05 VS 06

[zoomzoomzoom]

Hi everyone, this is my first post.

I currently have a refundable deposit on a 2006A due in April. A nearby dealer has a new 2005 that he is willing to give me a “Great deal” on it. My question is how much would you have to save to be persuaded to buy the 05 over the 06? The 05 has ABS. The best price that I can find on a 06 is $12,999

Thanks. :bigeyes:

 

[rickysnickers]

From the limited pictures I've seen, I don't like the way they redid the new one, my opinion only. Those mirrors especially, I think they look bad. See what the guy will do. The worst that can happen is that you still wind up waiting. However, the best is that you could ride right out and go on a trip!

Rick

 

[JSimon]

Man, really depends on what you want. The 06 has linked brakes, adjustable seat, adjustable bars, improved airflow and much improved guages. Myself, I can't imagine buying an 05 now when you have an 06 that will be here any day now, that's just me.

I drove an 05 and really liked it, the only thing I specifically didn't like about the 05 was the guage cluster which has been redone nicely IMO.

Another possible concern, many have complained about the 05 and early models emitting too much heat. There are several posted work arounds for the issue, that may or may not be an issue for you. Those issues were addressed in the 06 as well.

 

[zoomzoomzoom]

Thanks for looking at my post guys. My question is, how much less? I am aware of the upgrades that have been made to the bike and that is the dilemma. What are these changes worth? I know that it is somewhat subjective but would you buy the 05 if you could save $500 or would you need to save more like $2,000. My gut is saying something like $2,000 , but I may be way off.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[FJRski]

For me, it would have to be a differential of $2.5k That's exactly the way I played it. I went into a dealer and offered him $10k for a '05 display model sitting on the floor. Of course he laughed at me. Used FJR's with a few thousand miles on them list for more. Ended up with a wait and what I think is a good deal on a new and improved (or so I hope) '06. I think the '06's have some nice features. Although the new gauge cluster itself is nice, I don't like the new speedo or the linked brakes.

 

[FJR_pig]

Myself, I can't imagine buying an 05 now when you have an 06 that will be here any day now, that's just me.

+1

Dude, this a no-brainer in my book. I love the '05, having logged a few miles on it, but how can you pass up a new model? A year from now, everyone will say, "Wow, how can you get an '07 when you could have an '06?" :blink: Like anything in life, it's cyclic and always changing.

 

[zzkenoman]

Flip a coin

 

[odot]

Buy the 05 then trade it in for an 06. :lol:

 

[JamesK]

Thanks for looking at my post guys. My question is, how much less? I am aware of the upgrades that have been made to the bike and that is the dilemma. What are these changes worth? I know that it is somewhat subjective but would you buy the 05 if you could save $500 or would you need to save more like $2,000. My gut is saying something like $2,000 , but I may be way off.
Thanks,

Mike

Mike, I just spent 10 days riding an '05 in New Zealand, great bike, but you really knew it when the sun was out and strong even though its already fall over there - your gut is not the body part I would be listening but that little area about a foot south of the gut

IMHO, this is a bike you’re going to be riding for a few years, why start behind the curve? The ’06 has over three years/models worth of user driver improvements and refinements in it. The way I rationalize these kinds of dilemmas is to divide the difference in the price over the expected number of years you're planning on owning the bike, then break that down into what it amounts to per day, on that basis it's usually not a big saving, well it works for me B)

 

[SilveradoSlick]

My un-humble opinion: more than $1,000.

 

[T120TT]

If you can save $3000 get the '05. Especially if you can get the extended warranty. The 06's MIGHT have the tick issue totally eliminated with the revised valve stem oil seals. Then again, maybe not!

I have an '05 and love it. The excess heat thing isn't an issue to me as I've done the home brew fixes. The main improvement came from insulating the bottom of the tank. I never felt that the heat from the fairing ducting was as bad as portrayed anyway. '05's and '04's don't seem to get the tick as frequently as the '03's but the Y.E.S. is reassuring anyway. I figure by the time the warranty runs out my bike will have proven itself a ticker....or not. Having said that, I confess to having an '06 AE on order and can't decide whether to go ahead with the pruchase or keep my '05. Decisions decisions! Why don't YOU tell ME!!!! LOL.

 

[DocDanDC]

I think that most of us are awaiting more of this type of news after more FJRbros get their new '06's. In my opinion, ANY FJR IS BETTER THEN NONE.

 

[Centerline]

The heat is not an issue for me on my '05. Yes, I have ridden it plenty during 100 degree days. I ignore the heat and don't whine about it. The 05's are lighter than the 06's and with the shorter gearing will most likely out-accelerate the 06's.

The adjustable seat and bars are probably nice, tho.

 

[throttlejockeyTJ]

My Sporting side doesn't like linked brakes. My brother does on his RT.

 

[TahoeBound]

Tough call. If I could save $2000 I'd probably go for an '05. Even at that, it'd still be difficult to pass up an '06. I would probably spend extra time shopping for an '06 AND get a reasonable price. FJRs have definitely become more available - case in point - the new '05 you're looking at.

 

[FJRScorpion]

I've got a blue '05 and love it to pieces. The bike's color and styling are beautiful, the '06 kind of ho-hum, IMHO. I may be vain, but I like receiving the compliments and stares from cagers and other bikers alike, and I get plenty. Being colorful and sporty-looking is half the fun!! I don't see many grey or silver bikes getting a second look. If I had to choose right now I would still go with the '05 again, then just make the improvements that were important to me with the savings. I like your $2000 figure. Remember that you will take the hit for a brand new model year bike's depreciation in value immediately, a full loan may become 'upside down' very soon on it too. And insurance on a brand new bike will probably be somewhat more. Besides the new bike may have some gremlins... Good Luck with your decision, remember it's a great problem to have!!!!!!

 

[bikepoor]

But you have to be happy with what you ride. think about: if you take the 05 will you be thinking you should have just bought the 06? And what kind of monies is that worth to you personally?