AE owners past and present

[Brodie]

Dreamer,

I got my AE simply because of the electric shift. The FJR is a great bike, one of the best sport tourers out there. I thought long and hard about being on the bleeding edge of technology, the fact that the clutch automatically disengages when you come to a stop. Unless you shift into neutral at every traffic light your bike will see a lot of clutch disengagement. It remains to be seen what the long term effect this has on the throw out bearing, but so far I haven't heard of any issues surfacing.

As far as the low speed capabilities are concerned, I participated in the PGR mission in Torrance last May escorting Corporal Anzak to his memorial service at his High School. The procession was 8 miles long behind a horse drawn caisson through my old neighborhood. The temperature was in the low eighties, and at less than a walking pace. The bike is quite capable of these low speeds but it's all in throttle control. I must say I rather enjoyed the high speed run up Interstate 5 on my way home after that.

I've had many comments from the other bikers in these PGR processions concerning my one handed riding technique. I think that adds to the charm of this bike. If you are seriously considering obtaining one of these, go for it! If you don't like it it's just another bike, sell it and get something else. You never know unless you try.

Ride safe.

 

[shadygrady]

Can past and present AE owners chime in on whether or not they would get the AE model again. I haven't really seen any negative comments here on the AE model to date. I'm still deciding on which model to get. Thanks...

I don't know. Last Saturday I rode a paltry little 330 miles in 6 hours through lower SC since the weather was inclement upstate. Averaged 55 mph stopped for lunch, stopped to call the wife twice, stopped to see a friend in Mt. Pleasant SC, stopped for gas, found a curve, rode the Arthur Ravenel Bridge twice to enjoy the I26 exit ramp a couple of times, got home for wine time. Today I took off through 45 minutes of rain going north to ride Ceasar's Head north of Greenville SC. Sky cleared, curves great, Beemers drooled, 310 miles in 7 hours, stopped for gas, called the wife twice, took pictures, got back for wine time. The Beemers asked about the AE and I told them I believed everything that I read about it. Geeze. I'll be 61 in 4 months. This is an awful bike. It's got rain dust spatter, colorful bug splat, less gas, gawd awful wear on the tire slopes, I feel great, and I don't know - would it be cheaper to buy another new one or just clean this one?

 

[Silverbullet]

I ordered my 03 FJR based on a small black and white picture and 2 paragraph blurb in MCN. When I got it, I thought it was the wisest "chance" I had ever taken. I sold my perfectly good '04 to a close friend of mine who had been drooling all over it since the day I got it in order to get my '06 AE. I now have a new "wisest chance" I've ever taken. If it is still in production when the Gen III FJR comes out, I'll definately buy another. I have to admit however, it's kinda weird to have a motorcycle with 25,000 miles on it, and absolutely no wear on the footshifter rubber. I used it a couple of times on the day I took delivery, and then forget it was even there. It's just soooo much fun using the finger shift.

 

[manowell]

Gunny.

 

[Cejay]

Gunny.

do they still make the FJR with a clutch lever, if so why?

I have put 17,000klms on mine and have since removed the foot change pedal...

Paddle shift is the way to go, don't worry about the hype, its all in the wrist action

Cejay

 

[sqidget]

Wow,

I am definately outnumbered. I always use the foot shifter unless my feet are on the highway pegs! I love my AE. If and when It is time to replace it I will consider another AE. Try to line up a test ride. I went to the dealer looking for a A. He had a leftover AE and offered me a test ride because he (sales manager)had never ridden one, and could not answer questions about it. So he got it fired up, we both rode it and I bought it on the spot and still have no regrets. Right now mine has been parked since november and I am going nuts to ride! I don't believe you will go wrong with either machine. If you don't do stunts or 1/4 mile competition the AE has no disadvantage to the A and it has heated grips.

 

[V GER]

abso frikkin' lootlee

 

[git-r-dan]

No question about it ... AE was the right choice. Any '08 AE forum members yet? Dreamer, you need to get you one. Sure like that darker silver. Topanga, as for future colors, I sure liked that sand color from the UK posted last year. That would be cool.

git-r-dan :beach:

 

[Low Level FJR Pilot]

Best and funnest bike I have ever owned. I love not having to dink around with a clutch lever all the time and it is a whole lot easier to handle in stop and go traffic during those times I just can't be lane sharing, which is rare. I will definately buy another when the time comes to retire this one. B)

 

[Flyguy]

Outside 1/4 mile running, the AE offers a unique platform that is so easy to ride it makes your grin. It's like an oriental woman. Once you try one, be prepared to never go back.

 

[skifrik]

yes

It has a "foot shifter"????

Where???

 

[BernieB]

I have the 06 AE and I would definitely buy one again. I spent a long time researching, sitting and riding different models until I made my choice. My riding needs make an automatic clutch a good choice and helps me easily navigate a larger bike through our hilly mining town. The FJR fit me like a glove. I use the trigger shifting for upshifts and the foot for down. When I started out I found myself honking rather than downshifting so I got in the habit of using the foot pedal. The ST and Concourse both felt a little top heavy to me, and neither fit me well. I was tempted by the Buell Ulyses, and I looked at the BMW's, and the Tiger. I am very happy with my choice. BTW this things a rocket!

 

[Ford68xl]

Gotta agree with BernieB's shifting pattern. I too was blowing my horn all the time. I also have to agree that my AE was the smartest choice I have made in a long time. I traded my GL1800 GoldWing for my 07 AE model. Having had nothing but great experiences with my Wing, I was nervous that I was making a mistake buying my FJR as well as an AE model. I am so glad I didn't listen to the nervous little guy on my shoulder. The FJR AE is fantastic. Winter came too fast here and I can't wait to get out and put some serious, Wing-like miles on this bike. Don't listen to those who have never ridden one when making your decision. Listen to those who have!!!

 

[turbodave_98]

Bernie B said above: "I use the trigger shifting for upshifts and the foot for down."

Just for info only, you can use the trigger finger to do both up and down shifting of the gears. Merely put you finger behind the upshift lever and push it forward to down shift. Very simple way to use the finger shifter. After my 26 K miles on the AE, I nearly always use the footshifter. It just fits my riding style the best.

 

[Shadow]

do they still make the FJR with a clutch lever, if so why?Cejay

Because it's fun.....

 

[Rondo777]

YES, AE all the way. I would do it again in a heart beat

 

[cptngym]

I love the AE very smooth and heck I am not drag racing it any way.

 

[SR-71]

I bought manual shift both times ('05 and '07). When I bought my '07A, an AE was sitting right beside it on the showroom floor. It looked interesting but I couldn't quite bring myself to buy it. I figured if for some reason I didn't like it, I'd end up getting hosed on the resele, so I stuck with what I knew.

Too bad Yam can't build a FJR with both. I'd probably buy that!

SR-71