2006 FJR

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dirk

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Hey all,

Been threatening to buy a new FJR for a couple months now. I have a few questions mainly because I don't like black bikes. I've checked out the 2007 but hear many problems with the throttle tube and ECU. Does the 2006 suffer from the same conditions as the 2007? Any throttle issues and does the 2006 need a PCIII? I like the cobalt blue color of the 2006 and the black cherry red of the 2007 I just don't want to deal with hassels on relatively new bikes.

Any input would be appreciated pro or con. This is the best forum I've seen on the web and really love the input and opinions of seasoned fjr riders. Please let me have it with the responses. As always, thanks to all for the forum. Dirk

 
Some people find the throttle to be somewhat heavy - most others don't. I don't. Obviously those who find it problematic will be more vocal about it than those who don;t. In other words why would people complain about s non-problem?

Does it need a PC-III? No.

 
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When this collective advises an "Other or considering FJR" we rarely talk about major systems because they are just fine, we all seem to pick on the little things like some of the ones you mention. Everybody perceives things differently, what is unbearable to one person may be totally unnoticed or even loved by another. With that bit of verbal dancing done, on with one person's opinion.

First see Ignacio's FJR1300 Model Comparison Matrix Also, see my idea of problem definitions at the end of this post.

The '06/'07 share the eccentric throttle pulley that causes the rate of RPM change to be non-linear, which is fixed by a G2 throttle tube. The '06/'07 were included in the ECU recall for altitude drivability issues. The '06 instrument panels on some early bikes were recalled for an instant MPG readout stuck at 17 mpg.

Separate from the non-linear throttle response is abrupt power delivery. Some bikes are worse than others, some riders are more sensitive than others. This is remediated for sure with a PCIII. Some people claim that changing the CO setting helped them. Search out the Barbarian Jumper that enables the CO settings to be adjusted.

No FJR has to have any of these modifications done or parts added, but when required the G2 throttle tube, a PCIII and perhaps unwinding the throttle spring one turn are sure fixes.

=====================

Surging: At a steady throttle, light engine load, the engine speed varies a small amount which feels like the throttle is being opened and closed a tiny amount even though it is being held steady. Sometimes fixed by CO adjustments, fixed with a PCIII.

Abrupt power delivery: When the throttle is closed the engine goes into a decel FI routine where fuel injection is basically turned off, then when power is asked for again there may be small hesitation without response as the throttle is rolled on, then suddenly you get all the throttle that you dialed up. Helped/fixed by a PCIII

Abrupt Throttle Response II: The Gen II throttle cam is eccentric (not round) causing the throttle to respond in greater proportion than what the operator intended. The steep ramp of the throttle cam is right around the 3k rpm range. A second issue are the gorilla springs on the throttle pulley making it very tiring to use and makes fine throttle control difficult. A G2 throttle tube & cam will neutralize the eccentric throttle cam. Some people acknowledge the risks and partially unwind the throttle springs to lighten up response.

Drive line lash: Free play between the engine output shaft and the rear wheel. With the bike on the center stand, engine off, in gear, rotate the rear wheel and note how much free rotation it has. This could possibly cause the same feel as abrupt power delivery and/or surging. No fix, not proven to be an issue.

Altitude sickness: Total lack of throttle response, bogging, very poor drivability. Often initiated by rapid altitude change, often reset back to normal operation by cycling the key off/on. ECU recall.

Buzz: Rapid mechanical vibrations, usually felt in the bars and pegs first and as it gets stronger the frame & tank. There is a common rpm range someplace between 4k rpm and 6k rpm. It is not unusual for some bikes to buzz at one rpm and another bike at a different rpm but the buzz is almost always in a range that you can pass through and get smooth operation again.

Buzz can usually be all but eliminated with a good throttle body sync (TBS). There are a lot of other tweaks, like fuel management via a Power Commander III that can be done to help too. Sometimes loosening the engine mounting bolts and retightening will get stubborn buzz to quit. Don’t do the engine bolts without the service manual’s specific order. Bar end weights and Grip Puppies are a way to manage residual buzz.

 
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I have learned to deal with the "abrupt throttle response" that we all know can be a bit annoying and I'm shure the G2 would make it much easier to manage. I expect if you transfered the power/weight ratio and torque to 2500 lb street car, you'd probably find the power delivery to be a bit less than gentle. My new ECU arrived about 3 weeks ago and the bike is doing great,... my liters/per K has even dropped from avg 6.8 to 6.3 pre 100 k ,..

-now if i could just afford a new set of tires.......

-Don

 
To add to what Ionbeam said...IF you need to change anything related to the abrupt throttle application, start with the G-2 throttle tube. If there are other "niggling" issues, address them with the fixes he listed.

