AE verses A

[ScottyUSN]

Carpevita

The '09 new mapping may be smoother
from neutral,
however, my bike seldom sees neutral. When I come to a stop I leave it in gear. I park it in gear, it's the only parking brake it has. When I fire it up it is in gear. The only time I put it in neutral is when I put it up on center stand, and that is just a habit I developed for no reason at all.
YMMV

Brodie

+1 The Only time my AE is in neutral is for preflight warm up (kick stand down).

Break in... Much like a oil or tire discussion, ask 10 people get 10 different answers. My opinion is don't sweat it if the bike appears to be maintained.

The differences between the two models is all but non existent, so to me it is left to bike -vs- value.

 

[Poca]

I've never encountered a bike that had issues because it was "broken in" incorrectly, so I would go with the 08. But if the extra few grand isn't that big of a deal with you, just go with the peace of mind.

 

[Scotty]

My 2007 is going strong. Regular maintenance and I did have to service the front forks(A or AE). Coming in and out of corners is really a blast but be really careful using first gear around parking lots - can't use the friction zone. I learned after a mishap to just use 2nd or even 3rd gear in tight maneuvers. Great bike and really comfortable on long trips but will stay with sport bikes in corners - well almost.

 

[mcatrophy]

1320105593[/url]' post='910549']... using first gear around parking lots - can't use the friction zone. ...

You can use the friction zone if you slow sufficiently for the clutch to disengage, then gently throttle up, the clutch will stay slipping so long as you don't let the bike speed go up too much. I'd suggest slowing with the bike straight or you risk dropping it when the clutch disengages, and it may help to drag the rear brake to help control speed.

This works more easily in the '08 and later due to the harsh throttle cam on the '06 and '07.

 

[yamafitter]

... using first gear around parking lots - can't use the friction zone. ...

You can use the friction zone if you slow sufficiently for the clutch to disengage, then gently throttle up, the clutch will stay slipping so long as you don't let the bike speed go up too much. I'd suggest slowing with the bike straight or you risk dropping it when the clutch disengages, and it may help to drag the rear brake to help control speed.

This works more easily in the '08 and later due to the harsh throttle cam on the '06 and '07.

Installing the G2 Throttle Tube solves this issue on the '06 - '07.