Given the success of the MT-09 and MT-07, Yamaha wisely decided to make the most of this platform and its signature triple-cylinder engine. The new FJ-09 is the Japanese manufacturer's take on the sporty multi-use bike segment, and it will delight riders who love to go almost anywhere.

More comfortable than a true sport bike, more touring-oriented than a naked bike, and sportier than an adventure bike, the 2015 Yamaha FJ-09 is basically the two-wheel equivalent of a BMW X6.

From afar, it looks like an adventure motorcycle, but once you take a closer look its 17” wheels and sport-bike tires give away the fact that you can't take the FJ-09 onto the dirt. Actually, aside from the tall profile and generous ground clearance, there are few differences with the MT-09. You'll find the same sporty DNA, diamond-type cast aluminum frame, and triple-cylinder engine with D-Mode mapping.


Unique styling mixed with extra comfort
It's hard to recognize the MT-09 behind the attire of the new 2015 Yamaha FJ-09. With a splendidly sculpted body, sharp lines, and a menacing, FZ1-style front end, the latter deserves solid praise. Behold the aggressive front air intake that redirects airflow so as to reduce turbulence behind the windshield. Instead of the elegant, adjustable unit found on the stock model, my tester featured a larger windshield that took away some of the bike's sleek aesthetics.

Just seconds after straddling the 2015 Yamaha FJ-09 it becomes clear that comfort was a top priority for designers. Far from a sporty bike or supermotard, the FJ-09 offers a touring-like riding position with a firm but ergonomically shaped seat -- I'm happy to report no discomfort following 200+ kilometres of testing. The rider's chest stays upright, the arms are marginally extended, and the knees are slightly bent allowing long, uninterrupted trips. By the way, seat height can be adjusted from 845mm-860mm, while the handlebar offers 10mm of adjustability. The passenger benefits from a good perch and solid grab rails.

At low speeds, nimble handling prevails despite the 2015 Yamaha FJ-09 weighing 210kg (all tanks full). Stability is also part of the equation at low and medium speeds, while on the highway the front wheel becomes extremely light and makes it harder to follow your line. You can easily improve that by lowering the front end (raising the fork tubes between 5 and 10 mm in the triple clamps), the way to add weight over the front wheel to improve stability when riding at high speeds or when facing strong winds.

Seductive engine
The cream of the FJ-09's crop is the 847cc engine that comes alive at ultra-low revs. Power delivery is impressively linear as you work your way toward redline, accompanied by a raspy sound typical of triple-cylinders. Passing or re-accelerating after braking proves easy thanks to a strong pull from 2,500 rpm, and the engine vigorously builds momentum and speed until the rev limiter kicks in at 11,400 rpm.

The sporty spirit of the MT-09 remains in full, and the 2015 Yamaha FJ-09 features the same 3-position "D-Mode" variable throttle control system. Once again, the standard mode is ideally suited for urban riding, while the A-Mode unleashes power more abruptly for more exciting thrills. B-Mode reduces throttle response for rainy conditions.

Comprehensive electronics package
When things get slippery, the 2015 Yamaha FJ-09 can count on traction control and ABS to provide safety and peace of mind. The former is a terrific ally on rough, dirty stretches of pavement. It operates with precision, smoothness, and quickness so that total beginners can learn to work with it. Experienced riders will likely opt to turn the system off from time to time.

On a traditional country road marred by numerous cracks and sandy edges, it's impossible to upset or overwhelm the FJ-09. This bike can be ridden at a brisk pace which superbikes would be unable to maintain due to their radical chassis. The suspension feels quite sporty but not excessively so, compressing in corners without any adverse reactions. The rear end does an equally good job: It provides comfort when hitting bumps at speed, although you can feel small road imperfections at low speeds due to rebound damping being a bit too stiff.

The new FJ-09 is the Japanese manufacturer's take on the sporty multi-use bike segment, and it will delight riders who love to go almost anywhere. (Photo: France Ouellet)

Bottom line
The new 2015 Yamaha FJ-09 shares a number of components with the MT-09, yet its upright riding position, more intuitive handling, and more rider-friendly ways overall help deliver the sort of versatility enthusiasts look for. It's the perfect blend of everyday utility and weekend fun with a healthy dose of dynamic feel thrown in for good measure.

Pros

• Sharp and rider-friendly bike
• Lovely triple-cylinder
• Reassuring electronic aids
• Great balance of comfort and handling

Cons

• A bit too light up front
• Lowest seat configuration is still fairly high for a pavement-only bike