When did you get your 06 AE bike?

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When did you get your 06 AE bike delivered?

  • March 1-15

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More stuff we already knew

This is the part of the test where we talk about Yamaha's new electric-shift system, or Yamaha Chip Controlled Shift (YCC-S). Many of you are curious to see if somebody has perfected the automatic motorcycle, a vehicle that would be much more manly and performance-oriented than a scooter, yet easier on your worn-out, carpal tunnel-inflicted wrists and hands.

The system is simpler than an automatic transmission. It uses an electronic control unit, a clutch actuator, and a shift actuator. The actuators work electronically, working the clutch and gearbox the same way a person would. The clutch actuator disengages the clutch automatically when the RPMs dip below about 1,300, and the shift mechanism changes the gear ratio after interrupting the ignition, much like a racing shifter would do (although Yamaha was quick to

This button must be pushed before the thumb-activated shifter will work.

point out that this is not intended to be a "quick shifter").

The system is controlled by the rider in two ways. There's still a toe shifter, adjustable for three positions, but there's also a thumb-activated unit on the left grip, where the clutch lever used to be. There's an on-off switch that needs to be activated every time the bike is turned on, and a shift lever that upshifts when pulled towards the rider and downshifts when pushed.

In use, the system really is as simple-to-use and unobtrusive as Yamaha says, although an adjustment period is required. Using it is simpler than describing it. You just push the button on the left switchpod, pull the shift lever with your finger (or just toe it up into first; the YCC-S-equipped FJR tosses out the "one down, four up" gearshift pattern we've had for the last few decades) and turn the throttle. The tiny robot bolted to the engine pulls in the clutch automatically and engages it smoothly enough (but not perfectly) as you putter off. It will keep revving until redline unless you tap the lever again for another upshift, and so on until you are humming along at a triple-digit cruising speed. Downshifting is the same, although using the downshift side of

We couldn't find a "reasonably competent" rider, but here's a picture of Gabe.

the lever (which is right below the horn button) will result in accidental horn-honking, making motorists assume you're on a BMW and were trying to cancel your turn signal.

It's not as quick or smooth as a reasonably competent rider would be, with some jerks and jolts as the gears engage, but if you're riding at a relaxed pace it works very well. It's nicely engineered, with no glitches or problems to speak of the day we rode the six YCC-S bikes Yamaha had for us, and the reaction was generally very positive; I had no preference for either bike on twisty roads, as the FJR is torquey enough to just leave in third gear anyway. Really technical, tight mountain roads, the kind with 15 MPH corners and limited sight lines can be jerky with the system, but frankly any 600-pound bike can be awkward on roads like this and should be ridden gingerly anyway.

At a stop, the clutch actuator holds the clutch in without complaint, and you can easily thumb it into neutral to save wear on clutch components at stop lights (regardless of how you feel about the "clutch in at stoplights" controversy). If the bike is switched off, it automatically shifts into first as a parking brake after three seconds; switching the bike back on puts it back into neutral, which should add a layer of security as a bonus.

It's very nice for riding in heavy traffic, especially if you're in one of the barbaric, unenlightened states that frown on lane-splitting. It would be great

Gabe trying to convert his bike to electric shift by breaking the clutch lever off.

for funeral escorts, messengers and police, although Yamaha has no desire to tangle with BMW or Harley Davidson in this market. There's no denying that it makes the bike easy and pleasant to ride in situations where repetitive clutch work would tire the rider.

In case you're so inclined, I know for a fact that wheelies are still possible, if not the multi-gear six mile-long kind. Burnouts? They're probably easier than ever. These skills should come in handy if your virility is questioned by those who feel a motorcycle should be fully manual.

The extra $1,800 for the YCC-S includes innovative speed-sensitive heated grips (I think funny man Mike Emery of 2WF.com switched mine on when we were sweating in 90-plus degree temperatures) that automatically compensate for the cooling effects of high-speed travel. The system broadens the appeal of an already dominant and appealing bike and should prove very popular. Only about 30 percent of the 2006 FJRs will be equipped with YCC-S, so it might be prudent to put your deposit down soon if you want it.

 
Well, I just got back from my dealer and the Yamaha computer shows that my FJR1300AE is in transit! They estimate worse case it should be here NEXT week :D :D !

Before anyone asks, I am paying $14,100 OTD (includes all Texas TTL)!

Best regards,

Shane

 
Shane, is that in transit on the boat, or in transit on the truck? If it's in transit on the truck, is that to the dock, or from the dock?

