Advice for a future FJR owner: GEN I or GEN II?

Cosmin · Feb 1, 2009

Hello everyone,

First of all sorry if there is such a topic already open, I've tried the "search option" but I haven't found one to answer all my questions.

In March or April I'm going to be a happy (hopefully) FJR owner. My biggest concern is related to reliability and serviceing (I'm from South-Eastern Europe - Romania and in my country Yamaha service

network is not very present, which means that any major reparings (like valves guides replacing) will involve transporting the bike abroad to a professional Yamaha workshop like Austria, Germany etc).

In order to get some advice from you, I'll make below a top from my knowledge of PROs and CONs for GEN I and GEN II FJR, so please add any comments which might be helpfull:

- GEN I (2004 or 2005 model):

- PROs:

- beter driving performance (due to shorter gear ratios);

- independent rear brake - better behaviour on sport driving in curves;

- around 1500-2000 Euros cheaper than 2006 model

;

- CONs:

- issue related to valves guide wearing (involves an expensive reparing - by the way, can anyone estimate the cost for replacing the valves guides?...);

- worse heat dissipation (driver suffers more from heat dissipated from the engine);

- poorer dashboard and worse design.

- GEN II:

- PROs:

- better confort: better adjustable driver saddle; better foot-pegs for pillion (lower and moved forward); better windshield; adjustable handle bars;

- good-looking: new fairings, mirrors etc;

- better fuel consumption (longer gear ratios);

- better dashboard (better looking plus bord-computer);

- CONs:

- issues related to ECU baro readings which involves ECU change and keeping the CO adjustments from the previous ECU (can anyone tell the cost of a new ECU?);

- issues related to ignition switch (easy to fix anyway);

- linked brakes - rear braking while driving "sportly" in curves involves an "anti-leaning" force (from my experience with Honda Dual-CBS brakes).

My assumption is that the ECU replacing can be done also "in-house" (unlike valve guides replacement) but I don't know how expansive is each of the reparings and how often appears each of these

issues to GEN II and GEN I FJRs.

So, I'm waiting for your advice.

Thanks a lot.

mdisher · Feb 1, 2009

OK I'll play along...

I own a Gen II (2006) but have ridden both.

I think:

- beter driving performance (due to shorter gear ratios), this is negligible IMHO, sport wise, but the taller ratio of a Gen II, makes highway driving just a tad less buzzier, but not much.

- independent rear brake - better behaviour on sport driving in curves; Research how they are linked you can still trail brake just fine.

- around 1500-2000 Euros cheaper than 2006 model smile.gif ;

Money is money.

The majority of Gen II's ECU/Baro issues are covered under the ECU recall. I've never had mine changed and haven't ever experienced any altitude issues. But a lot of that also depended on how 'sporty' you were with the throttle.

Switch Recall is also in affect, but there is a bypass harness available from Brodie. Now that this is installed I don't expect I'll replace my switch either.

My 06 hasn't had ANY recall work done. Hasn't needed it.

Again the linked brakes aren't like Honda's so it's different.

I say get the best specimen you can find in your budget range. I personally prefer the Gen II dash and a few other Gen II things but could easily and proudly own a Gen 1

Patriot · Feb 1, 2009

Cosmin said:
Hello everyone,
First of all sorry if there is such a topic already open, I've tried the "search option" but I haven't found one to answer all my questions.

In March or April I'm going to be a happy (hopefully) FJR owner. My biggest concern is related to reliability and serviceing (I'm from South-Eastern Europe - Romania and in my country Yamaha service

network is not very present, which means that any major reparings (like valves guides replacing) will involve transporting the bike abroad to a professional Yamaha workshop like Austria, Germany etc).

In order to get some advice from you, I'll make below a top from my knowledge of PROs and CONs for GEN I and GEN II FJR, so please add any comments which might be helpfull:

- GEN I (2004 or 2005 model):

- PROs:

- beter driving performance (due to shorter gear ratios);

nah, neglible

- independent rear brake - better behaviour on sport driving in curves;

nah, neglible

- around 1500-2000 Euros cheaper than 2006 model ;

yep, less money

- CONs:

- issue related to valves guide wearing (involves an expensive reparing - by the way,

can anyone estimate the cost for replacing the valves guides?...);

I have 80k miles with no problems, note the TBS recall but I'm ignoring it (ain't broke don't fix it), mine has never ticked either; some have gone 150k miles

