Reviews/ Yamaha/ Fj-09
Yamaha Fj-09
8.2/10 Adventure

Yamaha Fj-09 Review

"Buy the suspension-upgraded example and never look back."

Experienced riders wanting affordable, capable sport-touring $5,500-$8,500 used 2015-2020
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Used Buyer Review

The FJ-09 is one of those bikes that punches well above its price point on the used market. Yamaha's CP3 triple is genuinely brilliant — smooth low-down, characterful mid-range, and surprisingly urgent up top. It's not a superbike, but it moves with real purpose. The ergonomics hit a sweet spot between sporty and comfortable, and it'll do sport-touring, commuting, or canyon runs without complaint. Genuinely versatile in the best possible way. That said, go in with eyes open. Early 2015-2016 examples have notoriously vague, wallowy suspension — it's not dangerous, just disappointing. Most used examples you'll find have already had aftermarket springs or a full suspension rebuild thrown at them, which is actually fine. Check service history obsessively; these engines reward regular oil changes. The fueling can be abrupt below 4,000 rpm in A mode — switch to B mode and it largely disappears. Minor annoyance, not a dealbreaker.

Pros

+CP3 triple sounds incredible
+Exceptional value used market
+Genuinely versatile all-rounder
+Strong aftermarket support exists
+Comfortable two-up capability

Cons

-Stock suspension disappointingly soft
-Low-RPM fueling can snatch
-Wind protection barely adequate
-Plastic feels budget at points
warning
Avoid if

You demand premium fit, finish, and refinement

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