2010 Yamaha FJR Intro

[WBill]

More Yamaha news here.

 

[Geezer]

So, what color is the 2010 Yamaha Alto Saxophone?

 

[palerider]

...two BRAND NEW 05 AE's one on the showroom floor, the other in a crate out back...

You sure about that..? You might want to check the year on those bikes again...

100% positive. Actually, now that I think about it, I heard one of them got sold. I haven't been out there in a while. But as of about a month ago..

My apologies. I'd thought the AE wasn't introduced until '06 with the Gen II bikes...

Gracious apology, but you were correct in the first place. The AE, like all Gen IIs, was introduced in 06.

 

[Bungie]

My apologies. I'd thought the AE wasn't introduced until '06 with the Gen II bikes...

Okay, so you got me.. their 06's then.

 

[Fred W]

Couple of points:

Obviously they didn't change anything on the '10 except for color. That is a good thing for every one of us that already owns an FJR as it bolsters the resale value of our rides. As soon as a "new and improved" FJR gets released who's gonna want to buy your old flea bitten steed?

I can't believe how worked up some people get over the colors thing. Holy cow!! If they had come out with a red (or whatever your favorite color is) this year, and still had no other changes, who would really trade their existing bike in to get it? Huh? :blink: If you really need a different color take your old bike to a painter (Garauld?) and have him shoot you a new color. That way when (not if) you drop it you'll know where to get a color match for the touch up. Seems like a better plan than spending a bunch of money on a new bike that is the same as what you already have.

People are bitching about the MSRP "price increase" for 2010. Well, duh! The MSRP has risen every year from between 200-600 dollars. Is it a big surprise they would raise it again? Remember, this is MSRP. Not what you are actually going to be paying. It seems like wishful thinking on Yamaha's part that they will be able to command an extra $700 for the same bike in a different tone.

But, hey... they did make some pretty major changes for 2010. The bikes now come with a better, more robust ignition switch and improved ECU programming for high altitudes. But probably the same old ground bugs (spiders) as prior 2nd gens.

Also, I'm pretty sure the Yamaha folks realized that the AEs were the ones left on the showroom floors every year, and that had a big part to do with their discontinuance. And it wasn't because of the color...

 

[user 213]

I've priced a set of soft bags - $150 (I only ride with my saddle bags once a year).

Enough said! The BMW is the PERFECT bike for you! But hey, man up and get the S model. Don't be a little ***** and buy the Sport-Touring bike if you're not needing the touring package. Or hey, just go buy an R-1, GSXR, etc.

6 speeds, eh? Wow, can't maintain focus very long and need your foot to be doing something all the time?

 

[topanga]

I've priced a set of soft bags - $150 (I only ride with my saddle bags once a year).

Enough said! The BMW is the PERFECT bike for you! But hey, man up and get the S model. Don't be a little ***** and buy the Sport-Touring bike if you're not needing the touring package. Or hey, just go buy an R-1, GSXR, etc.

6 speeds, eh? Wow, can't maintain focus very long and need your foot to be doing something all the time?

Ugh, now I wish I never mentioned the BMW, I propose we move any discussion of said bike out of this thread to the proper place immediately.

 

[zip]

I can't believe how worked up some people get over the colors thing. Holy cow!! If they had come out with a red (or whatever your favorite color is) this year, and still had no other changes, who would really trade their existing bike in to get it? ...a bunch of money on a new bike that is the same as what you already have.

I'm not really worked up about it, but I would've seriously considered trading my existing Gen I blue bike (which I love) for a new, Gen II bike if it was delivered in a great color. Not really interested in spending another $2-3k to change the color of a new bike or one I'd like trade in a couple of years anyhow. I'd like a Gen II, but my ideal scenario would've been a colored AE.

Also, I'm pretty sure the Yamaha folks realized that the AEs were the ones left on the showroom floors every year, and that had a big part to do with their discontinuance. And it wasn't because of the color...

I think you're right, and this is unfortunate. I'm sure it's great technology, as evidenced by the number of people on this site that love the AE, but probably a bit too bleeding edge. I don't recall seeing many AE owners who were dissatisfied with their choice. I'd still like one for commuting. Now may have to consider the charcoal bike if I really want that.

 

[user 213]

Ugh, now I wish I never mentioned the BMW, I propose we move any discussion of said bike out of this thread to the proper place immediately.

