Maybe I'll Just Hang on to My Gen I

[WBill]

Y'know...

As I cover the miles between fuel stops out in the lonesome highways, I've been contemplating trading from my '05 to a new '08 or '09. However, I've been reading about a lot of troubles with the Gen II bikes.

Where to start: ignition switch failures; snatchy fueling; mileage display; throttle issues; some posters are still feeling the heat, in spite of the new ('06) design. Maybe there's more, but it's late and I can't remember.

What would I really gain by trading up? Maybe it would be best to customize the platform I have in the garage.

I have my '05 fixed up pretty good, and it does about all I could want a motorcycle to do. But there's this nagging worry that it's getting old, and parts may not be so easy to obtain one of these days. That's the standard line from the Harley and BMW riders I've encountered: They will always have parts available, while Japanese bikes are short on supply because they change models so often.

Gen I problems included ticking, which was pretty bad, but fixed by the factory. Mine hasn't had that problem...yet...with about 35 K on the clock. Then, there was the big heat deal, which I've pretty much managed to my satisfaction.

If this sounds trollish, please accept my apology in advance. 'Just thought I'd throw this out there and see what comes back. Thinking out on the open road ought not be taken too seriously. WBill

 

[Solo]

I've read that federal law requires that a vehicle must be supported by a parts supply for 14 years. Can't remember where, but as a lawyer it was somewhere that I felt was authoritative. Yes, Gen II bikes do have issues. But most can be addressed. Ignition switch failures are an issue. At least for '06 models. I'm waiting for it to happen. Snatchy fueling and throttle issues are one and the same and can be addressed with a PCIII, throttle spring release and, if necessary, a G2 throttle tube. However, it seems the '08 model doesn't suffer from the '06-'07 problems. Mileage display is a service letter issue and should be replaced at no charge (actually, it is the mpg real time display). I just had it done. But again, I think that is an '06 (maybe '07??) issue.

Heat?? I can't say as I haven't ridden a GenI. I don't have an issue with the GenII. If you are happy with your GenI, I don't know that there is much reason to trade "up" to the GenII. Unless you like black.

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Y'know...
As I cover the miles between fuel stops out in the lonesome highways, I've been contemplating trading from my '05 to a new '08 or '09. However, I've been reading about a lot of troubles with the Gen II bikes.

Where to start: ignition switch failures; snatchy fueling; mileage display; throttle issues; some posters are still feeling the heat, in spite of the new ('06) design. Maybe there's more, but it's late and I can't remember.

What would I really gain by trading up? Maybe it would be best to customize the platform I have in the garage.

I have my '05 fixed up pretty good, and it does about all I could want a motorcycle to do. But there's this nagging worry that it's getting old, and parts may not be so easy to obtain one of these days. That's the standard line from the Harley and BMW riders I've encountered: They will always have parts available, while Japanese bikes are short on supply because they change models so often.

Gen I problems included ticking, which was pretty bad, but fixed by the factory. Mine hasn't had that problem...yet...with about 35 K on the clock. Then, there was the big heat deal, which I've pretty much managed to my satisfaction.

If this sounds trollish, please accept my apology in advance. 'Just thought I'd throw this out there and see what comes back. Thinking out on the open road ought not be taken too seriously. WBill

Keep it and run the snot out of it. Then buy another one. Just my opinion. When a bike suits you never give it up until you have to.

 

[Solo]

Well said Shineypartsup. Same thing I said, but with a lot less words. Ride on!!

 

[JimLor]

I've toyed with the idea of buying a Gen II myself, and like you, am happy to keep Matilda. I've spent many happy hours working on her to make her "my own." Beyond the time, I've actually spent a fair amount of $$$ to do the same. The flip side of that coin is that I don't have much more I want to do and that in itself fuels the desire to perhaps begin again with a blank slate. But for now I'll keep the old girl.

 

[charon76]

Rode my last girl for 11 years before trading up. I'm with the others, If she suits your needs go with it.

 

[SkooterG]

When I hit 200k on the odo I may start thinking of a new FJR.

 

[Bounce]

Keep it and run the snot out of it. Then buy another one. Just my opinion. When a bike suits you never give it up until you have to.

that's what i've decided to do with my Wave One 2003 Gen 1 IBR finishing example of this platform!

(how's that for plug-o-la?)

Why spend more cash on a replacement for something that is running fine and is set up the way I like?

 

[keithaba]

When I hit 200k on the odo I may start thinking of a new FJR.

Do the miles it spends sliding count toward the 200k?

 

[Crash Cash]

When I hit 200k on the odo I may start thinking of a new FJR.

Do the miles it spends sliding count toward the 200k?

No, but time spent flipping in the air counts double.

 

[jwilly]

I'm waiting for the 6 cylinder model to come out, then I'm upgrading! Hopefully it will have a better kick stand?

JW

 

[Jetmaker737]

The differences between gen I and II are not worth the cash outlay to trade up. Especially if your bike is farkled.

 

[HaulinAshe]

All depends on where you live IMHO.

If you live in a truly hot climate area, ditch the 05. If I lived farther north, I would still be riding my 05.

I've never regretted the decision to trade to Gen-II. It was the right thing for ME to do.

 

[slapnpop]

Yes, but we all know it's because you love [SIZE=14pt]PURPLE![/SIZE] :wub:

 

[GPRIDER]

I was planning on riding my 04 for a lot more than the 42,000 miles I had on it. Unfortunately I crashed her and it was a total. I went with a new 08 and so far I'm happy, but would stll be riding the 04 if not for the crash.

GP