SkooterG
Purveyor of Crooked Facts
Yesterday I was at my local Yammie dealer. Small place, only the husband and wife work there. He's a good wrench. A bit opinionated, but knowledgeable and a damned nice guy.
Anyhoose, he brought up the new AE FJR. So here's some more mental masturbation until we can get the real thing with multiple real world experiences.
When he first heard about it, he didn't think too highly of it. But now, he thinks its pretty cool. Why? Well, first off, he recently attended some technical orientation for dealers given by Yamaha. So now he learned all about it and how its supposed to work. Nothing really new from what we know, or that Tony O has reported I don't think.
Second, he spoke in length with the regional rep. Apparently this regional rep has been riding one of the AE FJRs for a while now. Secondhand story goes like this: The rep was skeptical of the technology, but since getting his FJR AE has been totally convinced. He's been flogging the crap out of bike, trying to break it, or at least find out if it does anything funky at any certain point, but I guess it works smooth as butta. Apparently the rep is actually going to buy this bike for his personal stable his is so impressed by it. Not something that happens often, as the reps can ride a brand new bike every couple months apparently. Some other points brought out:
- Even if battery is dead, there is a linkage you can operate with your hand or a wrench to get it back in neutral.
- There is a completely separate computer from the main ECU used to run the auto-clutch system. That and a bunch of new sensors. Actuators used are $$$$, so hope none go out while not under warranty. Auto clutch system also ties into the ABS system to make sure you never lock the rear wheel from downshifting.
- I asked about parking lot speeds. He told me it's easier at those speeds than with a conventional bike, as the computer will feather the clutch all day long, whereas, that takes more skill by hand, and can be tiring. Personally, this is the one area where I am a little skeptical and can't wait to try one myself.
- Still can ride like a hooligan. Rate of clutch engagement is based on throttle position, so if you WFO the throttle from a dead stop, its going to engage the clutch quickly, and will apparently spin the rear.
- As I mentioned earlier, apparently this system has been well thought out and designed well. The system won't let you do anything unsafe, but doesn't take a lot of the control away from you. And doesn't do anything weird. It will let you be stupid, however. For example, he mentioned if you come to a stop at a light and forget to downshift from 5th gear. When its time to go, and you give it the throttle, the bike will go forward, but veeeery slowly, while slipping the clutch to kingdom come. Can you say D'oh, Bart! It won't kill the engine, like most of us would do in that situation.
- The rep says its just a blast to use. Big increase to the fun factor.
- He also mentioned that with the linked brakes, the rear lever engages such a small portion of the front brakes that it shouldn't be much of an issue.
So there you go. Flame-on.
Anyhoose, he brought up the new AE FJR. So here's some more mental masturbation until we can get the real thing with multiple real world experiences.
When he first heard about it, he didn't think too highly of it. But now, he thinks its pretty cool. Why? Well, first off, he recently attended some technical orientation for dealers given by Yamaha. So now he learned all about it and how its supposed to work. Nothing really new from what we know, or that Tony O has reported I don't think.
Second, he spoke in length with the regional rep. Apparently this regional rep has been riding one of the AE FJRs for a while now. Secondhand story goes like this: The rep was skeptical of the technology, but since getting his FJR AE has been totally convinced. He's been flogging the crap out of bike, trying to break it, or at least find out if it does anything funky at any certain point, but I guess it works smooth as butta. Apparently the rep is actually going to buy this bike for his personal stable his is so impressed by it. Not something that happens often, as the reps can ride a brand new bike every couple months apparently. Some other points brought out:
- Even if battery is dead, there is a linkage you can operate with your hand or a wrench to get it back in neutral.
- There is a completely separate computer from the main ECU used to run the auto-clutch system. That and a bunch of new sensors. Actuators used are $$$$, so hope none go out while not under warranty. Auto clutch system also ties into the ABS system to make sure you never lock the rear wheel from downshifting.
- I asked about parking lot speeds. He told me it's easier at those speeds than with a conventional bike, as the computer will feather the clutch all day long, whereas, that takes more skill by hand, and can be tiring. Personally, this is the one area where I am a little skeptical and can't wait to try one myself.
- Still can ride like a hooligan. Rate of clutch engagement is based on throttle position, so if you WFO the throttle from a dead stop, its going to engage the clutch quickly, and will apparently spin the rear.
- As I mentioned earlier, apparently this system has been well thought out and designed well. The system won't let you do anything unsafe, but doesn't take a lot of the control away from you. And doesn't do anything weird. It will let you be stupid, however. For example, he mentioned if you come to a stop at a light and forget to downshift from 5th gear. When its time to go, and you give it the throttle, the bike will go forward, but veeeery slowly, while slipping the clutch to kingdom come. Can you say D'oh, Bart! It won't kill the engine, like most of us would do in that situation.
- The rep says its just a blast to use. Big increase to the fun factor.
- He also mentioned that with the linked brakes, the rear lever engages such a small portion of the front brakes that it shouldn't be much of an issue.
So there you go. Flame-on.
smitty
