FJR-AE RIDER REPORTS

[qmotion]

gmotion, you said your '05' used to be hot, what did you do to fix it? my 05 is stock in that regard.
anyone else also have a good fix?

thank's Alec

I have a 2006 FJR-AE comming, that's my fix.

Acutually my 2005 FJeer was totaled in an accident. I just kept my legs open and away from the tank as much as possible. It's at it's worst when it's 85 degrees or more and the tank is half full or less. The more fuel the cooler it feels. I had installed a Corbin Dual Canyon seat and that helped keep certain vital parts away from the tank.

 

[qmotion]

YO..........................

It's me again. Just trying to pull the post back to the top hoping we get some updates. There are a few post spread around. I'd like to keep this one as the place for the 2006 AE owners to keep us abreast of their riding experieces. Un fortunately I'm still waiting for mine.

 

[turbodave_98]

YO..........................
It's me again. Just trying to pull the post back to the top hoping we get some updates. There are a few post spread around. I'd like to keep this one as the place for the 2006 AE owners to keep us abreast of their riding experieces. Un fortunately I'm still waiting for mine.

I am a long term rider with lots of bike and once was a motorcross and eduro rider. I currently have both an 05 FJR 1300 and the 06 AE model. The 06 has a conventional clutch assembly that is controlled with a servo actuator via finger paddles or foot shifter. I understand the concern about low speed riding. The system engages at 1300 rpm and applies only the computed amount of clutch slip to make the bike very controllable during slow speed riding. The bike is really easy to ride, control, accelerate and brake smoothly. I endorse the 06 AE as a winner. Hope this helps.

Also, the 06 with a longer swingarm and improved suspension is more stable in the mountain twisties than my 05, which is the same configuration as the 04.

After riding above 7K' in the mountain twisties yesterday, I found the AE/06 longer wheelbase to make the bike less twitchy than my 05. FYI, my 05 carries a Tanji fuel cell which makes it heavier in the aft and may add to its twitchy feel sometimes. I found the grip paddle shifting to be very natural and less tiring for me especially since I have a very arthritic left kneecap. There are penalities for getting to a "VINTAGE AGE". Also did 300 miles and the OEM saddle seems ok so far. Really like the easy readability of the display screen, the 05s was a pices of CACA for my tired eyes. The mpg functions work as designed on my bike, ie no 17 mpg problem.

I put my first farkle on the AE today, some knuckle windbreaker covers the are OEM and came from Freedom Cycle in Canada. Took less than a week from ordering to my receipt. The covers are matched silver and they attach simply and look good on the left and right mirror stems.

TurboDave

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

.....the 06 with a longer swingarm and improved suspension is more stable in the mountain twisties than my 05, which is the same configuration as the 04.

According to what I read here they all, '06 included, have the same wheelbase = 60.6"; while the '06 models are almost 1/2 inch longer (total length). Longer swingarm -- same wheelbase -- how 'dey do 'dat?

I found the AE/06 longer wheelbase to make the bike less twitchy than my 05

The '06s are a little taller, 1 inch narrower (w/bags on, I assume?), and 61 pounds heavier. That extra "gravity" may add to the "less twitchy" feeling...?

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Heard from my pal at the dealership, who owned an 05 that he was amazed and surprised about how good the AE was. Before he rode it, he thought he would never be interested in a bike without a manual clutch. He has changed his mind. He wants the AE and says it rides incredibly smoothly, and much better in every aspect than he imagined.

 

[turbodave_98]

.....the 06 with a longer swingarm and improved suspension is more stable in the mountain twisties than my 05, which is the same configuration as the 04.

According to what I read here they all, '06 included, have the same wheelbase = 60.6"; while the '06 models are almost 1/2 inch longer (total length). Longer swingarm -- same wheelbase -- how 'dey do 'dat?

I found the AE/06 longer wheelbase to make the bike less twitchy than my 05

The '06s are a little taller, 1 inch narrower (w/bags on, I assume?), and 61 pounds heavier. That extra "gravity" may add to the "less twitchy" feeling...?

You are correct on the 60.6" wheelbase. The following quote is taken from the Yamaha spec sheet-

"A 1.3-inch longer swingarm provides even better ride and handling characteristics."

