FRJ A OR AE?

[Sir Price]

but hey I can shift up or down even in left handers with an AE as I dont have to get ny toe dragged on the road whilst trying to get it under the shift lever, and its smooth as silk shift even when hard on the gas.
AE over A anyday once the slow riding is worked out.

I am always in the correct gear before I enter a corner as any good rider should be, so I never have a problem.

I don't have to worry about working out slow riding, falling over in a car park has never been a problem with any manual clutch bike.

To me AE is really crap, but each to their own.

AE sales should tell you that it has not been accepted very well, even worse when there are still new 06 AE models available.

Ever ridden an AE for more than 5 mins buddy

 

[Wetdog]

Wow a heated debate. Well I got the A model for two reasons:

1> It was considerabliy cheaper, and I figured The clutch works fine why pay more.

2> I did ride a AE to try it out, It was okay, I could see I would need more time to get used to it, But the 2nd reason is I looked like I was slightly retarded because I kept reaching for a lever that wasn't there. Old habits....I'm sure if I kept at it I would adjust.

As for the speed issue, I would guess the bike would perform similar in most cases with a rider who knew how to take advantage of either. Hell I've riden some very fast bike over the years (some way faster then the FJR) and must be I'm getting older because to FJR has plenty of speed and power for me, I've ruined a few pair of underwear srcewing around with the power of this bike.....

 

[Bulldog9]

As a recent buyer, I could have bought anything I wanted. I looked long and hard weighing out all the options (includingother bikes) and made a decision that works best for me. That Decision was to buy a 'like new' almost factory show room condition low mileage 2005 NON ABS FJR (and also an A model). Why? I prefer things simple. I think the AE is really cool, love the idea behind it and do trust Yamaha technology, but in the end, given a choice, I will keep it plain. I think this is why so few people buy it. For me, the 'worry issue' outweighs the benifits and the potential for long term reliability and function. Reading this thread really makes me want an AE, but when I look at my long term expectations and realize the SWMBO (that is She Who Must Be Obeyed) factor, I need a bike I can buy & count on riding for many years..... I think 5 years from now and at 100K miles, a bike with ABS and Electric Clutch, etc will probably have major repair issues. I like that my FJR is as old school as I could get it. In fact, I wish it had carbs... but that is just me.

Bottomline is you love, mod and ride the snot out of your bike.

 

[Mike P]

On my first FJR and wouldn't have it any other way. I opted to get a used '06 on a deal JUST to check out the AE for more than a test ride and to have the option of selling in case it didn't suit me and my riding style. A few weekends in the mountains of N. GA. and I'm hooked forever! Couldn't even park it for winter, been riding almost daily since I bought it. :yahoo:

 

[happyPuppy]

Sorry I must disagree. The same case could be made for carbs, points vs EI and ECU's. Look at cars how long have had they had auto transmissions ? ( Not that the FJR is but the concept is the same much like column shifting) Same with ABS, ECU's, Heck I have a Mercury Sable with 167k that has never had anything done other than brakes and fluids. Still the same plugs and wires. In 3 years ABS will be standard, more bikes will have some variation of the CVT ( used by Honda cars for years) or Yamaha/Aprillia/Honda transmissions in 5 years. Time marches on and microprocessors make it simpler not harder.

 

[lacofdfireman]

I know that once you get past all the people telling you that you ride a Grandpa bike you will be sold. I love my AE despite what all the naysayers have to say about it. If you never drink the AE juice you will never know what you are missing. But once you try it you won't go back. "IT'S OK TO BE DIFFERENT."

 

[BwanaDik]

I've never had an issue with smooth up or down shifting although it all did improve with the addition of a G2 tube, PCIII, and the Wally smoothness map. The steady throttle hand, as mentioned above, helps greatly. One thing I've never noticed amongst AE owners is a comment of the foot shifter compared to the paddle shifter. I've never used the paddle shifter, only the foor lever. I'm even considering taking the paddle shifter off so as to add room for more farkle mounting possibilities.

I had a couple of "friends" make off with my bike while it was parked in their garage as I flew home after we had all gone to a CLASS session at Willow Springs. It was to be shipped back to me a couple of days after my departure. While they (both highly experienced riders) had initially called my bike the one with "the sissy shifter", both changed their minds and loved it after riding it in the mountians behind Santa Barbara.

 

[happyPuppy]

I don't use the paddle shifter either. I have big feet, and my foot is just right there to shift with. I am sure part of it is old habits die hard. Part of my thinking too is with the foot and paddle both I have to make a decision which to use. Since I believe a lot of good riding is automatic thinking, from repetition, I think it is best to use just one or the other. removing the clutch handle gives me an additional thing not to deal with, allowing me to focus more on good riding.

 

[Mike P]

Strange.......I never use the foot shifter, EVER. While the location of the down shift paddle is somewhat bad because of it's relation to the horn, I've worked my way around that by using the same index finger for up and down shifts.

