How much better is the 08 vs 07

[Motorad]

I'm pursing another FJR1300A (used). I had an 07 and had done the common mods, G2 throttle tube, Power commander, bar end weights, released center spring one turn.

Are the improvements to the 08 head and shoulders above the 07? Is the throttle spring tension the same as the 07? Should I spend the extra money for an 08? Because of cost I'm leaning toward another 07. I do prefer the Black Cherry.

 

[wheatonFJR]

I'm pursing another FJR1300A (used). I had an 07 and had done the common mods, G2 throttle tube, Power commander, bar end weights, released center spring one turn.
Are the improvements to the 08 head and shoulders above the 07? Is the throttle spring tension the same as the 07? Should I spend the extra money for an 08? Because of cost I'm leaning toward another 07. I do prefer the Black Cherry.

I don't think significant changes were made between the 2 years. If there were, they'd be in the Bin 'O Facts

 

[jmdaniel]

I do prefer the Black Cherry.

That's all you need to say, m'boy! :drinks:

 

[IronHorse]

Hey Moto,

From what I have read they are just about identical. I'm sure someone will chime in here if I'm

wrong. If your shopping for a new one get the deal or if you like the black cherry go for it.

I have an 07 and I have done the usual stuff also, G2, Throttle Miester, top clamp, I could go

on and on. Just ordered the Power Commander. Did you run yours with the map that came with

it or go for the smoothness map?

I know they had an update on the ECU but I'm sure you have had that done.

 

[chrisflock]

I'm pursing another FJR1300A (used). I had an 07 and had done the common mods, G2 throttle tube, Power commander, bar end weights, released center spring one turn.
Are the improvements to the 08 head and shoulders above the 07? Is the throttle spring tension the same as the 07? Should I spend the extra money for an 08? Because of cost I'm leaning toward another 07. I do prefer the Black Cherry.

By and large, the biggest difference is color. According to our FJR comparison spreadsheet, the differences are a revised ABS system, scratch resistant coating on the windscreen, and new grips. There has been some noise made about differences in the throttle cam profile, but from what I've heard the G2 throttle tube achieves the same, if not better, the spring tension is the same (my view on this is that some bikes end up with the spring one wind too tight, which is why some people complain and others don't know what they are talking about).

I've never heard from anyone if there is anything that actually makes the 08+ ABS system 'better', so if you can get a deal on an 07, and you like the color, go for it. You'd probably end up doing all the same mods to an 08 that you would to an 07...

 

[Motorad]

I'm pursing another FJR1300A (used). I had an 07 and had done the common mods, G2 throttle tube, Power commander, bar end weights, released center spring one turn.
Are the improvements to the 08 head and shoulders above the 07? Is the throttle spring tension the same as the 07? Should I spend the extra money for an 08? Because of cost I'm leaning toward another 07. I do prefer the Black Cherry.

By and large, the biggest difference is color. According to our FJR comparison spreadsheet, the differences are a revised ABS system, scratch resistant coating on the windscreen, and new grips. There has been some noise made about differences in the throttle cam profile, but from what I've heard the G2 throttle tube achieves the same, if not better, the spring tension is the same (my view on this is that some bikes end up with the spring one wind too tight, which is why some people complain and others don't know what they are talking about).

I've never heard from anyone if there is anything that actually makes the 08+ ABS system 'better', so if you can get a deal on an 07, and you like the color, go for it. You'd probably end up doing all the same mods to an 08 that you would to an 07...

Thanks guys. This confirms a lot for me. I have been around the block a few times and have owned several different bikes. In my moments of reflection and soul searching I discovered I have the greatest remorse about selling my FJR. What a way to choose a bike <_< . Hopefully I will stick with it this time.

 

[Sagebrush]

The obvious 08 changes from a feeble mind:

Lighter throttle

Black gauge surrounds

Black Color

Revised ABS.....

No ECU issues???

Should have revised ignition switch???

I went with the Black Cherry color too, bought mine in the summer of 2008. I would like to see if the all black dash helps with the glare, I wonder if the dash still reflects off the shield?

 

[chrisflock]

The obvious 08 changes from a feeble mind:
Lighter throttle

Black gauge surrounds

Black Color

Revised ABS.....

No ECU issues???

Should have revised ignition switch???

I went with the Black Cherry color too, bought mine in the summer of 2008. I would like to see if the all black dash helps with the glare, I wonder if the dash still reflects off the shield?

I guess I haven't had trouble with the silver 'surrounds' glaring or reflecting off the windshield...at night, I can generally see the light from the gauges reflecting, during the day I sometimes have some glare reflecting off the gauge 'glass'.