A good question on how they did that. I will have to investigate it. Maybe its a change in the rake of the front fork or a shorter frame length.

Perhaps someone can answer how??

 

[Shane Stump]

Heard from my pal at the dealership, who owned an 05 that he was amazed and surprised about how good the AE was. Before he rode it, he thought he would never be interested in a bike without a manual clutch. He has changed his mind. He wants the AE and says it rides incredibly smoothly, and much better in every aspect than he imagined.

Not having a clutch is nice.

The only time I ever noticed a slight jerk in shifting is shifting up between gears 1,2,3. Shifting up to 4,5 is smooth. Downshifting is completely smooth (assuming correct RPM).

I don't regret my purchase!

Best regards,

Shane

 

[painman]

Glad to hear you guys are enjoying the AE's. I hope to try one out at WFO if there available. My "A" just keeps getting better as I add the miles. No regrets here either. PM. <><

 

[qmotion]

.....the 06 with a longer swingarm and improved suspension is more stable in the mountain twisties than my 05, which is the same configuration as the 04.

According to what I read here they all, '06 included, have the same wheelbase = 60.6"; while the '06 models are almost 1/2 inch longer (total length). Longer swingarm -- same wheelbase -- how 'dey do 'dat?

I found the AE/06 longer wheelbase to make the bike less twitchy than my 05

The '06s are a little taller, 1 inch narrower (w/bags on, I assume?), and 61 pounds heavier. That extra "gravity" may add to the "less twitchy" feeling...?

You are correct on the 60.6" wheelbase. The following quote is taken from the Yamaha spec sheet-

"A 1.3-inch longer swingarm provides even better ride and handling characteristics."

A good question on how they did that. I will have to investigate it. Maybe its a change in the rake of the front fork or a shorter frame length.

Perhaps someone can answer how??

Seems simple to me. Just make up the difference in the swingarm being 1.3 inches longer by shortening the frame eslewhere 1.3 inches. That would make the wheel base the same. The other way I see to do it would be to set the swingarm pivot inward 1.3 inches which would also keep the wheelbase the same. We are not talking about a foot to adjust.

 

[turbodave_98]

.....the 06 with a longer swingarm and improved suspension is more stable in the mountain twisties than my 05, which is the same configuration as the 04.

According to what I read here they all, '06 included, have the same wheelbase = 60.6"; while the '06 models are almost 1/2 inch longer (total length). Longer swingarm -- same wheelbase -- how 'dey do 'dat?

I found the AE/06 longer wheelbase to make the bike less twitchy than my 05

The '06s are a little taller, 1 inch narrower (w/bags on, I assume?), and 61 pounds heavier. That extra "gravity" may add to the "less twitchy" feeling...?

You are correct on the 60.6" wheelbase. The following quote is taken from the Yamaha spec sheet-

"A 1.3-inch longer swingarm provides even better ride and handling characteristics."

A good question on how they did that. I will have to investigate it. Maybe its a change in the rake of the front fork or a shorter frame length.

Perhaps someone can answer how??

Seems simple to me. Just make up the difference in the swingarm being 1.3 inches longer by shortening the frame eslewhere 1.3 inches. That would make the wheel base the same. The other way I see to do it would be to set the swingarm pivot inward 1.3 inches which would also keep the wheelbase the same. We are not talking about a foot to adjust.

Mel, thanks for your input, I believe you got it right?

 

[SkooterG]

My guess is that the reported wheelbase for the 06 is a typo. I bet 06 wheelbase is longer than 03-05 models.

Changing the dimensions of the frame would have been a big deal considering all the other components bolted to it. And I never heard anything about the frame being changed.

 

[gr8eyes]

Only other thing is a reduction in the rake or would it be trail? But I'm leaning toward the typo explanation.

Glenn

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

Sure hope that 61 lb weight increase is a *typo*, too....

 

[lotecredneck]

My guess is that the reported wheelbase for the 06 is a typo. I bet 06 wheelbase is longer than 03-05 models.
Changing the dimensions of the frame would have been a big deal considering all the other components bolted to it. And I never heard anything about the frame being changed.

