EICMA 2014 FIRST LOOK: 2015 Yamaha FJ-09

Although the lion's share of the attention at Yamaha's EICMA exhibit focused on the seriously potent new YZF-R1 superbike, another one of the company's motorcycles deserved a close look—the new FJ-09, a sport-touring version of the hot-selling FZ-09 triple. In Europe, this new Yamaha is called the MT-09 Tracer; in the US, it's just the FJ-09. Trademark issues in the US were cited, and I'm not sure that Yamaha would want to be associated with an old Mercury anyway.

Details: The new FJ-09 is based on the FZ-09's frame and 847c triple, which has a 120-degree crankshaft Yamaha calls cross-plane and a lively powerband that has endeared itself to many Cycle World staffers. The seating position is more upright than the FZ-09's, and the seat itself, with 0.6 inch of height adjustability, has more cushioning as well. The passenger seat is also larger. Making the new FJ-09 even more comfortable and accommodating over the long haul are a windscreen that can be raised or lowered 1.2 inches without tools, plus a handlebar that can be adjusted fore/aft 0.4 inches.

Other details: The gauge cluster is more like that of the Super Tenere than the FZ-09, and there's also an adjacent 12-volt outlet to power a GPS unit or other device. Other standard hardware includes ABS and switchable traction control, a centerstand, and LED lighting. Great news for travelers is that fuel tank capacity is 4.8 gallons, 1.1 gallons larger than the one on the FZ-09.

FZ-09 accessories include hard side bags, a top case, a tall windscreen, grip heaters, and an extra comfortable saddle. Two colors are offered: Matte Gray or Candy Red. Price is $10,490 and bikes are expected in dealers by the end of November.