1300AE Reliability?

[Floridave]

I'm currently looking at used FJR's, coming off a DL1000 Vstrom. (which I liked a lot, I love the features of a bike like the FJR, but there sure is a lot more to go wrong on them)

This bike will mostly be used for a 90 mile round trip commute, over half interstate type roads, with a few country roads on one end, and a few city stoplights on the other.

I'm looking for a 2nd generation used, and considering AE. Honestly, I'd can probably take it or leave it, there are times it would be really nice, and times I'd probably just as soon have a clutch. My question though concerned maintenance, relaiablity, longevity.

In my searches, I'm not seeing huge problems with them, though it does seem a few folks have quite a lot of electrical issues.

What say you that have the AE? It's been out a few years now, any issues or problems? Is this a bike you could put 60-70k miles on without more than normal maintenance?

 

[TruWrecks]

Mine's got 52 miles on it now, and purring like a kitten.

 

[Wild72]

The electrical issues have mainly been down to the ignition switch problem which affected both A and AE models and was replaced under a recall notice at Mama's expense, as was the ECU.

Apart from the clutch, there is no difference between them, and so long as regular maintenance is carried out, they should both be purring away for plenty of miles, and many have already broken through 100K and above without problems.

The AE does have significantly less room under the pilot seat, for adding stuff, although I did squeeze an Autocom, Power Commander and an alarm system in there, but no room for anything else.

Like you,I was skeptical about getting the AE, but it was all that was available when I was ready to buy.

Now that I have it, I wouldn't part with it, and it can be fun when you have another FJR rider following behind you that can't tell when you are downshifting in the twisties. (Am I right Dan???).

I did purchase the YES extended warranty, primarily due to my concerns about the complexity of the AE system, and the possible repair costs if something went awry with it, but so far it has been 12,500 flawless miles, and I haven't heard of any reports to the contrary from anyone else.

I don't miss the clutch lever one bit, and honestly if mine was totalled or stolen, I would have no hesitation in replacing it with another AE.

 

[Ignacio]

Only systemic issues are covered here with the ticking issue not counting for Gen 2, and ignition switch and altitude issue covered under recalls. And extremely reliable bike.

 

[Brodie]

Floridave,

I've had my '06AE for 29 months now, it just ticked over 62k on the odometer, and I haven't had a lick of problems with it. The bike is my primary transportation. Yamaha built it near bullet proof, and did a great job with the programming on it.

I have a 80 mile round trip commute - mostly freeway. I've taken it long distances, driven it in a parade, escorted several Fallen Heros in service with the Patriot Guard Riders. I've even participated in a horse drawn caisson funeral procession 10 miles down city streets at a slow walking pace (that was a true test of throttle control). I have no problem recommending the AE model to anyone who is contemplating one. I think it's a proven performer. And perform it will in the hills! :yahoo:

I really argued with myself whether of not to buy into this bleeding edge technology; in this case I'm glad I did, the bike has performed admirably. I do my own maintenance and repairs, and no I don't have the 5 year "Yes" warranty. The last time I bought a service contract for one of my vehicles, I voided it the first time I picked up a wrench.

Unless you are going to stunt with it, or race it, it should be quite capable in meeting your needs.

Good luck with your decision.



Brodie

 

[happyPuppy]

No problems with mine. The only thing that really is different is the low speed handling, instead of throttle + clutch = Friction Zone , I use Throttle + rear brake for the same effect. I have heard some lurch complaints and they add a G2 , but the 2008 seems OK to me anyway.

 

[majicmaker]

I'm currently looking at used FJR's, coming off a DL1000 Vstrom. (which I liked a lot, I love the features of a bike like the FJR, but there sure is a lot more to go wrong on them)
This bike will mostly be used for a 90 mile round trip commute, over half interstate type roads, with a few country roads on one end, and a few city stoplights on the other.

I'm looking for a 2nd generation used, and considering AE. Honestly, I'd can probably take it or leave it, there are times it would be really nice, and times I'd probably just as soon have a clutch. My question though concerned maintenance, relaiablity, longevity.

In my searches, I'm not seeing huge problems with them, though it does seem a few folks have quite a lot of electrical issues.

What say you that have the AE? It's been out a few years now, any issues or problems? Is this a bike you could put 60-70k miles on without more than normal maintenance?

Floridave,

Addressing ALL your questions about the AE, This will be the easiest "NO BRAINER" decision you will ever make in your life!!

