I just decided to NOT buy an 08

[CODan]

I live at 7700 feet (CO mountains) and could easily ride from here to 4,000 and back to 11,000 in a day. In fact I can be at 11,000 in an hour, and down to 5,000 3 hours after that.

From what I read it sounds like at least some of the 07s have a serious problem with changing altitudes, and Yamaha has not fixed the problem yet.

I can't afford to buy a bike that doesn't perform well at altitude. Given that the 08 may or may not be fixed, I won't be buying one until I've read that the problem is fixed.

So now I'm looking at an 06 or perhaps earlier.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

I live at 7700 feet (CO mountains) and could easily ride from here to 4,000 and back to 11,000 in a day. In fact I can be at 11,000 in an hour, and down to 5,000 3 hours after that.
From what I read it sounds like at least some of the 07s have a serious problem with changing altitudes, and Yamaha has not fixed the problem yet.

I can't afford to buy a bike that doesn't perform well at altitude. Given that the 08 may or may not be fixed, I won't be buying one until I've read that the problem is fixed.

So now I'm looking at an 06 or perhaps earlier.

The '08 has a new ECU that has been tested and they fixed the surge problem.

The '07 ECU replacements are completed and being manufactured and will be shipped to dealers that have customers with logged complaints. Yamaha has stepped up, fixed the problem, and has shipped the first ECU already.

I don't know how I know this so don't ask. I'd have to shoot ya.

However, the surge problem should NOT be the reason not to buy an '08!!!!!

 

[CODan]

Did I miss this in the long threads about the surging problem?

I thought I read nearly everything.

----

OK, I read the last couple of posts on the 'surging problem' and it's clear that there 'may' be a fix, but it's just barely out and just barely tested, and almost nobody in the Yamaha hierarchy knows about it.

Until at least 12 people on this forum have gotten the new ECU, tested it very thoroughly, then reported positive results, I'm still not buying.

I'm a dirt biker and I've watched KTM screw over thousands of dirt bikers world wide over a gas cap that POPS OFF, spilling gasoline on the rider and causing very serious injury to one in Australia when his bike burst in to flames.

So I'm VERY skeptical.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Did I miss this in the long threads about the surging problem?
I thought I read nearly everything.

The '08 has a new ECU that has been tested and they fixed the surge problem.
The '07 ECU replacements are completed and being manufactured and will be shipped to dealers that have customers with logged complaints. Yamaha has stepped up, fixed the problem, and has shipped the first ECU already.

I don't know how I know this so don't ask. I'd have to shoot ya.

However, the surge problem should NOT be the reason not to buy an '08!!!!!

THis is the first place I posted this tidbit of information. I shouldn't have but it's too late I did. But I ain't BSing and if not 100% accurate, it's 99.9% accurate. I just felt really wrong about you making the decision to go to a lesser bike instead of the '08 for this reason. Not bagging on the '06, but the '08 has some significant and worthwhile enhancements IMO

 

[v65]

I live at 7700 feet (CO mountains) and could easily ride from here to 4,000 and back to 11,000 in a day. In fact I can be at 11,000 in an hour, and down to 5,000 3 hours after that.
From what I read it sounds like at least some of the 07s have a serious problem with changing altitudes, and Yamaha has not fixed the problem yet.

I can't afford to buy a bike that doesn't perform well at altitude. Given that the 08 may or may not be fixed, I won't be buying one until I've read that the problem is fixed.

So now I'm looking at an 06 or perhaps earlier.

Personally I consider you a lucky SOB. I came on the market when the Gen II's came out. It was rumored that there was a valve train update to fix the tick, so I bought new, otherwise I would have gotten a pre-farkled machine. If I was in the market now I would go with a pre-farkled '06 and use the savings for tires, you'll need 'em! :yahoo:

EDIT: Or a real nice '05. Very nice!

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

I'm a dirt biker and I've watched KTM screw over thousands of dirt bikers world wide over a gas cap that POPS OFF, spilling gasoline on the rider and causing very serious injury to one in Australia when his bike burst in to flames.

Yamaha ≠ KTM or any other brand (BMW with their final drives and such).

IMO Yamaha has listened to its customers and reacted better than most manufacturers to complaints and issues. I know people don't feel they should have to wait for these things, but everytime I have seen Yamaha come out with something, it has fixed the problem from Top cases, to AE cable attachments to the tick to the surge. I doubt very highly that Yamaha has released a product without testing it if it's sole purpose was to fix the alititude issue. I bet Mt. Fuji got a major FJR work out recently!

 

[twowheelnut]

Every single thing made by human hands has potential for problems. Toyota, Honda, Ford, BMW, Benz, Yamaha, you name it. If your concern is a, what if?, then I'd scrap the whole idea of getting a highly mechanized machine like the FJR and by either a Schwinn or a horse. Just remember that one day you'll have to shoot the horse.

 

[CODan]

Every single thing made by human hands has potential for problems. Toyota, Honda, Ford, BMW, Benz, Yamaha, you name it. If your concern is a, what if?, then I'd scrap the whole idea of getting a highly mechanized machine like the FJR and by either a Schwinn or a horse. Just remember that one day you'll have to shoot the horse.

Yea, I know, but if the problem isn't fixed, then it sounds like the bike might be unrideable - not just when I take a trip to the mountains, but ALL the time.

I'll was gonna put down money on an 08 as soon as my ZZR sells (selling it out of town where it is still warm!) but now I'll probably just wait till next spring.

