Gen 1 and Gen 2

[tim ferrell]

Are the differences between these two generations significant in real world riding as opposed to on paper? Would appreciate input from anyone who has ridden both.

[raYzerman]

You have responses in the other sandboxes.....

[wheatonFJR]

Gen1 ftw!

[extrememarine]

Hello and welcome.

I went from a Gen 1 (2004 ABS) to a Gen 2 (2009). For me, there were 2 things that were noticeable to me between the 2 bikes. 1 - the taller final drive meant where I was used to running 3rd gear more in the twisties on the '04, I found myself in 2nd gear on the Gen 2 to get the snap or drive out of corner exit. This was more noticeable when loaded and/or 2 up. Not huge, but noticeable. The other difference that was noticeable to me is how the linked brakes set the bike at corner entry. I would get some ABS chatter out of the rear (unlinked) on the Gen1 under heavy braking that was not present with the Gen2 - due to the nature of the linked braking system of the Gen 2.

These 2 things would really only float out when I was running a spirited pace in the twisties.

just my .02 and opinion here - no science or data logging to back it up...

Wayne

[tim ferrell]

Thank you for the replies. In some ways (!) I am a dummy - "the other sandboxes" and the "gen 1 ftw" need more for me to understand. I am not with the language here yet...

[FJRoss]

Other sandboxes are the other FJR forums. FTW is "for the win".
There are those who prefer Gen I over Gen II although the second generation has some significant improvements, in my opinion. Others will say Gen III and up for cruise control, electronic suspension, LED lights, 6 speed transmission, refined dash display etc.

Look at the comparison matrix that was referenced on the other forum and at least you will know about the different features by year.

Your budget might make the decision for you. Note: 2016 and up 6 speed may be subject to a recall to replace transmission parts.

[Ludwig61]

Additionally, in the other sandboxes you specified a 2003 vs a 2006. There are changes within each Gen. There were minor body changes in Gen I between 2003 and 2004, and ABS became more common with the 2005. There are differences between a 2006 and a 2012 (the last year of Gen II), particularly in the throttle behavior. That issue is best handled by getting an Ivan ECU flash regardless of Gen II year. It think spider ground issues were more common on the early Gen IIs, but I don't know if 2006 was bitten. There may be other differences that you'd find relevant.

[FJRoss]

^^^
Yup
Later Gen I had ABS as an option as well but not the earlier ones. ABS system is standard in all Gen II but changed after 2007, IIRC so a bit different in later Gen II. Windshield mechanism changed as well - more robust. Heated grips became standard after 2009 (I think) - were optional earlier. As Ludwig61 mentions, there was an issue with an abrupt throttle at low openings for some Gen II - especially for 2006-07. Better later and some used various fixes like a Power Commander and a different throttle tube. A year or so ago, someone (Ivan) came out with an ECU "Flash" that made a big improvement (That is what is being referred to in Ludwig61's post.) For the spider issue (grounding circuit overloads), Yamaha issued a recall that partially addressed issues with 2006 and 2007 - maybe 2008??. Less of a problem with later Gen II years. Some Gen I FJRs had a problem with the cam chain tensioner and a lot of owners replaced them before they failed. (Problem remained until partway through the 2007 model year.) CCT failure can grenade the engine.

A relatively small percentage of Gen I FJRs were "tickers". An issue related to valve seals. Repair can be expensive but many of these engines ran a long time after ticking was diagnosed.

[tim ferrell]

Wow, thank you to all who replied. Great information that I will save and review. Anyone who rode both Gen I and Gen II want to share a review of road time on each?

[tim ferrell]

other than extrememarine?

[tim ferrell]

Additionally, in the other sandboxes you specified a 2003 vs a 2006. There are changes within each Gen. There were minor body changes in Gen I between 2003 and 2004, and ABS became more common with the 2005. There are differences between a 2006 and a 2012 (the last year of Gen II), particularly in the throttle behavior. That issue is best handled by getting an Ivan ECU flash regardless of Gen II year. It think spider ground issues were more common on the early Gen IIs, but I don't know if 2006 was bitten. There may be other differences that you'd find relevant.