- worse heat dissipation (driver suffers more from heat dissipated from the engine);

I have a heat kit and it's fixed, even my riding in the Deep South; besides on winter cold days, the heat is a good thing

- poorer dashboard and worse design.

shorter swingarm, don't bother me in the least, no ambient air temp indicator - added a digital thermometer to the panel next to the dash; my Zumo GPS does everything better than a onboard or stock computer

- GEN II:

- PROs:

- better confort: better adjustable driver saddle; better foot-pegs for pillion

(lower and moved forward); better windshield; adjustable handle bars;

Adjustable saddle doesn't apply to me with kewl Sargent seat, Cal Sci medium windshield is perfect, two sets of risers inexpensively added (no need to change the triple clamp top ($300)

- good-looking: new fairings, mirrors etc;

I disagree, same to me, mirrors changed to FZ1 or R1 is the ticket anyway

- better fuel consumption (longer gear ratios);

OK but slightly, cruise control install helps here

- better dashboard (better looking plus bord-computer);

OK if this matters alot to you

- CONs:

- issues related to ECU baro readings which involves ECU change and keeping the CO adjustments from the previous ECU (can anyone tell the cost of a new ECU?);

- issues related to ignition switch (easy to fix anyway);

- linked brakes - rear braking while driving "sportly" in curves involves an "anti-leaning"

force (from my experience with Honda Dual-CBS brakes).

My assumption is that the ECU replacing can be done also "in-house" (unlike valve guides replacement) but I don't know how expansive is each of the reparings and how often appears each of these

issues to GEN II and GEN I FJRs.

So, I'm waiting for your advice.

Thanks a lot.

find you best deal you can afford and go for it; ya pays ya money and then ya go riding

twistedcricket · Feb 1, 2009

I have a 2007 A. here's my opinion

I wasn't experiencing the issue that lead to the ECU recall either, but I had mine replaced (free, under recall notice). I'll probably have the switch replaced to. Why? *IF* I decide to sell it I can say that it's had all of the recall work already done.

The maintenance is fairly simple. It would be best if you could get the shop manual (available from yamaha online) - it will help you work on the bike.

Enjoy!!

SilverHound · Feb 1, 2009

I have a 2008A and it is clearly the best and fastest of all the models.

I have no evidence to back this up nor any basis for comparison as I never ridden any other models but I am exercising my right as an interweb user to post unsupported claims as fact and then get pissy if anyone should dispute me.

wheatonFJR · Feb 1, 2009

I had a 2004 model that I wrecked last October after putting on 51,000 miles. I loved it...and purchased a slightly used (22,000 miles) 2004 yet again. I love my '04.

mdisher · Feb 1, 2009

SilverHound said:
I have a 2008A and it is clearly the best and fastest of all the models.
I have no evidence to back this up nor any basis for comparison as I never ridden any other models but I am exercising my right as an interweb user to post unsupported claims as fact and then get pissy if anyone should dispute me.

Clearly you didn't read the thread about the detuned Black bikes did you.

Cosmin · Feb 1, 2009

Thanks everyone for your replies and advice.

In the end I think I'll decide based on the price/quality ratio fo the offers when I'll go buying. By the way, I'm planning to buy it from Germany - there are plenty of them there (it used to be the tourer of the year for several years

).

If I find a very convenient GEN I I'll go for it taking the "ticking" issue risk and hoping that I won't be one of those unlucky guys facing the problem.

If not, GEN II should be it

... Honestly GEN II is my favorite but it always comes about the money.

As I understand from you, the issues I'm afraid of (ticking on GEN I and altitude sickness+ignition switch on GEN II) are isolated cases, so this shouldn't be the main criteria in chosing the future bike.

@ RENEGADE: you are refrring to altitude sickness "But a lot of that also depended on how 'sporty' you were with the throttle." You mean that a sportier driving (like mine

) which involves several degrees in rotating the throttle by-passes the issue?

Thanks.

mdisher · Feb 1, 2009

Cosmin said:
@ RENEGADE: you are refrring to altitude sickness "But a lot of that also depended on how 'sporty' you were with the throttle." You mean that a sportier driving (like mine ) which involves several degrees in rotating the throttle by-passes the issue?

Yes, If I recall correctly, the problem was in how often it sampled the A/F ratio and some of that was based on throttle position. If you tended to ride at altitude in a more sporty mode, (more changes to throttle position) you were less likely to even notice. However if you were just leisurely riding through the altitude change you may notice it.

