new to me 2015 FJ09

[McDon]

82 450 Nighthawk, 83 650 Nighthawk, 82 CB900F, 84 750 Nighthawk S, 10 HD XR1200, 08 Buell Ulysses XT, 15 FJ09.

Just purchased FJ09 this past September. So far, impressed with power and ergonomics. So far unimpressed with headlights, saddle and exhaust. Exhaust sounds like a bone saw, I find it hard to get used to and relax with this sound. I do wear foam earplugs and have music playing on communicator. Am waiting on Bagster to make and send me new saddle. I do ride in the dark a lot. Am currently installing extra lights on forks to help out. Morning of November 07 was blinded temporarily by oncoming high beams. When eyes adjusted I saw 3 deer standing in the road just feet away. Tried to navigate between them and hit one in the ass with my left side Shad saddle bag. (Spoiler alert, although they advertise as impact resistant, they spectacularly explode when impacted). It has now been replaced along with the saddlebag mounting bar which also bent on impact. I also am fighting the exhaust headers, they sure seem prone to rust. Admittedly I do ride rain or shine, but I never had pipes rust before! Sounds like more complaints than positives, but I have only had her 4 months. Hopefully I will have most complaints sorted by spring.

[betoney]

The 2015 was the first year for the FJ and its admittedly a bit crude IMO, biggest complaints are usually the windscreen, jerky on/off fueling and unrefined suspension.

Admittedly, ergonomics will always be personal preference and never a one size fits all from the factory.  I change the handlebars, seat, and suspension on every bike I have ever owned.  Its a great bike when set up properly to fit you -including correct springs.

The discoloration of the headers usually cleans up with some fine steel wool or scour pads and metal polish.

There are probably hundreds of threads on here about adding either driving lights or daytime running lights, usually bolted to the crashbars, you can also turn on the high beam so both lamps are illuminated all of the time and aim the beam lower, I personally cant stand the 'burned out headlight' look that Yamaha insists on.

 

[2and3cylinders]

Welcome to the club.You have the fastest red!

Personally , I don't think the headlights are bad at all but I did add Auxiliary driving lights mounted to the Shad case guards you also have

Custom Sargent saddle, handle bars, screen et cetera

How many miles and what did you pay for if you don't mind me asking

[McDon]

1 hour ago, 2and3cylinders said:

Welcome to the club.You have the fastest red!

Personally , I don't think the headlights are bad at all but I did add Auxiliary driving lights mounted to the Shad case guards you also have

Custom Sargent saddle, handle bars, screen et cetera

How many miles and what did you pay for if you don't mind me asking

18,000km and paid asking price of $7000CAD without dickering. 

9 hours ago, betoney said:

The 2015 was the first year for the FJ and its admittedly a bit crude IMO, biggest complaints are usually the windscreen, jerky on/off fueling and unrefined suspension.

Admittedly, ergonomics will always be personal preference and never a one size fits all from the factory.  I change the handlebars, seat, and suspension on every bike I have ever owned.  Its a great bike when set up properly to fit you -including correct springs.

The discoloration of the headers usually cleans up with some fine steel wool or scour pads and metal polish.

There are probably hundreds of threads on here about adding either driving lights or daytime running lights, usually bolted to the crashbars, you can also turn on the high beam so both lamps are illuminated all of the time and aim the beam lower, I personally cant stand the 'burned out headlight' look that Yamaha insists on.

Previous owner did install handlebar risers, Givi crashbars, SW Motech skid plate & rad cover, rear spools and FJR led turn signals.

Edited December 22, 2024 by McDon

[knyte]

Heyyy, welcome!  Another example of the fastest red; love it.

A Nighthawk fan, eh?  I've got an 83 550 that needs a bit of love.  I'm hopeful the spring for the cam chain tensioner will sort it out.

[McDon]

7 hours ago, knyte said:

Heyyy, welcome!  Another example of the fastest red; love it.

A Nighthawk fan, eh?  I've got an 83 550 that needs a bit of love.  I'm hopeful the spring for the cam chain tensioner will sort it out.

Nice. My 650 Nighthawk engine seized over winter I think second year I owned it. I found a 550 Nighthawk engine and they drop right in. With the 550 in it, that nighthawk was the first ride from Oshawa to Edmonton I ever did, 1986.

 

[knyte]

NICE!  Those bikes are real head turners.  Mad torque in every gear.

Gas tank is a bit small though, eh?

[McDon]

11 hours ago, knyte said:

NICE!  Those bikes are real head turners.  Mad torque in every gear.

Gas tank is a bit small though, eh?

Seemed like almost all 80's bikes were good for just over 200km which seemed plenty back then. These days 200km range can cause range anxiety with the number of rural gas stations that have closed in the last decade. Nighthawk S was my favorite, although I did keep the 650 Nighthawk for about 18 years.