Because you are wise beyond your years? Great bike but I don't feel the "great leg room." It's not too bad, though. If you like it just sitting on it, just hold that thought. It's a hoot.
Bitten yes, but I haven't done the ride yet. I'm sure the venom will be coursing through my veins if I do. It was red. Haven't had a red bike since my Hawk. Still looking around the homestead for stuff to sell for funds.
To me, the only similarities between the 8 and 09 are the FZ in the model number and 17" tires. Ones is a nekked sport bike and the other a super moto with out the tall suspension. The 8 is a great bike, but the seating is too cramped for this old man. Both would be fun to own but I could ride the 09 longer, and for me that is what matters most. This is just me, though. tomp
I rode one on Saturday. I was surprised at the power and the comfort. Only bike I could compare it to is the old ktm super duke. I think I might want one
Had an SD, as well. I noticed a lot of similarities and a lot of distinct differences between the two, also. I much prefer the FZ, myself. I never much cared for the "edge" or "rawness" of the non-Japanese nakeds. I tried...Great quality and the SD was a rip, though. Love the smooth and easy of the FZ more.
It seems like a lot of people are remapping their bikes and some are adjusting the throttle cable to reduce the snatchiness. Just curious, which one is the real fix? Does a remap screw with the fuel efficiency?
Correcting the slack helps, but it doesn't change the mapping. I'm sure that's the "fix." The question is: Does it really need to be fixed? I haven't tried the reflash, but those who have done it, love it. I'm still undecided.
I've beat nearly 4k miles into this thing while commuting to/from work since I picked it up in March. I was not a big fan for a while at first but it seems that bikes are like new girlfriends, once you learn each ones quirks you start enjoying every ride. Today was my first ride on it that did not involve my job as either destination or origin. Did a little of everything even some gravel and I have to say this girlfriend is a keeper. .. (at least until a newer nicer model comes around )
Nice photo's, looks like you were near Big Indian. The waterfalls looks familiar. Where can I get a sandwich like that? Paul
Too much throttle free-play makes any Fuel Injected bike snachy . . . Especially with EPA compliant lean fuel mixtures at the lower RPM's. The FZ-09 may seem overly sensitive due to its very light weight vs big power. Many riders use a G2 Throttle tamer on their Fi bikes. The FZ6 or FZ8 may work on the FZ-09: Product Description G2 Challenge: Improve control of over-responsive power characteristics of most fuel injected motorcycles. G2 Solution: The Throttle Tamer. The Throttle Tamer incorporates a non-linear ratio between hand throttle rotation and carburetor or throttle body opening. The pulley, or as we call it, cam pulls the throttle cable as the rider rotates the grip/tube. By altering the conventional, circular shaped cam, a vast improvement in control is achieved. The Throttle Tamer has a cam with a reduced radius initially, which requires a slightly farther rotation to achieve the same carburetor or throttle body opening position as a stock throttle. This virtually eliminates the jerky throttle snatch especially evident in modern fuel injected street bikes. The radius increases or ramps up after ½ throttle to keep overall rotation requires to reach full throttle at or near stock rotation. G2 Key Points: Machined from 6061 aluminum in the USA! Self-lubricating Delrin bushings at each end of tube eliminate aluminum-to-aluminum contact and provide an ultra-smooth feel. Included cam is removable and can be replaced with alternate cams (sold separately) to fine tune control. Fits inside the stock throttle housing to stock cables. Works with all known aftermarket cruise controls. Slide one of our Domino grips or your grip unto the Throttle Tamer. Installs in minutes!
I lived in the Hudson Valley for 38 years, passed that deli dozens of times and never made the stop.... silly me! Next time! Paul
My SV1000 was very touchy after I did the Timing Retard Eliminator (TRE), can you say accidental wheelie?! But I installed a G2 throttle tube and it was much better! Great product!
I have a Concours 14, and have read about the same problem on the Concours forum. The throttle tamer was the main answer given to remedy the problem. I don't notice a problem with my 14 but others must. The tamer must be the standard remedy for FI snatchiness without a PC or other reflash done. Had a horrible time with an 09 Bonneville, and removing the cable free play made a difference, but heard nothing except a new map did much for it.
I never owned an SD (although I hope to) but rode one a couple of times. I do think the FZ-09 was smoother but when I had it in A mode it had a bit of an edge.
Anyone heard any updates on the 2015 FZ-09? The dealer at Ridenow today told me that he heard Yamaha was releasing news on the 2015 next week (maybe new colors, R-spec level, or no changes at all?)