2015 – 2017 Yamaha FJ-09 Review

Back in 2014 at the EIMC, Yamaha introduced us to its latest effort to join the ranks of sport-touring motorcycle manufacturers with the 2015 FJ-09. Essentially, the factory took its naked FZ-09 and refined it for longer trips with a front fairing, windshield and expanded pillion seat area, leaving us with a smaller displacement, and less expensive, version of the dual-sport Super Ténéré. Brought forward for 2017, it’s sort of an entry-level model for the adventure bike market, just without any claims of off-road capabilities.

Feedback so far suggests that it makes an outstanding commuter bike, which to me speaks volumes about this ride. Sure, long trips give plenty of opportunities to discover any less-than-desirable characteristics on any given bike, but I submit to you that commuters get even more opportunities to learn about their machines through daily use in traffic situations and inclement weather. I consider the daily grind to be a sort of crucible that separates the wanna-be bikes from the truly capable. Join me as I delve in to see what made this bike so popular in such a short period of time.

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