Don't Say "Automatic"

DON'T SAY "AUTOMATIC"

ROUNDUP

THE 2006 FJR1300AE isn't just a high-powered sport-tourer with some extra vowels on the end of its name. It features what Yamaha is calling Electronic shifting, hence the "E" to go along with the "A" for ABS.

Technical details on this new system are virtually nonexistent. The bike appears to have a conventional, constantmesh, gear-dog transmission equipped with computer controlled actuation of clutch and gear changes. It remains a five-speed and is likely to have the same ratios as the also available standard FJR1300A.

On the E model, the left handlebar switch pod features an index-finger trigger for upshifts and a thumb button for downshifts. There also is a conventional foot shifter, although it is not mechanically linked to the gearbox, but rather simply acts as a switch. The shift pattern is all “up,” and neutral is selected via hand or foot by simply shifting “down” past first gear. At a stop, the clutch is disengaged by the computer. There is no lever. Twist the throttle and away you go, as the computer also manages clutch slip.

Downshifts are presumably accomplished in a manner similar to that of high-line paddle-shift sportscars, in that the computer blips the throttle to match revs to road speed. The two-way gear-change solenoid is connected to the transmission through a conventional shift shaft, while what appears to be a large gear-position/speed sensor is mounted just below. Shifts take a quick 0.1 of a second and are said to be extremely smooth, up or down. There is no full-automatic mode.

Silver paint differentiates the E from the blue base model. Price wasn’t available at presstime, but the E will no doubt cost more, especially because heated handgrips come standard. -Mark Hoyer