08 shifting ease?

[War Machine]

anybody with an 08A how does the trans shift does it clunk into first and between gears? can you downshift through gears when stopped in fifth. I understand they modified trans to improve shifting in 08 also did they improve low speed throttle application and control

My 07A FJR clunks into first and between gears. And once in a while, when I forget to shift all the way down to 1st before stopping, the transmission will fight me shifting it down. My clunking transmission is, very old truck like, if you ask me. It's not what I expected from an otherwise great bike. But I guess all bikes will have something that they don't do as well as another bike.

All in all though, I do really love the bike allot . It's been four weeks since I last rode before the first snow in Connecticut. I put 5,500 miles on my FJR in my first year of riding it :yahoo: . It's such a bummer to see it sitting in the garage and not be able to take it out.

As a former owner of an 06 FJR, my recommendation to any 06 or 07 owner who is experiencing a clunking/hard to shift tranny is to change to synthetic oil. It will shift like butter & you will only need to change the oil once a year!

It's cheaper than buying an 08!

 

[SR-71]

My '05 had, and my '07A has, the standard typical shift clunk. It really isn't that big of a deal, but it would be interesting to know if Yam really did make the '08 shifting smoother, and if they did, could the mod be applied to the older models? Come on Yamaha... throw us older model owners a bone now and then! :clapping:

 

[Shadow]

could the mod be applied to the older models?

I doubt it, the pressured oil line mentioned is internal.

 

[leedavis]

As one who came from a cruiser background IMO shift smoothness of the FJR is a non-issue. I shift at 4000+ on the way up and blip the throttle between gears on the way down...super smooth. There's a small clunk when I engage the transmission from neutral to 1st but who cares.

 

[cctxfjr]

As one who came from a cruiser background IMO shift smoothness of the FJR is a non-issue. I shift at 4000+ on the way up and blip the throttle between gears on the way down...super smooth. There's a small clunk when I engage the transmission from neutral to 1st but who cares.

it appears not all the bikes shift the same-I hear less issues with the earlier bikes than I do the 06-07 bikes it also appears some of the shifting issues are related to clutch problems and shifting technique.The bikes power,handling, brakes,lights, controls,rider comfort, appearance and price are outstanding second to none (to me anyway). They fixed the low stator out put, excessive heat and jerky low speed throttle. I didnt think the transmission was quite up tp par with the rest of the bike although its not bad or a deal killer by any means. I have owned early model BMW's and Harleys that shifted like a Mack truck and am not comparing it to them. If they smooth out the trans. a little the bike will be about as good as you can get.