Recalls & problems

[el camino kid]

Ok...I'm a new guy to FJ's and need a little information. I just took delivery of a new '08 and want to know what problems are lurking about that I should be aware of. I understand that the ignition switch has been an issue. Was it resolved for '08 or do I need to address this myself? Is the up dated factory harness (with the yellow band) the cure? Would it have been installed on the '08's at the factory, or at the dealer during set-up, or do I need to badger the dealer to put one in when I do my 600 mile service? Or is the harness that member "Brodie" a better fix than what the factory came up with?

Are there any other "surprises" I need to be aware of, to head of potential problems "down the road"?

Paul S.

 

[FJR Steve]

oh boy...are you in for it.

Welcome el cmaino kid. Before the natives get too stirred up...may I strongly suggest that you use the search function that this forum provides.

This forum is one of the longest and most comprehensive FJR forums around. Having said that, each topic that you have asked about has been covered over and over again. Go for a "walk" through the forum via the search engine. See how ya go. If you don't come up with any success (and there is zero chance of that)...then fire away with the questions.

 

[buf2phx]

Ok...I'm a new guy to FJ's and need a little information. I just took delivery of a new '08 and want to know what problems are lurking about that I should be aware of. I understand that the ignition switch has been an issue. Was it resolved for '08 or do I need to address this myself? Is the up dated factory harness (with the yellow band) the cure? Would it have been installed on the '08's at the factory, or at the dealer during set-up, or do I need to badger the dealer to put one in when I do my 600 mile service? Or is the harness that member "Brodie" a better fix than what the factory came up with?Are there any other "surprises" I need to be aware of, to head of potential problems "down the road"?

Paul S.

I'm still pretty new around here,so I'll actually answer your questions. The ignition switch recall should have been performed before you took delivery of the bike. That's mandatory,per Yamaha. Brodie himself has reported that he belives the redesigned switch is sufficient to avoid problems down the road. But he is still making harnesses if you are really paranoid. Some people complain about "clutch plates sticking", causing hard shifts into first,and lurching when the bike is started in gear with the clutch pulled in. I have an AE,so that's not an issue for me. Some also complain about "abrupt throttle response". I think my throttle works just fine. YMMV.

Mike

 

[beacher]

Hey ECK, I bought my '08 in May of '08, and had the ignition switch replaced under warranty. At the same time, I installed Brodie's harness, as a pre-caution; my "luck" pretty much demands that I do so. . . No problems so far, including the clutch; it works fine and is smooth as I could wish. However, DO be sure and check that the latches on your luggage have been loc-tited! Other than that, ride and enjoy!

 

[Brodie]

Hi Paul

Welcome to the FJRForum. You just bought a great bike, consider this forum icing on the cake as far as getting the most out of your investment.

More that that, however, I have found that the members of this on line community are what make it more than worthwhile to spend your time here. Feel free to ask your questions, but try the search functions too. This forum has a rich history of knowledge posted by it's members. Spend some time reading past threads that pique your interest. Enjoy your time here. Don't make yourself scarce.

As for the ignition switch question, last January Yamaha came out with a re engineered ignition switch and issued the recall you heard about. It affects year models 2006, 2007, 2008, and early 2009. Since you just bought a new left over 2008 model, your dealer should have done all recall work to your bike before you took delivery. If you have any doubts, get in touch with your dealer and have them do a recall history check on your bike's vin number. If any recalls are still not done on your unit, have them do it.

The redesigned switch is an improvement on a marginal device. Make sure it has been installed. There was a ignition switch failure in the recently completed Iron Butt Rally, near Las Vegas last week. It cost the rider a lot of grief and lost time - unnecessarily so - because he did not take care of the recall before the start of the run.

In my signature line is a link to the post describing the Ignition Relay Harness. In my humble opinion the recall switch should work as designed. However, it's a band-aid on a marginal design that my unit improves upon. If after doing your homework, you decide to install it, I will be more than happy to sell you one.

The main thing to do right now is GET SOME SEAT TIME on your new ride. :yahoo:

Enjoy!

Brodie

 

[Happy Rider]

Hey ECK, I bought my '08 in May of '08, and had the ignition switch replaced under warranty. At the same time, I installed Brodie's harness, as a pre-caution; my "luck" pretty much demands that I do so. . . No problems so far, including the clutch; it works fine and is smooth as I could wish. However, DO be sure and check that the latches on your luggage have been loc-tited! Other than that, ride and enjoy!

+1 on the loctite on the luggage latches. After reading the post I checked mine and was missing one of the two screws on the right side. The other screw was on its way out. I got a new screw installed and they all have blue locktite now.