So what's it like to ride an AE FJR?

[dangerdog]

Got an absolute steal on mine so i went with it. At first i didnt like it that much, but it was more due to the stock throttle cam than anything. That thing has to GO first off when you get it. The G2 throttle tube is the first thing ive changed from stock on my bike so far and the difference is night and day. ESP for 2 up riding. Its not unrideable, but it has a pronounced jerk even if you feather the throttle it will still get you every now and then. And if your riding 2 up its just enough of a jerk to bump helmets together.

Other than that, its a blast. Ive put almost 7 or 8k on mine so far, only had it 2 months. Phantom clutch grabs are normal for a a while. Also, as previously stated by a lot of people, no computer will ever be as good with the clutch as an expert rider. But you can change just a little in how you handle the machine and compensate. Im now as good with the AE as ive ever been with any of my previous bikes. (and there have been many)

I like it and would recommend the bike to anyone. Oddly enough i think it takes a better rider to pilot this bike than a regular clutch operated bike though. At low speeds, without knowing the bike, especially with the stock throttle cam, the potential to drop the bike is high. I dont let others ride my bike becuase of this. People assume it will be easier to ride, and it is, once you get to know her. Maybe another expert rider i would let hop on, especially someone that rode a feej, but most of my freinds are dipshits thinking everything runs like a rocket.

Hope this rambling post helped. Lol.

 

[jameswilson]

I have an 07 AE, generally love it. General use is great, traffic is great, slow speed U turns take a little practise with the rear brake (to replace the clutch frictin zone) I really do not ride hard fast in corners anymore, but did years ago. I think that the with a normal clutch I could shift in a corner if I had to (I know I know this is a bad thing to do). However, I am pretty sure that shifting an AE in a fast corner would be uncomfortable at best.

I notice you are from Wisconsin. The dealer here still had at least one 07AE on the floor for $9999 new, about a month ago. No I am not affliated with them, I am just puzzled that these bikes do not move.

Good luck

Jim

 

[Warpdrv]

poprocks..... if you haven't had the chance to ride an FJR you are certainly welcome to take mine out for a run for a nice long ride if you like, although its not an AE, just thought I would offer... I'm in Milwaukee, there is an 05' used bike here in milwaukee just like mine at one of my dealers... It was a trade in - not sure what for, it also has a bunch of farkles already - its pretty clean too, saw it when I was mounting my new tires...

https://www.southeastsales.com/new_vehicle_...amp;pov=1240126

Price is a bit high IMO, just just thought I would toss it out....

Oh just looking around, I found this - https://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/20...1300AE-95313537

Dealer in Gurnee has 3 of the AE's there.. Maybe they would let you test drive as well..

https://www.lakecountypowersports.com/default.asp

 

[copterchief]

I am AE addicted. Can't imagine riding anything else now. It is truly like a 'two-wheeled Formula One car".

 

[poprocks]

Thank you, that is a very generous offer. I have a good amount of seat time on my buddy's '05, I know for sure I like the bike itself. I think I have myself talked in to the AE, I really can't think of a downside for my style of riding. At the moment I'm looking new, I've found some pretty outstanding deals on leftover 08's and the 09's seem to be coming down in the same range. Once I sell my VFR, and I'm close, I'll have the bargaining power of cash on my side.

Thanks again, maybe we could get together for a ride one day. Meeting new people that share the same interests is one of my favorite parts of forums like these.

poprocks..... if you haven't had the chance to ride an FJR you are certainly welcome to take mine out for a run for a nice long ride if you like, although its not an AE, just thought I would offer... I'm in Milwaukee, there is an 05' used bike here in milwaukee just like mine at one of my dealers... It was a trade in - not sure what for, it also has a bunch of farkles already - its pretty clean too, saw it when I was mounting my new tires...
https://www.southeastsales.com/new_vehicle_...amp;pov=1240126

Price is a bit high IMO, just just thought I would toss it out....

Oh just looking around, I found this - https://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/20...1300AE-95313537

Dealer in Gurnee has 3 of the AE's there.. Maybe they would let you test drive as well..

https://www.lakecountypowersports.com/default.asp

 

[Warpdrv]

Anytime my friend.....

