AE purchase

[FJRless]

Am considering purchasing an 08 AE. Does anyone have any feedback on the shifting feature that, according to Yamaha's website, is state of the art?

 

[topanga]

Am considering purchasing an 08 AE. Does anyone have any feedback on the shifting feature that, according to Yamaha's website, is state of the art?

The system works very well, and it's a slight technique adjustment. I think it's love/hate with the AE. Those that ride them really like them, those who don't may not. I personally wasn't sure if I would really like it, but I do. Is it a must have? Probably not, but it is cool.

 

[bikerjim]

Am considering purchasing an 08 AE. Does anyone have any feedback on the shifting feature that, according to Yamaha's website, is state of the art?

I own a 2008 AE myself, bought new last August. I was not sure how I would like the automatic clutch, but I found out immediately that not only was it a non issue for enjoyment of the bike, but I really liked the feature. I certainly would buy another AE if I were to replace mine. After 4000 miles I have not changed my opinion on the bike.

You will find out that the owner's manual tells you a way to shift that does not work well in the real world. It recommends that you roll off the throttle completely when shifting. I found that smooth shifts can be had by keeping a steady RPM or perhaps rolling off the throttle just slightly, and then shift. Very smooth shifting results, for me at least. I have ridden for about 40 years, and there is virtually no learning curve to using the automatic clutch.

There is quite a bit of info here on the opinions of buying an AE. The vast majority of people who purchased one fall in love with the bike.

I have owned a great number of motorcycles, this is the best one yet!

 

[happyPuppy]

I have one and love it. It causes so much less fatigue. I was unsure at first, but after a day of use on a long ride I was sold on it.

 

[cruiser]

Its all in the wrist ya know,, I use both the hand shift and the foot shift just to change it up a little. :yahoo:

 

[canucklehead-biker]

I think like most I was skeptical, but after a few rides I loved it. Now just shy of 50,000 km (30,000 mi) in 2 seasons, and I'd look for another if anything happened to this one.

Some adjustments to be made for low speed riding since you don't have a clutch to feather in the traditional way. Otherwise, no real differences, and WAY less fatigue in traffic.

YMMV and all the usual caveats. If you get the chance, ride both and see what you prefer. Both are great.

Griff

 

[Will England]

Noob question: What does the AE do on downhill runs - like coming off a mountain in CO, where you have the throttle closed? I thought I read / heard that it let the clutch out after some period of time with the throttle closed.

Is the solution to just keep a hair of throttle open so the clutch stays engaged and lets you use engine braking?

 

[copron]

It behaves just like a regular bike coasting down hills.The bike will engine brake until the revs drop below about 1300 rpm then the clutch will disengage.

 

[dbx]

If I had to do it again, I'd get another AE, no doubt about it. I love mine.

The best things for me are the effortless stop-and-go capabilities, the ability to smoothly shift gears while heeled over in a corner, and just the overall smooth consistency from one shift to the next. No jerky shifts, no missed shifts, no aching left hand at the end of the day, just pure unadulterated riding fun.

 

[FJRless]

Thanks to everyone who provided me with good input on the subject. I've been riding for about 15 years and did it year-round for 13 of those years. I just wasn't sure I could adapt to an E-clutch. But after hearing what everyone had to say, I think I'll scoop one up. There are some really good deals on leftover 08s. It will replace an 05 FJR I had.

 

[JimNtexas]

I found that smooth shifts can be had by keeping a steady RPM or perhaps rolling off the throttle just slightly, and then shift. Very smooth shifting results, for me at least.

I bought a leftover 2008 AE the day after Thanksgiving. I concur with the above post 100%.

It took about 2 miles to grok the paddle shifter, I don't think I've used the foot shifter more than 2 or 3 times since that first ride.

When I first rode this bike I tended to downshift too soon approaching stop signs and traffic lights. I've found its a bit smoother to delay downshifting to second or first until I've almost stopped. At that point the clutch will be disengaged and you'll get a very smooth stop. And if you forget to downshift to first its not an issue, the FJR AE is OK if you start out in third or even fourth.

A couple of times I've forgotten to press the 'authorize' button on the left shift after starting, which results in you just revving the motor, and a couple of times I've honked the horn when I ment to downshift.

I'm sold on the AE system. It is easy and fun to use. Its especially great for city traffic.

 

[dbx]

A couple of times I've forgotten to press the 'authorize' button on the left shift after starting, which results in you just revving the motor

There are a couple of fairly easy fixes for that. Just add a device/contraption that automatically enables the hand shift after engine start and you'll never look silly revving your engine again.

My big question now is, what do I do with that manual switch, now that I no longer need it for its intended purpose? I'm thinking of hooking it to a garage door opener...

 

[RichardS]

I agree with Bikerjim, the owner's manual method of shifting is not the best. And cruiser, it actually is NOT in the wrist. My clutch wrist doesn't work, so the AE was IT, or no more riding (unless you want an Aprilia 750 or Can-Am Spyder). I even removed the foot shifter because they hurt my big toe, even though I added a piece of leather at the 'shift' spot' on my work/riding boots. Got tender pinkies I guess!?

 

[skifrik]

love it

 

[cruppelt]

.... And cruiser, it actually is NOT in the wrist....

But it is! He meant the right (throttle) wrist for shift timing!!!!