'06 an'07 AEs vs. an '08 AE

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Control 1

Control 1

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Mechanically speaking, are there any good reasons for me to hold out for an '08 AE model over a 2006 or 2007 AE model?

I've pretty well decided on the AE to replace my Burgman 650. In addition to being a pleasure bike, I haul the Burgman on the rear of my work truck (a medium sized Freightliner straight truck) when I travel out of town. The Burgman's CVT allows me to stand next to the bike and let it drive itself up the ramp onto the back of my truck. This feature was the deciding factor when I bought the Suzuki. But now that I've discovered the AE model..... well, it's time for an upgrade!

 
Simple answer is all the Gen II's 2006 and up are virtually identical in build. So other than a change in color do not pay any attention on the year it was built if properly maintained.

I would not attempt to ramp an AE in the manner you did the Bergman "solo" anyway.

Just to be sure your aware. The AE is not CVT. It's a 5 speed gearbox that requires shifting just like the A model. It's just done electronically instead of a manual clutch handle.

Have you read the Bin O facts posted HERE

 
OK, that makes sense. I have been studying the wonderful .pdf posted on the Bin-O-Facts. Just wanted to make sure there hadn't been any small revisions along the way that I was missing.

FWIW, I do plan to load the FJR the same way. On my truck, I have a rack built across the rear of the truck with a removable 6' "channel" style ramp that I load the Burgman up. On my carrier, i have a motorcycle wheel-chock, to help hold the bike when it gets to the top. So the method is to stand next to the right side of the the bike, and feather the throttle, slipping the clutch, up the ramp. The Burgman is a CVT, correct, and it has a centrifugally operated wet clutch. It is my understanding that the AE has the computer to control the amount of clutch slippage based on throttle input. It is my hope that I can load the AE in a similar manner, standing next to the bike as it goes up the ramp. Most people don't know it, but the dry weight of a Burgman 650 is 600lbs. It's actually a tad heavier than the AE, although the COG is probably lower.

 
Big Shasta said:
Yeah, I have an AE...This bike is way to heavy to stand beside it and ramp load it from the side....BAD IDEA!
Click to expand...

Did your bike sell? This is Chris from AL. I'd spoken to you about it. I've been watching the classified section, and it sounds like yours is all but gone. If not, let me know.

 
Control 1 said:
OK, that makes sense. I have been studying the wonderful .pdf posted on the Bin-O-Facts. Just wanted to make sure there hadn't been any small revisions along the way that I was missing.

FWIW, I do plan to load the FJR the same way. On my truck, I have a rack built across the rear of the truck with a removable 6' "channel" style ramp that I load the Burgman up. On my carrier, i have a motorcycle wheel-chock, to help hold the bike when it gets to the top. So the method is to stand next to the right side of the the bike, and feather the throttle, slipping the clutch, up the ramp. The Burgman is a CVT, correct, and it has a centrifugally operated wet clutch. It is my understanding that the AE has the computer to control the amount of clutch slippage based on throttle input. It is my hope that I can load the AE in a similar manner, standing next to the bike as it goes up the ramp. Most people don't know it, but the dry weight of a Burgman 650 is 600lbs. It's actually a tad heavier than the AE, although the COG is probably lower.
Click to expand...
I know the Burgman is no light weight although I would have guessed closer to 500lbs. The big difference will be the CG , with the Burgmans weight being much lower. Add smaller wheel height, etc.

Yes it is no issue idling the AE in gear. The clutch typically slips in at approx 1800rmp. More of just a caution if you had not wheeled an FJR around at low to no speed, she is a bit of a pig. A slight shift side-to-side can result in an Oh Shit! unexpected moment.

 
It is my understanding that starting in 2008 the throttle was tamed compared to earlier years.

Edited to add: I'm pretty sure 2008 was the last year the owners manual requires the 20-40W oil that Yamaha no longer sells. Subsequent years recommend the more sensible 10-40W.

I think that every model year has similar small changes, Gen-IIs aren't 100% identical.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
ScottyUSN said:
Control 1 said:
OK, that makes sense. I have been studying the wonderful .pdf posted on the Bin-O-Facts. Just wanted to make sure there hadn't been any small revisions along the way that I was missing.