Any 07 should have had the ECU and switch changed out under recall, and a dealer should be able to tell with a quick VIN lookup, and if not done they should be able to do them...I also understand some 08s had to have their ignition switches swapped out as well, again the same deal, really a non-issue since all 06+ bikes should have the 'new' ignition, and if they don't, a dealer can take care of it.

Personally, if I had known black was going to be coming out in 08, I might have waited instead of buying my 07 post-season...although if they wouldn't have offered a price on an 08 that was pretty darn close to the 'leftover' price they gave me on the 07, I'm not sure what I would have done.

Hey, here's a deal for the OP, get the 08 and I'll swap painted bits with you. Then you get all the 'updates' and the color you want! And I get brand new black plastics! It's a win win!

 

[For the Joy of Riding]

I'm pursing another FJR1300A (used). I had an 07 and had done the common mods, G2 throttle tube, Power commander, bar end weights, released center spring one turn.
Are the improvements to the 08 head and shoulders above the 07? Is the throttle spring tension the same as the 07? Should I spend the extra money for an 08? Because of cost I'm leaning toward another 07. I do prefer the Black Cherry.

MY CERTIFIED OPINION IS THAT THE 2007 FJR IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST OUT THERE SO DON'T EVEN SPECULATE; GET THE 07

BLACK SUCKS

 

[JamesW]

I'm pursing another FJR1300A (used). I had an 07 and had done the common mods, G2 throttle tube, Power commander, bar end weights, released center spring one turn.
Are the improvements to the 08 head and shoulders above the 07? Is the throttle spring tension the same as the 07? Should I spend the extra money for an 08? Because of cost I'm leaning toward another 07. I do prefer the Black Cherry.

Nine changes to the 08s, shape of the throttle pulley changed in the interest of a more "linear" action, reduced throttle effort and "smoother" response. Lighter ABS sys. with "improved feel" at lever, unspecified change to tranny for "smoother shifting'", the instrument panel changed from silver to black, windscreen got lighter brackets and a new scratch resistant coating. That is all I read folks.

 

[Sagebrush]

I see the silver plastic reflection very well with my Cal-Sci XL. I've coverd it with masking tape to see if it would help and it did. Still had some reflection, but at least it wasn't silver. Hence, I wonder if the black dash reflects less.

I like to run a camera or two behind the wind screen so I've played with angles and covering things up. I do not have any reflections from the guage faces.

I might try some flat black paint some day. After a year on the 07 I still like the Black Cherry color, my last Honda ST was black so, I was ready for something different.

Here is a pic of the reflection through a FS 100 Canon video camera mounted on the stem nut:

 

[Knifemaker]

MY CERTIFIED OPINION IS THAT THE 2007 FJR IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST OUT THERE SO DON'T EVEN SPECULATE; GET THE 07BLACK SUCKS

Now see, I always believed that the 07 was the best looking bike....when it is clean and sitting in full sun. Stunning. But the best color is as we all know the 06 Cobalt Blue, which is kick ass in the sun, but also looks amazing under a streetlight at night.

I think the 03 is the fastest, the 09 the blackest, and the 2010 the longest coming............

KM

 

[Fred W]

The '08 is blacker. Much blacker. Other than that it's the same damn bike.

But the '09 is the blackest, so if you're thinking about upgrading to an '08 you should really go all the way to the '09. Get the blackest you can.

 

[Fred W]

BLACK SUCKS...

light? Yes, it does. Good call.

 

[HaulinAshe]

The '08 has everything fixed except the color. You either love black or hate it. I hate black vehicles.

An '07 can be made to handle and feel like an '08. All it takes is time and not too much money.

Buy a '10.

 

[highcountry]

I do prefer the Black Cherry.

That's all you need to say, m'boy! :drinks:

+1 yeah boy! :yahoo:

 

[SkooterG]

What year went to the 'back' to the reduced effort clutch? Was that from 08 to 09?

 

[HaulinAshe]

What year went to the 'back' to the reduced effort clutch? Was that from 08 to 09?

Yes. In the grand scheme of engineering uh-oh(s), the clutch slave is about the cheapest and simplest fix to perform.

 

[Karmak]

MY CERTIFIED OPINION IS THAT THE 2007 FJR IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST OUT THERE SO DON'T EVEN SPECULATE; GET THE 07BLACK SUCKS

Now see, I always believed that the 07 was the best looking bike....when it is clean and sitting in full sun. Stunning. But the best color is as we all know the 06 Cobalt Blue, which is kick ass in the sun, but also looks amazing under a streetlight at night.

I think the 03 is the fastest, the 09 the blackest, and the 2010 the longest coming............

KM

+1. Once you do black you'll never go back.