Again, My bike is in the ECU recall range but this summer I visited many a passes, including Bear Tooth Pass, MT Evans, Pikes Peak, etc, and never felt this was an issue for me.

escapefjrtist · Feb 1, 2009

Cosmin said:
@ RENEGADE: you are refrring to altitude sickness "But a lot of that also depended on how 'sporty' you were with the throttle." You mean that a sportier driving (like mine ) which involves several degrees in rotating the throttle by-passes the issue?

Cosmin -- That is exactly what Renegade is referring to. I'm sure you've already read it, but Here is the link to a thread in the same forum section. I also have an '06 that was in the recall for the ECU altitude problem. I rode the bike from sea level to over 11,000 FT with nary a issue. I do however like to twist the throttle going up and down hills. IIRC the old ECU would take a new sample whenever the throttle was over 25% open. For those who don't enjoy a spirited ride, it caused run-ability problems.

Good luck with your decision -- either one will be great. (I also had an '04 FJR

)

--G

Cosmin · Feb 1, 2009

@ RENEGADE and ESCAPEFJRTIST:

Ok, so now the 2 main issues related to GEN II vanished: I can easily apply Brodie's workaround for ignition switch; also, knowing my driving-style in mountain curves I'm not afraid anymore of altitude sickness (I had already read most of the topics on altitude sickness but I found also some contradictions like problem persisted after ECU change or problem occured also on lower altitudes and that was worrying me a little - but not anymore

).

Thanks again.

Shane Stump · Feb 1, 2009

If you are going to buy a FJR, keep it stock electronically.

If you have electrical problems like many of us are starting to have with the early GEN IIs, Yamaha is going to BLAME your electrical accessories.

After I pay the dealer $400-$500 to convert my bike back to stock, I am getting RID OF IT because of Yamaha.

If you like electronics + warranty, I would strongly recommend you get a Honda GL1800!

I sold my GL1800 after 80,000 problem free miles for the FJR.... worst mistake I ever made.

Thanks Yamaha...

Best Regards,

Shane

Owner of a Yamaha 2006 AE POS

doctorJ · Feb 21, 2009

SilverHound said:
I have a 2008A and it is clearly the best and fastest of all the models.
I have no evidence to back this up nor any basis for comparison as I never ridden any other models but I am exercising my right as an interweb user to post unsupported claims as fact and then get pissy if anyone should dispute me.

Silverhound, I just gotta say I love that avatar of your Weim. :yahoo: I've had 3-4 over many years but none now. Only problem is that they are smarter then me and tend to train me instead of the other way.

Now back on topic some. I've got an 08 black beauty also. I've been searching if anyone knows if a Gen. I saddle fits the Gen. II bike? I know many things don't transfer from Gen. I or II but can't find this info on a search. I'm interested in a saddle off a Gen. I right now but don't want unless will fit.

doctorj

UselessPickles · Feb 21, 2009

Shane Stump said:
If you are going to buy a FJR, keep it stock electronically.
If you have electrical problems like many of us are starting to have with the early GEN IIs, Yamaha is going to BLAME your electrical accessories.

I feel safe adding minor and simple electronic accessories. How could anyone possibly blame electrical problems on something like this?

BTW - What electrical problems are "many of us starting to have"? I haven't noticed any widespread electrical problems on the forum.

SilverHound · Feb 21, 2009

doctorJ said:
Silverhound, I just gotta say I love that avatar of your Weim. :yahoo: I've had 3-4 over many years but none now. Only problem is that they are smarter then me and tend to train me instead of the other way. doctorj

Thanks. He's a good boy but also has the "too smart" as well as the "stubborn" genes. He's a little over a year old now.

Sorry, can't answer your question about the seat.

petey · Feb 21, 2009

doctorJ said:
Now back on topic some. I've got an 08 black beauty also. I've been searching if anyone knows if a Gen. I saddle fits the Gen. II bike? I know many things don't transfer from Gen. I or II but can't find this info on a search. I'm interested in a saddle off a Gen. I right now but don't want unless will fit.
doctorj

The GenI and GenII saddles are not interchangeable. :nono:

hotbike dave · Mar 1, 2009

SilverHound said:
I have a 2008A and it is clearly the best and fastest of all the models.
I have no evidence to back this up nor any basis for comparison as I never ridden any other models but I am exercising my right as an interweb user to post unsupported claims as fact and then get pissy if anyone should dispute me.

damn rite he is rite !

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