GET IT, YOU WILL LOVE IT! End of statement!! :clapping:

 

[Cdogman]

30K, Flawless... Slow speed is a matter of practice

I would do it again in a heartbeat!! You will love it... and you will NOT miss the clutch lever a bit

 

[BwanaDik]

Like you,I was skeptical about getting the AE, but it was all that was available when I was ready to buy. Now that I have it, I wouldn't part with it, and it can be fun when you have another FJR rider following behind you that can't tell when you are downshifting in the twisties. (Am I right Dan???).

I did purchase the YES extended warranty, primarily due to my concerns about the complexity of the AE system, and the possible repair costs if something went awry with it, but so far it has been 12,500 flawless miles, and I haven't heard of any reports to the contrary from anyone else.

I don't miss the clutch lever one bit, and honestly if mine was totalled or stolen, I would have no hesitation in replacing it with another AE.

+1

23,000 miles on my '06 and zero issues. Don't hesitate because of the technology, it seems to be bulletproof.

 

[palerider]

Mine's got 52 miles on it now, and purring like a kitten.

Almost time for the 60-mile valve adjustment.

 

[bramfrank]

Mine's got 52 miles on it now, and purring like a kitten.

Almost time for the 60-mile valve adjustment.

He joined up in Feb '07, so that's about 4 miles a month!!! Oil changes every 12 miles!!

 

[majicmaker]

Mine's got 52 miles on it now, and purring like a kitten.

Almost time for the 60-mile valve adjustment.

He joined up in Feb '07, so that's about 4 miles a month!!! Oil changes every 12 miles!!

This is Funny as Hell!! :blink:

 

[mcatrophy]

...What say you that have the AE? It's been out a few years now, any issues or problems? Is this a bike you could put 60-70k miles on without more than normal maintenance?

My '06 only has 13600 miles, but many of them in the clutch friction zone due to a very slow trafficky commute. Absolutely no mechanical issues - except I decided to have my clutch plates oil soaked (a one-hour job with a 24 hour wait).

I have had an electrical gremlin associated with the YCC-S stuff, giving me an error code Sh__35, described here. Never finally resolved, but seems to have gone away (I have an official letter from Yamaha saying they will look sympathetically at a recurrence outside the warranty period, Yamaha do seem to support their customers). It never stopped the bike from working correctly.

I'd have another without even thinking about it. Mind you, I've not got much choice, an aged finger joint won't let me use a conventional clutch lever for more than a few pulls. For me, this bike is a god-send.

 

[Floridave]

Thanks guys! I took the plunge, will pick up the 1300AE in a week or so.

 

[Franko]

Thanks guys! I took the plunge, will pick up the 1300AE in a week or so.

Mine's got about 5K flawless miles on it and I love it. I was skeptical about the automatic clutch, as my Honda Rancher AT really sucked. But, after test riding it for about a minute, I was sold. For city riding where you have to stop every two blocks, it is the only way to motorcycle.

There is only one thing that bothers me about the AT. I wish it coasted instead of dragging against compression when you let off the throttle.

 

[TruWrecks]

Mine's got 52 miles on it now, and purring like a kitten.

Almost time for the 60-mile valve adjustment.

He joined up in Feb '07, so that's about 4 miles a month!!! Oil changes every 12 miles!!

I just topped 57 today. :yahoo:

I joined in Feb 07 right before I bought the 07 A. I put 11,300 miles on that in 8 months. My current 08 AE has only been ridden three times locally since I brought it home. My Busa has been getting the "remember how to ride" miles on it. The FJR just attended a bike night tonight that was 2 miles from my home. The Busa was getting new brake rotors and was out of commission. The FJR will be getting a workout this weekend. I'll be shooting for 5 more miles. B)

 

[Cdogman]

Mine's got 52 miles on it now, and purring like a kitten.

Almost time for the 60-mile valve adjustment.

He joined up in Feb '07, so that's about 4 miles a month!!! Oil changes every 12 miles!!

I just topped 57 today. :yahoo:

I joined in Feb 07 right before I bought the 07 A. I put 11,300 miles on that in 8 months. My current 08 AE has only been ridden three times locally since I brought it home. My Busa has been getting the "remember how to ride" miles on it. The FJR just attended a bike night tonight that was 2 miles from my home. The Busa was getting new brake rotors and was out of commission. The FJR will be getting a workout this weekend. I'll be shooting for 5 more miles. B)

[SIZE=36pt][/SIZE]

U GO BOY!!!!

 

[BwanaDik]

Having said all that, this is a little concerning

Clicky

Something to keep an eye on, I'll probably check mine before SFO

Edit: Looks like it applies to both the A and AE models (Turbodave) so carry on with your decision!

 

[Cdogman]

Ignition Switch Failure.... There is a recall for it too.

Or I fixed mine myself (still gonna do the recall though)