Yes, my specific choice was between those two years, hence the comparo specification. However grateful for lots of great info.

[raYzerman]

Since Ross mentioned the CCT issue, the original design was changed late '07, but there were a couple of other tweaks later. Most certainly if you have an '07 or earlier, and your CCT does not have a green or blue paint dot on it, those CCT's should be replaced ASAP with the latest version. Not a particularly difficult job, just time consuming and there is a procedure to follow, ie, zip-tying the cam chain at the crankshaft sprocket so it doesn't fall down below the sprocket while the tension is off the CCT.

[bill lumberg]

http://mattwatkins.org/blog1/wp-conten ... omparo.pdf

[sacramentomike]

The simple answer from a simple fellow: either year, either generation, in fact any FJR is a huge improvement over pretty much anything else IMHO. They all have that remarkable 1298 cc engine that sold me in the first couple hundred feet of my first test ride on my first (of 3) FJR, a 2005. Yep, there are differences and improvements as they updated and modernized, but they're pretty damn close in most major areas. I love the standard cruise control on my '14, and there are a bunch of little (to me) things that differentiate the years and gens, but they all give you that power and handling and all have just about the same look and feel. Just my opinion, but I'd consider the condition and the deal for any FJR you look at and make my decision based on that. Good luck.

[wheatonFJR]

^^^
Wholeheartedly agree with that opinion.

[tim ferrell]

Thank you for that. I have been looking for that type of feedback. Also thanks for the chart again - the latest link made it easier to read, although I had already done that part of the homework..I've been looking for a clear "how to" on changing the CCT for Gen I. Any recommendations? I can do the search, just thought is there was a gold standard maybe someone could let me know?

[FJRoss]

You can start with this link - from another forum.
https://www.fjrforum.com/topic/136891-l ... ent-846482
This one too!
https://www.fjrforum.com/topic/116778-g ... ent-575562

[raYzerman]

Ross's links are the ones to refer to. The key is not to let the chain drop below the crankshaft sprocket and potentially lose valve timing. Both the 2003 and the 2006 have the same design vintage of CCT, so inspect both for a paint dot that would indicate it was changed to the newer design. If not, plan on doing that right away.

[extrememarine]

If the choice is between a 2003 and 2006, the '06 would be my preference (unless the '03 was free) as the '06 would have ABS and the '03 would not.

There are year to year updates along the way and things to "fix" as mentioned (CCT, the '04 tickers, etc).

I'm on my 2nd 2009 FJR now. The throttle and ECU issues were resolved by the 2008-2009 models. I've upgraded the front / rear suspension to Ohlins. There's been nothing earth-shattering with the Gen 3 -4's to drive me away from the 2009. If I totaled this one today,, I'd hunt for another 2009.

Good luck - you really can't go wrong with an FJR; it's a solid and flexible platform - from touring to canyon carving...

Additionally, in the other sandboxes you specified a 2003 vs a 2006. There are changes within each Gen. There were minor body changes in Gen I between 2003 and 2004, and ABS became more common with the 2005. There are differences between a 2006 and a 2012 (the last year of Gen II), particularly in the throttle behavior. That issue is best handled by getting an Ivan ECU flash regardless of Gen II year. It think spider ground issues were more common on the early Gen IIs, but I don't know if 2006 was bitten. There may be other differences that you'd find relevant.

Yes, my specific choice was between those two years, hence the comparo specification. However grateful for lots of great info.

[FJRoss]

Cam chain tensioner failure is generally preceded by a "marbles in a can" rattling sound mostly on the right hand side and especially when the engine is cold. If you get that, shut it off and get the CCT changed ASAP. It could last for months like this or self-destruct the next time you start it up. Failures were not frequent but were devastating. (No Yamaha recalls for CCT) I changed the one in my '07 when it had less than 30,000 miles on it "just because" - no noise but why take a chance on a future failure? Was still going strong when I sold it at 185,000 miles.