My bad, any sport bike is the perfect bike for jjsC6. Guess it doesn't matter really, what ever he buys will only be sold in a short time when he gets the new bike fever again. Pet peeve of mine, get the bike that meets your needs. If you're barely riding the bike and never need the bags, you're on the wrong bike.

 

[SockMonkey]

Ugh, now I wish I never mentioned the BMW, I propose we move any discussion of said bike out of this thread to the proper place immediately.

My bad, any sport bike is the perfect bike for jjsC6. Guess it doesn't matter really, what ever he buys will only be sold in a short time when he gets the new bike fever again. Pet peeve of mine, get the bike that meets your needs. If you're barely riding the bike and never need the bags, you're on the wrong bike.

This is my pet Peeves...

Sorry, I just couldn't resist...

 

[FJRGuy]

...two BRAND NEW 05 AE's one on the showroom floor, the other in a crate out back...

You sure about that..? You might want to check the year on those bikes again...

100% positive. Actually, now that I think about it, I heard one of them got sold. I haven't been out there in a while. But as of about a month ago..

In Western Canada, I don`t recall seeing an AE `til `06. You Easterners must be special!

 

[Dallara]

~

Just my humble opinion...

But I'm glad they didn't make any major changes the FJR, and for any number of reasons.

First off, and again in just my humble opinion, the bike is about as close to the perfect sport touring mount as current technology allows, at least in the basics. Honestly, does it really need more power, or more torque? I grew up riding in the late '60's and early '70's, and then a "big bike" was a 750 Honda Four with about 50-60 crank HP. Can't tell you how many of those I sold when I working Honda dealerships that had Vetter Windjammers and various saddlebag set-ups, and they covered the country "sport touring" with many saying nobody would ever need any more power... Then came the Z-1, and repeat. Sure, more power is fun, but how much do you really need.

And the FJR's chassis is still one of the finest handling out there, easily the equal of the Concours 14 and ST1300, and IMHO, anything from BMW (and I'm a former Beemer owner). Sure, the FJR doesn't have the latest "boutique" front end from BMW, but is the Duo-Lever actually an advantage in the real world? Is its complexity and maintenance difficulty worth it? Worth the lack of front end brake dive, but also worth the front end's lack of *feel* in high-speed cornering? In my experience and observation the Yamaha is actually quite a bit more reliable than the Beemers, and is certainly far less expensive to maintain. What is that worth?

It's already been mentioned how Yamaha not changing the FJR just for the sake of change helps maintain resale value, and if you just take a moment to think about it, that is very important to most all of us. It also helps maintain a certain amount of cachet of the marque itself, much like a Merc-Benz or Lexus maintains its status by not changing its appearance for no other reason than fad, or fashion... and hence the marque *becomes* the essence of classic fashion.

But perhaps the best reason for the customers like us that the FJR doesn't change dramatically from year to year is the continued growth of aftermarket support. If a given model is pretty close to *right* when it is introduced, and doesn't change more than in an evolutionary fashion, then the aftermarket can afford to invest in making all sort of items to make the model *fit* more different riders and their preferences. Just look at the aftermarket for Kawasaki KLR650's, or for any year Gold Wing. Make a bike a classic from the start, build the customer base, make only evolutionary changes along the way, and watch how the aftermarket blossoms around it. Really just now is the FJR aftermarket coming into its own. Make too big a change in it, though, and watch the aftermarket slow to a crawl supporting it.

I'd actually like to see Yamaha do no more than simply build on what they got in the FJR... 6-speed gearbox? Sure, that would be great, and a good evolutionary change. OEM cruise control? Sure, another great evolutionary change. More adjustment in the bars, seat, and next, the pegs? Absolutely. Greater stator output? Always a good thing. More adjustable, even electronically, suspension? Again, great, in an evolutionary way.

But *BIG* changes, like to a V-4, etc.? Not for me. Instead, refine and redefine the already great platform that exists. Age it carefully, with careful tweaking of the basics and polishing of the edges. Make it into a true classic that soldiers on getting a little better, all the time... Don't change just for change's sake.

Btu again, that's just my two cents... And I could care less about the color, too!

Thanks!

