2017 Yamaha FZ-09 Review | MC Commute
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- Motorcyclist staffer Zack Courts is always arriving to office after his commute with a bunch of opinions about the bike he’s riding. Too much this, not enough that, and occasionally has some decent insights. We thought some of it might help consumers or entertain enthusiasts, so we strapped a camera and microphone to the side of his helmet and told him to turn it on when he leaves his house. A lot of him talking in his helmet is complaining about drivers, yelling at red lights, and wondering why billboards aren’t more expensive. But sometimes he actually talks about the bike, and those are the parts we keep. Got a bike you would like to see discussed? Let us know and we’ll send him home on that one next.
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It's no secret we're always trying to get our staff to work a little harder. Especially the ones that always seem to have too much to say. "Write it down!" we always shout at each other. Zack Courts is a classic case, always arriving to office after his commute with a bunch of opinions about the bike he's riding. Too much this, not enough that, and occasionally has some decent insights that we thought might help consumers or entertain enthusiasts.
So we strapped a camera and microphone to the side of his helmet and told him to turn it on when he leaves his house. A lot of him talking in his helmet is complaining about drivers, yelling at red lights, and wondering why billboards aren't more expensive. But sometimes he actually talks about the bike, and those are the parts we keep. Got a bike you would like to see discussed? Let us know and we'll send him home on that one next.
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Zack Courts, ladies and gentlemen. I think he can do wheelies while giving a lecture at the UN about how good lane splitting is for the environment
Or one could just watch "the great vanishing act" ua-cam.com/video/Bs5PYRYb3_4/v-deo.html
5:36 "That's okay though, I ain't trying to hate" *So refreshing to see a rider not lose his shit in traffic!*
Also 3:20 - big ol humvee pulling out in front...... Some other tubers go mental and carry on, but no, easier to just chill and keep riding.....
i always lose my shit with that even if im driving a car
Totally agree, some riders take it a little too seriously which I can see, because motorcycle accidents suck and there's really no way of not getting injured when you crash. But road rage doesn't solve the problem it just turns it into a bigger problem.
*points at camera* YoU'rE gOiNg oN yOuTuBe!
I wish I could be that chill. I can't even be that chill in my car.
i have had the Mt09 for 3 years so far .i am i ln love and still in love with this bike inspite of it's imperfections .The CP3 engine is spectacular !
Love how he starts reviewing others bike.
I love it that Zack giggles every time he pins the throttle or wheelies any bike.
Dear Motorcyclist, When you post an MC Commute video could you please list the gear Zach is wearing in the description. Cheers!
I've watched a lot of these videos and Zack does his acceleration/wheelie giggle most on this bike and its one of the things that is putting the mt-09 at the top of the spring shopping list.
Another great edition of MC Commute. Thank you!
I've watched *a lot* of videos on the MT/FZ09 and this is by far the best. Thanks.
Riding shoes, nice helmet and clean chain, someone has a crush :p
I love how he said clean chain
just got my 2017 fz09 late this year, came from an R3 and I couldn't be happier... such a giggle machine!! im constantly yelling things like..."wooo!" .. "my god!!" .. "ooooooohh!"
I stopped riding when I moved to Texas from California...missed lane splitting too much!
who's still watching Zacky in '22? 😎
I was lucky enough to score a ride on the new 09 with a slip-on muffler on it. Very fun and memorable bike to ride for all the good reasons. Really enjoyed your review.
after my R1 was stolen I bought an fz 09. I fell in love but eventually sold it to buy my dream bike, an R1. I now have my dream bike, yet I long for the fun I used to have during that summer with the fz 09. I'm considering buying a 2017 model. The updates on this model year seem to address every concern I had about the old, budget-minded 2015 model. Might have to trade in the grom for another toy.
You are such a positive guy. I love it. Subscribed. Great review of the Fz09 btw. I think i might buy this 2nd gen.
The imperfections of this bike makes it so good
The first test ride I did with the first FZ 09....was literally a revelation on wheeling.... Such a motor....effortless...wheelies...effortless riding, light and nimble....I was just amazed.... Not the top end that it promissed through low down and midrange...but who cares... I ride an FZ6...., I have riden a bunch of motorcycles, 1000cc inline4's, V2's, 450's singles..etc...but this inline 3.... is such a smile producer...while riding.
well you didnt mention the mt09 wheelies easy cause its geared short and its tuned for low to mid,
ride any 800cc vtwin. same thing but more torque.
It also has short wheelbase that facilitates wheelies too....but who cares...it's the sensation of effortless riding, fun to play at any given moment....lightness...and a really amazing engine. 2nd to FZ09 I would place the KTM 690 enduro R and 3rd the BMW F800GS. And one of the best all rounders ever, the Aprilia Tuono1000R 2005-2010. But that's just my opinion.