 

[LSUBOY]

Get-off tha fence and buy the bike. If you don't, that will be one of the biggest blunders you made in your entire life. Then again, if it has a problem and they cannot fix it, then you turn it in under tha "Lemon Law" and get your money back.

Last but not least um gonna leave you with something that I read on this board about two years ago.

"In all my life thru all of the things/toys that I have brought, etc., I have never had anything that gives me more pleasure that my FJR 1300". I cannot remember the poster but he sure was right!

Yo Turn!

 

[FuzzyRider]

Yea, I know, but if the problem isn't fixed, then it sounds like the bike might be unrideable - not just when I take a trip to the mountains, but ALL the time.
I'll was gonna put down money on an 08 as soon as my ZZR sells (selling it out of town where it is still warm!) but now I'll probably just wait till next spring.

Could you find a Yamaha dealer on a road with some nice altitude changes and explain to him that you will buy the '08 but you have to ride it first to make sure it doesn't have a problem with altitude changes like the '07s did?

 

[bramfrank]

I have read where several riders have already had their ECUs changed and report that the surge is eliminated.

One reports that he was called that they have an ECU for him for installation and asked 'What's an ECU' - so it isn't just those who complained.

I suspect that you can safely buy your '08 - or better yet, buy my '06 and I'll buy the new '08. Mine has YES until May 2011.

 

[Ignacio]

The '08 has a new ECU that has been tested and they fixed the surge problem.

Whoa.....just to be clear...you getting this from the statement on Canadian website? If so, it didn't actually say, "The altitude issue is fixed in '08." It said....if I found the source reference correctly, "Revised engine ECU settings for improved drivability."

It *sounds* like it's answered, but you want to go on record that you know 100% it is?

Or did I miss a thread somewhere where somebody has an actual quote from Yamaha?

I'm just sayin...... <_<

 

[Warchild]

I will GUARANTEE you that what Orangevale has stated is, in fact, [SIZE=14pt]COMPLETELY ACCURATE!![/SIZE].

This fix is comprised of a COMPLETELY NEW black box - not a re-programming of existing ECM's on the 2007 models.

ALL 2008 FJR's should have the new ECM installed on the assembly line.

Dealers are instructed to watch their YDS screens closely this week for the formal Tech Service Bulletin, which should also have shipping status for the new ECMs for customers who have been to their dealers with complaints of the surging.

So..... the REAL reason you should not go after a 2008, CODan, is that once you roll it off the showroom floor, that black paint will never look as good again. You could save significant $$$ and get a leftover 2007 in that gorgeous Black Cherry paint. I know a dealer that still has five (5) brand new 2007s, all still in their crate; all will be getting a new ECM before the customer gets the bike..... B)

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

The '08 has a new ECU that has been tested and they fixed the surge problem.

Whoa.....just to be clear...you getting this from the statement on Canadian website? If so, it didn't actually say, "The altitude issue is fixed in '08." It said....if I found the source reference correctly, "Revised engine ECU settings for improved drivability."

It *sounds* like it's answered, but you want to go on record that you know 100% it is?

Or did I miss a thread somewhere where somebody has an actual quote from Yamaha?

I'm just sayin...... <_<

sorry, can't reveal the source. It ain't the ones you mentioned. Should kept quiet frankly, trust it or don't...your choice.

 

[Ignacio]

sorry, can't reveal the source. It ain't the ones you mentioned. Should kept quiet frankly, trust it or don't...your choice.

OK then. Good enough for me. Carry on. I did miss it somewhere then.

If by some cruel twist of the fate.....the '08's aren't fixed for altitude.....I would assume OV is buying drinks at NAFO.. And if he doesn't show I could use my admin powers to publish his e-mail and IP address to anybody that wants it. He's a Flying Walenda!

I will GUARANTEE you that what Orangevale has stated is, in fact, [SIZE=14pt]COMPLETELY ACCURATE!![/SIZE].

Another reminder that things can change quickly. I am sitting about 75 feet from WC and I just found out about this.

 

[Huck Fonda]

FWIW, I understand that the bulletin will be issued most likely this week.

That being said, I've heard stories in which Yamaha makes early countermeasure parts available on a needs basis. If these are somewhat accurate statements, then there are probably a handfull of ECUs out there by now. Seems like someone here would have received one.

In any case, I agree with Orangevale. Yamaha isn't prefect, but they do pay attention to the market, even if they don't respond as quickly as we of the "microwave - I haven't got all minute" age would like.

 

[TheBlueStreak]

Hey CODan, If you go to the Canadian Yamaha site, click on "My Yamaha Brochure" you will see that the 08 has

"Revised engine ECU settings for inproved driveability". I would think ALL 08's would have the new ECU as Warchild said. Come on.............go for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[juniorfjr]

CODan, not buying would be a mistake, imho. This is the one of themost exciting things I have ever ridden, and the black would be so pretty

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

well, how bout them apples. Thanks Warchild!

sorry, can't reveal the source. It ain't the ones you mentioned. Should kept quiet frankly, trust it or don't...your choice.

OK then. Good enough for me. Carry on. I did miss it somewhere then. If by some cruel twist of the fate.....the '08's aren't fixed for altitude.....I would assume OV is buying drinks at NAFO.. And if he doesn't show I could use my admin powers to publish his e-mail and IP address to anybody that wants it. He's a Flying Walenda!

I will GUARANTEE you that what Orangevale has stated is, in fact, [SIZE=14pt]COMPLETELY ACCURATE!![/SIZE].

Another reminder that things can change quickly. I am sitting about 75 feet from WC and I just found out about this.

I'll buy you a drink at NAFO even though I'm right