 
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The OEM throttle tube can be modified to perform the same correction as the G2 aftermarket tube.

You could also work a deal with someone who owns a low mileage 07 to change plastic. Others have done similar swaps before, some with individuals, some with dealers. I'm with you on the black bike thing, definitely not for me.

 
Dirk:

I have had a new 2007 FJR for 2 1/2 weeks and have logged nearly 850 miles - and I can't get this silly grin off my face!!

My opinion, find a left-over 2007 as the dealers are willing to cut a great deal to move the inventory off the floor. The color is awesome.

My impressions:

1. The throttle is somewhat stiff, but coming off a HD prior to the FJR, it's what I am used to. Does it mean not getting the bike?? Heck no. Those who would NOT buy an FJR because of a stiff throttle should be on a lesser machine.

2. The ECU surging at altitude seems to be a hit and miss issue. My has shown some minor symptoms (I was at 7,000 ft today for a short while), but my particular bike was not a big thing. That being said, my local dealer who did the 600 mi service has the "fixed" ECU on order for me.

3. The throttle does get "snatchy" at small input levels, but you can either modify with the G2 as mentioned all over the site, or just develop better skills with your throttle delivery. Either works.

This machine has so far surpassed my every expectation, I highly recommend the 2007.

Good Luck!

biknflyfisher

 
I've got about 6000 km on my '06 since February of this year. Concur with the other posters re: throttle... it did take some getting used to, and the learning curve was probably greater because I was also getting used to the AE's electric clutch. Added the G2 tube the other day, and it has smoothed the throttle response to what I would call "normal".

Regarding altitude: I live in the foothills of the Rockies, and yesterday took the bike on a 750 km trip through the mtns, and there was no hesitation or other issues at altitude (was up over 8000 feet at the highest point.

All in all, the FJR is by far the best bike I've ever owned. Small issues, but fewer of them than on most bikes.

I have absolutely no hesitation in saying pull the trigger: you won't regret it.

Griff

 
Well, for my two cents,

I have a new '07, and it indeed had a touchy throttle. 60 bucks for the G2 tube, and all is well. It is a big improvement. Not only in the throttle response, but it was nice to replace the stock plastic tube with a beautifully machined aluminum one.

As for the other problems, I may want to add a PCIII at some point, but I don't feel that it's a big deal. It'll just be another toy for my FJR.

Right there with you on the black. My dealer was trying to give me a low offer to take the black one he had in stock, but I made him ship me up an '07 so I could get that pretty red.

Good luck!

 
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You could also work a deal with someone who owns a low mileage 07 to change plastic. Others have done similar swaps before, some with individuals, some with dealers.
I would be surprised if that helps as the throttle pulley on the throttle body was changed on the 08, not the tube.

 
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I have an '07 FJR and it has excellent throttle response because of the following:

1. Balance the throttle bodies (this is a must).

2. Unwind the throttle return spring one turn.

3. Adjust the throttle cables to remove excess free play (not ALL free play).

4. Do the Barbarian Jumper mod and CO level adjustment.

All of this info can be found on the forum.

Jon

 
I have an '07 FJR and it has excellent throttle response because of the following:
1. Balance the throttle bodies (this is a must).

2. Unwind the throttle return spring one turn.

3. Adjust the throttle cables to remove excess free play (not ALL free play).

4. Do the Barbarian Jumper mod and CO level adjustment.

All of this info can be found on the forum.

Jon
I did all these on my 07 except the Barbarian Jumper mod. I did the PCIII instead and it runs great - 20,000 miles so far.

 
I owned a 2003 which had a serious issue if you wanted to hold a stead throttle at any engine speed below 3000 RPM. For that bike, I purchased a Techlusion FI controller (has 2 RPM zones of modification). A Power Commander is an even better solution for those who want to map out a more detailed fuel delivery contour.

I now own a 2006 and find that it has only a minor issue between 1st and 2nd gear if you release the throttle as you shift. We 2006-owners learn quickly that you must hold the throttle open some as you shift from 1st to 2nd At higher gears I do not notice the issue, but if you don't want to look/sound like a beginner you have to learn to stay on the throttle between 1st and 2nd.

I do not think that the 2006 needs any fuel injection help for non-track type riding.

Steve

 
Thanks for open the thread and the great replies from the members of this great forum.

What puzzles me it is the lack of response from Yamaha. All these issues should be part of a recall, obvious with free repair under the factory guidance. BTW, all these are cheap repairs and software corrections. Is Yamaha aloof? irresponsible? or just taking advantage of the willingness and skill from the riders??

As I have said today on another thread, it looks like practice from the old american car dealership, everything is within spec, we could not duplicate the problem. Bye Bye, the keyes are here and the machine is yours!!! Enjoy the ride home.

 
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