It's no typo, it is decidely longer! I have had both an '05 and an '06 on a trailer next to each other and it is considerably longer. I think that is what most women want though isn't it? Especially for ride comfort!

Tony

 

[Malve]

I am a new member who posted topic on Monday asking for help deciding between the '04 and a new AE.

Thanks to all of your help, I bought an AE Monday night and picked it up yesterday and rode a mellow 100 miles yesterday afternoon.

My biggest concern was low speed operation as I have read some criticism even by professional motorcycle writers. I was prepared to spend an hour in a large parking lot getting comfortable with the bike and after five minutes was pleasantly surprised how comfortable I was and hit the street.

It has been almost ten years since I have ridden a street bike yet I found myself "air clutching" and shifting form first to neutral a couple of times as lights turned from red to green (formerly known as neutral to 1st.)

Anyway, my nervousness transitioned to hapiness during my initial ride as my decision was confirmed.

I found that the bike handled awesomely and shifted smoothly. Heat was a non-issue.

Had I not read about the windshield whistle, I would have been bothered to notice it, but as compared to what I was expecting, I found it to be not so bad.

It definitely upshifts more smoothly with out easying off the throttle.

I rode last night and used the nuclear powered heat grips and was impressed.

I am 5'7" with a 30" inseam and had no problem at all with the height and will not look to do any lowering.

at my height (or lack there of), I may just stay with the stock screen but could see how most taller riders will want to replace it.

I look forward to sharing more insights as I get some more seat time but again thanks to everyone for your input. In addition to the topic I posted Monday, I have been eavesdropping this sight and the EZ sight for some time now.

-Malve

 

[Silverbullet]

Proof once again that when it comes to "professional motorcycle writers", don't believe everything your read.

 

[turbodave_98]

I am a new member who posted topic on Monday asking for help deciding between the '04 and a new AE.
Thanks to all of your help, I bought an AE Monday night and picked it up yesterday and rode a mellow 100 miles yesterday afternoon.

My biggest concern was low speed operation as I have read some criticism even by professional motorcycle writers. I was prepared to spend an hour in a large parking lot getting comfortable with the bike and after five minutes was pleasantly surprised how comfortable I was and hit the street.

It has been almost ten years since I have ridden a street bike yet I found myself "air clutching" and shifting form first to neutral a couple of times as lights turned from red to green (formerly known as neutral to 1st.)

Anyway, my nervousness transitioned to hapiness during my initial ride as my decision was confirmed.

I found that the bike handled awesomely and shifted smoothly. Heat was a non-issue.

Had I not read about the windshield whistle, I would have been bothered to notice it, but as compared to what I was expecting, I found it to be not so bad.

It definitely upshifts more smoothly with out easying off the throttle.

I rode last night and used the nuclear powered heat grips and was impressed.

I am 5'7" with a 30" inseam and had no problem at all with the height and will not look to do any lowering.

at my height (or lack there of), I may just stay with the stock screen but could see how most taller riders will want to replace it.

I look forward to sharing more insights as I get some more seat time but again thanks to everyone for your input. In addition to the topic I posted Monday, I have been eavesdropping this sight and the EZ sight for some time now.

-Malve

I am really pleased that you and I are both happy with the AE. Slow riding in traffic is no problem. I also shift to neutral when stopped, the when time to go, pull the trigger into first and apply smooth throttle and off the bike roars. FYI, I have bought some farkles from a Canadian Dealer, www.freedomcycle.ca, parts manager paul Tough. very fast shipping and secure shopping with him.

 

[Woodstock]

Proof once again that when it comes to "professional motorcycle writers", don't believe everything your read.

What do you mean?!?! If it weren't true, they couldn't print it. :blink: :huh:

 

[qmotion]

I just heard from the dealer that my bike was released. They might have it between today and next week.

 

[vmaxed]

My guess is that the reported wheelbase for the 06 is a typo. I bet 06 wheelbase is longer than 03-05 models.
Changing the dimensions of the frame would have been a big deal considering all the other components bolted to it. And I never heard anything about the frame being changed.

This is on Yamaha's web site...A 1.3-inch-longer swingarm provides even better ride and handling characteristics.