Do folks that bought an 06 to replace their 04 or 05 like them better?

[Clark Kent]

I've ridden the '06 and think the rear-end is a little more refined and the stock seat seems a bit better.
I don't like the smallish gauges and turn signals on the '06, but liked the display.

I think there's a heat issue in the '06. Instead of spreading 1300cc of hot engine between the nads and shin in a diffused way in my '05.....it's concentrated in a blow torch on the calf.

And, finally I wouldn't get an '06 because the difficulty farkling things. There's not the room in the nose of the earlier bikes.

Do you have to take it to bed to farkel it?

ck

 

[Ari Rankum]

I sold my 05 and bought an 06. My 05 was not the ABS model. I am now a believer in ABS, I am sure I would have crashed into the side of a Burgandy mini van in Maine had it not been for the ABS on my 06. The 06 is a little heavier and I do notice. The 06 is much cooler, this was my primary reason for trading up. I like the gearing of the 06 and the gear indicator.

I put my '05 through a deer and killed them. I now have an '06. If it were me, and I had an '05 and I knew everything I know about the '06, I'd keep the '05. If I had no FJR, and I could pick a slightly cheaper '05 or an '06, I'd buy the '06. I think any '03-'05 owner thinking about upgrading should wait for the NEXT significant change ('09?) before upgrading. For right now, the improvements in the '06 are minor.

By the way, I, too, think my '05 had more punch. Maybe it's the gearing. Maybe it's also the new exhaust. Dunno. I also think the heat issue is fixed, and the suspension feels better. Lastly, all blue bikes are faster than grey bikes. And clean bikes are gay.

 

[NSFJR]

My apologies if this has already been asked, I have been somewhat out of the forum loop and wasn't able to track it through a search. Anyway, my local dealer has an 06 on the floor and I was considering trading my 04 in on it. I love the color and the design changes, but I haven't ridden it. For those who have made the change...what do you think? Big improvement? Moderate? Like the older models better? I'm all ears and eyes. Spare me no details, I've got the bug, but I don't want to deal with buyers remorse. Educate me. please.

Traded my 04 ABS for an 06AE on Aug 9/06, after taking an 06A for a test run, two up. Now with 2500kms on the bike, I can say with some assurance that my initial impressions were close to the money. Over my 04, I like the smoother ride of my 06, the linked ABS brakes, the stock seat (with only the sheepskin from my 04 on it), the marginally lower revs at all speeds, and the ambient air temp gauge. I had a SuperBrace on my 04, but I have found that since I made some suspension adjustments on the 06, it seems as stable in spirited riding as the 04, and tracks well if the line is upset by road imperfections.

What I found truly ****** on my test ride on the A was the windshield; same opinion held true after taking delivery of my 06 and getting more time on it. My cure was a CalSci medium WS, simply all the difference in the world. My SO, herself a biker (CBRXX) and an MSF instructor, likes the improved peg position, and the CalSci WS making her less of a "bug catcher". The AE seems a tad slower on accelleration than my 04, no doubt due to the shift mechanism, plus the slightly taller gearing an greater overall weight. I have not yet had an opportunity to test the 06 "flat out" on my "closed course", but hopefully I will be able to do so prior to the end of our riding season. I do know that with the CalSci on, and raised approximately two-thirds, the bike was stable as hell in a cross wind of 30-40kph at 220kph.

 

[cota95]

I had an 04 with 19k on the clock and had no issues-loved the bike. I ordered the 06 as an impluse at the end of December because I wanted the adventure of riding it home from Alabama to Rhode Island. The 06 is a little more comfortable right out of the box as far as the handlebar placement and the stock seat. The guages are better on the older models. I installed a buzzer on the directionals because they were so small on the 06. My son bought my 04 so I got to switch off and try both. Bottom line is the the 04 is smoother and shifts better but the redesign and improvements in the fairing and ergos make it a worthwile purchase

Where did you get the buzzer, will it work on the 05, and how much trouble was it to install??? :blink:

I got the buzzer from JC Whitney for around 20 bucks. On my 06 I mounted it (comes with 2 sided tape)on the inside of the battery panel. It's not a big deal to wire , there are two wires that have to attach to the right and left directional wires. On my 04 I wired it to the rear directionals under the seat and mounted it under the rack. While it is quite loud, the rear mount could not be heard at highway speeds.

