I just decided to NOT buy an 08

[OrangevaleFJR]

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

It's 'almost' as if he was just waiting for the story to break - hmm...

btw, I visited a competing yamaha dealer in the sacto area recently because they called and asked what they could do to win my business. I told them I doubted I would switch, but that I'd talk to them to try give them advice from a client perspective. They wanted to impress me with their FJR knowledge and they let me know this tidbit of news. I promissed not to reveal my source, but I want it to be clear that for those that know where I usually go, that's not where I got the info.

Protecting the innocent

 

[Lake Powell]

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.

Thanks, Now after hearing what all has been said I feel like I should buy a 08'.

My 07' hs never had any altitude sickness, I live right at 5000' msl.

If I have never had any problems, should I get in line for a new ECU? Is the culprit of the problem something that can have a random effect?

 

[HaulinAshe]

I personally confirmed with Yamaha this afternoon, that the new ECU is available, but on a very limited basis. They are forced to distribute them to those who chose Lemon Law litigation first. The official dealer bulletin is to be issued by this Friday and then all dealers will be able to order the ECU part and schedule the warranty fix for 07s with the problem.

My bike is in the queue like everyone else's. The difference between Yamaha and others IMO, is their long distance record of making things right. Everybody makes a bad one. Everybody makes a mistake. It's what you do about it that makes the difference.

If you are determined to go buy another brand, then I'll just have to wave at you standing in line at the parts counter while I am out riding my FJR. Because I'll be able to look up my own parts, do most of my own maintenance from the excellent documentation available, and spend the least amount of overall time doing engine service.

I have a picture (that I sometimes post) of myself at about age-7, where you can just make out the "Yamaha" logo on the back of the motorcycle seat behind me. I've owned lots of other brands, raced lots of other brands, and worked on lots of other brands. I keep buying Yamaha whenever they make what I want at the time. Support for something they've done wrong has never been a question for me.

 

[HaulinAshe]

My 07' hs never had any altitude sickness, I live right at 5000' msl.
If I have never had any problems, should I get in line for a new ECU? Is the culprit of the problem something that can have a random effect?

1. Climb to 7,000 feet or above.

2. Fall in behind a slow cager and descend at least 2,000 feet without substantially opening the throttle. i.e. Putt along in 5th gear annoying the crap out of the cager ahead.

3. Turn off a side road and come to a stop, again without substantially opening the throttle or downshifting.

4. Now pretend you NEED to get out into traffic in a hurry and rap on the throttle. If it responds as expected, you do NOT have the "Altitude Sickness".

 

[CALSI]

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

It's 'almost' as if he was just waiting for the story to break - hmm...

btw, I visited a competing yamaha dealer in the sacto area recently because they called and asked what they could do to win my business. I told them I doubted I would switch, but that I'd talk to them to try give them advice from a client perspective. They wanted to impress me with their FJR knowledge and they let me know this tidbit of news. I promissed not to reveal my source, but I want it to be clear that for those that know where I usually go, that's not where I got the info.

Protecting the innocent

Well that was as clear as mud. I know the answer....

 

[madmike2]

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

It's 'almost' as if he was just waiting for the story to break - hmm...

btw, I visited a competing yamaha dealer in the sacto area recently because they called and asked what they could do to win my business. I told them I doubted I would switch, but that I'd talk to them to try give them advice from a client perspective. They wanted to impress me with their FJR knowledge and they let me know this tidbit of news. I promissed not to reveal my source, but I want it to be clear that for those that know where I usually go, that's not where I got the info.

Protecting the innocent

Well that was as clear as mud. I know the answer....

So, O'vale, that would be the "other" Yamaha dealser close to your house....the one who used to have the "Brit" Service Mgr. Like their reputation isn't "in the toilet"?!?!?! Hmmmm, the lack of "customer service" has finally reached their wallets P&L statements bottom line collective hearts (about the way their customers feel). Or are they trying to tap into the collective flow of Yamaha owners and buyers riding past their store to Roseville (8 miles East)?

Returning to topic: CODan, buy the '08.

 

[CODan]

I think I'll wait till I've heard some positive reports on the 07 fix.

The season is about over here anyways and won't start till late March, so I've got lots of time and it'll give me a chance to look at the older ones.

 

[TruWrecks]

Do what you want. My "fixed" 07 FJR is fat and happy now. Over 300 miles of trying to make it studder with no luck. I'm sure the 08 has been corrected too. Otherwise the US website would be fraudulent.

FJR 1300 Features

"Advanced fuel injection system is ideal for long-distance supersport-touring, delivering crisp, seamless throttle response in a variety of altitude/weather conditions."