rambuck Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 Another new old guy here. Early 50's young, currently riding a 2009 Concours 14. I've been doing a LOT of research on the FJ-09. I've narrowed it down between a brand new 2016 FJ-09 and a slightly used 2015 Versys 1000. The FJ is looking like the better deal. But I have some concerns. A little history: Been riding for 27 + years. 3 yrs ago I went from a 2002 ZZR 1200 that I loved, had it for over 10 years, to the Connie. Just as I got older, my knees got tired of the riding position. Those 650 mile days became 250 mile days, to 125 mile days...... lol So, I went for the Connie. Thought that was my bike to ride off into the sunset. But, as my kids kept getting bigger/older, family time has eaten into riding time. So, I find that I mostly commute to work and ride a few hundred miles when I can on the weekends. The Connie is just too hot and heavy now a days. So, got to looking at lighter bikes with an upright riding position, but that can still blast thru the twisties. After researching this forum for a bit, I have some concerns. This is a good article on the comparison, but more importantly to me is that toward the bottom of the page is the dimensions from seat to footpeg: [url=]http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/2016-adv-comparison-adventure-touring-kawasaki-versys-1000-lt-vs-suzuki-v-strom-1000-abs-vs-yamaha#page-20[/url] So the Versys has almost 2 more inches of length to the footpegs. I can't find this dimension for the Connie, but if it's significant, that might be an issue for me. I've read where some have lowered their pegs on the FJ-09? Another concern is the suspension. I'm probably 250 lbs with gear. I've read where some folks get the suspension adjusted ok at similar weight, some went with aftermarket linear springs. I do all of my own work, so this is not an issue, except that I am not one to buy a new bike to have to work on it. Aside from Farkles. lol Also, does replacing the springs affect the MFG warranty? I've not bought a new bike before, so also am concerned if I have to pay the stealer for the 600 mile service, oil changes etc...? Another oil type topic is the YES warranty. If they offer it for sub $400, yes/no? As stated, I do all my own work, but if it covers all items, fork to tail, then maybe? I saw the video of the guy with the jet skis. So would like to read all the exclusions on that..... I'm sure I have a ton of other questions, but for now, thanks for reading and any information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aeg Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 Can't comment on everything else but I d suggest the site http://cycle-ergo.com for comparing ergonomics between bikes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wordsmith Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 Can't comment on everything else but I d suggest the site http://cycle-ergo.com for comparing ergonomics between bikes Spot-on! That site allows you to bring up any number of bikes, insert your height and inseam measurement, and then by scrolling back and forth you can see an animated picture (and tables of values) of each bike's critical ergonomics - forward lean; knee bend; hip bend; etc. Invaluable and always my first port of call when considering any new machine. And FREE! Riding a fully-farkled 2019 MT-09 Tracer 900 GT from my bayside home in South East Queensland, Australia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xlxr Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 2015 and some early 2016 models had a oil pan drain plug that hung down too low, and at least one guy dragged it and tore the bottom of the oil pan out. Also check to see if the cam chain tensioner and handle bar riser recalls have been done or may not apply. Common upgrades to FJ 09 is comfortable seat, ECU reflash, and accelerator position sensor adjustment for some bikes to smooth out jerky throttle, various techniques to reduce handle bar vibrations, APE manual cam chain tensioner. I bought a pre-owned Corbin seat and put a Air Hawk cushion on top of that, works well for my 6'3". I added mirror extenders to see past my shoulders and I cut down the stock windshield to just above the dash panel because it was pretty bad turbulence when stock. I have a 2015 FJ 09. I'm 270 lbs in gear, over 60, have had custom suspensions since dirt bike racing in my younger years. For me, stock suspension was not even bearable to ride, certainly did not feel safe when riding aggressively. I simply cannot tolerate less than ideal suspension on my bikes. I have Ohlins shock and fork kit, resprung and revalved by Norwest Suspension. There are cheap fixes, like getting a particular sport bike shock and having it revalved and resprung. At least one guy says changing to super light fork oil is all that is needed. Cheap suspension fixes may work for some guys, if they work for you will depend on your expectations. You'll have to search through threads for more details, I just don't remember them all. I have not ridden a Versys, but most comments seem to report it as more sedate than FJ O9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duhs10 Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 I say no on the YES warranty.. but others like the piece of mind and will say yes. You do not have to take your bike in for any services. You can do them yourself. Just keep records. Generally, aftermarket parts will not void warranties unless it is found that the part caused the issue. I had a Versys 650 prior to the FJ. The Versys was more comfortable, but after adding a Sargent seat I have no complaints about comfort. The pegs on the FJ are definitely higher and further back when compared to the Versys. Nothing as extreme as a sport bike, but remember the FJ is essentially a dressed up FZ-09. Both are great, reliable bikes. I think the Versys 1000 is a more out and out sport tourer and the FJ is a sport tourer with the emphasis on sport. You need to go ride both of them and see what appeals. I should warn you though. The 847cc CP3 engine in the FJ is addictive. '15 FJ-09 w/ lots of extras... Fayetteville, GA, USA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
root Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 I agree with @duhs10 . FJ is sportier, faster (believe it or not with fewer CCs) and lighter weight. The Versys is probably more comfortable (subjective to each rider) and has more goodies standard. FJ = more fun. Versys = more comfortable. Just depends on where you want to be on that sliding scale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member texscottyd Posted June 4, 2017 Supporting Member Share Posted June 4, 2017 @rambuck - Welcome, and I hope you find some useful information to help with your decision. Obviously an FJ forum is going to have a bit of a biased view, but it seems like a fairly level-headed group around here. This is an interesting thread to read from a forum member who has both as FJ and a Versys 1000... https://fj-09.org/thread/5391/2015-versys-1000 I looked at the Versys when I was in the market, but my final decision came down to an FJ09 or a Ducati Hyperstrada. My background sounds similar to yours: I'm 52, come from a long line of sportbikes (and many years of roadracing), and wanted something practical and comfortable, without giving up too much of the sporting aspect. The majority of my riding is 150 - 250 mile weekend days, out exploring whatever winding roads I can find. For me, the FJ pushed all the right buttons: At 6'1" and 230 pounds, the ergonomics work great for me. I have the seat in the tall position, and the handlebars in the forward location, and it basically feels like a big dirtbike. I plan to experiment with a little more forward lean via bars and/or riser mods, but the footpeg placement and seat-to-peg distance feels perfect. As a side note, I ride with the balls of my feet up on the pegs - probably a holdover from my racing days - so there is even more leg room/less knee angle if you hook your heels over the pegs instead. Suspension is a highly personal thing, but I realized early on that the stock setup wasn't for me long term. I'm in the wrong quadrant of the weight vs sport matrix, as a big guy that rides fairly aggressively. I spent the money on an Ohlins shock and reworked forks, along with Michelin PR4 tires, and now couldn't be happier with the way the FJ rides and handles. Some folks can't fathom throwing that kind of money at a brand new bike; I looked at it as a great investment to really make it work for me... YMMV. Some folks hate the stock seat, but it honestly feels fine to me. The stock windscreen seems like a compromise that doesn't really work for anyone, but since I always ride with earplugs I haven't done anything about it yet... What the FJ-09 does have is bucket-loads of character. The motor is an absolute jewel, and the total bike is smooth and entertaining without being overly-refined. The good news is you probably can't go wrong with either decision. -Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pattonme Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 Another concern is the suspension. I'm probably 250 lbs with gear. ... except that I am not one to buy a new bike to have to work on it. Pretty much any Japanese bike that isn't a dedicated heavy duty tourer, anything over 200lb and you're way outside the adjustment and damping range of the OE suspension. The typical Japanese male is around 140, North American around 175. I'm sorry to break it to you but the reason the FJ is so reasonably priced is because one of the corners they cut was suspension. Depending on your tastes a set of springs for $75, $15 in oil, and a revalved/resprung OE shock for about $300 and I suspect you can be reasonably happy. Or you can spend a lot more. There's a whole section of the forum dedicated to Suspension threads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chamelion Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 I figure when you're spending thousands on a bike, whats another thousand or so on the suspension. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rambuck Posted June 4, 2017 Author Share Posted June 4, 2017 Thanks for all the info. That cycle-ergo site is awesome. That answered my main question. The FJ has less knee bend and hip flex than even the Connie. 8-) I will be meeting the salesman at the dealer Friday for the FJ. It definitely sounds exactly like what I'm looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member DavidS Posted June 5, 2017 Premium Member Share Posted June 5, 2017 What made the difference for me, and what you might want to try right there at the dealer... I made a simple tweak to my bar position... I loosened the bar clamps just enough to be able to rotate them with a little effort. I then sat on the bike (wheels on the ground), grabbed the bars and pulled back as I straightened my posture as much as possible... and then fixed the bars in place. In my case, the bars rotated downward a bit... I'd say 20 degrees. Not only did my posture improve, but my wrists are now in a more natural position. Of course, I had to then rotate the levers down a bit. Good luck at the dealer. It's a great bike and an excellent value for money. What a great piece of advise when purchasing a new (or old) bike from a dealer. I wouldn't have thought of that, and it would have saved me some sore wrists. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rambuck Posted June 9, 2017 Author Share Posted June 9, 2017 Well, no deal. Couldn't make it happen. Went to 2 local dealers and couldn't get any closer than $500 of where I think is more than fair. Especially after browsing the out the door price thread. Both dealers, counting my Concours as a trade, would be over $9500 out the door. I DO need a new front tire for the Connie, so I could use $150 to make it seem closer, but I think I'll keep looking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rambuck Posted June 9, 2017 Author Share Posted June 9, 2017 lol, well, after re-reading the Out the door price thread, maybe this deal isn't so bad? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duhs10 Posted June 9, 2017 Share Posted June 9, 2017 @rambuck $9500 after trade in or $9500 - down payment, trade in, taxes, etc.? MSRP is like 10200 (I don't remember exactly) so if 9500 is the sale price taxes and fees included, then you take the trade in and down payment off that price. I would say it's a fair price. '15 FJ-09 w/ lots of extras... Fayetteville, GA, USA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rambuck Posted June 14, 2017 Author Share Posted June 14, 2017 Thanks to you all for your input. I "finally" got back from the dealer and have a new 2016 FJ-09, Silver with burple rims in my garage. Dealer shake down run had some issues, turns out it was a front wheel sensor, but all is good. This is going to be a fun bike for sure!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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