Why all the ellipses?
I hope we can all see the difference. A real motorcycle enthusiast talking here, not a bored journalist. I'm looking at you, MCN! Nice one, Zack. I have subscribed.
The MT/FZ 09 engine in an R1 chassis and R1 tech would be an absolutely amazing combo. It would make it the ultimate track/street/commuter bike.
DA2THFA1RY Yamaha should definitely make a Daytona competitor with the CP3 motor.
what?? :s
there's the mt10
+Nicholas Jeremy MT-10 is all around great bike. The only downside is that it is very thirsty. It drinks 30% more fuel than MT-09.
However, MT-09 engine in R1 chassis with R1 electronics sounds really interesting.
dont be stupid, go ride an mt-10. its everything the mt09 should be.
how on earth is he such a good rider,? wheelies, backing it in, turning off the traction control to have fun and all while talking about it without breaking a sweat
You breaking down the dude on the fz1 was so accurate, I do that all the time 😂
Great timing! Yesterday I had a test drive on 2017 model. MT-09 will be my next motorcycle.
did u get one?
I think I said this under the Speed Triple video but I'll say it again
Worth a watch for the parking lot skids alone - the rest is a bonus ;)
great review man. how did I not know about your channel? subbed for life 👌
the mt09/fz09 engine has always been incredible... it's the rest of the bike that lets it down
What Do you mean especialli ?
The FZ09 is nice, but I like the FZ07 way better after riding both on a demo day. The FZ07 just makes me feel like a hooligan & had that awesome twin cylinder thumping sound. I really would love to see a Proper ADV bike with the FZ07 engine...... I would buy one for sure!! Seriously, been waiting for someone to come out with a true middleweight ADV bike & that motor would be perfect for the job!
hey Zac. kinda bummed I missed you at the aprilia rsv4 and tuono press launch. I was at the dinner with 650ib and you already left. all the other jornalists all agreed u work to damn hard! lol. hopefully I catch u one day would love to meet u. great review. I love the fz09 lb for lb $ for $.
Nice. Can we get an FZ-07 also?
I haven't heard about anything for the FZ-07. Some firmer damping and higher rate springs would be great though and maybe a tad smoother throttle! Doesn't need much else.
I wouldn't mind having the XSR700. Bring some style, hooligan, practicality all together for a sexy low price.
of course its going to get some sort of transformer eyes... every other MT has it now. its just natural progression.
In my opinion, the bug eyes look way better than a big fucking cyclops eye than most of the naked bike and old bike have. It's a new style and it stands out from others at least ... anyway its the natural evolution of the style, you like it or you dont ...
I really think if the lights didnt stick out so far they would look better. from the front they look ok but from the side just looks out of place. IMO
Imagine a street oriented supersport built on a budget with the fz09 engine.. I think it would be a top seller. In the last couple of years sportbikes have gotten more and more track orientated and theres definetly a market for streetable supersports that no manufacturer seems to care about (except maybe ducati) i think :)
Hope to see a similar video for the new Rebel 500 soon!
11:08 "don't go too fast" ---> 5:49 *touches down from a wheelie at 80mph*
When I test rode it recently I didn't like the tachometer. It's really hard to read it. The clutch felt natural and I didn't have any complaints as mentioned in the video. The other thing to note is that the clutch cover protrudes quite a lot and is high, so I bump my leg on it, although I am not tall. The engine is very smooth at idle and gets that 3 cylinder roughness when it spins up. The power is abundant everywhere in the rev range. It felt as strong as the MT-10 in the low to mid range.
I love that you can lane-share in Cali. I wonder what type of chaos would ensue if they permitted that in Chicago.
The appropriate response when someone pulls out in front of you "smells like diesel" lol
Great content very subtle and sophisticated analysis
I love the new style changes on the 2017 (They fixed everything that was ugly). It's one of the best motors ever put in a motorcycle. I loved it so much I bought one. The suspension is waaaay better then the first gen.
Steven Watson man that old headlight was horrible.. very ugly
I always enjoy your reviews. You poo such smooth wheelies!
"you poo" lmao 🤣
Been so long!! Been waiting for this!
I'm planning to buy one real soon. Will probably have Ohlins NIX30 and some kind of full adj rear shock installed right off the bat. The wheelie issues? The rear swingarm angle doesn't provide enough "anti-squat" tendencies because the angle is too shallow. That can be fixed with a ride-height adjustable shock.
Nice bike! Good Review! The micro off center gauge package along with the "Transformer" headlight assembly would definitely keep me looking at something else.
Man I love the sound of the valve train on the triples. They sound so awesome!
my buddy bought the retro themed paint version great looking bike I am a sport bike kinda guy but like all firearms I love all bikes lol
Excellent review, where in California is that area?
Love your commute reviews Zack. Have you guys ever commuted on or plan to commute on an S1000R?