FWIW, I do plan to load the FJR the same way. On my truck, I have a rack built across the rear of the truck with a removable 6' "channel" style ramp that I load the Burgman up. On my carrier, i have a motorcycle wheel-chock, to help hold the bike when it gets to the top. So the method is to stand next to the right side of the the bike, and feather the throttle, slipping the clutch, up the ramp. The Burgman is a CVT, correct, and it has a centrifugally operated wet clutch. It is my understanding that the AE has the computer to control the amount of clutch slippage based on throttle input. It is my hope that I can load the AE in a similar manner, standing next to the bike as it goes up the ramp. Most people don't know it, but the dry weight of a Burgman 650 is 600lbs. It's actually a tad heavier than the AE, although the COG is probably lower.
Click to expand...
I know the Burgman is no light weight although I would have guessed closer to 500lbs. The big difference will be the CG , with the Burgmans weight being much lower. Add smaller wheel height, etc.

Yes it is no issue idling the AE in gear. The clutch typically slips in at approx 1800rmp. More of just a caution if you had not wheeled an FJR around at low to no speed, she is a bit of a pig. A slight shift side-to-side can result in an Oh Shit! unexpected moment.
Click to expand...

OK, that's good advise. I am curious to see if the clutch will slip as smoothly and predictable as the Burgman's. It's gotten pretty easy for me to load the Burgman over the past 2 years. Sometimes I have to remind myself how heavy it is. Also, my work truck has an air-ride suspension, so i deflate it when loading or unloading the bike. So it's only going up to a height of about 24". Not quite the same as putting it in the back of a pickup truck. That would scare me.

And yes, believe it or not, the 650 Burgman is a heavy little pig; 611 lbs for the ABS model.

https://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/Burgman%20650/2009/AN650.aspx#Specs

But not quite the horsepower of an FJR. :)

 
ABS is different & the wheels are different, improved throttle response and I believe that some minor modes/updates to the tranny also.

 
Control 1 said:
Mechanically speaking, are there any good reasons for me to hold out for an '08 AE model over a 2006 or 2007 AE model?

I've pretty well decided on the AE to replace my Burgman 650. In addition to being a pleasure bike, I haul the Burgman on the rear of my work truck (a medium sized Freightliner straight truck) when I travel out of town. The Burgman's CVT allows me to stand next to the bike and let it drive itself up the ramp onto the back of my truck. This feature was the deciding factor when I bought the Suzuki. But now that I've discovered the AE model..... well, it's time for an upgrade!
Click to expand...

Panman said:
ABS is different & the wheels are different, improved throttle response and I believe that some minor modes/updates to the tranny also.
Click to expand...
I've moved from the '06 to a '10. The throttle is MUCH improved, it allows much safer low speed manoeuvring and wind-on in corners (or any off/on throttle conditions where you want it to be smooth).

The ABS is less noticeable on the newer, but the older worked very well, not an issue at all.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Ive ramped my 07 and 08 AE several times into my pickup and onto trailers. Blaspheme I know! But the electric clutch preformed smoothly and predictably while under the additional load of the ramp. One thing I have learned while loading, slow speed maneuvering or performing rider demos on the MSF motorcycle practice range it to drag a little rear brake to allow you to maintain constant power to the rear wheel. I am able to negotiate all the slow speed exercises like the box in the limited-space maneuvers, or the controls-skills practice while using this technique.

And yes the throttle response was much nicer on my 08 compared to my 07 AE even after installing a G2 throttle tamer at the advice of fellow forum members.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Control 1 said:
Ok, thank guys. I have sealed the deal on an '06 AE. The guy is holding it until I get back in town on June 1.
Click to expand...
Have fun with the new scoot. The AE is a good bike.

I also see you're from around Birmingham. That's where I picked up my '08 AE last August. Got acquainted with it riding it back to Seattle. It's a hoot. Actually, my avatar was taken by the PO, when I picked it up from him at the Birmingham airport.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I'll second/third all that's previously said!

Having never tried a Burg, amazed that it's that heavy. But your new ride is definitely taller (cog).

 

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