New 08 Update

[TechJunkie]

I have asked several questions concerning my 08 FJR since I purchased it three weeks ago. My concerns have primarily been the clutch/shifting noise and engine noise. I do not want to be party to of misinformation or a miss perception of the new FJR because of a newbies unfounded concerns.

I had the 600 Mi maintenance completed today at Dreyer Motorsports in Indianapolis, IN. They assigned a tech that has owned an FJR and is a Gold Yamaha Certified technician "I believe that is what they called him". He rode my bike and completed all service requirements on it and made a couple of adjustments for me that I requested.

1) When I went to pick up my bike he said that cylinder #1 was off and the Throttle Body Sync took care of that. (Engine is smooth as silk and engine vibration nearly zero to 75 or 80 mph.)

2) He adjusted the throttle position sensor and throttle free play. (No more throttle uncertainty when going off and on the throttle, no more transmission slapping from throttle abruptness. Throttle feels smooth and certain.)

3) He rode the bike and said clutch and shifting is normal and smooth. (2nd time I have heard this from a Yamaha technician. I guess I should start to believe it now!)

4) After the Oil change and the above work the engine was noticeably quieter. One older service tech said that he has had several 08 owners come in concerned about the ticking issue after someone tells them about it. He said of course none of them have had the problem since the issue has been resolved on the 08 but it has been difficult to convince some.

5) With the above adjustments, and the idle set at 1100 rpms I must also say that blipping the throttle no longer causes the engine to die or cause a popping sound in the engine and the engine is immediately responsive. Also, I am not hearing the low rpm surging that it used to exhibit. My cousin stood next to it when I drove to his house immediately after leaving the shop. He even noticed an audible difference in the sound of the engine.

I am writing this to say that ALL of my initial concerns with my 08 were either my over active imagination or rectified at the 600 mi maintenance. My Feejer is smoother and feels stronger than it ever has. My enjoyment as increased as well as my love for this machine.

I am sure that some people have legitimate issues with their 08 since I don't I just wanted to set the record straight. I am now a recovering "Internet and Newbie Hypochondriac" .

Thanks to all that provided guidance and information. This is a journey that I am just starting, an I am enjoying it immensely.

 

[rushes]

Sounds like all yur bases are covered.

Now just have fun!! :yahoo:

 

[Steve Wetterling]

I have asked several questions concerning my 08 FJR since I purchased it three weeks ago. My concerns have primarily been the clutch/shifting noise and engine noise. I do not want to be party to of misinformation or a miss perception of the new FJR because of a newbies unfounded concerns.
I had the 600 Mi maintenance completed today at Dreyer Motorsports in Indianapolis, IN. They assigned a tech that has owned an FJR and is a Gold Yamaha Certified technician "I believe that is what they called him". He rode my bike and completed all service requirements on it and made a couple of adjustments for me that I requested.

1) When I went to pick up my bike he said that cylinder #1 was off and the Throttle Body Sync took care of that. (Engine is smooth as silk and engine vibration nearly zero to 75 or 80 mph.)

2) He adjusted the throttle position sensor and throttle free play. (No more throttle uncertainty when going off and on the throttle, no more transmission slapping from throttle abruptness. Throttle feels smooth and certain.)

3) He rode the bike and said clutch and shifting is normal and smooth. (2nd time I have heard this from a Yamaha technician. I guess I should start to believe it now!)

4) After the Oil change and the above work the engine was noticeably quieter. One older service tech said that he has had several 08 owners come in concerned about the ticking issue after someone tells them about it. He said of course none of them have had the problem since the issue has been resolved on the 08 but it has been difficult to convince some.

5) With the above adjustments, and the idle set at 1100 rpms I must also say that blipping the throttle no longer causes the engine to die or cause a popping sound in the engine and the engine is immediately responsive. Also, I am not hearing the low rpm surging that it used to exhibit. My cousin stood next to it when I drove to his house immediately after leaving the shop. He even noticed an audible difference in the sound of the engine.

I am writing this to say that ALL of my initial concerns with my 08 were either my over active imagination or rectified at the 600 mi maintenance. My Feejer is smoother and feels stronger than it ever has. My enjoyment as increased as well as my love for this machine.

I am sure that some people have legitimate issues with their 08 since I don't I just wanted to set the record straight. I am now a recovering "Internet and Newbie Hypochondriac" .

Thanks to all that provided guidance and information. This is a journey that I am just starting, an I am enjoying it immensely.

I'm right there with you (apprx 3 wk old '08 FJR).

1) Lovin' the bike as I continue to get used to it (last bike was an '02 1800 Goldwing -- great bike too).

2) Had the same throttle "blip" issue, and also had it adjusted out at the 600 mile mark (850 miles to-date). Very smooth and predictable now.

3) Heading out tomorrow on my first trip with it. Going to be very interesting to see how I hold up and my impressions after a couple back-to-back 600 mile days! I'll post some opinions once back, including a couple pictures of some of my farkles. One in particular that folks may be interested in is a pretty unique highway peg setup.

Safe riding...

 

[TechJunkie]

I'm right there with you (apprx 3 wk old '08 FJR).
1) Lovin' the bike as I continue to get used to it (last bike was an '02 1800 Goldwing -- great bike too).