Don't want you Americans to be jealous in Europe this bike (we call it mt09) gets a quickshifter as standard
Yeah but we have the 1st amendment 😁
That's ok, for $150 you just add one later. Though it should have been standard!
Zack,excellent review.What do you like better? The 2017 FZ09 or the 2017 FZ10 or the 2016 XSR900 ??????
Apple fritters are the business.
Also, great video Zack.
:D
The rear shock has been updated, it is actually the one off of the xsr900.
Check out the 44teeth launch video 👌🏻
Another great commute. Please do the MT10/FZ10 !
Zach, loved this and also the versys commute. Please, if there is any chance, please do the NC 750X commute report. It might be a "boring" bike for some, but it competes in the space of the Versys....would be good to have your feedback.
impressive bike, I ve selected and changed my old yamaha xt660r by a mt07 (fz07) and this engine have more power also more torq with not much more cc than the 660, this is incredible! Im ancious for a yamaha big trail with the fz07 engine. Tks for all the videos. very very useful! regards
this video helped me seal the deal and trade my fz07 in for the 2018 mt09. at the end of this video watching Zack show traction control in action...cool deal.. was considering the z900. Man do I LOVE this MT09!!!
How do you like the mt09 in comparison to the 07? Was your 07 modded at all? Ecu flash, air intake, etc??
@@QuickRipzz both bikes are excellent, no mods for the 07, I put an exhaust on the 09 and sold that one and got the honda crf 450l and put the vortex, exhaust, and pulled the snorkel off the intake and basically had a street legal motocross bike on the street, sooo much fun! But I sold that one also and got a grom for a couple of months and sold that also, besides the grom all of those other bikes are beyond a blast to ride except for riding wheelies way too much.
@@gcb9795man, I flashed the ecu on and put the top of the line horde air intake on my recently purchased mt07 and it feels like a new bike, performance wise. I've yet to install the quickshifter too. Can't wait
@@QuickRipzz That is a great bike! Have fun and be as safe as possible
Drop in a Stoltec moto 25mm cartridge kit, Penske rear, the usual tuning upgrades and voila. 415 pound raucous monster that doesn't get boring.
I love your channel folks but can we get some used market as well. I understand there is not much hype into it but from time to time would be awasome!!!
best biking channel love it.
You can definitely tell someone is a noob if they're not wearing gloves. Any veteran rider has been down at least once, and was either damn thankful they were wearing gloves, or damn regretful they weren't.
You always make it look like so much fun. I want one
How good is the engine? Really good!
Love MC commute, keep it up 👍👍👍
How does this bike handle heavier riders? You said you were a heavy guy at 190 lbs. Is that with or without gear? Because either way I wouldn't consider that particularly heavy. I'm 220 sans gear, and probably closer to 260 once I'm all geared up, so naturally Im curious how this 2017 model handles us heavy riders now that Yamaha has claimed to have reworked the suspension. Thank you for the vid. Thumbs up.
Zack, I have just read in another article about the new LED headlights not working very well on a FZ09 being tested. The tester said they were ok in town but once he hit the back roads they lit the road so poorly that he ended up turning around as he couldn't safely navigate corners and/or see pothole or road debris. High beam didn't make very much difference either. He had taken the bike in to make sure the headlights were correctly aimed and such. Have you folks tried the bike at night out on a road without street lights?
Zack Courts Thanks Zack, good to hear the lights appear to be ok as I really like the new look. And I hope you guys keep these commutes coming. Along with Ari's videos on maintaining your bike and of course You and Ari's adventures, for me, these are the best videos out there. Also, as a digital subscriber to the magazine I'd like to say that I think the new format is great.
It ls a problem with all LED projectors, they throw the light in the shape of a rectangle and that angle changes when you turn the bars but does not throw far enough up the road you get a blacked out spot in front of you.
Hot damn. You're are in Costa Mesa. I stay in HB. It'd be an awesome event to run into you on the street and fancy a ride. Very informative video. Well done sir.
I recognized the area, too. He wound up in Irvine. I work very close to where he ended up.
FZ09 or Z900? if you hade to choose one, and why. My commute is 60 miles, looking for comfort, mpg, and the occasional mountain road rides. Thanks for the great videos!!
John Fuller FZ 09 bro
Z900 all the way!
Hey Zack can we get an MC commute video with some of Zero Motorcycles products? I'm thinking the SR or the FXS would be interesting commuter bikes. Would love to hear what you think.
That fz1 sounded good 🔥
good honest video, keep them up. i have a 2017 and love it. wheelie prone easily fixed with better rear shock
YES.
This will definitely be my next bike. Perfect for hooligan shiet.
