On display at Intermot last October was a prototype 3-cylinder Yamaha engine. Today, a mere eight months later, we’re revealing the 2014 Yamaha FZ-09 – an $8000 naked sporty bike with impressive specs and an alluring price. Also new from Yamaha is the 2014 YZ450F and YZ250F.
Joining the ranks of other Triple manufacturers, namely Triumph and MV Agusta, the FZ-09 looks to trump its competition by virtue of more displacement and a lower MSRP.
Yamaha refers to its new engine as a “crossplane crankshaft,” but in fact all three-cylinder motorcycle engines use the same 120-degree crankshaft spacings – the same as its British and Italian counterparts. Yamaha is borrowing the terminology from its R1 superbike – with a unique inline-Four crossplane crankshaft engine design – to imply that the new Triple delivers the same brand of linear torque output. Yamaha is claiming 65 ft-lb of torque, four more than its outgoing FZ8. And, like all Triples, Yamaha’s utilizes a balance shaft to offset the resulting vibration inherent in this design.
Unique to the new Yamaha Triple is the use of different-length intake funnels (122.8mm, 102.8mm, 82.8mm) that Yamaha says improves throttle response as well as low- and mid-range engine power. Crossover tubes between 1 & 2 and 2 & 3 header pipes also broaden its torque curve. A large exhaust collector under the engine enables a nicely stubby canister outlet. Yamaha reps claim the FZ-09 emits a pleasing sound when both inhaling and exhaling.
New switchgear featuring a single-purpose Mode button should make selecting the throttle performance you desire an easy operation.
In the electronics department the new FZ offers both Yamaha Chip Controlled (YCC-T) Ride-by-Wire throttle control and three rider modes (A, B and Standard). Standard mode is set to accommodate a wide range of riding conditions while A mode employs sharper throttle response in the low-to mid-rpm range, and B mode exhibits a milder throttle response.
The frame and swingarm are aluminum and boast a newfound narrowness by virtue of the swingarm being mounted outboard of its lower frame rails. New 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels are 0.85 pounds lighter than the FZ8’s wheels, while the distance between contact patches is 56.7 inches (0.8 inch less than the FZ8’s wheelbase).
The new FZ also features a more relaxed rider triangle compared to the FZ8’s by way of handlebars that are 53mm taller and 40mm further back. Footpegs an inch (26mm) lower supply added legroom. The inverted fork and non-linkage rear shock are adjustable for preload and rebound damping. Fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons is on the small side.
We’re chomping at the bit to take this new Triple for a spin, which should happen in about 90 days. We’re assuming this to be the first of more models from Yamaha utilizing the three-cylinder design.
Having previously produced three-cylinder models in the late ’70s in the form of the XS750 and XS850, this isn’t Yamaha’s first foray into the world of Triples. But, if successful this time around, how long until Honda, et. al. bring their own versions of the easy-to-package and relatively cheap-to-build Triples to market? Like the former under-seat exhaust trend, will Triples be the new Black?
Naked sporty bikes from Japan have consistently sold poorly in North America, but Yamaha is taking another swipe at it with the FZ-09. The company’s internal research shows that American riders are using their motorcycles for commuting purposes to a greater extent, and a comfortable riding position is now at the top of the list of purchase reasons for a bike in this class, which bodes well for a comfortable yet sporty machine like the FZ-09.
Joining the ranks of other Triple manufacturers, namely Triumph and MV Agusta, the FZ-09 looks to trump its competition by virtue of more displacement and a lower MSRP.
 The new FZ-09 replaces the FZ8 but the FZ1 remains in Yamaha’s 2014 model lineup. |
TRIPLE PLAY: Intermot 2012: Yamaha Unveils Crossplane Triple Concept
| How the FZ-09 Stacks Up | ||
| Displacement | MSRP | |
| Yamaha FZ-09 | 847cc | $7990 |
| Triumph Street Triple | 675cc | $9399 |
| MV Agusta Brutale 800 | 798cc | $13,998 |
 The FZ-09’s claimed curb weight of 414 pounds is 53 less than the FZ8. The FZ-09 also retails for $900 less than the FZ8 model it’s replacing. |
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New switchgear featuring a single-purpose Mode button should make selecting the throttle performance you desire an easy operation.
The frame and swingarm are aluminum and boast a newfound narrowness by virtue of the swingarm being mounted outboard of its lower frame rails. New 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels are 0.85 pounds lighter than the FZ8’s wheels, while the distance between contact patches is 56.7 inches (0.8 inch less than the FZ8’s wheelbase).
The new FZ also features a more relaxed rider triangle compared to the FZ8’s by way of handlebars that are 53mm taller and 40mm further back. Footpegs an inch (26mm) lower supply added legroom. The inverted fork and non-linkage rear shock are adjustable for preload and rebound damping. Fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons is on the small side.
We’re chomping at the bit to take this new Triple for a spin, which should happen in about 90 days. We’re assuming this to be the first of more models from Yamaha utilizing the three-cylinder design.
 The LCD instrument cluster is offset right-of-center for no purpose other than styling. The readout area is tidy but small and includes a fuel gauge and gear-position indicator. |
Naked sporty bikes from Japan have consistently sold poorly in North America, but Yamaha is taking another swipe at it with the FZ-09. The company’s internal research shows that American riders are using their motorcycles for commuting purposes to a greater extent, and a comfortable riding position is now at the top of the list of purchase reasons for a bike in this class, which bodes well for a comfortable yet sporty machine like the FZ-09.
 The 2014 FZ-09 comes in two colors: Rapid Red or Liquid Graphite. Expect them in dealers sometime this fall. |
| 2014 Yamaha FZ-09 Specs | |
| MSRP | $7990 |
| Engine Capacity | 847cc |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-stroke, 12 valves |
| Bore x Stroke | 78.0 x 59.1mm |
| Compression | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel System | Fuel injection |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Clutch | Multiplate wet clutch |
| Final Drive | O-ring chain |
| Frame | Aluminum frame with externally mounted swingarm |
| Front Suspension | 41mm fork; adjustable preload and rebound damping, 5.4-in travel |
| Rear Suspension | Single shock; adjustable preload and rebound damping; 5.1-in travel |
| Front Brakes | Dual hydraulic disc, 298mm |
| Rear Brakes | Single hydraulic disc, 245mm |
| Front Tire | 120/70-ZR17 |
| Rear Tire | 18055-ZR17 |
| Seat Height | 32.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 56.7 in |
| Curb Weight | 414 lb |
| Fuel Capacity | 3.7 gal |
| Electronics | Ride-by-Wire, Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle, D-Modes |
| Colors | Rapid Red, Liquid Graphite |
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