Is there any difference between the 03-05 models

[forza40]

I am currently looking to pick up a used FJR. I was wondering if there is a better year to look for. Besides coler what or are there any differences?

 

[Yambone]

Lesseeee, here's a few I remember: the '03 was the first bike to come to USA. The '04 had an ABS option, a larger windshield, larger brake rotors, and improved suspension and stronger sidestand. The '05 was same bike as the '04 in other respects.

Since you're looking for used model, I'd go for an '04 from some poor soul that couldn't find the time to ride, probably the best value. But also consider same kinda guy with an '05--easier to find as they doubled the production run. You'll find more for sale from the posers who now might sell at a discount, especially in winter.

Welcome aboard!

 

[Canadian FJR]

And for some reason, every time I go riding with the '04s and '05s they always seem to be slower. The '03 silver must be faster for some reason.

Merry Christmas

Canadian FJR

 

[Yambone]

And for some reason, every time I go riding with the '04s and '05s they always seem to be slower. The '03 silver must be faster for some reason. 

There may be something to that claim. But truth be told, the max speed on any FJR year/model would scare the bejesus out of any normal human. Our benevolent dictator Warchild has had a lot of experience with both and could probably at least give a strong subjective answer. (and he is not of the 'normal' mode, heh.)
As for color, I was originally disappointed when I ordered my '04 and then found it wasn't true silver, but some kind of 'Cruel' silver variant. That 'original' '03 silver is SHARP. But when I got my '04 after the mandatory 6-month wait, it bowled me over anyway. I still go to the garage and take a look from time to time. Now, you won't pry it outta my hands. Interesting the new flagship, the '06 AE will also be the *Cruel* silver...

 

[Bluestreek]

The silver 06's will come with auto clutch and detuned motor. The 06 with manual clutch and faster motor will be cobalt blue. :bleh:

 

[FJRME]

My 05 is detuned also. There is nothing that can be done about it. I've tried and tried but the silver won't rub off.

 

[tripletango]

"The silver 06's will come with auto clutch and detuned motor. The 06 with manual clutch and faster motor will be cobalt blue."

I am worried that my AE will be more intelligent than me!

 

[madmike2]

The '04s and newer also have a glove box in the left fairing. '04s and '05s have ABS as an option, so you can find them w/o ABS.

Of course, until the '06 version, every year had a different color: '03=silver, '04 Cerulean silver(light slate?) and '05 Beautiful Blue [SIZE=8pt]Don't tell anyone, but I really liked the color of my '04. It was a lot easier to keep clean than the Blue '05. Remember, this is our secret![/SIZE]

The '04s have stronger springs in the suspension, however, at around 15K the rear shock is due for replacement, anyway, so if you get a good price on an '03, replace the shock and fork springs and you'll be a happy camper. If you are worried about the brakes, you can change those out also, but most people with the '03s do quite well. It's sometimes a matter of bragging rights, unless you do "push the envelope" when riding, in which case, you may want to change rotors and pads regardless. The rotors are not interchangeable between '03 and later models, so if the larger diameter rotors are what you want, you should look for a good used '04.

Good luck in your search.

[SIZE=8pt]Beware the French detuned engines. There is a restrictor plate in the injector throats and the computer chip is changed. There is a strong possibility that some of the '06s may come with these engines. We are all watching and waiting![/SIZE]

 

[throttlejockeyTJ]

They integrated the turn signals when they added the glove box.

 

[Warchild]

None of the owners from the '04 and later models years will agree (they all want certified dyno-proof, etc, etc) but the fact of the matter is: the '03s have a sightly greater roll-on performance (for some reason). Top end is the more-or-less the same across all years to date. The gearing hasn't changed AFAIK, so it was likely a tuning change that occured in the '04 and later models (one that we won't ever get Yamaha to acknowledge).

However, if I were buying today, it would be an '04 or '05 model (wether you are after ABS or not). The 320mm brakes up front are a significant improvement to the 298mm rotors of the '03 model. The fork upgrades was more than just stiffer springs; the fork internals were also reworked to some degree.

The handlebar/triple-tree cosmetics have changed every year. The '05 looks most killer, IMO.

The '04 Cerulean Silver is the hottest paint of the three years thus far.

The '05s have the best fuel mapping as far as driviability is concerned. The '03s and '04s were less so.... a percentage of '03/'04 bikes display some amount of low-speed surging that a PCIII cures straight-away.

Generally, there have been numerous small tweaks every year, with the '04 getting the most noticable upgrades (brakes/forks/turn-signals/etc).

The '06's will have sightly less performance due to the 44lb weight gain over previous model years, and the taller secondary gearing.

There.... that oughta be enough to get all model year owners coming out of the woodwork...

 

[Toecutter]

The '04 Cerulean Silver is the hottest paint of the three years thus far.

And there you have it, folks. Case closed.

 

[Bustanut joker]

Yup the cruel silver looks the best to me but... I have a red euro? model pre 04 that I'm using as wall paper on this 'puter that I really like. Now thats the color :clap:

:jester:

 

[Just Plain Dave]

I am worried that my AE will be more intelligent than me!

I've got a good comeback for that one, but hey, It's Christmas, I'm going to let it slide.