fj09 vs xsr900- help plz

[jsnj]

 
 
ready to upgrade from my first bike honda cbr300 after 1.5 years and 4k miles, loved the car but ready
goals are more powerful bike, more versatility, able to do longer trips, cbr not adequate on highways for any length of time
(i am 6-3 200 50yrs)
 
planned on getting the FJ09 after reading great reviews, feedback on forums and liked the bike in person, sitting on it anyway - no test drive
 
then saw the xsr900 and had second thoughts
love the look/size feel of the xsr900 but negatives on that bike are small tank, no cargo cases, no windscreen, no center stand
i know the engines suspension brakes etc are similar
 
-any input on this decision would help
-anybody have an fj09 and wish they could trade for xsr900?
-does the windscreen make a big difference  - see mixed reviews for the windscreen
 
thanks
 

[Trambo]

 
ready to upgrade from my first bike.... goals are more powerful bike, more versatility, able to do longer trips, cbr not adequate on highways for any length of time(i am 6-3 200 50yrs)
 
planned on getting the FJ09 after reading great reviews, feedback on forums and liked the bike in person, sitting on it anyway - no test drive
 
then saw the xsr900 and had second thoughts
love the look/size feel of the xsr900 but negatives on that bike are small tank, no cargo cases, no windscreen, no center stand
i know the engines suspension brakes etc are similar
 
-any input on this decision would help
-anybody have an fj09 and wish they could trade for xsr900?
-does the windscreen make a big difference  - see mixed reviews for the windscreen
 
thanks

You are at complete opposites here. Just look at what I highlighted in your post.
 
Yes the XSR looks nifty. Retro, old school, blah blah, etc. But let's talk practicality. Oh, look. You covered that, in the highlighted text above.
 
The XSR is a great concept and I'm happy Mamma Yamma is sticking this triple in everything they can... but let's face it, that bike is even less practical for commuting or trips than the FZ-09 is already. 
 
Great looks aren't everything... IMO.

[duhs10]

You are comparing a modern "café racer" / retro naked bike to a bike designed to be a light sport tourer. Im sure the XSR900 is a blast to ride as its essentially a FZ09 with a retro look (I think you get a slipper clutch and slightly adjusted suspension with the XSR). So really, you need to decide what requirements are more important to you. If you are planning on multi-day trips, long rides, and spending miles on the interstates a bike with a windshield makes a huge difference and I would definitely choose the FJ-09. If you are just going to be zipping around town, maybe go with the XSR. To me I think the FJ-09 is the best all around bike, in its price range, on the market right now. Also I could not imagine putting luggage on the XSR..
 
Besides the motor and frame these bikes are setup to do different things. Try to decide what is more important to you in a motorcycle and enjoy that wonderful motor.
 
Love my FJ-09, best bike Ive ever owned by a long shot. That's my 2 cents..

[root]

I'm happy with my FJ. I've been doing a ton of research on the XSR. It looks like a great bike. I like the styling and am jealous of the better TCS and slipper clutch. I have a buddy that's very interested in it because he has no interest in taking long trips or hauling much of anything with it. He just wants a bike to go riding with friends. He really likes my FJ except the taller seat height. He really wants ABS and TCS so it is better in those regards than the FZ. For me, I really like the tall seat on the FJ and I love the luggage options on the FJ so I'm not looking to switch but it sounds like a great fit for my friend. I mention this only because you've already hit all the major differences. One bike is not better for everyone than another. What works for me, doesn't work for my friend and vice versa. Only you can decide what options you need.

[martyl]

So many choices out there, it's really a decision of what you want to do with the bike. A kind of soul searching in the bike dept.

[spicymayo]

I had the same dilemma. The XSR is beautiful, but I needed the touring capabilities of the FJ-09, I wanted a better passenger seat, some wind protection and the FJ is cheaper on insurance for me.
 
And them I remembered I have an actual cafe racer project in my garage in the form of a CX500. I can make that as cool an uncomfortable as I want it.

[jsnj]

appreciate all the input guys
agree
need to really pin down what i want from next bike
 
leaning toward the FJ
if only for the factory grip warmers windscreen and some fairing to make winter riding more comfortable
thanks

[wordsmith]

I hadn’t seen this XSR until this thread came along. It’s an interesting evolution of the - 09 concept, though not for me. I’m waiting for Yamaha to develop a touring version of the Tracer, to supplement the so-called sport-tourer bike that it now is – 90% sport imho, tho’ an excellent machine in some respects.
 
List of features I’d like to see in a touring version include:
 
- improved wind protection – maybe along the lines of the fairing
  on a Triumph Tiger Sport 1050:
 
- somewhat larger fuel capacity:
 
- greatly improved and more readily adjustable suspenders;
 
- improved seating for day-long, day-in-day-out touring:
 
- revised gearing to lower engine revs at touring velocity:
 
- belt drive with possibly a single-sided swing-arm (as on BMW's F800 GT model):
 
- slightly larger-volume hard panniers as standard, and optional
  matching top-box:
 
- and of course GPS built-in.
 
