"New" 2009 AE Questions

[Smilin' Kyle]

I'm considering a "new" 2009 AE at Brother's Powersports in Bremerton, WA. (I sold my 2008 and have been kicking myself ever since.) While it makes simple sense to purchase an A or an ES and be done with it, I thought I'd ask anyway.

First, the dealer is selling this 2009 as new, with 1500 miles. (They want $10,000 for it.) What I'm wondering is what's the condition of the this bike since I assume it's been sitting around for so long? How does that affect gaskets and such?

Second, I've never owned an AE. Since there's no clutch, how do you create the "friction zone" for low speed maneuvering? Are there other hassles or benefits of the AE?

Thanks for the help.

Kyle

Gig Harbor, WA

 

[El Toro]

Be careful on this one. I was told that the warranties all started in 2012 when they auctioned the last ones to clean out the warehouse.

No factory warranty is not new.

Gerald at D&H was trying to sell a 2006 that was still in the crate in 2012, but I don't know if he's still got it.

FWIW, the US importer has not stocked AE parts for years. My 2008 needed major trouble shooting in 2014, and every part, one at a time, had to be sent from Japan, turning what should have been at most 2 weeks of downtime into nearly two months.

 

[Ignacio]

First, the dealer is selling this 2009 as new, with 1500 miles.

Whole bunch of verbal judo there.

While there isn't a definiitive answer I would avoid it..especially if they actually tried to say the words, "as new".

New is 2017 (or maybe 2016) with about 24.7 miles on it...not 1500.

That said, counter by asking them to throw 4 years extra of YES warranty for $10K...since it's "as new" and all. Pretty sure they'll start stammering and/or eyes get wide. It's not "new" and they know it.

While it makes simple sense to purchase an A or an ES and be done with it

Good idea! Go with that! I picked up a '14 ES in October with 2K worth of farkles for $10K....in Duvall.

 

[MCRIDER007]

If I was going to spend $10K on a FJR, I would be looking for a gently used '13 or '14. Much improved GEN3 and many bargains are available.

 

[BkerChuck]

As much as we all love our bikes let me put this in another perspective. How would your insurance company view it? It's an 8 year old motorcycle and beyond our forum there is not a huge collector market for these bikes. Maybe in 20 more years someone may be willing to put up big money to relive their youth remembering the "one that got away" but I think that price is way out of line.

 

[Steve in Phx]

+1 the price is too high. How can they sell a bike with 1500 miles as "new"? 1500 miles is not new.

I love my AE, but for that price you could get a much newer bike.

 

[jtnwevo]

That's only around $1,500 less than I paid for my new (0 miles) 07 AE, in 2008. Way too much money! The AE is great but you can find one from a private party for much much less or as others have said buy a used 13 or 14.

 

[escapefjrtist]

No matter how the dealer "spins" this, the bike isn't new and the price is much too high. Figure out what it's worth on the open market and have them supply a 4-yr YES WITH the purchase. Luv Iggy's idea on that one.

FWIW, tires likely should be replaced at this age and lack of use. My $.02, walk away and find a better, newer FJR to replace your '08.

--G

 

[Abercrombie FJR]

I purchased my 07 AE in April of 08 for $10,999 and I loved it. I replaced it January 2nd of 2010 when I found a nearby Minnesota dealer selling new 08 AEs for $9999.00 out the door (this price did not include my home state licence $25.00 and 5% sales tax). I loved the 08 AE even more than the 07 but fell for the marketing and replaced it with a 13 when they came out.

I would say the price is way too high. Last winter dealers were unloading ugly grey 2015 FJR1300A models by the dozens for $9999.00 when word was out about pretty blue 6 speed 2016s.

I really liked the AE model. As a MSF rider coach I was also concerned about the friction zone since I would have to use my personal bike to perform rider coach demos for my students. The lack of a clutch lever was easily overcome by riding the rear brake during slow speed maneuvers. The friction zone can also be mimicked by using the throttle. The AE clutch engages very similar to a manual clutch by simply reaching the 1300 RPM engagement point with the throttle.

 

[BanjoBoy]

If I was going to spend $10K on a FJR, I would be looking for a gently used '13 or '14. Much improved GEN3 and many bargains are available.

Purdie much ^THIS^

10K is insane for a '09 AE. KBB says around $8K which is still kinda steep. Here - https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcd/6135548334.html Yer welcome.

The friction zone is purdie cool, you just twist 'n go.

Downshifts can be a little funky at times though.

 

[Abercrombie FJR]

Purdie much ^THIS^

10K is insane for a '09 AE. KBB says around $8K which is still kinda steep. Here - https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcd/6135548334.html Yer welcome.

The friction zone is purdie cool, you just twist 'n go.

Downshifts can be a little funky at times though.

Dang BanjoBoy, you just reminded me of another reason I miss my AE FJRs. I didn't find the down shifting funky at all, in fact I found every down shift to be perfect. I miss coming in hard into a corner on the brakes, banging two perfect downshifts with my left thumb, and rolling on the throttle like a pro.

 

[chazglenn3]

And that bike above is at Road, Track and Trail in Wisconsin...they ship anywhere in the country for $399!

 

[Smilin' Kyle]

Thank you everyone for your wisdom and comments. You all have been very helpful.

 

[BanjoBoy]

Purdie much ^THIS^

10K is insane for a '09 AE. KBB says around $8K which is still kinda steep. Here - https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcd/6135548334.html Yer welcome.

The friction zone is purdie cool, you just twist 'n go.

Downshifts can be a little funky at times though.

Dang BanjoBoy, you just reminded me of another reason I miss my AE FJRs. I didn't find the down shifting funky at all, in fact I found every down shift to be perfect. I miss coming in hard into a corner on the brakes, banging two perfect downshifts with my left thumb, and rolling on the throttle like a pro.

Wut year? My '07 kinda hesitates when down shifting. Dun took me awhile to get used to. If'n yer rock'in an '14 w/ ES, recon you ain't miss'in noth'in at all.

If yer still look'in for an AE OP, you can my one at a much better price from a fellow member - https://2009fjr1300ae.shutterfly.com/

 

[JimNtexas]

Do what I did when I bought my leftover. Get the VIN. Call Yamaha corporate customer service with the VIN. They will tell you that status of the warranty. Mine was a 'mechanical warranty', same as the regular one except for bodywork issues.

Call D&S with the VIN also and ask if they could sell a YES on this bike.

 

[pnkrkr4lif]

I've been looking at the same bike for a couple years now. It's in perfect condition. I've also watched that price start at $13,999 and go down to below 10k a couple times and back up a little and back down. No one wants it for it's price or age. I'd say offer 5K cash and see if they go for it. Don't finance a bike from the dealer.....they won't try as hard to work with you on price.

 

[owsley]

As an owner of two AE's (love em) I can tell you that I bought both used at less than $10K total for both. They had some mileage on them, but not tons. I think $10K is way overpriced, and more than I would be willing to pay. I think people are unwilling to buy them because they are "different" than a regular clutch bike. I have not had any problems with the auto clutch, but I dread the day when I have to find someone competent to repair them.

For $10K I would buy a Gen III model if I was buying now.

I agree with the others: Offer them something, have them throw in an extended warranty.

Friction zone: use the rear brake in conjunction with the throttle.