2) Had the same throttle "blip" issue, and also had it adjusted out at the 600 mile mark (850 miles to-date). Very smooth and predictable now.

3) Heading out tomorrow on my first trip with it. Going to be very interesting to see how I hold up and my impressions after a couple back-to-back 600 mile days! I'll post some opinions once back, including a couple pictures of some of my farkles. One in particular that folks may be interested in is a pretty unique highway peg setup.

Safe riding...

Good luck and be safe. Look forward to hearing how it goes on your maiden voyage.

 

[SecuLaw]

I have a 2007 which had its own problems but all got resolved. :yahoo: So now I suggest you stop the worry and just ride the shit out of the bike and have a friggin blast.....we all do.

 

[madmike2]

T-t-t-t-told ya'!

:lol:

 

[juniorfjr]

I was lucky, I'd been off of bikes for a few years. So I was as dumb as a stump. Just rode it like I stole it. Three years later , still dumb, and still love this bike.

 

[TechJunkie]

T-t-t-t-told ya'!
:lol:

Yea, several did. Head is hard as granite. I still wear my helmet though just in case I find a soft spot! :headbonk:

 

[painman]

Thanks for the update and glad some things are getting taken care of. I remember on my 06 I had some similar issues and after a few thousand miles were added to the clock the engine settled in really nice and smoothed out even more and it now has even a more gutteral exhaust note with the stock cans. Now as mentioned, just go ride and have fun. Safely mind you.

And as a side note I had never worked on a bike of this caliber but from the great members here and all the good info offered, I now do my own tune-ups, tbs, services and associated maintainence. It makes it even that much better. PM. <>< :yahoo:

 

[jim oneill]

I have asked several questions concerning my 08 FJR since I purchased it three weeks ago. My concerns have primarily been the clutch/shifting noise and engine noise. I do not want to be party to of misinformation or a miss perception of the new FJR because of a newbies unfounded concerns.
I had the 600 Mi maintenance completed today at Dreyer Motorsports in Indianapolis, IN. They assigned a tech that has owned an FJR and is a Gold Yamaha Certified technician "I believe that is what they called him". He rode my bike and completed all service requirements on it and made a couple of adjustments for me that I requested.

1) When I went to pick up my bike he said that cylinder #1 was off and the Throttle Body Sync took care of that. (Engine is smooth as silk and engine vibration nearly zero to 75 or 80 mph.)

2) He adjusted the throttle position sensor and throttle free play. (No more throttle uncertainty when going off and on the throttle, no more transmission slapping from throttle abruptness. Throttle feels smooth and certain.)

3) He rode the bike and said clutch and shifting is normal and smooth. (2nd time I have heard this from a Yamaha technician. I guess I should start to believe it now!)

4) After the Oil change and the above work the engine was noticeably quieter. One older service tech said that he has had several 08 owners come in concerned about the ticking issue after someone tells them about it. He said of course none of them have had the problem since the issue has been resolved on the 08 but it has been difficult to convince some.

5) With the above adjustments, and the idle set at 1100 rpms I must also say that blipping the throttle no longer causes the engine to die or cause a popping sound in the engine and the engine is immediately responsive. Also, I am not hearing the low rpm surging that it used to exhibit. My cousin stood next to it when I drove to his house immediately after leaving the shop. He even noticed an audible difference in the sound of the engine.

I am writing this to say that ALL of my initial concerns with my 08 were either my over active imagination or rectified at the 600 mi maintenance. My Feejer is smoother and feels stronger than it ever has. My enjoyment as increased as well as my love for this machine.

I am sure that some people have legitimate issues with their 08 since I don't I just wanted to set the record straight. I am now a recovering "Internet and Newbie Hypochondriac" .

Thanks to all that provided guidance and information. This is a journey that I am just starting, an I am enjoying it immensely.

How much did the 600 mileage cost at the dealer?

 

[Docholiday]

Glad your baby is fixed. Sometimes you just need a little bit of fine tuning. Enjoy the ride.

 

[big ears]

I have asked several questions concerning my 08 FJR since I purchased it three weeks ago. My concerns have primarily been the clutch/shifting noise and engine noise. I do not want to be party to of misinformation or a miss perception of the new FJR because of a newbies unfounded concerns.
I had the 600 Mi maintenance completed today at Dreyer Motorsports in Indianapolis, IN. They assigned a tech that has owned an FJR and is a Gold Yamaha Certified technician "I believe that is what they called him". He rode my bike and completed all service requirements on it and made a couple of adjustments for me that I requested.

1) When I went to pick up my bike he said that cylinder #1 was off and the Throttle Body Sync took care of that. (Engine is smooth as silk and engine vibration nearly zero to 75 or 80 mph.)

2) He adjusted the throttle position sensor and throttle free play. (No more throttle uncertainty when going off and on the throttle, no more transmission slapping from throttle abruptness. Throttle feels smooth and certain.)

3) He rode the bike and said clutch and shifting is normal and smooth. (2nd time I have heard this from a Yamaha technician. I guess I should start to believe it now!)

