Who's afraid of the big bad electric shift?

[OpenSource]

Hello,

I am a new member (FJR-Less), and have been researching a bit before I make my decision.

Because of the model year ending, I am beginning to see dealers take a bit off of the MSRP.

The last one I talked to, offered me $1000 off of either model (manual or auto clutch).

I would definitely go with the manual, except for the color. I'm usually not picky, but I just DO NOT like the

"Black Cherry".

But then theres the auto clutch. It just plain weirds me out

I'm sure that this just re-visits old discussions here, but my question to all of you is .. What is your experience with the auto clutch?

Will it be an expensive constant headache?

Have you heard of guys out there with bazillions of miles on them trouble free?

If you have one now, would you make the same purchase again?

Thanks

__________________________________________

2005 Honda VTX 1300c

 

[turbodave_98]

Hello,I am a new member (FJR-Less), and have been researching a bit before I make my decision.

Because of the model year ending, I am beginning to see dealers take a bit off of the MSRP.

The last one I talked to, offered me $1000 off of either model (manual or auto clutch).

I would definitely go with the manual, except for the color. I'm usually not picky, but I just DO NOT like the

"Black Cherry".

But then theres the auto clutch. It just plain weirds me out

I'm sure that this just re-visits old discussions here, but my question to all of you is .. What is your experience with the auto clutch?

Will it be an expensive constant headache?

Have you heard of guys out there with bazillions of miles on them trouble free?

If you have one now, would you make the same purchase again?

Thanks

I have a 2006 AE with 22K miles on it and it has worked without any failures. I like the electronic shifting system, no problems with it. I also have a 2005 FJR with the manual clutch and it has 55k miles and it is also a maintenance free bike. I would definetely purchase another electric shifter if it is offered by Yamaha in the future.

__________________________________________

2005 Honda VTX 1300c

 

[818Guy]

I'm sure that this just re-visits old discussions here, but my question to all of you is .. What is your experience with the auto clutch?Will it be an expensive constant headache?

Have you heard of guys out there with bazillions of miles on them trouble free?

If you have one now, would you make the same purchase again?

I like it for heavy traffic riding (I live in the Los Angeles area). It's been great so far for me. 11k miles in just over a year. I did purchase the extended warranty because of the electronic clutch. The unknown....

 

[Nosecone]

21K trouble free miles on my 06 AE and yes I would buy one again.

John

 

[Low Level FJR Pilot]

This is definately the best ride ever. I can't see going back to a clutch lever. I felt the same way you did at first, but after 15 minutes on the bike, I was sold. Turbo Dave even taught me a shifting trick that I now use all the time. You can't go wrong with the AE. Also, if you are coming off of a cruiser as I did, you can't go wrong with the FJR. B)

 

[uctofeej]

I agree with the others. 3600 miles and I love my AE. As if I needed convincning, a few weeks ago I rode 7 hours in 100+ degrees. When I reached my final destination and had to endure an hour of stop-and-go traffic to go 3 miles, I was very aware -- and thankful -- that I didn't have to pull in that clutch lever.

 

[DailyCommuter]

I just turned 2000 Miles on my 07 AE. I love it. I did buy the extended warrantee though. I would def. Buy this again. I love it in commuter traffic. I love the fact that when I am riding one handed, I can still shift with my foot and not have to reach for the clutch. Or if I have the throttlemeister kicked in its still an easy shift.One thing though. I highly suggest that you look on Ebay for a dealer who is looking to thin the heard on his showroom floor. I know I know it sounds nuts....[SIZE=36pt]BUT.....[/SIZE] When my buddy suggested it to me after I bragged to him that I got a local dealer to come down 500 bucks, That's what I did. Holy crap did I save some money.There was a dealer in Illinois who had a Brand new 07 AE, no ******** brand new bike with 1.7 miles on it. I live in Mass. but I had some time on my hands because I was still healing up from a crash on my old SV1000S and out of work for a little while, So I rolled the dice and bid on it,The msrp on the 07 FJR1300AE is about 15,999.00 according to Yamma Mama's web site ..... right..This is what I paid.... [SIZE=18pt]$12,999.00[/SIZE] :chickawow: I'm not kidding. I drove out there and brought a cashiers check and bought it from a Yamaha Dealer all legit. Check it out when I was looking on ebay a few weeks back there was one in Colorado, and I think one in Missouri for around the same money. I normally wouldn't drive 2300 miles in a weekend for a bike, but to save 3 grand.. It cost me about $450 in gas and 100 bucks in drinks and food for me and my buddy Rick. So as I see it I'm ahead of the game by about $2300 or so. That's a healthy farkle budget to start with.. Heh heh heh. We stayed moving the whole time trading off driving and napping every 4-6 hours like a good Scout/Sniper team. He's been my best friend for over 20 years since we were in 6th grade. Thanks Rick even the wife didn't want to make that trip with me.. 2300+ miles in a little over 2 days. Iron butt Rally here I come... (I wish). Maybe a few years down the road.