 

[BwanaDik]

I discovered an additional advantage to not having a clutch lever. When I approach the toll booth arm when exiting the Beltway and my goddamnfuckingpieceofshit EZ-Tag box doesn't trip the arm to raise up, I can simply push the arm up out of the way with my left arm and ride thru. Try that manuever on an A.

 

[BigBoar]

I discovered an additional advantage to not having a clutch lever. When I approach the toll booth arm when exiting the Beltway and my goddamnfuckingpieceofshit EZ-Tag box doesn't trip the arm to raise up, I can simply push the arm up out of the way with my left arm and ride thru. Try that manuever on an A.

I may use that line to help sell mine,,,,,,,,, cracked me up

 

[Sir Price]

Strange.......I never use the foot shifter, EVER. While the location of the down shift paddle is somewhat bad because of it's relation to the horn, I've worked my way around that by using the same index finger for up and down shifts.

I use the foot to shift up and the index finger under the upshift lever on the paddle to down shift. I seem to get a smoother upshift with the foot than the lever. does anyone else get a differnt feel to the shift between paddle and foot?

 

[mi2az]

My only concern is the more things on the bike you have, the more things that could go wrong. I never had either, but I did have a car that had a computer display showing which gear you were in, my sensor failed for this and electronically showed the car was in drive even though I had the gear in park mechanically. The car would not start because the sensor was telling the car it was in drive.

I would be worried that a sensor will fail and you will not be able to change gears.

 

[2006FJR]

My only concern is the more things on the bike you have, the more things that could go wrong. I never had either, but I did have a car that had a computer display showing which gear you were in, my sensor failed for this and electronically showed the car was in drive even though I had the gear in park mechanically. The car would not start because the sensor was telling the car it was in drive.

I would be worried that a sensor will fail and you will not be able to change gears.

That s one of the main reasons why I bought the 5 year warranty.

 

[Violione]

Sir Price,

Well, I have tried it every which way I can think of; throttle off, throttle unchanged, throttle on, blipping the throttle before, during and after the down shift. The throttle unchanged is less abrupt but there again I am usually trying to slow for the turn so the throttle unchanged/on method seems a little counter-intuitive to me. But hey, thats what this forum is about, right?

I haven't had any time to dig into the manual to see if there is an adjustment for the down shift algorithm, work is kicking my ass once again! My wife got herself a bike (V-Strom 650) and I've been reacquainting myself with the clutch again on a bike. All my experiences on a bike have almost always had me closing the throttle, engaging the clutch, down shifting, easing the clutch out and applying a slight bit of throttle if necessary. I think that is where I am having MY issue with the YCCS and down shifting, it just might be that I need to learn a different skill set...but dammit, I don't want too! :angry2:

 

[Todd W.]

I bought a 2008 AE in May last year. I had never ridden anything other than a Suzuki Bergman scooter for the four months prior to buying the FJR.

The AE allowed me to get into motorcycling without ever learning how to use a clutch. I love the technology and have not have had any problems with getting used to shifting with my fingers. I ride my AE almost daily to and from work in Memphis and have enjoyed being able to join in this sport at such a high level (FJR class) so quickly.

:fan_1:

 

[RichardS]

I removed the toe shifter and use only the paddle shifter. This is why I bought the AE in the first place (arthritic left hand/fingers & sore left toes).

 

[Old Bear]

Strange.......I never use the foot shifter, EVER. While the location of the down shift paddle is somewhat bad because of it's relation to the horn, I've worked my way around that by using the same index finger for up and down shifts.

+1 on the index finger shifting. Use my foot to shift the old fashion hand clutch Ducati-- Works well for me!

 

[BV1]

I bought a 2008 AE in May last year. I had never ridden anything other than a Suzuki Bergman scooter for the four months prior to buying the FJR.
The AE allowed me to get into motorcycling without ever learning how to use a clutch. I love the technology and have not have had any problems with getting used to shifting with my fingers. I ride my AE almost daily to and from work in Memphis and have enjoyed being able to join in this sport at such a high level (FJR class) so quickly.

:fan_1:

I am so gonna get flamed for this... But its my "humble" opinion. Now don't... I repeat don't... take this personally. I am just sharing what I feel is the truth.

Your quote, is why I dont like the AE in theory, regardless of how great it shifts. (I havn't ridden one). You don't have to learn (read earn) the ability to drive a "high class" bike.

Its like heres the keys go knock yourself out. That being said, I don't have any less respect for you as a person it just that you or anyone else could get hurt. Understand my mentality, I grew up on a dirt bike, and have ever so slowly worked my way up in power. From 50cc to 100cc to 125cc to 250cc to 450cc's off the dirt bike to a Maxim 400 - 650 to a Seca 650 Turbo to a V-strom 650 and now hopefully to a FJR, and even thats a big jump in balls. I have lost so many friends over the years, that I am so cautious getting a bike that is too "tempting" for me (to open it up).

