Orange-
I can't decide if those pics make the wait easier or harder. Thanks for taking the time to post pics. In your opinion, is the 05 worth $1200 more than the 06? I've never owned an FJR before and that's the difference between deals for me. $1200 and a wait....
I think of 06 is worth $1,200 more than the 05 for a couple of reasons:
1) www.kbb.com
2) The '06 is desinged with shorter exhaust valves. Some, including me, believe this is the fix to the ticker issue. Some will warn you that there is nothing saying that this is the case. I would say, combined with everything else, the chance makes it worth it.
3) Better heat shielding less heat on legs. Frankly with riding pants I don't really experience the heat issue, but not everyone wears what I do. Having the better shielding and better ventilation is probably good for the bike in a few ways.
4) The maintenance manager at the dealership owned an 05 and he says the 06 must have a different mapping and/or header changes to increase midrange punch as he says the difference is noticeable. Perhaps blue really is faster.
5) The bike, overall, just looks higher quality. Not that I think my 05 looks cheap, but I think the design of all the parts show a effort to make things look less like components that were thrown together and more like components that flow together in form and function. This is purely asthetic mind you, but I like the visual effect.
5) The adjustable seat is worth it. Seats alone are 4-7 hundred bucks, therefore what is making it adjustable worth?
6) I don't like the new vents by the headlights. I just have to say this. Cleaning the bugs outta there is gonna be a pain in the ass
7) radiator guard and asthetically nice curved radiator - the guard means money you don't have to spend.
8) adjustable handlebars (swing forward and back, not up down) might save you some money on risers, and might give you adjustability depending on your intended ride planning. Back for more upright, forward for sportier. Nice to have an option
9) More comfortable pillion. That's worth a lot. You'll probably spend money on this on the 06 too. Backrest, topcase, both...who knows what she'll need if you ride 2up (intercom, ipod, etc)
10) The number of changes are fairly incredible, while combined they are subtle. When you put these bikes side by side you can spend a better part of 2 hours noticing all the differences.
I could go on...in short, wait. It's worth it, but I'm still more than happy with my 05. I bet you would be more than happy with an 05 too. I think with an 06 you may be more than more than happy
