Shifting the AE Model

[turbodave_98]

I have put almost 2k on my AE since 8 June delivery. I want to share what I have learned using the handlebar shifter. I get the near instant smooth shifting both up and down the gears by simply barely flicking the up or down paddle. Not much of a touch is needed on my bike. I have been using the paddles about 99% of the time. Only use the foot pedal when I forget I am not on my 05.

If you all will try this technique, please let me know if you find it quicker.

 

[Toecutter]

I get the near instant smooth shifting both up and down the gears by simply barely flicking the up or down paddle. Not much of a touch is needed on my bike. I have been using the paddles about 99% of the time.

So, does the computer blip the throttle on downshifts to match engine speed with the gearbox? I can see it cutting power to upshift, but the downshift thing sounds a bit complex. Would be impressive if it does though.

If you all will try this technique, please let me know if you find it quicker.

I guess I'll have to wait 'til WFO before I get a chance to try that. :derisive:
Hey Dave, have you tried shifting near redline?

 

[tripletango]

Seems to depend on how much throttle you use. WOT results in clutch slippage. Seems like the motor is retarded for a split second when WOT shifts are used. Back off for a split second like a clutchless shift and it is very fast and smooth.

Part throttle smooth shifts all the way.

Blip on downshifts and the shift is seamless. It is very smooth anyway.

I use the foot shifter as my autonomic reflexes are related to the action of my foot. I am not too good with the flipper yet, although just changing up and down the box is a no brainer. Getting the max out of AE takes some practice to clean up the upshifts at max power.

However the bike will probably accelerate faster if you hold the bike wide open and flip the changer so long as you change at the best RPM for max acceleration and don't allow the engine to hit the limiter as the clutch slips on the change.

BTW I always shift into neutral when I stop at a light or to make a turn just in case I get the urge to act like a squid and rev the motor. If you do that with the AE you will light up the rear or wheelie the dam thing into whoever is in front of you :yahoo:

 

[Rickster]

I like finger clicking up-shifts, and toe-clicking down-shifts.

Computer does not appear to increase RPM on a down-shift.

 

[Fred H.]

BTW I always shift into neutral when I stop at a light or to make a turn just in case I get the urge to act like a squid and rev the motor. If you do that with the AE you will light up the rear or wheelie the dam thing into whoever is in front of you :yahoo:

Color me old fashioned, but I want a clutch lever on my motorcycles. I'm too old to try and learn new tricks. I'm not knocking the AE, I just don't think it would be for me.

 

[Toecutter]

I always shift into neutral when I stop at a light or to make a turn just in case I get the urge to act like a squid and rev the motor. If you do that with the AE you will light up the rear or wheelie the dam thing into whoever is in front of you

That WOULD be a bad thing. Okay, important safety tip.

 

[Rickster]

Fred -- i really think if you tried it, you'd find it may very well be for you! I felt the same way, but now after riding -- am converted. (BTW -- also have a sport bike w/clutch)

 

[Toecutter]

Color me old fashioned, but I want a clutch lever on my motorcycles. I'm too old to try and learn new tricks. I'm not knocking the AE, I just don't think it would be for me.

It's not a motorcycle. It's the World's Quickest and Sexiest Scooter.
For the record, I'd love to have one and my birthday's just before WFO

 

[tripletango]

I like finger clicking up-shifts, and toe-clicking down-shifts.
Computer does not appear to increase RPM on a down-shift.

Clutch engages slowly and smoothly. No computer help other than clutch engagement. You can make it seamless by timing a little blip in time with the clutch engagement.

It is a whole new ball game and takes practice!

 

[Fred H.]

Ok, who wants to let me come test ride their AE model? I promise not to wheelie it.

Too bad they didn't make it in Cobalt Blue. I am really starting to like this deep blue bike parked next to my orange one.

 

[twowheelnut]

Ok, who wants to let me come test ride their AE model? I promise not to wheelie it.

Rumor has it (had it?) that Yamaha was to have a couple of demo bikes there. That was a while ago and nothing been posted by the organizers since. So, if true, you won't have to feel bad about those wheelies and stoppies... :grin:

 

[Rickster]

Fred -- next time you're in lower Alabama -- gimme a call!

 

[qmotion]

BTW I always shift into neutral when I stop at a light or to make a turn just in case I get the urge to act like a squid and rev the motor. If you do that with the AE you will light up the rear or wheelie the dam thing into whoever is in front of you :yahoo:

Color me old fashioned, but I want a clutch lever on my motorcycles. I'm too old to try and learn new tricks. I'm not knocking the AE, I just don't think it would be for me.

Don't knock it till you try it. It works well

 

[06FJRAEPILOT]

BTW I always shift into neutral when I stop at a light or to make a turn just in case I get the urge to act like a squid and rev the motor. If you do that with the AE you will light up the rear or wheelie the dam thing into whoever is in front of you :yahoo:

Color me old fashioned, but I want a clutch lever on my motorcycles. I'm too old to try and learn new tricks. I'm not knocking the AE, I just don't think it would be for me.

The "AE" is simply in a word: fantastic! Once you "break the shifting code" it is far, far superior to the manual clutch model period! I have now, 39,000 miles on a 05 FJR. It's a great bike, but the "AE" beats it hands down in every area. The bike is smooth, no throttle issues, and handles better. Fast, precise and seamless shifts each and every time, both up and down!

It shifted pretty darn well right out of the box, however I broke the shifting code at about 800 miles and it is truly sweet!

New technology and learning are good for us old dogs....

 

[turbodave_98]

I get the near instant smooth shifting both up and down the gears by simply barely flicking the up or down paddle. Not much of a touch is needed on my bike. I have been using the paddles about 99% of the time.

So, does the computer blip the throttle on downshifts to match engine speed with the gearbox? I can see it cutting power to upshift, but the downshift thing sounds a bit complex. Would be impressive if it does though.

If you all will try this technique, please let me know if you find it quicker.

I guess I'll have to wait 'til WFO before I get a chance to try that. :derisive:
Hey Dave, have you tried shifting near redline?

TC, not yet but its coming!!

 

[bikerkash]

FJRAEpilot, you say you have cracked the code to smooth shifting, please share it. I've got 2700 miles on my AE and I've yet to master being consistantly smooth at slow speeds, leaving from a dead stop, and upshifts from 1st to 2nd especially and to 3rd some of the time. The rest of it is great especially the down shifts, I cannot match the auto clutch in smoothness. I believe much of the problem comes from the throttle being so stiff and I'll be working on that issue very soon. I would appreciate any insights you can share on being smooth. RIDE SAFE

 

[kindofblue]

I believe much of the problem comes from the throttle being so stiff

If the 06 is like the 05 there are 3, count 'em 3 throttle return springs. If you disconnect the 2 on each side of the main spring, the throttle is smoother and takes less effort to keep open.

All this talk of the AE has me seriously considering selling my 05 ABS and getting an AE

 

[qmotion]

I believe much of the problem comes from the throttle being so stiff

If the 06 is like the 05 there are 3, count 'em 3 throttle return springs. If you disconnect the 2 on each side of the main spring, the throttle is smoother and takes less effort to keep open.

All this talk of the AE has me seriously considering selling my 05 ABS and getting an AE

There are 3 return springs for a reason. I would possibly remove one but not 2 of the 3. If you go down and the throttle sticks open there can be serious issues. If one spring break there should at least be one back up. I would rather suggest replacing the main return spring with a weaker one than removing them all together.

 

[Rickster]

What I've found smooth: Low RPM: (under 3000), just click. At higher rpm, off/on blip of the throttle timed with the click is smooth.

You?