 

[Just Plain Dave]

I had an 04 with 19k on the clock and had no issues-loved the bike. I ordered the 06 as an impluse at the end of December because I wanted the adventure of riding it home from Alabama to Rhode Island. The 06 is a little more comfortable right out of the box as far as the handlebar placement and the stock seat. The guages are better on the older models. I installed a buzzer on the directionals because they were so small on the 06. My son bought my 04 so I got to switch off and try both. Bottom line is the the 04 is smoother and shifts better but the redesign and improvements in the fairing and ergos make it a worthwile purchase

Where did you get the buzzer, will it work on the 05, and how much trouble was it to install??? :blink:

I got the buzzer from JC Whitney for around 20 bucks. On my 06 I mounted it (comes with 2 sided tape)on the inside of the battery panel. It's not a big deal to wire , there are two wires that have to attach to the right and left directional wires. On my 04 I wired it to the rear directionals under the seat and mounted it under the rack. While it is quite loud, the rear mount could not be heard at highway speeds.

Thanks for the info, I will go find my JC Whitney catalog immediately.

 

[Mogambo]

O.K., I asked you guys and gals that traded your older model FJR in on the new 06 what YOU thought about the differences. Some liked it, some weren't crazy about certain aspects of the new one.

Well...............I did it! I got the new one. I rode it home yesterday. I have less than a hundred miles on it so far, but I thought that I would share MY preliminary thoughts and experiences on the new 06 FJR.

For starters, the bike is absolutely stunning esthetically speaking. To me, the bike has a more sophisticated and refined look than my 04. The color of this bike is awsome (my opinion, of course). Personally, I couldn't imagine a color that I would like better, since I am not realy into red all that much. I think that my girlfriend thought that I was going to start making out with it.

Throttle: It does appear a little grabier than my 04. As a matter of fact, I actually stalled it the dog gone thing as I was getting ready to pull out of the dealership. Fortunately I had no witnesses to this event within close range. But...after that, I started to get used to the feel. So far, I am considering it a non-issue. At least not on the one I got. I feel that the hands just need to get adjusted to the relationship between the clutch and throttle on the new bike. So, again, no biggie here.

Someone sent me a message saying that the engine on his bike just seems to be "loping along" under 90 mph. Well, I didn't have mine going that fast. But I can see how that statement was made. The bike just sails along at speed. To use the word "refined" again, I feel that the engine has a more refined "sound" to it.

Ride. This biike without question swallows up bumps much better. Overall. a much smoothre ride.

I can't really make a heat comment yet, but in truth, I was never overly bothered by the heat on my 04.

Handling. It's stil early, but to me it felt great in the corners.

The only complaint I can really make right now is that when I turned the key and lifted up in the side bags, they wouldn't disengage as they should. I'm going down to the garage to give that issue another look.

Bottom line, based on my early review is that I love it. The look, the ride and the feel. It's all good. If I had a chance to test ride this bike before purchasing it I would have bought it (which I did anyway). IMHO, I think that the bike is a winner. Thanks to all who voiced their opinion one way or the other. You were all most helpful in assisiting me in making a decision.

 

[S76]

Glad you are happy with it.

There are just a couple of things you may eventually want to do. (I also stalled mine 3 times the first day.)

1. Take the excess slack out of throttle cable. There is an adjuster near the right side handle bar. That helps big time.

2. Do the Barbarian Jumper Mod.

(edit) 3. Instal Grip Puppies

These three items greatly increase your driving pleasure.

And, don't forget you have an extra 100 Watts of power for accesories over the previous years.

Happy Motoring

 

[chornbe]

I had an 04 with 19k on the clock and had no issues-loved the bike. I ordered the 06 as an impluse at the end of December because I wanted the adventure of riding it home from Alabama to Rhode Island. The 06 is a little more comfortable right out of the box as far as the handlebar placement and the stock seat. The guages are better on the older models. I installed a buzzer on the directionals because they were so small on the 06. My son bought my 04 so I got to switch off and try both. Bottom line is the the 04 is smoother and shifts better but the redesign and improvements in the fairing and ergos make it a worthwile purchase

Where did you get the buzzer, will it work on the 05, and how much trouble was it to install??? :blink:

I got the buzzer from JC Whitney for around 20 bucks. On my 06 I mounted it (comes with 2 sided tape)on the inside of the battery panel. It's not a big deal to wire , there are two wires that have to attach to the right and left directional wires. On my 04 I wired it to the rear directionals under the seat and mounted it under the rack. While it is quite loud, the rear mount could not be heard at highway speeds.

Not trying to be a jerk, but do you *really* need a buzzer for the signals? I'm of the belief that if you can remember to turn them on, then you can remember to turn them off. I trained myself to always turn them off on the upshift.

