Should I stay away from the 1st gen?

[zed88]

I just looked up the dry weight difference for a 2005 abs vs a 2006 abs. It's 553 vs 582. I understand the wheelbase but you guys really get that worked up over the weight? A topcase or tankbag pretty much takes on the difference (not to mention rider weight) I figured for how much people go on about it, it would have been at least 60+ lbs. It's also worth noting that a home mechanic can't fix a ticker but you can install a $80 wiring Spider harness, and the dealer will fix the ignition altitude and mpg readout for free. The ticker fix is defintley not guaranteed to be free.

Either way I'm a new owner and just went through the same dilemma. Went with a gen 2 since they don't appear to be depreciating as fast since there were no major changes since. Had access to a nice 05 and 06 but the 06 just seemed more refined. Stuff like the heat fixes seem ok until you talk to guys that did it and still couldent stand it etc. Dident want to get stuck with a bike I dident love or couldent be sold later because the new ones had so many more desirable feautures. Either way get one that males you happy and is best suited for your uses and riding.

 

[TomInPA]

Damn if Iggie didn't just agree, then move you to NEPRT. :angry2:

I just bought a 2005 ABS in December, and have already done better than 4K miles, and have a trip to Death Valley coming right up. The Gen I bike is apparently in your budget, and available to you, while the Gen II is not in your comfort range financially and the only one you mentioned is a fixed wreck. These bikes have seen their depreciation, and many seem to have very low miles. Your odds of getting a tickker are very low. Run the bike, listen to the idle. Its 6 years old and has some miles. You should be able to form a judgment. There is nothing wrong with owning nearly the same bike for less than half-price.

Contrary to a prior post the Gen I is not depreciating faster, it has simply completed the 5-year depreciation cycle. It is the Gen II that is depreciating relatively quickly, and in a few years, those will be equally affordable. The "risk" of buying Gen I is offset somewhat by the fact it will not depreciate very much going forward. Buying a $10K bike that will predictably reach $6K in the next 4 years, or worse, a $15K bike that will be worth $6K in 6 years is a guaranteed fixed cost that exceeds any potential mechanical repair.. Now consider your odds are 10 to 1 you won't have a problem. I can live with that.

 

[Ignacio]

Damn if Iggie didn't just agree, then move you to NEPRT. :angry2:

Actually, I didn't move it until a couple posts later.

 

[garyahouse]

One huge consideration is those antilock brakes. I have that option on my Gen 1, though they are standard on a Gen 2. Many Gen 1's don't have them, and for me that would be the deal breaker. Thanks to going down hard due to locking up the front brake during a panic stop years ago on my Zooki, I will not own a motorcycle w/o them. There are many guys who don't have the experience or coordination to grab that brake lever JUST right during an emergency. And you WILL have one sooner or later. Though I got my first bike 44 years ago, I just don't have a lot of experience at cranking on the brakes. If I'd had antilock brakes years ago, it would have saved me a lot of skin and a huge hospital bill... not to mention what happened to my 10 year old daughter. For me, it's a no brainer. For most riders (honestly, God bless you talented riders who don't need them) the anti lock brakes would be a very good idea.

I also have a complaint about the linked brakes on a Gen 2 that goes beyond the extra weight and extra potential fuss when bleeding the brakes. There are times when i'm lightly braking in a corner when there's gravel or oil on the road that I don't want both brakes actuated by some computer. Am I alone here?

Gary

 

[beemerdons]

Damn if Iggie didn't just agree, then move you to NEPRT. :angry2:

Actually, I didn't move it until a couple posts later.

RadioHowie, Bustanut joker and Papa Chuy are just waiting for "dog-pile" Friday to comment on this GEN 1 thread; and then we are coming in with guns blazing!!!

But we will now offer up just one small first comment: "Anyone that would ride a GEN II could not have had much of a Mother!"

 

[yamafitter]

...But we will now offer up just one small first comment: "Anyone that would ride a GEN II could not have had much of a Mother!"

I'm not feeling the love :dribble:

 

[beemerdons]

...But we will now offer up just one small first comment: "Anyone that would ride a GEN II could not have had much of a Mother!"

I'm not feeling the love :dribble:

You know I love you Bill, I was just talking about the other GEN II owners such as johnny80s and HotRodZilla!

 

[mcatrophy]

...I also have a complaint about the linked brakes on a Gen 2 that goes beyond the extra weight and extra potential fuss when bleeding the brakes. There are times when i'm lightly braking in a corner when there's gravel or oil on the road that I don't want both brakes actuated by some computer. Am I alone here?

Gary

Since we're already in NEPRT territory:

When I first got my '06, I was concerned about the linked brakes. My skill levels were very low on slippery surfaces (still not particularly high), and I was very wary of using the rear brake in gravelly or slimy conditions.

When I first started to use my rear brake in 'U' turns and similar, I was pleasantly surprised at the "planted" feeling the bike had (this is compared with my previous, non-linked braked Trophy).

As I've built up my experience and been more and more positive with such braking, I've not had a single episode where I'd I wished I didn't have linked brakes, nor do I remember anyone reporting an issue. And I use the rear brake a lot because it's the easiest way to control speed at parking lot speeds with the AS(AE) variant.

Rememder we're not talking about the same braking to both front and rear. The potential for front braking using the rear brake lever is one third of what the front lever can do (one pair of pads as opposed to three). I've also heard, but can't quote chapter and verse, that the front brake only starts to come on after a threshold of effort on the rear lever.

