Swingarm extended 1.3 inches, yet the wheelbase remains the same...how'd they do that? Sounds like a compromise would have to be made in either rake and trail on the front end, or swingarm pivot to steering head distance...1.3 inches SHORTER to compensate for the addition "out back".
If the rake and trail were "tightened up" to accomodate the lost 1.3 inches from swingarm pivot-to-front axle distance, then the steering has been compromised compared to the oft-praised stability of 03-05 FJRs.
If the rake and trail hasn't been tweaked, then the 1.3 inches gained in the back half of the bike will have to come out of the pivot-to-steering head distance, meaning a 1.3 inch loss in the seat to bar relationship. No wonder Yamaha put adjustable bars on it.
On top of everything, while the swingarm has been lengthend 1.3 inches, the rear wheel travel hasn't increased at all. That makes no sense. It tells me that the shock isn't being worked as hard as on earlier models, which tells me a cheaper shock will suffice. And if a cheaper shock CAN be used, then it WILL be used. No manufacturer doesn't cut corners when they can.
And the slight change in the final drive ration is an almost meaningless amount of "slight". What is it? 50-60 rpm?
I can't imagine you're gonna get ANY "I hate my '06 -- wish I had my '0X back" replies. No one wants to admit to making a $13,000 mistake and buyer's remorse is hard for folks to verbalize and admit to.
Probably the biggest reason to trade is the "gottahaves". Gotta have a new one.
Speaking only for myself, except for the YCCS, nothing about the '06 is evolutionary, or revolutionary, enough to make me consider trading. Except for the "newness", I see it strictly as a lateral move.
They did not change any rake and trail numbers. How did they do that? They moved the swingarm pivot position forward. Yes, the frame is different, but the rake and trail are the same. The distance from the swingarm pivot to the steering head is shorter, but it doesn't affect the bar to seat relationship. The wheel base is the same, but the overall length of the bike is not. It is about 2 inches longer. They lengthened the part of the sub frame behind the rider about 2 inches. It gives the passenger more room. It is hard to tell because the bags are moved back so it looks the same. The exhaust pipes are also moved in a inch on each side so they look the same in relation to the bags. The tank is higher too, but you really don't notice it much.
The change in gearing changed the RPM by about 500 in 5th gear. I do seem to get about 2-3 more MPG on the 06 than the 03, on simular trips with simular gear.
The shock is the exact same shock as previous years, only one of the two springs has been stiffened. They also stiffened the front fork springs.
The lack of back pressure is an effect of the center vent under the windscreen, not the windscreen it's self.
Your assumption that they somehow made compromises that make the new bike less in some respects is just not right. The new bike is everything the old one is, and a little more. Whether it is enough better to justify trading up is your decision. If I had low mileage 04 or 05, I wouldn't do it. If I were looking for my first 06 I think all the improvements would probably be worth the extra money.
Tom
IBA 161
