Considering purchasing 2006 FJR AE

[rockhead]

Hello all,

Yesterday I test rode a 2006 FJR1300AE at the local motorcycle superstore. I loved the bike. I was concerned about getting used to the no-clutch shifting, but after a couple miles it seemed pretty natural and rather pleasant. The bike is "new", but it has 200 miles from demo rides and the like. The dealer is offering a good price.

I've always ridden BMW boxers, but the FJR is very tempting. It's faster than my R1150R, and the ergonomics seem better. I also don't have any good nearby service options for the BMW. I do most work myself, but when I do need help it's a big PIA.

So, before I buy the FJR and sell the R1150R, how have others found the clutchless operation after riding for a while? Is the bike reliable? I put about 15K miles per year on my bikes, so it would get ridden a lot. Is there a break-in procedure that could have been missed as it was used for demo rides? What are the "must have" accessories? I do a mixture of backroad twisties in the hills of Tennessee, and long-distance touring. I think I'm ready to take the plunge but thought I'd check with owners first.

TIA,

Rockhead

 

[FuzzyRider]

Well, I don't have an AE but there are many around here that do have then and like them. As for the break in - unless folks were downshifting it while already near redline in the higher gear and thus overrevving I don't think there's anything that can go wrong as far as break in is concerned. In fact, test rides are about the best break in there is - vary the RPM and don't ride "prolonged periods of time" above 4500 RPM for the first 600 miles and then from 600-1000 miles don't ride about 5400 RPM for extended times.

Get it - regular maintenance is a snap and there are lots of folks here that can help with any mechanical issues you might have.

Oh yeah, and did I mention it's a blast to ride. I don't ride as many miles as you (I just rolled 10,000 miles in a year) but I am almost as excited when I ride the bike as I was when I first got it.

 

[Low Level FJR Pilot]

I totally love my AE. Felt the same way you did but after the first test drive and 15 minutes into ownership, it was like "Wow, what have I been missing out on?" Good luck on your decision and work a good deal on it. B)

Make sure that the dealer takes care of the ECU recall and another recall on some of the AE's that deals with the linkage on the electronic shift actuator. Yours may not have needed either, but is worth a check. First tire change I would recommend going immediately to a set of Michelin Pilot Road 2's. Regular maintenance is definately the key and have fun farkling it. The best farkler of the AE so far would be TurboDave. He has one heck of a setup. Next, sit back and enjoy this forum and all the great ideas that are exchanged and the colorful assortment of characters that hang out here, that is when they aren't riding.

 

[Wild72]

I would have chimed in sooner, but I was out riding my AE. :clapping:

Those that have the AE always seem to heap nothing but praise on it. myself included, and those that have never ridden it seem sceptical. I put it down to personal preference, and definitely have no regrets about my purchase.

You have already found that it is easy to ride. I haven't heard of any reliability issues, although I would recommend the YES warranty for both models, but particularly the AE just in case there is anything lurking in the additional electronics that might surface as the miles reach into the 100K+ region.

Low speed moves do take a little bit of getting used to. I find a little pressure on the rear brake pedal helps to smooth things out, and I would advise spending some time in an empty parking lot practising your technique. Downtown congested traffic, while still not pleasant, is not the chore that it used to be, and it's kinda funny to ask the occasional Harley dude to help me find my missing clutch lever as he replaces the bits that have have fallen off his ride... :yahoo:

Overall, I love the AE and would not hesitate to buy another if something untoward happened to this one.

 

[canucklehead-biker]

I'm in the same boat as Wild... I was out enjoying my '06 AE as well.

I've put about 6500 km on mine since I bought it new (in the crate) in January. By far, best bike I've ever had the pleasure of riding. Smooth, reliable powerful.

The electric clutch takes some getting used to at low speed, there are plenty of threads here that discuss. I found that swapping out teh stock throttle tube for the G2 unit made a noticeable difference.

No issues reported by others regarding the durability of the AE model.

All in all, I'd say pull the trigger - you won't be sorry.

Griff

 

[Spook]

I have only had mine 2 week this coming Wed. It is very east to get used to and it runs like a charm I now have 1200 miles on it

 

[Scotty]

AE is a great motorcycle. Rode a BMW R1200RT for 7 days and thought there were pretty equal. FJR has more power and better mirrors and is thousands less. Did a little seat work and added Leo Vince for a couple of hp and better sound. Found starting out in 2nd gear gives you a little better control over lurching in first. Good idea if you get in tight places. It is not a problem with 144 plus hp on a level grade. Best luck!

 

[mfletch69]

LOVE my AE. Would definitely get another one.

 

[2006FJR]

I have a 2006 AE and would do it all over again. No regrets!

 

[motorcycle-ed]

I have a 2006 AE that I bought to replace my ST1100. I kept the ST until now, just to be sure I really did like this AE business. Frankly, this is the best thing going. I have owned dozens of bikes over a 50 year riding time (yes I am 64) and this is a great handling, great shifting, great all-around bike. I ride 25k miles or more a year and do all my own maintenance. Got a lot to learn about this bike on that count, but I love mine. It took some time before I quit reaching for the clutch on shifts at at lights but it works. I have ridden it in the mountains and it works well both shifting up and down. The only time I wished I had a clutch is when I am approaching a slow corner at significant speed, needing to shift down to say...2nd gear. You can do that with a clutch, pre-establishing a much higher RPM on each downshift. You cannot do that on the AE. You can only select a lower gear. That works well from any speed in 5th or 4th, but shifting down to 2nd will be more abrupt and if leaned over, could cause a slight skid from the rear as the engine speed catches up. Still an old fart like me SHOULDN'T be riding that hard...the devil makes me do it.

Motorcycle-Ed, 2006 AE, Lancaster, SC :yahoo:

 

[Scotty]

I have a 2006 AE that I bought to replace my ST1100. I kept the ST until now, just to be sure I really did like this AE business. Frankly, this is the best thing going. I have owned dozens of bikes over a 50 year riding time (yes I am 64) and this is a great handling, great shifting, great all-around bike. I ride 25k miles or more a year and do all my own maintenance. Got a lot to learn about this bike on that count, but I love mine. It took some time before I quit reaching for the clutch on shifts at at lights but it works. I have ridden it in the mountains and it works well both shifting up and down. The only time I wished I had a clutch is when I am approaching a slow corner at significant speed, needing to shift down to say...2nd gear. You can do that with a clutch, pre-establishing a much higher RPM on each downshift. You cannot do that on the AE. You can only select a lower gear. That works well from any speed in 5th or 4th, but shifting down to 2nd will be more abrupt and if leaned over, could cause a slight skid from the rear as the engine speed catches up. Still an old fart like me SHOULDN'T be riding that hard...the devil makes me do it.Motorcycle-Ed, 2006 AE, Lancaster, SC :yahoo:

Sonny, you are still not an old fart. I looking forward to my 70th. To celebrate I bought a new Ducati Monster S4RS. Just have remember which one you have to pull the clutch lever.

 

[rockhead]

Thanks for the reply everyone! I've decided to jump in, and I think we've agreed to a price. Now I just need to get up there and pick it up.

After reading all the reviews and comments, the only things that make me nervous are the low-speed unsmoothiness, which apparently can be fixed, and the comment about downshifting into a turn from speed. Since I do a fair amount of twisty riding, this could be a minor issue, but I think I can adjust. The added power more than makes up for the minor deficiencies, in my mind. The creature comforts don't hurt either And I'm keeping the old '82 R100/7 for the times when the left hand needs a workout!

Anyone looking for a great R1150R?