazier4744]

Usful analysis from owner riders. Thank you .

[@BigRockMoto]

So nice of you

[@perrym6937]

i have a 2015 with graves motorsports map and a tall windscreen//// great bike but i will say i think the 1rst gen 650 versys has been my favorite bike of all time. and i have owned over 80 streetbikes

[@1dancier]

Good to hear the pro's and con's of the bike, seems like lots of competition in the touring market. Keen on the Versys 650 and will eventually need something to do 500km days so I can explore further away from home.

[@BigRockMoto]

thanks!

[@kee7678]

Great review. I think I'm going with the Tracer 900 GT. I'll check out the BMW F900 XR. PS I love paragliding up in Palomar.

[@deaconfelix7539]

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[@dukeomar416]

@Deacon Felix Instablaster =)

[@deaconfelix7539]

@Duke Omar Thanks for your reply. I got to the site thru google and im in the hacking process atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@deaconfelix7539]

@Duke Omar It worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thanks so much you really help me out !

[@dukeomar416]

@Deacon Felix no problem :D

[@ralphvalkenhoff2887]

I’m looking at one here in northern Colorado but am torn between a real ADV. some say it’s ok on a dirt road but definitely no trailing. Good video, thanks

[@BigRockMoto]

Yeah, I had a GS at the time my friend still had his FJ, we agreed the GS could be ridden faster.

[@drewmorg.]

Can't believe this video comes out today! I've been feverishly researching motorcycles for weeks and my exhaustive search has essentially lead me down the path of finalists: Multistrada, FJ-09, and Versys 650. I don't need off road capabilities at all. I also live in Orange County area so as we know our big freeways to get everywhere do require some power and top end gearing to ride comfortably , which I have the feeling would rule out MT-07 and bikes of that sort. FJ-09 is really looking like the ticket considering you can have them under $6000 used and for $450 you can throw a auto blipper and quick shifter on them which is an absolute luxury item on a bike like this. Multistrada might be overkill for my usage and Versys might be just a hair too bland (I used to have an R6 and currently have decked out dual sports in the garage for off roading purposes).

[@elitetileandstone]

As an owner of a 2014 Versey 650, I can say it's a very good bike. The power on the FJ/MT 09 is amazing, night abd day difference. I wish Yamaha produced one with a 19" front wheel and slightly more upright seating position, like a Triumph Tiger 800.

[@BSC610]

I'm the FJ-09 owner in this video. Coincidentally, I also have a Versys 650 LT in the house (and early V-Strom 650). Happy to answer questions.

[@drewmorg.]

@@BSC610 Thanks for the reply and I did spot that white Versys in the video! If you look around forums and the internet, these two are OFTEN compared not because they are meant to be of similar performance but because prospective buyers are often cross shopping the two and I happen to be one of them! Some big changes of note are that the 2017 models received slipper clutches and the 2019 models received a bunch of suspension tweaks and a 2" extended wheel base. I can find brand new base model 2019's around here in So Cal for $8000+ tax right now -- pretty good deal actually. So I guess the question really is, would you buy a used 2015/2016 which has some of the usual mods and a bit of miles for around $6k or just pop for the refreshed brand new one? And then, when you compare it to the Versys, how much more fun is the bike really? I actually want a kind of "playful" bike not a serious bike that you have to mentally commit to everytime you strap your helmet on. I'm not looking for the "sportbike" experience with this bike. I want a bike that inspires me to put mileage on it, not something which feels either too expensive and finnicky (like the Multistrada) or perhaps too unstable and wild like the FJ-09. You almost never hear about people taking the FJ-09 on any kind of touring either I wonder why that is.

[@drewmorg.]

@@elitetileandstone Have you tried a Gen 3 versys? There are some nice fully panniered and well cared for Gen 2's around here for like $3k. Insane deal. The Gen 3 is a bit more. They both look equally fine to me, I'm not one of these hopped up on the looks of the Gen 3.

[@elitetileandstone]

I haven't had a chance to ride a gen3. I know the brakes were improved (needed it), and it a little smoother. It's a lot of fun on country roads and at 64 hp, you can really wind it out. After 3 years , I was still looking for a littmore torque. So , I just got a 2019 V Strom 1000XT ADVENTURE. $12,5 out the door, with SW Motech aluminum panniers, engine guards and heated grips.

[@petev.9357]

I'll second the 2WDW flash along with an APS adjustment (only on 2015 and 2016) and the throttle is as smooth as silk in STD mode. "A" has the slightest hint of snatchiness.

[@ianferrier235]

Nice review guys 👍🏻👍🏻

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Kwansudru]

Yeah tracer starts in 2019 and has a few more bells and whistles. Slightly longer wheelbase I think as well

[@screaminsal]

Excellent review!....Is that Brandon from Death Valley with the crappy Shinko tires trying to go up Mengel Pass?

[@BSC610]

Yes sir, that's me. LOL

[@BSC610]

BTW, Hi Sal. Hope you're doing well. Notice, I said nothing about being a KLR owner also in the video. Haha

[@Jaffa1951]

Rather than doing all those mods, wouldn't it be better to trade it in for the GT version?