Dallara

~

 

[FJRGuy]

This `new` FJR is no big surprise to me either. I`ve mentioned it before in other threads, but the automotive industry, and I believe the motorcycle industry works in the same manner, is slow to react. It takes a few years to design, plan and implement a new model. The 2010 model was most likely predetermined to be just another GenII long before the economic crunch and the drop of the AE was also likely planned a while back (when they had to put huge incentives to sell `06s still in stock in the `08 model year.) What can be cost effectively changed in short term is production quantities and distribution. I expect to see way smaller numbers of the 2010 model hit the street in NA. If 2011 holds a GenIII or a complete replacement of the FJR model, it was decided a long time ago. We will just have to wait and see.

As for colour (yes, that`s the proper way to spell it! ) I`m not a fan of the Silver... nor the Black... and the Blue, albeit ascetically pleasing, does not seem to be an eye catcher for me. I am partial to the Black Cherry but again, not bright and `racey`. While I prefer not looking like a race bike and attracting unwanted attention from the Leos, many seem to want this look. I say `Go get it painted!`If you are buying the bike for the colour, you have your priorities a little screwed up.

Just my $0.02

 

[HotRodZilla]

My complete speculation...
Last year for the FJR1300, period. They are reducing parts on hand.

There may be a new FJR type bike next year, but that's it for this model.

If Yamaha wanted to "reduce parts" they should have offered the '10 in Liquid Silver, Cobalt Blue, Cruelean Silver, Black Cherry, Black, Black, and that Graphite AE color they had. At least new owners would have a frigging choice. A person could order either black or silver wheels. You know...for uniqueness.

Haha...

 

[jjsC6]

I've priced a set of soft bags - $150 (I only ride with my saddle bags once a year).

Enough said! The BMW is the PERFECT bike for you! But hey, man up and get the S model. Don't be a little ***** and buy the Sport-Touring bike if you're not needing the touring package. Or hey, just go buy an R-1, GSXR, etc.

6 speeds, eh? Wow, can't maintain focus very long and need your foot to be doing something all the time?

Perhaps you need to go back to my first post - I am talking about the "S".

No need in even responding to the 6-speed issue. I guess you'd be happy to have a bike with a 2-speed "Powerglide" transmission. :blink:

 

[Braenen]

One point that no one has really made yet is this: At least Yamaha is still in business. Given the state of the world economy and given the number of companies in very severe trouble, Yamaha seems to have made some good decisions to maintian a healthy company. If a company survives the rough times it can always go back to the proverbial drawing boards and offer more choices in its future product lines.

I am not upset with them. Looking at the data which drove these decisions, data which was compiled over several months, the decisions seem self evident.

 

[jjsC6]

~

Just my humble opinion...

But I'm glad they didn't make any major changes the FJR, and for any number of reasons.

First off, and again in just my humble opinion, the bike is about as close to the perfect sport touring mount as current technology allows, at least in the basics. Honestly, does it really need more power, or more torque? I grew up riding in the late '60's and early '70's, and then a "big bike" was a 750 Honda Four with about 50-60 crank HP. Can't tell you how many of those I sold when I working Honda dealerships that had Vetter Windjammers and various saddlebag set-ups, and they covered the country "sport touring" with many saying nobody would ever need any more power... Then came the Z-1, and repeat. Sure, more power is fun, but how much do you really need.

And the FJR's chassis is still one of the finest handling out there, easily the equal of the Concours 14 and ST1300, and IMHO, anything from BMW (and I'm a former Beemer owner). Sure, the FJR doesn't have the latest "boutique" front end from BMW, but is the Duo-Lever actually an advantage in the real world? Is its complexity and maintenance difficulty worth it? Worth the lack of front end brake dive, but also worth the front end's lack of *feel* in high-speed cornering? In my experience and observation the Yamaha is actually quite a bit more reliable than the Beemers, and is certainly far less expensive to maintain. What is that worth?

It's already been mentioned how Yamaha not changing the FJR just for the sake of change helps maintain resale value, and if you just take a moment to think about it, that is very important to most all of us. It also helps maintain a certain amount of cachet of the marque itself, much like a Merc-Benz or Lexus maintains its status by not changing its appearance for no other reason than fad, or fashion... and hence the marque *becomes* the essence of classic fashion.

