The results from my experiment are in

[Bounce]

"feel" has nothing to do with it, I'm talking head to head comparision at a 55mph roll-on against an 03' ST1300 (with 80k on the meter), pulling 2 to 3 bike lengths on me before 75 mph. This did not happen on the old FJ.

I've done off-the-line and rolling sprints against both GL1800's and ST1300's The 2003 Feejer spanked them both. The GL1800 was spanked while the 2003 Feejer was still being broken in. While I maintained 4k or less rpm, it [the GL1800] was banging off the rev limiters.

Either something is wrong with your Feejer settings or the changes made in the 2006 models are at the root of it (assuming that the ST1300 was in stock trim).

 

[madmike2]

I noticed the very same things and thought I was imagining things because I was up in higher elevations and just figured that was the reason for lack of power compared to the 04.But I feel like I need to downshift to get-her-goin in a hurry.It's not our imagination.

I'm (and I assume Bounce, too) are not doubting your assessment. Again I refer to the gearing change. It might be enough to cause the bike to be a slug because the rpms are just below or at the bottom of the torque curve as opposed to the '03-'05 gearing. It'd be a good test if you could do a roll on against an earlier model FJR for a baseline comparison and report back. The need to downshift could be the price paid for lower rpms at cruising speed.

 

[SilveradoSlick]

Do any of you that have traded an 03-05 for an 06 notice a difference?

Still got the '05 but I did get to take an AE for a ride. I didn't notice a lack of power but I was shifting at same RPM/higher speed. I don't run the '05 at 55 in fifth but I think it would be a bit of a dog; I don't think of it as having much pull 'till maybe 80. Maybe the ST1300 has more torque at 2,000 RPM or whatever; try a roll-on at 90 in fifth.

It'd be a good test if you could do a roll on against an earlier model FJR for a baseline comparison and report back. The need to downshift could be the price paid for lower rpms at cruising speed.

+1

 

[Bounce]

I don't run the '05 at 55 in fifth but I think it would be a bit of a dog; I don't think of it as having much pull 'till maybe 80. Maybe the ST1300 has more torque at 2,000 RPM or whatever; try a roll-on at 90 in fifth.

Or even 65.

 

[RonBB]

"feel" has nothing to do with it, I'm talking head to head comparision at a 55mph roll-on against an 03' ST1300 (with 80k on the meter), pulling 2 to 3 bike lengths on me before 75 mph. This did not happen on the old FJ.

I must admit this statement surprised me. I went back to the July 06 issue of MotorCyclist & checked the Hard Numbers table that the magazine usually has on the last page. The table lists the following for top gear roll- ons from 60-80 mph:

FJR 1300 (03)-------------- 3.65 sec (06AE or 06A not listed)

Honda STL 1300 (03)------ 4.52 sec

BMW R 1200RT (05)------- 4.30 sec

BMW R 1200R (06)----------3.07 sec

Honda Gold Wing (01)------5.90 sec

I listed the bikes that I thought were mentioned in this thread. It would appear there was a tradeoff for at least the AE model in performance. Having said that, I think it's safe to say that the performance is certainly adequate for street riding. I hope that we are all happy with our rides. I know I am very happy with my 05 ABS. PS I'm still trying to get used to multiweight oil vs. straight weight. Ride safe.

 

[Bounce]

In 2003 there was no A or AE. There was just the purity and power of the one true color (US).

 

[jaster]

"feel" has nothing to do with it, I'm talking head to head comparision at a 55mph roll-on against an 03' ST1300 (with 80k on the meter), pulling 2 to 3 bike lengths on me before 75 mph. This did not happen on the old FJ.

I've done off-the-line and rolling sprints against both GL1800's and ST1300's The 2003 Feejer spanked them both. The GL1800 was spanked while the 2003 Feejer was still being broken in. While I maintained 4k or less rpm, it [the GL1800] was banging off the rev limiters.

Either something is wrong with your Feejer settings or the changes made in the 2006 models are at the root of it (assuming that the ST1300 was in stock trim).