 
Shane, is that in transit on the boat, or in transit on the truck? If it's in transit on the truck, is that to the dock, or from the dock?
I don't recall the exact wording other than the dealer was very sure (hopeful) that I would have it next week!

Best Regards,

Shane

 
Talked to my dealer PCP Yamaha (sounds like James Brown's motorcycle dealer) in Sacramento, and their computer says my AE arrived in Southern CA on the 23rd and should be in Sacto. in a week or week and a half. It's been so long I've almost lost interest in the bike. We'll see.

 
Well, I just got back from my dealer and the Yamaha computer shows that my FJR1300AE is in transit! They estimate worse case it should be here NEXT week :D :D !
Before anyone asks, I am paying $14,100 OTD (includes all Texas TTL)!

Best regards,

Shane

Cool! If you don't mind sharing, what is your PDP Claim Number (they are supposed to be delivered in ordered order -- so maybe I can figure out when mine MIGHT be here...)

 
Talked to my dealer PCP Yamaha (sounds like James Brown's motorcycle dealer) in Sacramento, and their computer says my AE arrived in Southern CA on the 23rd and should be in Sacto. in a week or week and a half. It's been so long I've almost lost interest in the bike. We'll see.
I'd have to call and ask the dealer tomorrow!

Best Regards,

Shane

 
AE to be delivered to KC MO end of next week :D
Will you share your PDP claim number? (so I can see maybe maybe when mine might show up maybe)

Rick, I purchased this bike from someone else's order. I imagine I can get the PDP number though and will send it when I do. Bike arrived in Atlanta yesterday.

Regards,

IBA12168

1999 XX/2000 ZX-12r/2000 SE RG/2000 XR100-The Screamer :)

 
Spoke with yamamama Customer Relations in Cypress, CA today.

Per telephone, 6 AE models have shipped through Cypress to dealerships (they couldn't tell me what dealerships).

 
AE to be delivered to KC MO end of next week :D
Will you share your PDP claim number? (so I can see maybe maybe when mine might show up maybe)

Rick, I purchased this bike from someone else's order. I imagine I can get the PDP number though and will send it when I do. Bike arrived in Atlanta yesterday.

Regards,

IBA12168

1999 XX/2000 ZX-12r/2000 SE RG/2000 XR100-The Screamer :)
Rick, my order # is 195388. Not sure if that is what you are/were looking for. Hopefully it will be helpful to you.

Regards,

IBA12168

1999 XX/2000 ZX-12r/2000 SE RG/2000 XR100-The Screamer :)

 
Just an update that the bike is at the dealer and will be available for pick-up after noon tomorrow. Since I have to work for a living and then drive about 500 miles to pick it up I won't be getting it until about noon on Saturday. Dealer says looks great but is two-tone silver (which isn't very inspiring on the surface) but he says does it really looks great. Front of bike and some uppoer elements including handrails are dark silver and lower elements are lighter. Certainly didn't see any information to that effect from Yamaha. I'm hoping my perception matches the dealer's perception. I'm anxious to get some driving impressions and will share after I do.

IBA12168

1999 XX/2000 ZX-12r/2000 SE RG/2000 XR100-The Screamer :p

 
Dealer says looks great but is two-tone silver (which isn't very inspiring on the surface) but he says does it really looks great. Front of bike and some uppoer elements including handrails are dark silver and lower elements are lighter.
It should be Cerulean Silver in all the same places that the Cobalt ones are blue, and the same color as the blue ones everywhere else, except maybe the wheels.
BTW- Color me green (with envy)

 
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That is so cool. Yes, don't forget the camera. Mine is also a June delivery and this is JUNE. Fortunately, I have the kids & grandkids visiting doing the theme parks for a week then a 4 day move to a new apartment. Plenty of activity to keep away the anxiety of waiting. You know I'm checking this thread every night for any success out there. So jbrwky, big congrats and give us all the details. :)

 
My stepson's AE arrived yesterday and I got put about 30 miles on it last night. Sweeeeeeet! Shifting is unbeleivably smooth, accurate, and reliable. 4K buzz is still there but not as pronounced as my 05. Shorter riders are going to like the adjustable seat, and I don't think as many bar risers are going to sold to the 06 owners. Slider will be a breeze cuz the engine mount bolts are exposed.

We're going to run both Feejers down to a road race that's about 200 miles from here tomorrow morning. It'll give him some time running in triple digits on the way there.

One bitch is that the down shift button is not only beneath the horn button vertically, it is recessed more into the collar than the horn button. which leads to inadvertant horn honking on down shifts.

The electric shift is the future boyz and girlz, if it proves reliable. B)

 
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