Upgrade to '08?

[Randy]

So, I've got this '04 FJR sitting in the garage taking a short nap due to excessive business travel and some nasty weather. When I go out in the morning, it's looking at me saying 'you aren't gonna get rid of me are you? Sure, I've been a bit of a problem child with the ticking thing, the fork seals, and the 2nd gear tranny problems, but, I've been put back together with care, I never let you sit, I gave you many happy miles, and I stayed upright a few times when I easily could have put you on your head, so, why do you not love me anymore?'. Maybe it was the gin talking, but, I swear I heard something.

Took the Mrs to the Yamaha shop tonight to take a look at the shiny new 08 in all of it's black beauty splendor tonight. I give her the old 'ain't she a beauty?'. She's kinda looking at it and looking at it and she looks at me puzzled. 'It looks like the one you have now'.

I give her the rundown on the changes and, as I'm going through the list, I'm not really coming up with anything substantial.

I've got 28K on my '04. It's not heavily farkled, but, it isn't stock either. I've never had a problem with the heat issue that so many made a big deal about.

I was really expecting a substantial upgrade from Yamaha for '08, but, it didn't happen. So, I sit here scratching my head wondering if I want to pull the trigger and wondering if the big upgrade will come in '09.

I could put a new shock on my 04, have the forks redone, throw a new set of shoes on her and it will feel like a new steed. The cost of these upgrades pales in comparison to the $7K I'm gonna have to fork out for the upgrade and refarkling that I'll have to do.

So, for those that upgrade from gen 2 to gen 3, is it really that much better?

 

[escapefjrtist]

So, for those that upgrade from gen 2 to gen 3, is it really that much better?

Upgraded from an '04 to the current '06. Never looked back, and yes it is that much better. So whadda ya waiting for ? :lol: It's only money...

--G

 

[Randy]

....yes it is that much better...

Specifics, if you don't mind.

 

[JerseyEd]

I am thinking the same thing. I just did some pricing this week. I love black bikes, but silver is my second choice. We are going to take a hit just for a new bike. My bike is used and I do not worry about parking it in public, or riding thru mud. There my be a little ti tic ,I can't say the word, coming from the top end. Even if I had to paid for the dealer to do the work it we still be cheaper than buying a new bike. New tires and I am set to go and no payments. One of the reasons I purchased this bike is so I can run a lot of miles on it, and 32,000 isn't very many miles. I'll be looking to see what you do. I may see your post and follow you.

 

[Stephen]

I also have an '04, farkled just past the half-way farkle point. I looked at the '07 in awe (I love the colour) and looked at the '08 (pictures only). My '04 does just fine at the 27K point. I, too, am having a hard time justifying a new Feejer when my current one supplies all the thrills I need.

Didn't I just anwer my own question?

 

[escapefjrtist]

....yes it is that much better...

Specifics, if you don't mind.

Heat - Although I (like you) never really had problems with the heat, the Gen II bikes have no heating in the tank area at all. There is some heat thrown off down low at reduced speeds, but not enough to bother.

Gearing - Gen II gearing makes for a very relaxed highway cruise. I have found that I never search for the elusive 6th gear.

Wheelbase - For *my* riding style the bike feels much more planted when cornering. On my Gen I, the front end was always nervous and didn't have that solid feel that is there now. Was it tires or suspension set up ? Dunno, maybe. I (and others) who have ridden both bikes remark that the GenII suspension also seems to be better stock vs. stock.

Wind Management - With the screen of your choice there is a nice quiet pocket with very little to no back pressure. I haven't found the need for any windshield spacers.

All the standard disclaimers apply YMMV.

Good luck with the decision.

--G

 

[twowheelnut]

Nit to pick: If you are gonna break down models between minor and major revisions, then you really should be asking what the difference is between your Gen 'II' and the '08, which by your definition, is a Gen IV. I'd much rather see Gen Ia, Ib and Gen IIa, IIb, if you really do feel a need to distinguish. Jus' sayin'. :grin:

Now, having annoyed you sufficiently about that...

I stopped by the dealer today to order-up the steering spanner and they had just wheeled in an '08. Fook, that bastidge looks bad-***. Having ridden a few '06's, I can honestly say that they are on rails compared to previous, er, Gens. I'd put up with the swirled paint and constant upkeep if I had the space and funds.

Really.

I would.

Do it.

Black is beautiful, baby!

 

[huron52]

If I had problems with mine, I consider getting a new one but with it almost

the way I want it (is it ever?) and only 118,000kms on it.

Just broke in I figure.

besides the stealers wouldn't give me anything for it on a trade.

 

[Randy]

Nit to pick: If you are gonna break down models between minor and major revisions, then you really should be asking what the difference is between your Gen 'II' and the '08, which by your definition, is a Gen IV. I'd much rather see Gen Ia, Ib and Gen IIa, IIb, if you really do feel a need to distinguish. Jus' sayin'. :grin:

Glad you brought this up. Is there a standard for the gens? My opinion - pre 04 - gen 1. 04-05 - gen 2. 06 - 08 gen 3.

 

[Rogue]

Nit to pick: If you are gonna break down models between minor and major revisions, then you really should be asking what the difference is between your Gen 'II' and the '08, which by your definition, is a Gen IV. I'd much rather see Gen Ia, Ib and Gen IIa, IIb, if you really do feel a need to distinguish. Jus' sayin'. :grin:

Glad you brought this up. Is there a standard for the gens? My opinion - pre 04 - gen 1. 04-05 - gen 2. 06 - 08 gen 3.