Bounce, rolling off the line and bagging through the gears is not a top gear roll-on comparison. I have no problem with the AE using the gear box to wind it up and make it fly. It is very strong at doing that. I'm talking about passing power without needing to downshift to squirt around traffic. Its not a big deal to do so, its just I find myself doing it a lot more often on the FJR.

As far as running around in 5th at 55 or 65 mph. If you guys are truly not using 5th gear at these speeds for ordinary riding conditions, I can see why you haven't noticed a torque issue. :blink:

By the way the ST1300 is box stock, the comparison was done in 5th gear. I know this for a fact, it was my father on his ST so you can take the cheating scenerio off the table.

The annoying part is I ride a lot with dad and his ST. He usually leads and sets the pace, so when we pass a group of cars I will sometimes have to grab a lower gear to stay with him on a passing run. Maybe he has an especially strong ST. I have ridden it many times and was always impressed with how strong it is in the lower RPM range.

I picked the FJR over the ST based on what I've heard on this forum and in magazines that the FJR was more sport than touring. That the FJR was stronger, lighter, and better handling than the ST. I have to agree that most rings true, I'm just perplexed that the weaker low end torque was never mentioned before.

 

[FJRottie]

I thought it was a given that the 06 A was slower than earlier models and the AE even slower.

Yamaha went a little more on the touring side in 06.

 

[trimmantom]

I noticed the very same things and thought I was imagining things because I was up in higher elevations and just figured that was the reason for lack of power compared to the 04.

But I feel like I need to downshift to get-her-goin in a hurry.It's not our imagination.

I'm (and I assume Bounce, too) are not doubting your assessment. Again I refer to the gearing change. It might be enough to cause the bike to be a slug because the rpms are just below or at the bottom of the torque curve as opposed to the '03-'05 gearing. It'd be a good test if you could do a roll on against an earlier model FJR for a baseline comparison and report back. The need to downshift could be the price paid for lower rpms at cruising speed.

I beleive the gearing change has something to do with it for sure.

At 90 mph on the 04 it's turning 5k,at 90 mph on the 06 it's turning about 4600 plus.

Where I've noticed it more is when I'm running up behind a truck at around 80 or so and roll it and it's not as responsive as the 04.

 

[Ari Rankum]

Alright, so who is going to write the petition to Yamaha for the 2008 FJR1500RR? Hmmmmm?

 

[madmike2]

"feel" has nothing to do with it, I'm talking head to head comparision at a 55mph roll-on against an 03' ST1300 (with 80k on the meter), pulling 2 to 3 bike lengths on me before 75 mph. This did not happen on the old FJ.

I've thought about this and watched my speedometer during the commute today. "I" rarely go 55 mph. When I do, I'm usually in 3rd or 4th waiting for an opportunity to get to open space. My nominal commute speed is 75 mph. When on rides, unless I'm "putt-putting" through town and being careful as to NOT contribute to the local tax base, I have the engine at a higher rpm. I guess its more my "style".

What are the engine revs @ 55 mph in 5th gear, around 3000? Even lower? That's almost at "quiver and vibrate" rpm for this engine.

 

[Clark Kent]

Not sure I'd ever find a reason to shift 55 times in 10 seconds, I'll keep my "A". Tom

Well, then it's for sure no one is going to call you "shifty"!

CK

 

[FJRski]

Just got here and haven't read this whole post, but I have just one question.

Can you feather a pushbutton?

 

[Bounce]

"feel" has nothing to do with it, I'm talking head to head comparision at a 55mph roll-on against an 03' ST1300 (with 80k on the meter), pulling 2 to 3 bike lengths on me before 75 mph. This did not happen on the old FJ.

I've done off-the-line and rolling sprints against both GL1800's and ST1300's The 2003 Feejer spanked them both. The GL1800 was spanked while the 2003 Feejer was still being broken in. While I maintained 4k or less rpm, it [the GL1800] was banging off the rev limiters.

