YAMAHA FJR1300A/AE $14,490/$16,290
Engine
L-C 16V 1298 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
31.7 - 32.5 IN.
Fuel Capacity
6.6 GAL
Wheelbase
60.8 IN.
This is the bike that originally defined the supersport-touring class, and Yamaha continues to refine the big FJR. For '09 the standard model receives an updated clutch to reduce lever effort, while the AE version gets updated mapping for its electric shifting to improve response. Both models feature ABS, adjustable ergos and all the creature comforts.
YAMAHA YZF-R1 $12,390
Engine
L-C 16V 998 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
32.8 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.8 GAL
Wheelbase
55.7 IN.
The tuning-fork company continues to lead the way in sportbike technology, with the all-new '09 R1 incorporating a unique "crossplane" crankshaft and uneven firing interval, improving torque and rideability. Other updates include D-MODE rider-selectable throttle control maps, an all-new frame and revised styling. Add $100 for some color options.
YAMAHA YZF-R6 $9990
Engine
L-C 16V 599 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
33.5 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.6 GAL
Wheelbase
54.3 IN.
Even though the updated '08 R6 won the AMA Supersport championship with Ben Bostrom at the controls, Yamaha is not stopping there. The smallest R model gets its YCC-T ride-by-wire throttle settings remapped for smoother power delivery in '09. Add up to $200 for some color options like the beautiful Vivid Orange/Raven shown here.
YAMAHA FZ1 $9790
Engine
L-C 20V 998 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
32.1 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.8 GAL
Wheelbase
57.5 IN.
Think of the FZ1 as a real-world R1, with a comfortable riding position and more power (from the twenty-valve previous-generation R1 engine) than most riders could ever use. Yamaha calls it the "ultimate street brawler" and that's right on the money. Unchanged for '09, the FZ1 is available in Cobalt Blue or Granite Gray/Raven color schemes.
YAMAHA YZF-R6S $8690
Engine
L-C 16V 600 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
32.3 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.5 GAL
Wheelbase
54.3 IN.
A parts-bin special of previous-generation R6 models, the R6S blends middleweight performance with a dash of real-world torque and some semblance of comfort from its more upright ergonomics compared with the R6. The potent cocktail goes down smooth in our book. Add $100 for the Team Yamaha Blue/White color scheme shown here.
YAMAHA FZ6 $7290
Engine
L-C 16V 600 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
31.3 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.1 GAL
Wheelbase
56.7 IN.
This do-it-all streetfighter has a previous-generation R6 mill slipped into its bolt-together, die-cast frame, all topped off with a stylish half-fairing and comfortable riding position. The result is just as much fun in town as it is scratching down a back road or taking a weekend jaunt up the coast. Unchanged for '09, the FZ6 is offered in Deep Blue or Raven.
YAMAHA WR250X $6190
Engine
L-C 4V 250 SINGLE Seat
Height
35.2 IN.
Fuel Capacity
2.0 GAL
Wheelbase
56.1 IN.
Last but not least is the WR250X, which borrows heavily from Yamaha's YZ and WR motocross and off-road bikes and features 17-inch wheels, grippy tires and big disc brakes. Yamaha says it's not really an enduro, a supermoto or a sportbike, but it is for riders that ride mostly on pavement. It also gets up to 71 mpg fuel economy. Sign us up!