FJ09

[gumby302ho]

 Not wanting to stir the pot but have come across some info and video that says the FJ09 is prone to speed wobble at its max speed just around the same time the limiter cuts back the power, I am not really a fan of newer bikes but the 09 did peak my interest and I do really like this bike but if this is true thats not very good news for a machine that carries the FJ flag. A couple people have confirmed that it happened at its top speed of 115mph, say it aint so.

[Country Joe]

Here is one of the wobble threads on the FJ09 forum.
https://fj-09.org/thread/4737/wobble-keep-reading

[aviationfred]

After reading the link that Joe posted. It appears that the problem may not be the FJ09 itself, but similar to the FJ. Contributing factors could be tire pressure, loose steering head bearings, luggage and weight packed in there.

My 2 cents is this. Mentioned in the article are a few cases of a high speed wobble at or near the 115mph mark. On my FJ, I am rarely at that speed and when I am, it is for a short time. I wouldn't choose a bike at what it's behavior is at well above any posted speed (in North America). On the upper range of speed, some of my criteria is.... Can I ride at 80-90mph all day long and not get beat up by the wind, no helmet buffeting and the bike feels just as solid as if I was riding at 50mph.?

Fred

[giantkiller]

Kinda funny Fred. Your 1300 should be way past that in a 1/4 mile don't think it would be too much fun at 115. That's part of the problem. You can't accelerate through it. If you're at the limiter.

My fzr1000 would get a lock to lock head shake @135mph you could accelerate through it though.
But it turned out to be the front tire. looked fine but I replaced it and the head shake went away.

[yamaha fj rider]

The FJ-09 has it's speed limited to 115 mph, USA models only. Europe, 140 mph. Reflash the ECU to remove the speed limiter, this also gives you improved fuel mapping. Well worth it.

The speed wobble is because of poor suspension set up. The FJ-09 is a short, light, aggressively set up motorcycle. It's a moderately priced motorcycle, this means Yamaha didn't spend any extra money on the suspension. Remember the FJ-09 is 2,300 less than the R6. One more thing, changing the stock wind screen, may get rid of this. The most complained about thing is the wind screen, no body likes it.

We also need to remember with the internet, every little detail is written about. Things that would have not been known about when the FJ1100/1200 came out, are now plastered all over the web.

After owning my FJ-09 for over 2 years, I am and have been very happy with it. No motorcycle is perfect, this is a great bike and with a few small improvements it can be even better.

Kurt 

[PaulG]

... On my FJ, I am rarely at that speed and when I am, it is for a short time....

Fred

This reminds me if an encounter with some fellas.  Back in '88 the WSBK came to Mosport east of Toronto. (FYI Flying Freddy Merkel won both races).  I was camping near some guys and one of them lamented about his new GSXR750.  When he approached an indicated 260kph on the highway he would get a speed wobble.

He wrote to Suzuki Canada  (remember when we used to do that?) and complained about it saying, "why would you make a bike go this fast only to have it start wobbling?"

To their credit Suzuki wrote back,   "Why are you driving at 260pkh on public roads?"

End of correspondence.

That has always stuck with me.  The "occasional" squirt into triple digits is unavoidable for all of us.  Just make sure it's the right bike for the right job. And know your limitations.  The bike will always exceed yours.

Not trying to be a nanny here. Just an impromptu PSA as our season is just about to begin here.  Enjoy   

[carey]

The FJ-09 has it's speed limited to 115 mph, USA models only. Europe, 140 mph. Reflash the ECU to remove the speed limiter, this also gives you improved fuel mapping. Well worth it.

The speed wobble is because of poor suspension set up. The FJ-09 is a short, light, aggressively set up motorcycle. It's a moderately priced motorcycle, this means Yamaha didn't spend any extra money on the suspension. Remember the FJ-09 is 2,300 less than the R6. One more thing, changing the stock wind screen, may get rid of this. The most complained about thing is the wind screen, no body likes it.

We also need to remember with the internet, every little detail is written about. Things that would have not been known about when the FJ1100/1200 came out, are now plastered all over the web.

After owning my FJ-09 for over 2 years, I am and have been very happy with it. No motorcycle is perfect, this is a great bike and with a few small improvements it can be even better.

Kurt 

Kurt,

My experience has been the same.  With OEM suspension, I maxed out rear preload to get some feedback from the front end.  Aftermarket suspension was a big improvement.