Yamaha's Woes

[WBill]

It'll likely get electric throttle control soon. With that system it's easy to implement different throttle sensitivity schemes similar to the new R1. Also with electric throttle it would be very easy to implement cruise control without adding extra hardware except for the pushbuttons.

I read Motorcyclist's report on the '09 R1. Electric throttle control seemed to work pretty well on that model, and the new cross plane crank timing layout got high marks, as well. Yamaha has already laid out the R&D money on those developments, and it shouldn't be all that costly to add them, along with the aforementioned HID lights, and still have a very competitive sport tourer.

It would take those kinds of upgrades to make me feel the need to upgrade from my Gen I and, thus, spend a little cash-ola. WBill

 

[Fred W]

Well, in motorcycles, your right wrist input hasn't controlled the throttle at all -- for decades. Since the inception of CV, constant-vacuum (constant-velocity, in the U.S.), carburetors on (many/most, until recently) bikes -- the twistgrip has merely 'ordered-up' throttle opening by moving a butterfly; the actual venturi size increase or decrease was accomplished by vacuum pressure acting on a diaphragm or moveable piston controlling a slide. Previous to CV, riders actually did control the venturi size -- and, often got it wrong by 'ordering-up' excessive throttle openings for the existing speeds (both engine and road).

Well, we are delving into semantics now, but I consider having the throttle plate mechanically cable operated the same thing as directly controlling the throttle. Same thing applies in the case of fuel injection where you control the throttle plate with your hand and the bike delivers the right amount of fuel to go with it. That is still fairly direct right hand control.

What I do not care for is the idea of having the right hand merely controlling a rheostat, just one of the inputs into the Throttle Control Computer, which is what ultimately decides how much to open the throttle plate(s). Yes, theoretically a TCC could be designed and implemented that you would never notice any adverse effects from. In my experience (with cars) that is easier said than done.

On a different note, there seem to be a number of folks assuming that Yamaha had already been working on designing a Gen III FJR. I haven't heard or seen any evidence that suggests that this is the case. Might this just be some wishful thinking?

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

Well, we are delving into semantics now, but I consider having the throttle plate mechanically cable operated the same thing as directly controlling the throttle. Same thing applies in the case of fuel injection where you control the throttle plate with your hand and the bike delivers the right amount of fuel to go with it. That is still fairly direct right hand control.

Semantics (the meaning of words) aside; you may not, actually, have the control you think you do. Yes you can open/close main butterflys (and thus rotate the TPS) -- but the computer sets everything else

As emission laws get stricter, the computer will be asked to control more functions (for not everyone may be as 'on-top-of-it' as some to get the correct results).

What I do not care for is the idea of having the right hand merely controlling a rheostat, just one of the inputs into the Throttle Control Computer, which is what ultimately decides how much to open the throttle plate(s). Yes, theoretically a TCC could be designed and implemented that you would never notice any adverse effects from. In my experience (with cars) that is easier said than done.

Surely Yamaha can do better than those poor car companies?

Vale and Ben don't seem to be complaining too much about their 'fly-by-wire'?

 

[Bellerophon]

Interestingly I received two different stories from two dealers when I was shopping around for my 08 AE. Dealer 1 told me that although they didn't have one in stock they could order in from Yamaha either an 08 AE or an 09 A. Dealer 2 had did not have any FJs in stock and told me that Yamaha had made a limited amount and he could not get another one this year. Dealer 1 with whom I have dealt with for years ordered in an 08 AE knowing full well that if I saw it on the show room floor I'd buy it, and indeed he was right. Clearly dealer one is still able to accuire FJRs. Why did dealer 2 say he couldn't order any more of them?

I suspect SockMonkey is right, and our beloved FJRs may be taking a year or two off from production.

 

[PA1195]

Interestingly I received two different stories from two dealers when I was shopping around for my 08 AE. Dealer 1 told me that although they didn't have one in stock they could order in from Yamaha either an 08 AE or an 09 A. Dealer 2 had did not have any FJs in stock and told me that Yamaha had made a limited amount and he could not get another one this year. Dealer 1 with whom I have dealt with for years ordered in an 08 AE knowing full well that if I saw it on the show room floor I'd buy it, and indeed he was right. Clearly dealer one is still able to accuire FJRs. Why did dealer 2 say he couldn't order any more of them?
I suspect SockMonkey is right, and our beloved FJRs may be taking a year or two off from production.

My local Dealer told me today he was still waiting for his '09 A - ordered last Fall for Spring delivery. Not yet available or released. Thank goodness he found me an '08A in March or I'd still be wanking.

Gary in Fairbanks