As it looks so far, I'll be taking a easy ride up to Road America on Sunday if your interested in going to the races....

https://www.roadamerica.com/Races/RaceInformation.asp?id=6

One of the best races of the year...

Its pretty much a straight shot North, but its easy to make a deviation to the flight path if ya know what I'm sayin...

Thank you, that is a very generous offer. I have a good amount of seat time on my buddy's '05, I know for sure I like the bike itself. I think I have myself talked in to the AE, I really can't think of a downside for my style of riding. At the moment I'm looking new, I've found some pretty outstanding deals on leftover 08's and the 09's seem to be coming down in the same range. Once I sell my VFR, and I'm close, I'll have the bargaining power of cash on my side.
Thanks again, maybe we could get together for a ride one day. Meeting new people that share the same interests is one of my favorite parts of forums like these.

poprocks..... if you haven't had the chance to ride an FJR you are certainly welcome to take mine out for a run for a nice long ride if you like, although its not an AE, just thought I would offer... I'm in Milwaukee, there is an 05' used bike here in milwaukee just like mine at one of my dealers... It was a trade in - not sure what for, it also has a bunch of farkles already - its pretty clean too, saw it when I was mounting my new tires...
https://www.southeastsales.com/new_vehicle_...amp;pov=1240126

Price is a bit high IMO, just just thought I would toss it out....

Oh just looking around, I found this - https://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/20...1300AE-95313537

Dealer in Gurnee has 3 of the AE's there.. Maybe they would let you test drive as well..

https://www.lakecountypowersports.com/default.asp

 

[poprocks]

Man, I wish I could, but I will be working Sunday....Here's some great news, I'm off in about an hour to partially deliver my VFR to it's new owner. I've already called the dealer who has a SMOKIN' deal (best I've seen so far...anywhere) on a leftover 08 AE, and got the paperwork started and he said he could have it ready to go by tomorrow afternoon. So with a little luck on my side I'll be riding my new FJR tomorrow, let the fun begin!

I thank each and everyone of you guys that took the time to answer my questions, I appreciate more than I can tell you, it took my nervousness away completely.

I have been a long time member of the FZ1OA forum, and have met hundreds of it's members over the years at various rallies. I fully intend to be an active member and help as many people out over the years here as well! I hope to make a lot more friends, and meet a lot more people, for that, afterall, is what this sport we love really is about, don't you think?

Till I see you on the roads....

Todd

Anytime my friend.....
As it looks so far, I'll be taking a easy ride up to Road America on Sunday if your interested in going to the races....

https://www.roadamerica.com/Races/RaceInformation.asp?id=6

One of the best races of the year...

Its pretty much a straight shot North, but its easy to make a deviation to the flight path if ya know what I'm sayin...

Thank you, that is a very generous offer. I have a good amount of seat time on my buddy's '05, I know for sure I like the bike itself. I think I have myself talked in to the AE, I really can't think of a downside for my style of riding. At the moment I'm looking new, I've found some pretty outstanding deals on leftover 08's and the 09's seem to be coming down in the same range. Once I sell my VFR, and I'm close, I'll have the bargaining power of cash on my side.
Thanks again, maybe we could get together for a ride one day. Meeting new people that share the same interests is one of my favorite parts of forums like these.

poprocks..... if you haven't had the chance to ride an FJR you are certainly welcome to take mine out for a run for a nice long ride if you like, although its not an AE, just thought I would offer... I'm in Milwaukee, there is an 05' used bike here in milwaukee just like mine at one of my dealers... It was a trade in - not sure what for, it also has a bunch of farkles already - its pretty clean too, saw it when I was mounting my new tires...
https://www.southeastsales.com/new_vehicle_...amp;pov=1240126

Price is a bit high IMO, just just thought I would toss it out....

Oh just looking around, I found this - https://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/20...1300AE-95313537

Dealer in Gurnee has 3 of the AE's there.. Maybe they would let you test drive as well..

https://www.lakecountypowersports.com/default.asp

 

[BwanaDik]

Get an AE, we appear to crash less :lol:

 

[Old Bear]

I bought an 07 AE holdover last year. Got a great deal on it and I absolutely loved the e clutch. (HINT: shift with your forefinger; pull up, push down) System worked great. FOr other reasons I've moved on to a different machine, but I really liked shifting the AE. It was one of my favorite features of the bike, and I definitely would buy a bike with "AE" again!! (Wish there were more of 'em!)

