FJR AE Newbie Needing Advice

[12thumper]

Hi,

I'm in the market for an FJR and I've decided on the AE model. I've been doing a lot of searching on this forum and seem to come across more AE problems than is typical for the bike overall. Granted, it may just be my search criteria giving me those results. I've read about issues with bleeding the clutch, problems shifting (mostly when cold), Shift Acutator bracket failures (only early '06 models?), numerous error codes that affect operation and even someone who spent ~$1,800 repairing the bike to get it shifting again.

Most of the used AEs I've seen have 20k-30k miles on them. For those out there in forum land can you help me with a general understanding of the reliability of these bikes? Does the AE model tend to have quite a few issues or is it mostly solid? I don't mind doing a little work here and there but I don't want to buy into a headache either if things typically start failing after 25k miles.

Many thanks!

 

[Fred W]

thumper,

I do not own one (An AE), and probably never will just because it's not a feature I would value with the way that I ride, but they are pretty darned reliable considering the extra complexity of the auto-clutch system. Most of the horror stories that you read involve owners with no mechanical aptitude receiving poor service at their dealerships, or else DIY guys that are learning mechanics along the way.

I would consider any FJR with only 25k miles as a baby, and just barely broken in. You can confidently expect any FJR to last 100k miles with no major drivetrain issues, with only routine maintenance. Several have done more than double that. It is a very reliable platform.

 

[BwanaDik]

Most are anvil reliable. There are probably far more non-AE issues, like spiders bites (Gen II), or tickers (Gen I) than there are AE problems. It's well known technology from the automotive world

 

[YummYam]

Have no regrets at all in buying my '07 AE nine months ago. Admittedly still has only just over 11,000 easy miles on her but fingers crossed, no probs whatsoever to date, just the common FJR farkles and home improvements.

After getting to grips with the different approach needed when pulling away and changing up/down the cogs I wouldn't hesitate now to get another AE, I absolutely love it.

One thing I DEFINETLY wouldn't pay for again from a dealer is their rip off pre paid maintenance contract. Unless you know your dealer's honesty policy don't waste your dosh. You will find more than enough help and info here from these top forum people which will get you by if you are at all wrench able.

 

[Fred W]

+1 - prepaid maintenance is always a total ripoff. Even on cars when they say it's "free" it isn't. It's just built into the price of the car.

The YES warranty extension is generally considered a good deal since you can get it at ~$400 for 4 years, especially on an AE since it is somewhat more complex.

 

[Enn]

I have 35 000 km on my AE and not a sigle reliability problem! And like many other AE owners, I love it. If possible, I would never go back to simple A model. So do not be worried

 

[canucklehead-biker]

I bought an in-the-crate '06 AE new in January of '08, and I've put 120,000 kms on it in 5 seasons. I've had the following issues:

The shift actuator failure you described was fixed by the factory after the first few AEs rolled off the line in 2006 - mine is # 62, should have had the upgrade done before the dealer delivered it, and the shift actuator bracket failed on mine at 28,000 km. It was repaired free by Yamaha, even though the bike was out of warranty.

The only other issue I've had with mine was the infamous Gen II "spider bite", which is not an AE-specific problem. It was repaired and the entire wiring harness replaced by Yamaha when they did the recall last year.

I've done virtually all of my own maintenance, including the clutch bleed, and no issues if you follow the manual (a MityVac helps too). Servicing the air filter is a few minutes more work, because the shift actuator needs to be moved out of the way in order to get to the air box cover - was a bit of a surprise the first time, now I don't even notice.

The AE is by far the best and most reliable bike I've ever owned. The computerized clutch and "flappy paddle" gear box has worked flawlessly, and I expect it to continue working that way for many, many more miles. Seriously, I wouldn't worry about buying an AE based on reliability issues.

The only disadvantage of the AE is when you're in conditions where you might want to slip the clutch - like in slippery conditions - when you won't be able to. Launching in slippery conditions was a challenge which I fixed by installing the G3 throttle tube - if the AE you're looking at is 2008 or newer (I think) you won't need to worry about that.

I think that covers it... if you want an AE, get one. If you need more info, just ask, either here or PM me.

Cheers,

Griff

 

[allrider]

Great bike. No issues in 30k mi other than the battery needed replacing at one point. Being an 07, it was time. You don't want to be stuck with a dead battery on an AE cause you can't bump start it.

Take the time to get proficient at the slow speed u-turns and such. Lots of folks have dropped them in the slow speed maneuvers cause they didn't know what/how to deal with those situations. That's how I got mine cheap.

Feather the brake in lieu of a clutch lever.

 

[12thumper]

Incredible responses so far. Very glad to be joining a community like this, thank you!

I'm not too worried about slow speed riding or feathering the rear brake as I learned on dirt bikes when I was young. I'll probably only use the AE with a passenger as I have a couple more bikes to ride alone so mostly chugging along on the freeway or not so aggressive canyon riding. Very rarely will I ever ride in the rain and only if I get caught in it. Riding in the rain isn't something I will ever do intentionally.

I do have a concern with developing bad habits (i.e. clutch pulling no longer being instinctive in emergencies) but since I have a couple other bikes I don't think that will happen. I have ridden a couple AEs and they felt a little like a really big scooter but it was cool to flip through the gears with the push of a button. My main reason for choosing the AE version is the heavy clutch pull of the A model. I did some permanent damage to my left wrist a while back so clutch pull needs to be fairly light or else I develop major cramps while riding, bad enough that I have to stop and rest.

If I buy any used bike I'll make sure it gets inspected by a dealer and/or mechanic first. Anything to specifically ask them to check?

 

[FJRocket]

I have a very early serial number AE, 6 years, well over 30K on the bike. ZERO issues. I've ridden the piss out of it, and also let it sit for long periods. Timex, baby!

Keep in mind the number of bikes out there and how you just hear the bad news, not the preponderance of bike without issues.

One of these days, when I'm bored, I might even get that wiring harness recall taken care of....