Either something is wrong with your Feejer settings or the changes made in the 2006 models are at the root of it (assuming that the ST1300 was in stock trim).

Bounce, rolling off the line and bagging through the gears is not a top gear roll-on comparison. I have no problem with the AE using the gear box to wind it up and make it fly. It is very strong at doing that. I'm talking about passing power without needing to downshift to squirt around traffic. Its not a big deal to do so, its just I find myself doing it a lot more often on the FJR.

As far as running around in 5th at 55 or 65 mph. If you guys are truly not using 5th gear at these speeds for ordinary riding conditions, I can see why you haven't noticed a torque issue. :blink:

By the way the ST1300 is box stock, the comparison was done in 5th gear. I know this for a fact, it was my father on his ST so you can take the cheating scenerio off the table.

The annoying part is I ride a lot with dad and his ST. He usually leads and sets the pace, so when we pass a group of cars I will sometimes have to grab a lower gear to stay with him on a passing run. Maybe he has an especially strong ST. I have ridden it many times and was always impressed with how strong it is in the lower RPM range.

I picked the FJR over the ST based on what I've heard on this forum and in magazines that the FJR was more sport than touring. That the FJR was stronger, lighter, and better handling than the ST. I have to agree that most rings true, I'm just perplexed that the weaker low end torque was never mentioned before.

Are you so ******* determined to have the last word that you can't even read my post that you quoted? I've gone back and underlined the part that addresses the issue you're whining so much about.

If you don't like the bike, sell it and get an ST. Daddy dearest will be so proud. Otherwise suck it up and learn to shift. Your other option is to buy a Hondamatic 750 or a skooter and be done with shifting completely. Riding is about shifting and lines and apexes and leaning and a host of worthwhile things.

Obesssing on something to the exclusion of what others have already tried to discuss with you is not riding.

 

[trimmantom]

"feel" has nothing to do with it, I'm talking head to head comparision at a 55mph roll-on against an 03' ST1300 (with 80k on the meter), pulling 2 to 3 bike lengths on me before 75 mph. This did not happen on the old FJ.

I've done off-the-line and rolling sprints against both GL1800's and ST1300's The 2003 Feejer spanked them both. The GL1800 was spanked while the 2003 Feejer was still being broken in. While I maintained 4k or less rpm, it [the GL1800] was banging off the rev limiters.

Either something is wrong with your Feejer settings or the changes made in the 2006 models are at the root of it (assuming that the ST1300 was in stock trim).

Bounce, rolling off the line and bagging through the gears is not a top gear roll-on comparison. I have no problem with the AE using the gear box to wind it up and make it fly. It is very strong at doing that. I'm talking about passing power without needing to downshift to squirt around traffic. Its not a big deal to do so, its just I find myself doing it a lot more often on the FJR.

As far as running around in 5th at 55 or 65 mph. If you guys are truly not using 5th gear at these speeds for ordinary riding conditions, I can see why you haven't noticed a torque issue. :blink:

By the way the ST1300 is box stock, the comparison was done in 5th gear. I know this for a fact, it was my father on his ST so you can take the cheating scenerio off the table.

The annoying part is I ride a lot with dad and his ST. He usually leads and sets the pace, so when we pass a group of cars I will sometimes have to grab a lower gear to stay with him on a passing run. Maybe he has an especially strong ST. I have ridden it many times and was always impressed with how strong it is in the lower RPM range.

I picked the FJR over the ST based on what I've heard on this forum and in magazines that the FJR was more sport than touring. That the FJR was stronger, lighter, and better handling than the ST. I have to agree that most rings true, I'm just perplexed that the weaker low end torque was never mentioned before.

Are you so ******* determined to have the last word that you can't even read my post that you quoted? I've gone back and underlined the part that addresses the issue you're whining so much about.

If you don't like the bike, sell it and get an ST. Daddy dearest will be so proud. Otherwise suck it up and learn to shift. Your other option is to buy a Hondamatic 750 or a skooter and be done with shifting completely. Riding is about shifting and lines and apexes and leaning and a host of worthwhile things.