It's just not that big a deal and I see SOOOOOOOOOOOO many bikes riding down the road with the signals on. I just don't get it. :blink:

 

[sradek]

I had an 04 with 19k on the clock and had no issues-loved the bike. I ordered the 06 as an impluse at the end of December because I wanted the adventure of riding it home from Alabama to Rhode Island. The 06 is a little more comfortable right out of the box as far as the handlebar placement and the stock seat. The guages are better on the older models. I installed a buzzer on the directionals because they were so small on the 06. My son bought my 04 so I got to switch off and try both. Bottom line is the the 04 is smoother and shifts better but the redesign and improvements in the fairing and ergos make it a worthwile purchase

Where did you get the buzzer, will it work on the 05, and how much trouble was it to install??? :blink:

I got the buzzer from JC Whitney for around 20 bucks. On my 06 I mounted it (comes with 2 sided tape)on the inside of the battery panel. It's not a big deal to wire , there are two wires that have to attach to the right and left directional wires. On my 04 I wired it to the rear directionals under the seat and mounted it under the rack. While it is quite loud, the rear mount could not be heard at highway speeds.

Not trying to be a jerk, but do you *really* need a buzzer for the signals? I'm of the belief that if you can remember to turn them on, then you can remember to turn them off. I trained myself to always turn them off on the upshift.

It's just not that big a deal and I see SOOOOOOOOOOOO many bikes riding down the road with the signals on. I just don't get it. :blink:

+1. Why is everyone so concerned about nits?

It DOESN'T matter when you are riding. If you are getting old and can't handle it, get off my way!

Enjoy the ride dudes.

 

[Constant Mesh]

From the Yamaha website for the '06:

"New-design rear frame with integrated grab handle makes lifting the bike onto the centerstand easier."

Has anyone noticed if it is easier to get the '06 on the centerstand?

 

[vmaxed]

From the Yamaha website for the '06:
"New-design rear frame with integrated grab handle makes lifting the bike onto the centerstand easier."

Has anyone noticed if it is easier to get the '06 on the centerstand?

Yep..much easier than my 05 was....

 

[BrunDog]

For me, it's the damn farkles. I can easily imagine upgrading for a couple thou' hit.

What I can't imagine is starting all over again and re-farkling. Especially the damn Audiovox cruise!

-BD

 

[cota95]

I had an 04 with 19k on the clock and had no issues-loved the bike. I ordered the 06 as an impluse at the end of December because I wanted the adventure of riding it home from Alabama to Rhode Island. The 06 is a little more comfortable right out of the box as far as the handlebar placement and the stock seat. The guages are better on the older models. I installed a buzzer on the directionals because they were so small on the 06. My son bought my 04 so I got to switch off and try both. Bottom line is the the 04 is smoother and shifts better but the redesign and improvements in the fairing and ergos make it a worthwile purchase

Where did you get the buzzer, will it work on the 05, and how much trouble was it to install??? :blink:

I got the buzzer from JC Whitney for around 20 bucks. On my 06 I mounted it (comes with 2 sided tape)on the inside of the battery panel. It's not a big deal to wire , there are two wires that have to attach to the right and left directional wires. On my 04 I wired it to the rear directionals under the seat and mounted it under the rack. While it is quite loud, the rear mount could not be heard at highway speeds.

Not trying to be a jerk, but do you *really* need a buzzer for the signals? I'm of the belief that if you can remember to turn them on, then you can remember to turn them off. I trained myself to always turn them off on the upshift.

It's just not that big a deal and I see SOOOOOOOOOOOO many bikes riding down the road with the signals on. I just don't get it. :blink:

It's kinda like wearing belt and suspenders. If it keeps me from screwing up ONE time and keeps a cager from turning in front of me because he thinks I'm turning, then it's 20 bucks well spent.

 

[MsLilly]

I have an '05 (in the garage for sale) and I'm riding an '06. I LOVED my '05 but my husband kept saying "don't you think you would like the new one better...it has so many nice improvements". I held off for a long time but finally said, "Okay". There are many things I love on the '06. But, truthfully, if I could go back and do it all over again, I would stay with the '05. Yes, the '06 is smoother, great windshield, and all the other great new things...but hey, what about the adjustable seat height.....I got on my new bike at the dealership and the first thing I noticed was it was taller and it was in the lowest setting!!! I'm not that tall but I could touch better on the '05 than I could on any of my other bikes. But, I can't go back, I have the '06....which I've already dropped!!! Yes, 1,000 miles on it and down I go...haven't done that since I started riding 25 years ago. I truly wanted to kick it while it laid there! My fault, not the bike, so I refrained from violence!! I have been happier riding the FJR than any bike I've had the pleasure to ride and will continue to pick this bike over all others but for the money....the '05 was great!

 

[temp357]

I didn't have an '05 but it's a toss up between my R1100S and the '06 FJR right now. Ask me after a few thousand in fixes.