[@BigRockMoto]

Cost.... cheaper to upgrade

[@Jaffa1951]

@@BigRockMoto I'm not convinced. The GT offers quick shifter, fully adjustable front forks and remote adjustable rear suspension, colour coded panniers, TFT dash, heated grips and cruise control.

[@edwardreyes3540]

I ride a Honda Valkyrie 1520cc , looking for a lighter long-distance motorcycle , "My question 🤔 " being 5'7" is it still a good bike when you have short britches?

[@robells6759]

I'm curious about how this compares to an FJR for comfort and power.

[@SteveWKk]

Completely different bikes......These Fj's are like a sporty torquey snarling supermoto, that you can tour on....... The fjr is a true touring machine....1300 cc's of locomotive like power with more luxuries...

[@BSC610]

@@SteveWKk Good summary. I'd say the starkest contrast is the feeling of weight. Also, shaft vs. chain drive. The FJR 1300 is a stellar bike for someone that needs a tourer but doesn't want something quite as touring focused as a BMW GTL, Honda Gold Wing, or Harley tourer. The FJ-09/Tracer is great for someone that wants a bike that they'd carve canyons on, commute, run around town, but also has the chops, stability and enough rider space for doing some touring.

[@tango165]

Good info, thanks for the review.

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stephc4427]

Hi Ian, Could you and Brandon review the latest Tracer 9 GT please? Thanks!

[@drewmorg.]

I've been seeing Multistrada 950 S models for like $13-14k and i have to say dollar for dollar it seems like a better package than the newer Tracer 900 GT. About the same brand new and you get WAY higher quality components and a more capable bike out of the Multi. At least on paper that's what it seems. Ducati cost of ownership seems to vary widely.

[@BSC610]

I'd say you're right. A used Multistrada 950S may be another good choice vs. a new Tracer 900GT. It's your last point that was a compelling reason I chose the FJ-09 (likely high reliability, serviceability and low maintenance costs).

[@oldsmokie101]

Brandon C Yup, spot on. Better still, for less money in total, buy a standard tracer (good discounts at moment) fit after market suspension, and it kills the gt, unless you want cruise control.

[@BSC610]

@@oldsmokie101 And the cruise control issue is addressed by a couple aftermarket vendors as well.

[@oldsmokie101]

Brandon C I think it's a bit like Apple. They make a great bike, then take bits off. After a couple years they put them back on, and hurrah, it's a new model. (My 2017 tracers got a blank where cruise control is fitted to gt. ) BTW someone on a forum has done 150, 000 km, no problems.

[@1compaqedr8]

I sat on multiple adventure bikes lined up in a row, KTM DUCATI BMW FJ09. The feeling of low quality of quickly noticed when sitting on a FJ09 but the simplicity and reliability makes up for lower quality. I ended up getting a used KTM 1190 with tons of features and adjustable suspension.

[@joegee2815]

I'm thinking about a used one that they have at a nearby dealership. They want too much for it I'm thinking. They are asking over $8K.

[@BigRockMoto]

Seems high.

[@joegee2815]

@@BigRockMoto Dealerships usually are. Hopefully, they'll be flexible. Probably not.

[@jp3rks]

Great review! I'm considering going from my 2016 FJ09 to something a bit more ADV... What do you think about the 2016 Africa Twin and how does the power compare?

[@johndupuis6911]

Would this be a good bike for someone who's going from a 94 ninja

[@kyjelly5524]

I’m torn between something like this and like an Africa twin.

[@thedude8526]

I'll be honest, this bike is way more fun on the road than the Africa Twin. The Africa Twin is a pig when riding on the dirt. Reminds me of a more powerful KLR650. Plus the Africa Twin is pretty expensive. Youd be better off buying a proper dirt bike for dirt riding and have this bike as your street rider.

[@kevinroark5815]

Let your friend talk, if you are asking him the questions.

[@amonGustavo07]

Considering this after seeing it for $5k

[@BSC610]

It's a lot of bike for the money. Even spending money to smooth the edges it's still a killer value.

[@dougiequick1]

Have you reviewed the Tracer9gt yet?

[@taasMoneyguruvlog]

They said about handle bar issue is wobble....??

[@GrahamSmith1523]

Oh man, 👍 nice. Thanks. Excellent. Very good.

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you liked it!

[@750rocketman5]

I hear everyone complain about suspension, I ride a 1981 yamaha every day I think everyones just bitchy, its not an r1

[@oleran4569]

Nice review.

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@yubtypin]

Kept getting ads every few minutes. Hope your making some money!!

[@samin1978]

nice vids friend !!!

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for the visit

[@landcruiser77]

Servicemaster van lol!

[@robertryan3138]

How do you "add" cruise control? A bike either has it, or it does not. A throttle lock is not cruise control.

[@robells6759]

Why did you sell yours after only 6 months?

[@BigRockMoto]

Because of the issues mentioned in the video. Throttle response, suspension, lack of features. I was in the position to buy a 1200GS, so I did, and I am happy now.

[@1compaqedr8]

@@BigRockMoto Likewise I was keen on an FJ-09 but so glad I got a KTM 1190 Adventure S used for less than a new FJ-09 at the time.

[@nickpritch3152]

Christ did anyone else get pissed at his interrupting and talking over the other guy 🙈

[@sunnygxracer]

Great bike , crap seat .

[@solidsnake3861]

haha i am taller ok dude