IMO

*03 Gen I, 04-05 Gen Ia, 06-**08 Gen II

*Disclaimer, North American models*

**Not having a Gen II I haven't followed any 06-08 changes and don't really know if there is a IIa, IIb........

 

[SkooterG]

Damn, I love my 04. Can't imagine ever needing, nor even wanting to replace it. Even having been crashed twice and with a 135,000 hard miles on her.

Maybe when it hits 300,000 miles.

 

[twowheelnut]

Usually, only major changes qualify for a new Gen classification. The changes from '03 - '05 are really minor. The changes from '05 to '06, however, really are major, requiring the '06 to begin it's own class. '06, 7 & 8 are really in the same Gen, even thought there are multiple minor changes on the '08's. So, the way I see it is: Gen I covers the first 3 model years and Gen II, the second 3. Hmmmm, there's a trend there, me thinks!

IMO, of course.

 

[Randy]

Usually, only major changes qualify for a new Gen classification. The changes from '03 - '05 are really minor. The changes from '05 to '06, however, really are major, requiring the '06 to begin it's own class. '06, 7 & 8 are really in the same Gen, even thought there are multiple minor changes on the '08's. So, the way I see it is: Gen I covers the first 3 model years and Gen II, the second 3. Hmmmm, there's a trend there, me thinks!
IMO, of course.

Don't forget there were FJRs pre 03, though not in the US

 

[twowheelnut]

Don't forget there were FJRs pre 03, though not in the US

True, but since we couldn't have them, it doesn't count.

 

[mcatrophy]

QUOTE (twowheelnut @ Dec 28 2007, 07:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Randy @ Dec 27 2007, 11:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Don't forget there were FJRs pre 03, though not in the US

True, but since we couldn't have them, it doesn't count.

Oh, TWN, some of us are not in the USA!

Try telling this guy the '02 doesn't count.

The red one is his '02, the silver is my '06. Picture taken in Scotland, August this year.

 

[madmike2]

Nit to pick: If you are gonna break down models between minor and major revisions, then you really should be asking what the difference is between your Gen 'II' and the '08, which by your definition, is a Gen IV. I'd much rather see Gen Ia, Ib and Gen IIa, IIb, if you really do feel a need to distinguish. Jus' sayin'. :grin:

Glad you brought this up. Is there a standard for the gens? My opinion - pre 04 - gen 1. 04-05 - gen 2. 06 - 08 gen 3.

Try dividing the Generations this way:

'01-'05: Gen I..body panels and seats will interchange. The only major revision was cosmetic (turn signals & glovebox--NA '04/World '03), fork and shock springs (NA '04), Front brake diameter (NA '04) & optional ABS. [SIZE=8pt]So there is some basis for claiming Gen IA.[/SIZE]

'06- current: Gen II..Complete revision of bodywork and dash; longer swingarm; different front forks; different & adjustable seats, adjustable handlebars, different injector-fuel rail system; linked brakes; AE model w/computer controlled clutch. No major parts will interchange with Gen I bikes.

___________________________________________________

Its really our choice, Randy. There have been several who have upgraded. Some of those whose bikes DID have heat issues traded up. Some have moved up because they could...and have reported they happy they did.

I am happy with my '05. Personally, since upgrading the forks last year before WFO, its a new bike. I did the Wilbers group buy 2 years ago...the upgraded fork springs are an amazing improvement. If I had the money and the commensurate "itch"? Maybe, just because I could....but probably not.

I'd bet the next likely time line for a major model change wound be 2010.(Gen III?) That might be the "smart money" time to buy a new one.

 

[Shadow]

Wait if you can, maybe the next model will have what the 06, 07 & 08 should have had by now.

Radial brakes, upside down forks etc etc

 

[odot]

Wait if you can, maybe the next model will have what the 06, 07 & 08 should have had by now.
Sun roof, air conditioning etc etc

there ya goes...........

 

[AStar]

So, I've got this '04 FJR sitting in the garage taking a short nap due to excessive business travel and some nasty weather. When I go out in the morning, it's looking at me saying 'you aren't gonna get rid of me are you? Sure, I've been a bit of a problem child with the ticking thing, the fork seals, and the 2nd gear tranny problems, but, I've been put back together with care, I never let you sit, I gave you many happy miles, and I stayed upright a few times when I easily could have put you on your head, so, why do you not love me anymore?'. Maybe it was the gin talking, but, I swear I heard something.Took the Mrs to the Yamaha shop tonight to take a look at the shiny new 08 in all of it's black beauty splendor tonight. I give her the old 'ain't she a beauty?'. She's kinda looking at it and looking at it and she looks at me puzzled. 'It looks like the one you have now'.

I give her the rundown on the changes and, as I'm going through the list, I'm not really coming up with anything substantial.

I've got 28K on my '04. It's not heavily farkled, but, it isn't stock either. I've never had a problem with the heat issue that so many made a big deal about.

I was really expecting a substantial upgrade from Yamaha for '08, but, it didn't happen. So, I sit here scratching my head wondering if I want to pull the trigger and wondering if the big upgrade will come in '09.

I could put a new shock on my 04, have the forks redone, throw a new set of shoes on her and it will feel like a new steed. The cost of these upgrades pales in comparison to the $7K I'm gonna have to fork out for the upgrade and refarkling that I'll have to do.

So, for those that upgrade from gen 2 to gen 3, is it really that much better?

If you want it buy it. I upgraded from an 05 to 07 and was not disappointed. However I did not have alot of farkles on it, but I did have the 05 for two and half years. After I brought the 07 home I was worrying about selling the 05 and the lovely wife told me to keep them both. Who else has a wife like that?