A 145HP rocket that anyone can pilot to me... is like a Pianist doing a concert on a Self Playing Piano. Why? I feel the motorcycle is an instrument and riding it is a form of self expression. I think the AE masks some of that experience.

So yes. I am a little concerned that the AE allows you to jump in to the sport so easily, on two issues.

One, safety, is the AE creating an illusion of control and/or allowing less experienced riders into a more perilous situation? You could be a safe driver, but you have to admit its not safe for everyone to jump from a Burgman to a 145HP FeeJer, but anyone can do it.

Two, your bike makes significantly less of a statement about your riding abilitys (which inadvertantly is one of the reasons you may have bought it, its crazy to learn the clutch on a bike like the FJR if you have no prior experience). If your riding in my group (I volunteer to lead Demo rides ni the summer and I love touring in groups) I dont know where your abilities lie. The AE might make me 2nd guess. I can tell in a few minutes listening to shifts at stop and starts where my riders are in experience, as clutch control usually relates to experience. I can tell in a few mild corners what they are comfortable with.

Underexperienced riders on big bikes can happen in any group with or without a clutchless system, but at least there is some evidence to lack of riding ability when you hear then burning the clutch, stalling out or inadvertently wheelying (yes I have seen this, its scary!).

Anyways, dont take it personal, your story is not typical, just saying what everyone else is thinking. Just drive careful, thats all. I remember reading an article in Motorcycle Magazine on the AE and it basically said the same thing. Anyone can hop on and go, which is nice, but at the same point and time, scary.

-Steve

 

[Todd W.]

I bought a 2008 AE in May last year. I had never ridden anything other than a Suzuki Bergman scooter for the four months prior to buying the FJR.
The AE allowed me to get into motorcycling without ever learning how to use a clutch. I love the technology and have not have had any problems with getting used to shifting with my fingers. I ride my AE almost daily to and from work in Memphis and have enjoyed being able to join in this sport at such a high level (FJR class) so quickly.

:fan_1:

I am so gonna get flamed for this... But its my "humble" opinion. Now don't... I repeat don't... take this personally. I am just sharing what I feel is the truth.

Your quote, is why I dont like the AE in theory, regardless of how great it shifts. (I havn't ridden one). You don't have to learn (read earn) the ability to drive a "high class" bike.

Its like heres the keys go knock yourself out. That being said, I don't have any less respect for you as a person it just that you or anyone else could get hurt. Understand my mentality, I grew up on a dirt bike, and have ever so slowly worked my way up in power. From 50cc to 100cc to 125cc to 250cc to 450cc's off the dirt bike to a Maxim 400 - 650 to a Seca 650 Turbo to a V-strom 650 and now hopefully to a FJR, and even thats a big jump in balls. I have lost so many friends over the years, that I am so cautious getting a bike that is too "tempting" for me (to open it up).

A 145HP rocket that anyone can pilot to me... is like a Pianist doing a concert on a Self Playing Piano. Why? I feel the motorcycle is an instrument and riding it is a form of self expression. I think the AE masks some of that experience.

So yes. I am a little concerned that the AE allows you to jump in to the sport so easily, on two issues.

One, safety, is the AE creating an illusion of control and/or allowing less experienced riders into a more perilous situation? You could be a safe drive, but you have to admit its not safe for everyone to jump from a Burgman to a 145HP FeeJer, but anyone can do it.

Two, your bike no longer makes a statement about your riding abilitys. If your riding in my group (I have lead several DEMO rides and Tours) I dont know where your abilities lie. The AE might make me 2nd guess. I can tell in a few minutes listening to shifts at stop and starts where my riders are in experience, as clutch control usually relates to experience. I can tell in a few mild corners what they are comfortable with.

Underexperienced riders on big bikes can happen in any group with or without a clutchless system, but at least there is some evidence to lack of riding ability when you hear then burning the clutch, stalling out or inadvertently wheelying (yes I have seen this, its scary!).

Anyways, dont take it personal, your story is not typical, just saying what everyone else is thinking. Just drive careful, thats all. I remember reading an article in Motorcycle Magazine on the AE and it basically said the same thing. Anyone can hop on and go, which is nice, but at the same point and time, scary.

-Steve

Thanks for your comments. You have a valid point.

I don't use the 145 HP, and generally don't go much faster than I did on my Bergman.

What I like about the bike is the weight and torque when commuting. For me, this seems much safer than a lighter/smaller bike and thus a "safer" choice. I have never ridden in a group and am generally more of a loner type so I don't worry so much about being able to keep up on curves in a group. I agree that speed is usually what gets inexperienced bikers in trouble, so I am pretending that the bike can't even go over 80 until I get through my second year of riding.

Anyway. This board is great and I appreciate your frankness.

-Todd