Don't knock it 'til you've tried it

.

 

[Bounce]

I have a "first wave" Gen 1 (#725) and continue to enjoy it. I ran the 2003 Iron Butt Rally with it (through all the heat of the Western US desert (officially 110 in one area, so it was hotter down on the tarmac). I ride in TX summers. When it's hot outside ALL bikes are hot. Regular maintenance and modifications I chose to make (Russell seat, ss brake and clutch lines, Wilbers shock and fork springs, Cabone-Lorain pads, etc.). It remains one of the most long-lasting bikes I've owned. I've had many bikes longer or for more miles but none have kept me smiling after this many years of ownership. I still look back over my shoulder and smile at it as I park it (anywhere).

I got the non-ABS because that's all there was. After rotating the brake pedal 1 spline clockwise it was fine for me. I'd like to have ABS but it wasn't/isn't a deal breaker for me with the FJR. As with all my previous bikes, I go out and do a lot of braking drills to learn what the bike will do and where it's limits are. I've ended up braking so hard in Florida (some yokel stopped dead in the middle of a back road without any side roads or other reason) that the brake pads sounded like a bunch of cicadas (even through a helmet and ear plugs). Not a hint of lock up but I know that the bike + me + packed for 11 days were at maximum braking.

Bottom line: Find an example that's been well maintained and not scuffed all up like it was a hooligan's bike, look for a folder with detailed documentation of maintenance and modifications (including receipts), and a clear title. I'd be more concerned about a salvage title than the differences between a Gen 1 or Gen 2. If it's in your budget and meets the above, have the mechanicals checked by a trusted agent if you aren't up to it yourself. Beyond that you should be golden.

 

[juniorfjr]

I love my 05 and have for 6 years and 40k. Haven't found a new bike that I would replace it with, yet.

There was a newb that found a really clean 95 non abs with less than 6k on the odo for $5500. He got the deal of a lifetime. For that kinda change, you can't go wrong.

 

[Patriot]

like the ambient temperature monitor. My '05 has never had it, and I've never had one on a bike. Yet I still find myself looking for it when checking the instruments. It's like the phantom guage I've always expected to be there.

top right corner...no buttons to push and easy to see at a glance (sheesh!)

 

[FJRay]

like the ambient temperature monitor. My '05 has never had it, and I've never had one on a bike. Yet I still find myself looking for it when checking the instruments. It's like the phantom guage I've always expected to be there.

top right corner...no buttons to push and easy to see at a glance (sheesh!)

That picture scares the hell out of me every time I see it. I have enough to do just looking down the road and at the Garmin once in awhile. Your multi tasking skills are comendable.

 

[SacramentoMike]

if I had to replace my Gen 1, I would............................with another Gen 1

When and if I ever have to replace my Gen I, it will be with another Gen I.

also, though...my next Gen I would mandatorily have to have the optional ABS

Replaced my '05--with another '05. Second one had ABS and it's true--THAT'S the most important difference IMHO.

From all I hear, any differences in "heat management" are MUCH less significant between Gens than many think. After all, both have the same heat-PRODUCTION capability. And you can do any number of heat mods to either Gen. as needed.

I'd shop condition, mileage, price, and farkles (ones I'd actually WANT), and worry much less about which generation.

 

[Harald]

All I got to say is,

Where's Radio Howie when you need him?

 

[beemerdons]

All I got to say is,

Where's Radio Howie when you need him?

Screwing Dolly The FJR Forum Party Sheep.

BikerGeek99's been pimping her out in FL!

like the ambient temperature monitor. My '05 has never had it, and I've never had one on a bike. Yet I still find myself looking for it when checking the instruments. It's like the phantom guage I've always expected to be there.

top right corner...no buttons to push and easy to see at a glance (sheesh!)

That picture scares the hell out of me every time I see it. I have enough to do just looking down the road and at the Garmin once in awhile. Your multi tasking skills are comendable.

Dios Mio Patriot Mike, that is a rolling Purple Owlsley LSD flashback picture if I ever have seen one; and, I have!

 

[SkooterG]

Well.....just the other day I bought my *THIRD* Gen I. Nuff said.

Clicky thingy.

 

[user 6393]

Mikee, which thingy is the cockpit voice recorder?

omg...

 

[Old Michael]

Well.....just the other day I bought my *THIRD* Gen I.

Rut.

 

[mailmanbob]

So, to update this thread, I have made an appointment to view the Gen 1 that is located in my hometown. It is the right price and has the following goodies-

- 37,000 KMS

- ABS

- Corbin seat as well as stock

- 3/4” Heli bar risers

- OEM heated grips

- Extra set of carbon mirrors

- New back tire

- Slightly oversized Yamaha wind screen

- OEM hard case side bags and top case

- Nylon bike cover

- GPS or Ipod mount

- Always ran with synthetic oil

- LED brake and signal replacement bulbs

- Black sheepskin seat cover

- Vest plug-in

It would be nice to buy a bike that someone has spent money on, as opposed to me selling a bike that I have spent all the money on.

It seems the general consensus here is to not worry about the valve tick. So wish me luck!

 

[Ignacio]

It seems the general consensus here is to not worry about the valve tick. So wish me luck!

I wouldn't just ignore it completely. I just wouldn't obsess about it. I'd ask for the bike to be cold when you get there and put your ear up to the #1 cylinder area as it starts and warms up. "Tick, tick, tick" is NOT what you're listening for. Knives being picked up and dropped on a metal table is. The chance you hearing it is very low, but do listen for it.