A couple of quick observations from an FNG on a new AE

[Bellerophon]

I bought a new 08 AE today, and took delivery late in the afternoon. I only had time for about a 45 mile ride, but so far so good, I already love the bike. My previous bike was an 06 FZ1 and a CBR1000F before that, so I like good handling powerful bikes.

It took me all of about 2 seconds to get used to the YCC-S trans/clutch. It works well.I wish the downshift paddle was a little bit bigger. I hit the horn by accident a couple of times.

The electric shield is cool. I was amazed by how much difference it made from high to low.

I will be happy with the power. I couldn't help myself, I took it up to 100 mph once. Just an easy trip up to 100 then back down.

 

[mfletch69]

I bought a new 08 AE today, and took delivery late in the afternoon. I only had time for about a 45 mile ride, but so far so good, I already love the bike. My previous bike was an 06 FZ1 and a CBR1000F before that, so I like good handling powerful bikes.

It took me all of about 2 seconds to get used to the YCC-S trans/clutch. It works well.I wish the downshift paddle was a little bit bigger. I hit the horn by accident a couple of times.

The electric shield is cool. I was amazed by how much difference it made from high to low.

I will be happy with the power. I couldn't help myself, I took it up to 100 mph once. Just an easy trip up to 100 then back down.

Flick forward with your index finger to downshift

 

[Fingerflicker]

I like the electric shift as well. I rarely use the foot shifter. As far as hitting the horn: I only use my pointy finger to do all the shifting, using the back side of the toggle lever. I just flick it, hence my log in name! Give it a try.

 

[Makuna]

+1

just use the index finger

 

[palerider]

+1
just use the index finger

For passing I use the middle finger.

 

[Makuna]

+1
just use the index finger

For passing I use the middle finger.

At first I thought, he is from europe and has the flash to pass button so he has to keep his index finger for that; THEN I seen that your from L.A. and it all made sense ;-)

 

[BrettE_NC]

I like the electric shift as well. I rarely use the foot shifter. As far as hitting the horn: I only use my pointy finger to do all the shifting, using the back side of the toggle lever. I just flick it, hence my log in name! Give it a try.

And here I thought you were using your finger to flick boogers on windshields as you rode by. :evilsmiley03:

 

[palerider]

I like the electric shift as well. I rarely use the foot shifter. As far as hitting the horn: I only use my pointy finger to do all the shifting, using the back side of the toggle lever. I just flick it, hence my log in name! Give it a try.

And here I thought you were using your finger to flick boogers on windshields as you rode by. :evilsmiley03:

Thanks for the suggestion. I hadn't thought of that.

 

[Franko]

I kept hitting the horn the first couple of months, but rarely do so now. The one finger idea sounds like a winner.

I'm finding that I'm using the foot shift more lately. That could be because I also ride a FZ1 and it helps me transition a bit.

 

[Bellerophon]

That could be because I also ride a FZ1 and it helps me transition a bit.

My previous bike was a 2006 FZ1. Another thing I noticed is that it's taking me a while to get used to the analog speedometer. I also prefered the digital temp guage on the FZ1 opposed to the bar graph on the FJR.

I am really digging this bike, it really wants to run. I found myself 20 miles over a couple of times on the interstate today. It just didn't feel like I was going that fast.

 

[Floridave]

I agree, what an awesome machine.

Picked my 'new to me', 2007 AE up in Baton Rouge weekend before last. 825 miles home, and what a great ride. The shifters are so cool. When I picked it up, using the index finger for both up and down shift was explained to me, so I've never even touched the thumb button to shift.

On the way home I did two lane roads, a couple/three hundred miles of interstate, some slow, creepy/crawly pace in Panama City Beach where a few thousand Harley's were gathered for a bikefest thing(pretty much walking pace all the way down the beachfront), then into the night till about 1:00am, and after seeing about the 40th deer, I decided I was pushing my luck and really needed to stop for the night.

Congrats on your new bike.