.Winning bid: US $12,999.00 Get low monthly payments Ended: Jul-16-07 20:00:00 PDT Shipping: See item description for shipping details. Sells to: United States Item location: Nashville, IL, United States History: 3 bids Winning bidder: ditchwitchguy( 4 ) Item Specifics - Motorcycles 2007 Yamaha : Other 2007 YAMAHA FJR 1300AE NEW FULL WARRANTY Year: 2007 Warranty: Existing Miles: 0 Engine Size (cc): 1298 Condition: New Title: Clear Exterior: Silver VIN Number: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Type: Sport Touring Model: Other

This is definately the best ride ever. I can't see going back to a clutch lever. I felt the same way you did at first, but after 15 minutes on the bike, I was sold. Turbo Dave even taught me a shifting trick that I now use all the time. You can't go wrong with the AE. Also, if you are coming off of a cruiser as I did, you can't go wrong with the FJR. B)

So... Is this a private shifting trick or do you care to elaborate...?Please...?

 

[BuilderBob]

Hello,I am a new member (FJR-Less), and have been researching a bit before I make my decision.

Because of the model year ending, I am beginning to see dealers take a bit off of the MSRP.

The last one I talked to, offered me $1000 off of either model (manual or auto clutch).

I would definitely go with the manual, except for the color. I'm usually not picky, but I just DO NOT like the

"Black Cherry".

I was in the same boat. Didn't like the Black Cherry, liked the color of the AE so much better, but I wanted the clutch. So, I bought the A.

Since then, the color has grown on me. Get lots of complements on the bike and the color really pops in the sun.

Not dissing the AE owners, but if you really want a clutch, don't let the color get in your way.

 

[djsmith1000]

The AE rocks. I love it, and havent looked back, and would definitely buy again. Its got its quirks, but its great. I only have 4500 miles though (hopefully another 1000 or so over labor day weekend.)

 

[OpenSource]

Thanks so much for all the input !

WoW DailyComuter you have a huge [SIZE=14pt]But[/SIZE]

 

[jmdaniel]

I was in the same boat. Didn't like the Black Cherry, liked the color of the AE so much better, but I wanted the clutch. So, I bought the A.
Since then, the color has grown on me. Get lots of complements on the bike and the color really pops in the sun.

Not dissing the AE owners, but if you really want a clutch, don't let the color get in your way.

Gunny. The color can't be judged until it is in the sun, and I have received a lot of compliments on it.

 

[BuilderBob]

Gunny. The color can't be judged until it is in the sun, and I have received a lot of compliments on it.

Nice avatar. What year is it? I've got an 04 Z06. No mods, like it the way it is.

 

[jmdaniel]

Gunny. The color can't be judged until it is in the sun, and I have received a lot of compliments on it.

Nice avatar. What year is it? I've got an 04 Z06. No mods, like it the way it is.

'05, non Z06, with manual transmission, Z51. Very fun car. :yahoo:

 

[FJRocket]

Have you heard of guys out there with bazillions of miles on them trouble free?

I have 24K on mine. Never missed a lick. Shifts like a dream.

If you have one now, would you make the same purchase again?

Absolutely. It's very nice. Manual clutch is great too. It's ALL good!

 

[FJRottie]

I love it in commuter traffic. I love the fact that when I am riding one handed, I can still shift with my foot and not have to reach for the clutch.

I can do that too on my 04.

 

[burnergold2B]

There was a review of the AE in RoadRacing World by David Swarts. He loved it, even for the track.

 

[DaddyBill]

I love my 06 AE. Only took a few minutes to get comfortable. I would definitely buy another one! If you decide to purchase an AE, and would consider a brand new 06, I can still get one delivered to your front door in the lower 48, for $12,500, out the door.

 

[Bob Hughes]

I like a clutch because I am old enough not to want to change the way that I control the bike. I did not want the red color any more than you but I got a good deal so I bought it. Well as was said above when I went to pick up my bike and saw it outside I thought that's a nice color what year is it... and it was mine. I was surprised at the difference and after a couple of weeks I am very happy with the color. Go figure.

 

[SR-71]

I had a Blue '05. Loved the color; hated the engine heat issues. That lead to a trade on an '07A. The Black/Cherry color did look a bit weird in the showroom, but like others have said, I've gotten a lot of compliments about the color, especially when the sun hits it. I considered the '07 AE, but was also weirded-out about it. But honestly I haven't heard anyone complain about the operation of the AE, in fact, all I've heard was positive feedback about it. If I were commuting on my FJR, I definitely would have gone with the AE model.