8 days to go to Eicma ...and hopefully they announce the mt-09 SP ... for you guys FZ-09 SP ...I'm hoping you guys get one and review it, all that Ohlins goodness, so once again this bike should be that much better than the model you are currently testing and be a serious rival for the triumph triple R... I'm jumping right in, down here in Australia and grabbing one of these Yamaha godliness machines in early January ... I'll be having an Akra fitted and a tail tidy before i take possession , me personally not a fan of their imitation European tail thing, my brother has a 2017 MV Aguata brutale 800 and they really did it so much better, sleeker with sexy led blinkers etc, and it works with the single sided swing arm hugging the inner profile of the rim..Yamaha just added the chunk on the outside and it looks like a construction zone.. but SP ....SP ....I need to say it one more time SP!
I'm still awaiting my invite to the big FZ09 comparison video. Any word on my choices?
The hills are alive with the sound of Triple.
Even tunnels! ua-cam.com/video/bmY24RJJ0F4/v-deo.html
Zack Courts your reviews are a unique perspective - I love all of them! Btw, what boots are those you are wearing @ 15:32? You have my dream job!
great stuff! i would love to see a vid comparing to the FJ-09. theyre so similar, I'd like to see why the FJ sells for $1-2k more
I don't get all the comments on the soft suspension. Did you set the sag correctly for your weight? If not all you can objectively comment on is the suspension with stock settings.
The magazine MCN is talking about "high" front end and say that the bike is fundamentally imbalanced..even for the SP model..what do you say?
Zach, thanks for your feedback on the bike's clutch. How do you feel about the slipper clutch on the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Z400?
Really enjoy the commute videos. Are you wearing some type of motorcycle jeans or just regular? Lane splitting is crazy, not allowed here in Michigan.
It's crazy awesome. Slightly safer than just riding in traffic if you're not doing it at high speed or with a huge speed differential and saves time for everyone. I split regularly during my commute despite it not being allowed in my state.
I'm a UK rider and now in the market for either a naked or cafe bike for weekend fun but I can't yet decide. I would be interested to know what bikes you have tested that stand out as something you would consider?
You need to tune those forks for your weight and riding style! The factory setting sucks! You can also adjust the mono shock a bit better!
Hey Zack, thanks for video. Any chance you guys would do the FJ-09? I've never seen you guys comment on or review it? Thanks!
No mention of a quick shifter?
Over the pond here in the UK we get and upshift only quick shifter as standard, which ive tried and is pretty good.
Hmm that's a shame, i wonder why?
Good update review, Zack. Want to give your current favorite motorcycle ranking? What's your top 10 or at least top 3?
Please comment the smoothness of clutch and transmission. Which bikes do have the best throttle response in the industry?
Nice review as always. The offset Inst. cluster is OK, but it is also crooked. It made the handlebars look bent. Is it offset AND crooked on purpose?
Cool vid mate. What video editing software are you using?
Europeans get the SP version with upgraded suspension which would probably improve this bike no end. Still want one though. Good video.
Please always give seat height and your inseam. Helps!
5:45 that put a shit eating grin on my face
If only the MT-03 had a seat like that. I would buy one.
Superb bike. Very good review.
I like that jacket. What is it and how do you like it?
MV Agusta Dragster! Want to know what the street performance would be for a daily commute!
Performance wise, can you tell a big difference between the FZ09 vs 07? Please advise, thank you.
Did they fix the stalling problem finally on the 2017's?
I'm looking at a 2015 but they still have the issue which is making me lean off the fence..
I'd love to see a Tenere-type bike with this motor in it!
@@sysrqstoic With offroad capabilities is the obvious requirement mentioning the Tenere. So, sorry, no.
One question: Is it > than or < than the XSR900 in terms of all around performance and enjoyability?
Aren't there different modes on this bike? A and B mode etc, do you have any thoughts on that?
Which has a more upright riding position Versys 650 or MT09 , i.e. no pressure on palm at congestion (lane spliting) crawling speed
Please tell about the clutch effort required in traffic.
I'm having a hard time trying to decide between the XSR900 and the FZ-09... Especially now that the FZ has a resdesign for the 17 MY, and the price gap between a 17 FZ and a 16 XSR is only about $400 or $500. I'm a big guy, about 6'0", and 280lbs (working on that too). I was definitely talk enough for my 06 GSX-R 750 that I had, but definitely got cramped after like an hour of riding.
The only thing that will probably 100% sway me to the FZ is if they introduce an SP model next month, like rumoured.... However, assuming that doesn't happen, then I'm still stuck trying to decide between the improved 17 FZ and the 16 XSR! Thoughts? I like the way both look.
Zack Courts thanks for the feedback. I'm still favoring the FZ (17 MY, since we don't get the MT-09 SP here in the states...), But I wish I could ride them both back to back.
I am going to be going to the motorcycle show in Chicago in February... Maybe they'll have them there to at least sit on.