What d’you reckon are the chances: or is it already in development?
 
w
 

[rocky5000100]

I hadn’t seen this XSR until this thread came along. It’s an interesting evolution of the - 09 concept, though not for me. I’m waiting for Yamaha to develop a touring version of the Tracer, to supplement the so-called sport-tourer bike that it now is – 90% sport imho, tho’ an excellent machine in some respects. 
List of features I’d like to see in a touring version include:
 
- improved wind protection – maybe along the lines of the fairing
  on a Triumph Tiger Sport 1050:
 
- somewhat larger fuel capacity:
 
- greatly improved and more readily adjustable suspenders;
 
- improved seating for day-long, day-in-day-out touring:
 
- revised gearing to lower engine revs at touring velocity:
 
- belt drive with possibly a single-sided swing-arm (as on BMW's F800 GT model):
 
- slightly larger-volume hard panniers as standard, and optional
  matching top-box:
 
- and of course GPS built-in.
 
What d’you reckon are the chances: or is it already in development?
 
w

It exists as the FJR. 

[root]

I hadn’t seen this XSR until this thread came along. It’s an interesting evolution of the - 09 concept, though not for me. I’m waiting for Yamaha to develop a touring version of the Tracer, to supplement the so-called sport-tourer bike that it now is – 90% sport imho, tho’ an excellent machine in some respects. 
List of features I’d like to see in a touring version include:
 
- improved wind protection – maybe along the lines of the fairing
  on a Triumph Tiger Sport 1050:
 
- somewhat larger fuel capacity:
 
- greatly improved and more readily adjustable suspenders;
 
- improved seating for day-long, day-in-day-out touring:
 
- revised gearing to lower engine revs at touring velocity:
 
- belt drive with possibly a single-sided swing-arm (as on BMW's F800 GT model):
 
- slightly larger-volume hard panniers as standard, and optional
  matching top-box:
 
- and of course GPS built-in.
 
What d’you reckon are the chances: or is it already in development?
 
w

Almost all the things you've listed are covered by the aftermarket.  The ones that aren't: 
- Larger Fuel Capacity - you are only about 25-50 miles of range off the biggest touring bikes on the market (Goldwing, HD Ultra, etc).  I seriously doubt they are going to go any bigger.
- Belt drive and single sided swingarm - So far all the 09 platform bikes have shared the same frame with different sub frames.  Doing either of these changes would likely require a new frame design.  I really don't see this happening.
 
I really see the FJR as Yamaha's more serious sport touring bike and the Super Tenere as their more serious adventure touring bike for day after day touring.  I don't personally see it in the cards for a larger touring model of the 09 platform as it would directly compete with both of those bikes and really wouldn't be adding too much to the marketplace.  Good news is the chain isn't too bad especially with an auto oiler, the fuel range is pretty dang good at 180-200 miles and all the other things on your list can be modified with the aftermarket exactly the way you want it.
 
Wind protection - lots of windscreens available from madstad to ermax to calsci
suspension - lots of aftermarket choices for suspension, some with remote adjusters to make it easier to adjust.  I've heard good things about Traxxion
seat - Lots of options from Corbin, Sargent is coming.  There are many custom seat makers that will customize the seat to you if you sent them the stock seat.
gearing - you can change the sprockets to tune the rpms to your liking on the highway.
panniers - FJR panniers fit very nicely and I have the Yamaha 50L top case as well.  Check out my avatar to see an example.
GPS - GPS technology and maps change much faster than I change vehicles.  I actually appreciate that I can update the GPS independently.  I use my phone most of the time in a mount but I'm thinking about splurging on the Garmin 595LM with the tire pressure sensors.

[crempel]

One is for guys who really ride and one is for guys who like the idea of riding.

[milo]

 
ready to upgrade from my first bike honda cbr300 after 1.5 years and 4k miles..... goals are more powerful bike, more versatility, able to do longer trips, 
planned on getting the FJ09 after reading great reviews then saw the xsr900 and had second thoughts
love the look/size feel of the xsr900 but negatives on that bike are small tank, no cargo cases, no windscreen, no center stand
i know the engines suspension brakes etc are similar.....  any input on this decision would help
 

You mentioned versatility and ability to do longer trips.... that would be an FJ-09. If this is not important and your priority is modern retro styling, minimalist wind protection, limited range, a motorcycle ideal for someone interested in short rides, or as a second bike for someone who already has a more versatile motorcycle, an XSR900 may be a better option. 

[gabefzr6]

Believe it or not, a friend of mine is thinking of buying an XSR as day ride/track bike. He already has an S1000XR and a dirt bike. He hasn't really bonded with his current track bike(an older Mille) so this is on his list. He loves the idea of bombing around the track on a retro styled bike. I'm guessing he'll upgrade the suspension for this though. Just goes to show that the perceived focus of a bike changes from person to person.

[alejandro]

@jsnj: Given your stated goals and your height (!), I'm thinking you'll be happy on the FJ-09. Put the seat in its high position, and you'll wonder why people riding almost everything else put up with having their knees up in their elbows. I'm only 5'9.5" and I do yoga, and even I am happier on bikes with more legroom!
 
And budget for a new windscreen--the stock one is bad.
 
FJ-09 covers 80% of street-riding use cases quite well. For the outliers, get a scooter or a Goldwing or a DRZ to go along with the FJ!

[jsnj]

thanks for all the input guys
pulled the trigger 
 
picking up my 2016 fj09 Tuesday
psyched!