4) After the Oil change and the above work the engine was noticeably quieter. One older service tech said that he has had several 08 owners come in concerned about the ticking issue after someone tells them about it. He said of course none of them have had the problem since the issue has been resolved on the 08 but it has been difficult to convince some.

5) With the above adjustments, and the idle set at 1100 rpms I must also say that blipping the throttle no longer causes the engine to die or cause a popping sound in the engine and the engine is immediately responsive. Also, I am not hearing the low rpm surging that it used to exhibit. My cousin stood next to it when I drove to his house immediately after leaving the shop. He even noticed an audible difference in the sound of the engine.

I am writing this to say that ALL of my initial concerns with my 08 were either my over active imagination or rectified at the 600 mi maintenance. My Feejer is smoother and feels stronger than it ever has. My enjoyment as increased as well as my love for this machine.

I am sure that some people have legitimate issues with their 08 since I don't I just wanted to set the record straight. I am now a recovering "Internet and Newbie Hypochondriac" .

Thanks to all that provided guidance and information. This is a journey that I am just starting, an I am enjoying it immensely.

Have 4300 miles on my 08 in 7 weeks, no problems except slightly stiff down shifts when cold. Royal Purple helped this a lot.

 

[TechJunkie]

How much did the 600 mileage cost at the dealer?

It was 190.00 for everything they did. Not sure if this is high, low or average. They did a great job though!

The dealership where I bought it quoted 180.00 but I was going to be and hour in the exact opposite direction. This dealership was very professional and really tuned the bike well. Funny thing is when I was there the owner of the shop, "this is a large shop in Indianapolis that has Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Honda", was having his new 08 FJR outfitted with many new farkles. GPS, Audio, CB, Heated Gloves etc........ What is interesting is the owner of the dealership where I purchased my Feejer also rode a FJR and he carried four brands of bikes as well.

 

[RonBB]

Sounds like you found a dealership with knowledgable technicians. I saw nothing out of line in the comments & I've owned a couple of FJR's now. Ron

 

[TechJunkie]

Sounds like you found a dealership with knowledgable technicians. I saw nothing out of line in the comments & I've owned a couple of FJR's now. Ron

My concern with the transmission was that at times it shifted so quietly and smoothly that you almost could not tell it had shifted, and other times it had a definite thud. I even hit the gears between 1st and 2nd a couple of times. From what I am being told the thud I am hearing is "much less" that what was exhibited from some previous versions of the FJR and the hitting the gears they expected was a slow sift. They told me to be sure to not pause during the shift. The times when it happened I was going slow and not really shifting quickly. Others commented on how quietly and smoothly their bikes shifted after having their clutch plates soaked. I just put two and two together and assumed I had a problem. I am now just riding it and enjoying it. If something gets worse down the road I will deal with it then I now have it on record that two different dealerships have looked at it for shifting. I feel confident that Yamaha would acknowledge that if a problem developed later on.

I am marking it up to experience and moving on. In style I might add!

 

[TFC]

Thanks for posting.

I have a new '08 as well. I am expecting the bike to loosen up as the miles pile on (as is the case with all new bikes).

However, I will be pointing out my dissatisfaction with the clutch (and let them tell me to relax).

In my case it's the delay in clutch engagement from when the handle is pulled-in. Okay....time to shift...reduce throttle....grab clutch handle....wait....wait.....wait....finally clutch engages. It's more pronounced when cold, but sure seems out of spec regardless.

 

[TechJunkie]

Thanks for posting.I have a new '08 as well. I am expecting the bike to loosen up as the miles pile on (as is the case with all new bikes).

However, I will be pointing out my dissatisfaction with the clutch (and let them tell me to relax).

In my case it's the delay in clutch engagement from when the handle is pulled-in. Okay....time to shift...reduce throttle....grab clutch handle....wait....wait.....wait....finally clutch engages. It's more pronounced when cold, but sure seems out of spec regardless.

Mine definitely engages and disengages correctly and actually my transmission shifts smoother when it is cold. It shifts louder as it heats up. This is why I thought my clutch plates might need to be soaked. As they heat up you would expect them to possibly grab just a moment longer and not allow the transmission to slow to an appropriate speed for engagement resulting in a louder shift. Though they did not inspect my clutch plates, having two qualified Yamaha mechanics drive it and tell me it is functioning and shifting normal is good enough for me.

 

[texasred]

Ladies and gentlemen

Just came off a BMW K1200S. Trying to smooth shift that took work , timing, practice, and accepting the "clunk". My 2008 FJR is a dream by comparison.

 

[RAVENRIDER]

Thanks for posting.I have a new '08 as well. I am expecting the bike to loosen up as the miles pile on (as is the case with all new bikes).

However, I will be pointing out my dissatisfaction with the clutch (and let them tell me to relax).

In my case it's the delay in clutch engagement from when the handle is pulled-in. Okay....time to shift...reduce throttle....grab clutch handle....wait....wait.....wait....finally clutch engages. It's more pronounced when cold, but sure seems out of spec regardless.

I have an 08 and the clutch is spot on. Sorry to hear about this. I would insist that the dealer corrects it immediately rather than waiting.