AE verses A

[carpevita]

Hey all,

I know this topic has probably been discussed to death but,

I'm a new guy finally doing the jump from the ST to the FJR and just test rode an AE (08). Instantly took to the electric clutch. I ride alot in Manhattan so I figure this is perfect for stop and go traffic. Question to those who have had the AE for a number of years, any maint problems, any complaints? Thanks Dan

 

[FJRBluesman]

I think there are some peculiar things with the AE, nothing nasty, just different. Some situations that could be a problem like push starting, but noting real bad. It's all in your perspective.

Do a Google search and look in Bin-O-Facts or other FJR comparisons, plenty if data out there.

Google search like this: site:fjrforum.com Then write your questions like, AE Vs A, or what ever.

I'll refrain from my normal AE photo I love and the forum kids here just love it too, especially the AE folks. You're a noob and I must be polite... for a little while.

Good luck.

 

[ScottyUSN]

It took me a few tanks of gas to adjust to the AE clutch, since then I have no regret, no maintenance issues, or complaints.

You will appreciate the AE in stop and go without a doubt...

 

[majicmaker]

The AE will change your life. You will Never want to go Back! :clapping:

It's Like Riding a Formula One Race Car with Two Wheels! :yahoo:

 

[cruppelt]

It took me a few tanks of gas to adjust to the AE clutch, since then I have no regret, no maintenance issues, or complaints.

You will appreciate the AE in stop and go without a doubt...

+1 on above. It's quite good in stop and go traffic, and you get used to consecutive downshifting very quickly.

 

[someguy]

I spent quite a lot of time on one... it really is awesome. It is particularly well suited for heavy traffic/stop&go and city commuting.

that said, when it came time to buy my own, two months ago, i bought the the clutch lever.

it really depends on the kind of rider you are and the kind of riding you will be doing...

for me anyway, coming off a sport bike, i missed the very fast shifts the clutch brings... (the AE will wheelie through the gears however, so it's not that slow)

and my commuting needs are not heavy stop/go traffic and i don't mind the clutch lever a bit.

IF stop/go commuting was the case, i would certainly have brought home the AE...

just my perspective...

 

[carpevita]

Thanks for all the input. AE it is! Now the last choice: 2008 w 4800 miles for 9000 bucks or 2009 new for 13000........Opinions?

 

[olsonm3915]

One will be a 3 year old bike as soon as you buy it and the other will be a 4 year old bike. My 07 A has 40,000 miles on it now and it's like new. I would definitely go for the 08, if I had to choose between those two options. 4,800 miles is _nothing_, I certainly wouldn't want to pay $4,000 for 4,800 fewer miles... what difference do you think it will make to you once you have 50,000 miles on your bike, what number was on the odometer when you bought the bike?

 

[JimNtexas]

The Advanced Edition shifts faster than any human (300ms). And WAY faster after a few shifts, given the high clutch effort required on the ordinary FJR.

The main drawback, to me anyway, it that low speed maneuvers are kind of tricky since you don't have a friction zone.

You have to substitute trail braking. On the plus side, you can't stall an AE, so a major source of low speed drops is eliminated.

The YCCS system does introduce a possible (but rare) failure mode.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Thanks for all the input. AE it is! Now the last choice: 2008 w 4800 miles for 9000 bucks or 2009 new for 13000........Opinions?

No question, take the '08 and use the saved $$$ for goodies...

--G

 

[majicmaker]

The Advanced Edition shifts faster than any human (300ms). And WAY faster after a few shifts, given the high clutch effort required on the ordinary FJR.

This is True! You can Pull the Trigger and in .3 Seconds be in the Next Gear Up or Down at the Blink of an Eye. A Big Grin will appear on you Face and Never Go Away!

 

[carlson_mn]

there was a great deal of an 08 for sale for a while on the FS thread on this forum. I think about 8k.

 

[Brodie]

<snip>

I'll refrain from my normal AE photo I love and the forum kids here just love it too, especially the AE folks. You're a noob and I must be polite... for a little while.

Bluesy

Do you mean this one?

 

 

Carpevita

To answer your original question, Go for it !

Just make sure all the recalls are in place


I had my first AE from mile 1 to mile 88744 when it was killed by a Chevy Silverado last summer. As soon as I was ready I bought it's replacement 4 months later - another '06 AE. When I got it last November, it had a little over 8K on the clock. Currently it's pushing 35k and I expect to reach 40K by it's 1 year anniversary with me.

I am a happy camper !

Brodie

 

[TomInPA]

Having followed Brodie in a chase down Sierra Road and up the flanks of Mount Hamilton, I can only say, the AE shifts are NOT a disadvantage on technically challenging roads. Just imagine how he could go if his tire wasn't flat. :blink:

 

[Brodie]

About the same

 

[BobMercer]

Dan,

One more thing to consider is a warranty. Does the '08 have an extended Yamaha "YES" warranty? The new '09 should come with an initial warranty, as well as the opportunity to purchase the 4 year YES at about $389.00.

Bob

 

[bigjimbiker]

Hey all,

I know this topic has probably been discussed to death but,

I'm a new guy finally doing the jump from the ST to the FJR and just test rode an AE (08). Instantly took to the electric clutch. I ride alot in Manhattan so I figure this is perfect for stop and go traffic. Question to those who have had the AE for a number of years, any maint problems, any complaints? Thanks Dan

Hi Dan...I've had my 08 AE for just over 2 years and 26,000 miles with zero mechanical problems. I did have one fork leg replaced early on and am on my third set of tires which, I guess, is pretty normal. I have no problems with stop and go/city riding and I ride in Tampa weekly and from time to time in Orlando...I'd, like many others, recommend the low mileage 08...good luck, bigjimbiker

 

[carpevita]

Guys, thanks for all the great input. I'm sold on the AE. When it comes down to the used 08 or new 09, I believe my preference for the 09 is mostly emotional verses rational. I can't come up with a valid reason to pay so much for the 09, EXCEPT for these two last thoughts:

1. Was the 08 broken in correctly? Is that important with todays engines?

2. "•For 2009, the FRJ1300AE receives new mapping for YCC-S which aids with improved response while downshifting from neutral." This quote is from the 09 description. Is this significant??

Thanks for your ideas and opinions..

 

[Brodie]

Having followed Brodie in a chase down Sierra Road and up the flanks of Mount Hamilton, I can only say, the AE shifts are NOT a disadvantage on technically challenging roads. Just imagine how he could go if his tire wasn't flat. :blink:

I'll say this Tom,

Because the shift is so fast and easy, I tend to shift a lot more on a ride like that. It keeps the bike closer to the desired RPM for the situation.
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