05 vs. new

[PDsgt]

Since I am a bike Whore and I am never happy, I am constantly looking on Ebay, and cycle trader, and the forum classifieds. I am always looking for another bike. I am currently riding a BMW K1200LT (Big touring pig). It's great for the 2up trips, and I like it lots. I am in the market for a bit smaller 1 up type bike, to add to the stable and I have always admired your FJR's. After all my brother Indiana tom owns the Black Cherry version.

Well today, low and behold, there shows up an 05 FJR on Ebay. There is a buy it now tab there for $7800, and the bike has 14xxx miles. So my question comes down to this. Does it make sense to buy a used bike for the $7800, or spend the extra 4k for the 08' model. Taking into account the changes made from GenI and GenII models.

I would normally have a pleasant discussion about my dilemma with Indiana tom, but since his current medical condition won't allow it, I thought I would ask for your input.

Inquiring minds want to know?

Thanks.

 

[Fairlaner]

Since I am a bike Whore and I am never happy, I am constantly looking on Ebay, and cycle trader, and the forum classifieds. I am always looking for another bike. I am currently riding a BMW K1200LT (Big touring pig). It's great for the 2up trips, and I like it lots. I am in the market for a bit smaller 1 up type bike, to add to the stable and I have always admired your FJR's. After all my brother Indiana tom owns the Black Cherry version.
Well today, low and behold, there shows up an 05 FJR on Ebay. There is a buy it now tab there for $7800, and the bike has 14xxx miles. So my question comes down to this. Does it make sense to buy a used bike for the $7800, or spend the extra 4k for the 08' model. Taking into account the changes made from GenI and GenII models.

I would normally have a pleasant discussion about my dilemma with Indiana tom, but since his current medical condition won't allow it, I thought I would ask for your input.

Inquiring minds want to know?

Thanks.

As someone who just traded an 05 for an 08 i would highly recommend the 08 over the 05 if only for the ABS and lack of heat around the bollocks.....

R

 

[Zorlac]

My 05 has ABS.

 

[Murph]

That bike has ABS and I don't think heat on my '05 has ever been a problem.

The price seems good.

 

[Big Sky]

Quote: "I am in the market for a bit smaller 1 up type bike, to add to the stable and I have always admired your FJR's. "

Are you sure the above fits the description of an FJR? I don't consider it small by any means (1,100 lbs. with gas, passenger/rider and gear) and I bought it for its two-up and touring (though sporting) capabilities. I've got an '07 GSXR 750 in my shed that I was going to use for track days (not enough time) so am considering getting rid of it to instead get a more mild "smaller one-up type bike" - thinking of an SV1000 or one of the smaller adventure/tourers.

 

[SkooterG]

It is a personal decision with no *correct* answer.

There have been a lot of improvement in the FJR from 05 to 08, but then you are going to pay for those. I am completely happy with my 04 FJR. Heat has been little issue for me. And I have ridden the GenII FJRs. Heck, there are a few of us that think GenI FJRs handle a bit more responsive. But the GenII are great bikes. Great brakes.

You didn't provide a link to the ebay FJR so I don't know all it's details and can't comment on whether it's a good deal or not. I did see a brand new 07 FJR on ebay for $10,850 yesterday.

 

[mike25]

Does it make sense to buy a used bike for the $7800, or spend the extra 4k for the 08' model. Taking into account the changes made from GenI and GenII models.
Thanks.

How about splitting the difference, I've got a nice 06 for sale with lots of extras.

 

[TalioGladius]

I love my 05 but I don't think I'd ever buy a used bike that I didn't get to see and at least take around the block. Especially not from flea-bay.

 

[Toecutter]

How about splitting the difference, I've got a nice 06 for sale with lots of extras.

Viewable here.

 

[zip]

I got a fantastic '05 ABS from a gentleman in upstate NY with 13k miles for $7,600 off of eBay. I hadn't seen one at the time (early summer) for less than $8,600. Love the bike and it was in fantastic condition.

I would've preferred the newer version, but it wasn't in my budget (or within wife's tolerance). I've fixed the heat issues. It has ABS. Wish it had the temperature in the display and the next gen seat and handlebars. Otherwise, the '05 is fantastic.

 

[bandit]

I have ridden both, the heat difference in the 2005 adn the 2008 is very monimal. Didnt notice any real difference between the two. Bought a 2005 adn I ride it everyday. And as for heat. i live in Mobile alabama, It gets dang hot here. I couldnt ask for a better steed.

 

[Fairlaner]

try it without the asbestos underwear next time.... :mellow:

R

 

[SkooterG]

try it without the asbestos underwear next time.... :mellow:
R

You're a wuss.

Used to cold, damp, clammy, tea and crumpets. Or some such *****.

 

[Fairlaner]

try it without the asbestos underwear next time.... :mellow:
R

You're a wuss.

Used to cold, damp, clammy, tea and crumpets. Or some such *****.

'you talkin to me

R

 

[Knifemaker]

Well, if it ain't about the money...new is always better than used. Nothing like that new bike smell you know, and you do not have to worry about buying someone elses problem.

The Gen II bikes are an "improvement" over the Gen I bikes...debatable of course, but that was Yamahas intent.

You might want to wait and see what the 09's have to offer........

KM

 

[bandit]

try it without the asbestos underwear next time.... :mellow:
R

I just dont understand all the whining about the heat. Again I ride in Monbile Alabama. Stop and go traffic. No worse than any other motorcycle i have owned.

Oh and I cant wear my Asbestos underwaer, i left them at your house last time I over "visiting" your wife

he he he

 

[TahoeBound]

Fairlaner: as someone who just traded an 05 for an 08 i would highly recommend the 08 over the 05 if only for the ABS and lack of heat around the bollocks.....

+1. I traded my 50K '04 non-abs for the '08 recently. Pure and simple, the '08 is better in almost every way. No debate about it. If money doesn't matter, buy the '08. If money was an issue, would I buy another '04 - in a heartbeat...

 

[exskibum]

Fairlaner: as someone who just traded an 05 for an 08 i would highly recommend the 08 over the 05 if only for the ABS and lack of heat around the bollocks.....

+1. I traded my 50K '04 non-abs for the '08 recently. Pure and simple, the '08 is better in almost every way. No debate about it. If money doesn't matter, buy the '08. If money was an issue, would I buy another '04 - in a heartbeat...

OK -- you had to know this would happen with that comment: 'Splain the "almost" sil vous plait?

For me, the crotch heating feature of my '05 doesn't bother me any more than most other large displacement bikes. Both my XXs ('97 and '03) have cooked the nards at roughly equal or greater temperatures. Big engines just put off a lot of heat, and that's an issue in the summer in hot climates. While the larger fairing of the FJR maybe keeps more heat behind the screen and on the body in total, the crotch area seems to take a similar amount of heat even with the lesser coverage of the XX fairing.

To be fair, though, where I live, the cure for hot weather is altitude. Takes me about a half hour to get above 4000 feet, and from there, all is good. But for riding in the hell zone on a 100+ degree day, who wouldn't prefer a lower cooking temperature for the jewels? I'm just not sure how much I'd pay for a newer bike primarily offering that advantage. (Hence, my request for an explanation, above.) I continue to think that my Gen I FJR is the best motorcycle I've ever owned or ridden (never been on a Gen II) and I have to think that if it came time to replace it, it'd likely be with a new FJR.

 

[bikerkash]

As an owner of an 03, 06, & 08 I can tell for sure to buy an 06 or newer there is a vast difference between the 1st & 2nd generation FJR's. I cannot really tell any difference between to 06 & 08 they are both really great bikes so go find the color you like and buy one you'll be very happy.