 

[Reldeed]

I never want a clutch handle again! IMHO all other configurations are just jealous. Once you go auto clutch... you won't go back (ok... didn't rhyme but you know the reference)

 

[poprocks]

Well I'll find out how I like the AE tomorrow. I pick up my new '08 at 11am. I'm off the next couple of days, the weather is supposed to be gorgeous, and I'll have a new toy, can it get any better than that?

 

[FJR-Voltron]

Although I currently don't have an AE, I can say that getting heated hand grips is definitely something that would make it a "DEAL"me. If I ever get another FJR, it'll be an AE.

 

[majicmaker]

Although I currently don't have an AE, I can say that getting heated hand grips is definitely something that would make it a "DEAL"me. If I ever get another FJR, it'll be an AE.

When you do you will love it!! I hope you do.

 

[Mcgyver74]

I like the concept of an AE for someone who sits in traffic a lot, or has some medical condition that would preclude using a clutch however there is one more thing to consider... Service.

Most Stealers and Mechanics probably have only seen a handful of AE bikes and as such I'd imagine are not as well versed with that unique system as they should be, Search for a thread by Shane_Stump to see what I mean, Granted his case is extreme and is more a problem with Yamma Customer service, but the underlying issue I believe was that his Dealer didn't know how to properly diagnose the system. More searches will show cases of wierd shift_ errors that the dealers take a few tries to fix (or the owners themselves finally fix it)

I'm not saying that an AE is a bad bike, it's a great concept and there are many many very happy AE riders with happy riding smiles, but for me, I'd be wary

 

[majicmaker]

Well I'll find out how I like the AE tomorrow. I pick up my new '08 at 11am. I'm off the next couple of days, the weather is supposed to be gorgeous, and I'll have a new toy, can it get any better than that?

WELL?? Did you get the bike? Oh, I know, you probably haven't stopped riding since you picked it up!! I understand completely. Continue Please!! :yahoo:

Although you are going to have to stop and say Hello to the family at some point!!

 

[2006FJR]

You are going to love the newer tecnology on your AE over the older out of date A model. Just stirring the ****.

 

[happyPuppy]

You are going to love the newer tecnology on your AE over the older out of date A model. Just stirring the ****.

It is sort of funny, it is so similar to the arguments when FI came out. Try to find a new car without it and most bikes too. Heck, I even remember arguments when independent suspension was first introduced. CVT's came from scooters and is used by cars and snowmobiles now. I doubt Honda dumped all that cash into the DN-01 not to use the drivetrain in other bikes. I expect even Yamaha to use their technology on other bikes.

 

[IronHorse]

I just got an 07 AE and I just love it! Screw that clutch lever. I mean effortless 1 finger shifts are you kidding me? It's Sweet. I have a Rekluse Clutch on my 05-450X and I love that as well. I heard some negative comments from friends about the AE, I'm sure glad I didn't listen. Most of the negative comments are from people who have not ridden one. Trust me you wont regret it. I can't see ever going back...

 

[dbx]

Another two thumbs up for the AE. If my '07 blows up, another AE will be right at the top of the list of replacements.

 

[blurry vision]

I think I like the concept. And I've read and reread article after article, but have never ridden one and it's not like the dealers have them laying around to test ride. Least not around here.
I don't fight stop and go traffic, and I don't superslab for great distances.

I commute, I cruise around with the Wife/or kids. I make a yearly trip down to Deals Gap, and I make a trip or two out to the wonderful, twisty, country roads of western Wisconsin each year. I'm not a real technical rider per se', but I know what the heck I'm doing. I guess I ride an equal mix of flat roads and twisties. Is the AE a good choice?

Once my VFR sells, I will pull the trigger on a new FJR, which model I haven't quite decided yet, both appeal to me, but I've seen outstanding prices on the AE's, so I'd REALLY appreciate your opinions. Both pro's and con's. I'm here to learn.

Thanks in advance!