Obesssing on something to the exclusion of what others have already tried to discuss with you is not riding.

You tell em bounce and dude honda is comin out with something new in about aweek so you've got something to trade in.Just funnin with yea dude.The pre 06's are faster but not a major incovenience.

 

[jaster]

"feel" has nothing to do with it, I'm talking head to head comparision at a 55mph roll-on against an 03' ST1300 (with 80k on the meter), pulling 2 to 3 bike lengths on me before 75 mph. This did not happen on the old FJ.

I've done off-the-line and rolling sprints against both GL1800's and ST1300's The 2003 Feejer spanked them both. The GL1800 was spanked while the 2003 Feejer was still being broken in. While I maintained 4k or less rpm, it [the GL1800] was banging off the rev limiters.

Either something is wrong with your Feejer settings or the changes made in the 2006 models are at the root of it (assuming that the ST1300 was in stock trim).

Bounce, rolling off the line and bagging through the gears is not a top gear roll-on comparison. I have no problem with the AE using the gear box to wind it up and make it fly. It is very strong at doing that. I'm talking about passing power without needing to downshift to squirt around traffic. Its not a big deal to do so, its just I find myself doing it a lot more often on the FJR.

As far as running around in 5th at 55 or 65 mph. If you guys are truly not using 5th gear at these speeds for ordinary riding conditions, I can see why you haven't noticed a torque issue. :blink:

By the way the ST1300 is box stock, the comparison was done in 5th gear. I know this for a fact, it was my father on his ST so you can take the cheating scenerio off the table.

The annoying part is I ride a lot with dad and his ST. He usually leads and sets the pace, so when we pass a group of cars I will sometimes have to grab a lower gear to stay with him on a passing run. Maybe he has an especially strong ST. I have ridden it many times and was always impressed with how strong it is in the lower RPM range.

I picked the FJR over the ST based on what I've heard on this forum and in magazines that the FJR was more sport than touring. That the FJR was stronger, lighter, and better handling than the ST. I have to agree that most rings true, I'm just perplexed that the weaker low end torque was never mentioned before.

Are you so ******* determined to have the last word that you can't even read my post that you quoted? I've gone back and underlined the part that addresses the issue you're whining so much about.

If you don't like the bike, sell it and get an ST. Daddy dearest will be so proud. Otherwise suck it up and learn to shift. Your other option is to buy a Hondamatic 750 or a skooter and be done with shifting completely. Riding is about shifting and lines and apexes and leaning and a host of worthwhile things.

Obesssing on something to the exclusion of what others have already tried to discuss with you is not riding.

Dammmn Beeoooch, did I deserve that!?!? :blink:

Let's set this straight, my apologizes, if I did not interpet you response properly. A "Rolling sprint" doesn't necessarily mean "top-gear-rollon" to me and your next sentence mentions the GL1800 banging redline, so you weren't in a top gear contest with him.

It does sound like there is a difference from the earlier FJR's and the 06's. Bounce your comment about spanking STs indicates the 06' has lost some bottom end punch. With others that have traded up to the 06' admitting the same.

Whining? No, pointing out a change in the 06' that I've not heard of yet. If that's whining, then there's a whole lot of whiners on this forum. All this whining is what kept me from buying an 03'to 05' model due to heat concerns voiced on this forum. All this whining is why for the first time in my life I plopped down $500 dollars on a bike I'd seen only in pictures and waited 9 months for it to arrive!

Thanks for the advise of other rides you think I might prefer, but I will stick with the AE. I never said didn't like the bike, read my earlier comments I said it already.

I do agree with you on what riding is all about. Obsessing, no, just making a comment. 30 years of riding, I don't need you telling me to learn how to shift. Though in the past month I've had to unlearn what was second nature to me and get the hang of this AE system.

Last word, no Bounce have at it, I won't respond. This thread has gone off track enough.

Chill dude, I'm not your enemy.