Yamaha Slates 2016 FZ-07 and FZ-09 for September Release
Top-selling roadsters get the bold new graphics treatment
When Yamaha announced today that the 2016 FZ-07 and FZ-09 would be in dealerships beginning in September, another tidbit was dropped. Collectively, the two models account for two of the top-four-selling motorcycles the company produces. The fact that the FZ-07 has been on sale for less than 12 months makes its placement at number four even more impressive. Yamaha’s PR reps said they expect it to move up the ranks as time goes on.
2015 Yamaha FZ-07 First Ride Review
For 2016, the FZ-07 keeps all the important details the same as in 2015 – except for the color. The 689cc inline-Twin will still produce the ample mid-range torque that we love. The first-rate fuel metering delivered a precise connection from the rider’s right wrist to the rear tire, and the FZ’s sporty handling impressed our staff – even with suspension that was built to a price point. The dual 282mm wave-type brakes and the four-piston monobloc calipers perform impressively for this category of bike – though ABS is still not an option. Still, the FZ-07 remains a great value for $6,990, and you get to choose between Raven and Matte Silver.
Weighing in at number two in Yamaha street motorcycle sales (behind, surprisingly, the R6), the FZ-09 continues to wow our testers, particularly now that the EFI glitches that plagued the 2014 model have been exorcised. The beast of an 847cc inline-Triple, now cured of its herky-jerky throttle, can actually take advantage of the engine’s impressive bottom-end torque and the riding modes that its ride-by-wire throttle enables. The upright riding position gives the impression of straddling the front wheel. When combined with the leverage of the wide bar, the FZ-09 can quickly be pitched into corners. Heavier and aggressive riders can cause the FZ’s softly sprung and damped suspension to be overwhelmed, but, with an $8,190 MSRP, upgrading suspension components is probably within reach for most riders who would need stiffer suspenders. So, the only real decision is which color to get, Raven or Impact Blue.
The 2016 models of the FZ-07 and the FZ-09 will be in dealerships beginning in September.
Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.
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I really do like that 07. Love the sound of the 09.
In the last couple months I have had 3 times in a panic to slam on the brakes of my honda fit and praise honda engineering for ABS it works, it works, it really works PUT IT ON THE BIKE please