Any 08 AE Owners out there yet?

[Rondo777]

I havent heard of anybody going back once having an AE. I love mine and will never give it up. The AE won't let you spin the tires so if your into lots of smoke and pulling wheelies then forget it. Otherwise it's the best. Upshifting is smooth to the point that I've had to check the display to cinfirm the shift actually happened. The nature of the AE encourages you to downshift (alot) when comming to a stop. I have a feeling the brakes are going to last for ever. I know alot of poeaple have been ranting about the 08 A being black and how great that is. The 08AE is that dark gunmetal gray which I personnaly think is the nicest color the FJR has ever been offered in. If I didnt get my 06 AE leftover just 6 months ago I'd me trading it tomarrow. I plan on getting the 08 AE in 2010.

 

[juniorfjr]

There only response I can think of is "turbodave" He's got both and has no problem telling you straight up what you want to know.

PS: Toecutter is afraid of color

 

[Good2Go]

Can any AE owners speak to the lack of a traditional friction zone? Benefits/downsides?

I love to run my Goldwing through the various obstacle course competitions, i.e. GWRRA Top Gun, etc. where friction zone is an absolute must-have to make it through these courses with such a big bike.

Just curious how that works on an auto-clutch bike. Or maybe it isn't even an issue?

 

[uctofeej]

Can any AE owners speak to the lack of a traditional friction zone? Benefits/downsides?
I love to run my Goldwing through the various obstacle course competitions, i.e. GWRRA Top Gun, etc. where friction zone is an absolute must-have to make it through these courses with such a big bike.

Just curious how that works on an auto-clutch bike. Or maybe it isn't even an issue?

The friction zone maneuvers are achieved by working the throttle and trailing the rear brake. It's important to understand your particular bike and know at which rpms the clutch engages/disengages. If I recall correctly, Yammie has it set at 1800 and 1200, respectively.

I've found when riding a consistently slow speed -- say under 3-5 mph -- that small, smooth throttle inputs can keep it right at the engaged/disengaged zone. But, brother, it better be smooooth as butta.

 

[sqidget]

You can feel the clutch friction point and keep it slipping or release/engage with your throttle. I personally have never found the need to use the rear brake. But maybe I don't go as slow in lots etc as most.

 

[bikerkash]

There are certainly a lot of riders on this site who like the AE and I respect their opinions however having owned one I'm just not one of them who think the AE is the way to go. If Yamaha would add a clutch lever to allow the option to use the auto clutch or manually shift I believe they would have something. I did get use to the AE but I'm planning on getting an 08 and the AE will not be my choice. I would suggest that before you actually buy one that you find one to ride and be sure to spend time doing turns at parking lot speed then ask yourself what really is the advantage I'm gaining for the extra $$$$. If you are comfortabe with the low speed auto clutch issues and can answer the question in the positive of the benefits being worth the extra $$$$ then you just might be another happy AE onwer. RIDE SAFE

 

[Rogue]

There only response I can think of is "turbodave" He's got both and has no problem telling you straight up what you want to know.
PS: Toecutter is afraid of color

turbodave loves his AE so much he got rid of his 05.