Yamaha Fz-09

YAMAHA FZ-09

RIDING IMPRESSION

Putting a bullet in boring bargain bikes

CHEAP" HAS MANY meanings, sometimes negative, sometimes positive. In the case of the Yamaha FZ-09, "cheap" will forever be a positive.

How so? Very few motor cycles deliver the value of the $7,990 FZ-09. It com bines a lively, powerful three-cylinder 847cc engine and excellent six-speed transmission with a sporty chassis and upright riding position. It would be natural to compare the Fz-o9 with the Triumph Street Triple and Honda NC700X, but the Triumph costs quite a bit more, while the slightly cheaper Honda doesn't offer nearly the spirit or fun of the Yamaha.

But not many bikes-at any price-offer the spirit and fun of the FZ-09. The real jewel of the package is the engine. It sounds great from

the saddle and runs fantastic, from idle to the 11,25o-rpm redline. It's perfectly happy trundling along at 2,500 rpm (or less) and builds linear but excitingly responsive power to 1o7-hp/62-pound-feet peaks, as recorded on the Cycle World Dynojet 250i dyno. There is no discernible jump in power anywhere-it just has tons of torque across the rev range with a killer midrange that makes lifting the front wheel easy. This is a great engine with the kind of spiritually moving power and sound you'll look forward to every time you hit the starter button.

Measured fuel economy while commuting has been in the 38-mpg range, which, given the 3.7-gallon fuel capacity, works out to a 140-mile range, though we typically see the fuel-warning light at around 100 miles.

The Kayaba fork and

shock offer spring-preload and rebound-damping adjustment. Steering is light and this 396-pound-dry (on the CWscale) bike is easy to handle, whether pushing it around while parking, dodging trucks in the big city, or clipping apexes on a winding road. When pushed hard, the FZ-09's steering is neutral and cornering clearance ample, but suspen sion control, even with maximum damping dialed in, leaves something to be desired. It's really more "commuting" damping than "sport" damping. Braking power from the four-piston front calipers is very good, though feel isn't stellar. Still, these are phenomenally good brakes considering the price range.

Ot the three D-mode throttle-response settings, B (the least aggressive) worked

best, offering the smoothest delivery, but it cuts peak power. Both A(most aggres sive) and Standard were too abrupt, "switchy" even, though the midrange, mid throttle-and-up aggression offered in A was fun once you let the revs rise.

The FZ-09 is a seriously fun and soulful motorcycle. It offers great all-around performance with a fantastic engine at its core. If this is the future of the low-price utility bike, your commute just got a lot more fun.

Ups + Fantastic engine Comfortable riding pa ii on +incedioevalue

DOWNS - Sinniiard and A throttle mode a rupt - Small fuel tank - Suspension is a