But perhaps the best reason for the customers like us that the FJR doesn't change dramatically from year to year is the continued growth of aftermarket support. If a given model is pretty close to *right* when it is introduced, and doesn't change more than in an evolutionary fashion, then the aftermarket can afford to invest in making all sort of items to make the model *fit* more different riders and their preferences. Just look at the aftermarket for Kawasaki KLR650's, or for any year Gold Wing. Make a bike a classic from the start, build the customer base, make only evolutionary changes along the way, and watch how the aftermarket blossoms around it. Really just now is the FJR aftermarket coming into its own. Make too big a change in it, though, and watch the aftermarket slow to a crawl supporting it.

I'd actually like to see Yamaha do no more than simply build on what they got in the FJR... 6-speed gearbox? Sure, that would be great, and a good evolutionary change. OEM cruise control? Sure, another great evolutionary change. More adjustment in the bars, seat, and next, the pegs? Absolutely. Greater stator output? Always a good thing. More adjustable, even electronically, suspension? Again, great, in an evolutionary way.

But *BIG* changes, like to a V-4, etc.? Not for me. Instead, refine and redefine the already great platform that exists. Age it carefully, with careful tweaking of the basics and polishing of the edges. Make it into a true classic that soldiers on getting a little better, all the time... Don't change just for change's sake.

Btu again, that's just my two cents... And I could care less about the color, too!

Thanks!

Dallara

~

Let me start by repeating that I'm a huge fan of the FJR. I have 40,000 miles on mine in just over 3 years.

NOW, let me address a couple of your comments. A new model has little bearing on resale of vehicle that is more than one or two years old. My 06 resale value right now is around $7,000. Do you really think that someone who is looking at a used $7,000 bike is going to suddenly decide to buy a new $15,000 bike? No - they have $7,000 to spend, that's why they are looking at a 4 year old used bike to begin with.

Aftermarket farkels. OK, maybe I see your point. But honestly, what farkels are available for the FJR now that were not available a year or two after they came out? I'm not really seeing it, but I'll accept that there is some degree of validity to your point.

Handling - BMW vs FJR. Read the test in the current Sport Rider magazine. They highly praised the K1300S handling and said the tweaks made over the 1200 transformed the bike. I have ridden a 1200 S and was pleased with it's handling. A little slower to react than the FJR, but handled fine. I won't get into a pissing match over this though because I agree that the FJR handles great for a ST bike.

Once again, I'm not trying to knock the FJR, and am not even saying the BMW 1300S is a significantly better all around bike. But it is something new and exciting in that its much faster than a FJR, has some cool features available, and it's not what I've been riding the past three years.

This is strictly a personal issue for me - I would never tell anyone not to buy and FJR - it's a great bike. I'm just trying to explain why Yamaha is not likely to sell me a 2010 FJR, whereas they would have even with some minor upgrades. I'm not saying I'm right and your wrong, I'm just saying how I want to spend my money on a new bike.

 

[user 213]

Perhaps you need to go back to my first post - I am talking about the "S".
No need in even responding to the 6-speed issue. I guess you'd be happy to have a bike with a 2-speed "Powerglide" transmission. :blink:

On the "S" Good thinking, sorry I missed that. It should suit you well.

2 speed? If the final ratio is the same, it's fine. I spend far more time in 5th than any other gear. Personally, 4-speeds were more than enough for anyone. After that you're just rowing through the gears more than necessary to get the same results. Splitting the ratios more and more is un-necessary. After all, the transmission is a torque multiplier, give the same rpm. Vary the rpm to get the torque you want. (not to say I don't down shift in the slower corners)

 

[Gerry.GEG]

Well, exactly what many have thought...no changes due to economic concerns.

Silver again, ugh. Should have at least spiced it up a bit - bright red would have been good since they didn't change a damn thing - really.

Oh well, go for the safe choice, Sliver.

In thinking about it, I'm not a fan of white but a deep, really cool pearl maybe would have been interesting with very subtle graphics. Not like they could have f...it' up or anything. It's not like we have a lot of choices in ST's. Honestly, are most FJR enthusiasts every going to buy a Honda? Or are many going to pony up for a BMW? I had my mind made up two years before I bought my '08. So, whatever color they made for that year is what I would likely have bought.

 

[Gerry.GEG]

My '08 has the vent.

In reading the site info, I came across this bit -

a central vent beneath the instrument panel cools the rider and reduces negative pressure for less buffeting

Does this exist on the '06-09 bikes and I just didn't notice?
Also -

Glove box contains a 12V outlet for phones, GPS units, electric vests, etc.

Wonder if that means they upgraded the fuse for that outlet?