2005 FJR - Maybe

[DezzertRider]

Hello,

I'm looking at purchasing a 2005 FJR that only has 4800 miles on it. There are some scuffs here an there on the bike, but that would be expected for a 9 year old bike. The motor looks clean and the underneath looks clean. I don't believe it has the inserts for when you remove the bags, but does have the extra lock. I looked at it today and didn't get to ride it, but I started it up and the motor sounded great (no ticking or excessive drive train noise). I think it has the stock windscreen and it looks a little warped like it got a little to warm are some point. This is in Phoenix, so that may be expected. The dash was not melted, but I will check on that closer before I purchase. Any thing else I should inspect closer before purchasing?

Thanks

John

(DezzertRider)

 

[Fontanaman]

Well with only 4800 miles this bike has been sitting a whole lot. I question scuff marks and 4800 miles, hey is it likely a bike will have scuff marks wikth 4800 miles on it.? How do you know it has 4.8k? The windscreen does not bother me - stock windscreens suck. I'd have it checked out by a mechanic or anybody with some good mechanic skills. You might contact forum member beemerdons. He lives in Chandler and maybe able to help you.

What is the sale price on this 05? If it is a barn burner price then jump in.

FJR riders usually ride these things - I have 53,000 on my 09. 4800 is very odd. 4800 miles is one two week trip and and one with a few days off too.

 

[Twigg]

It shouldn't be too hard to determine if that mileage is original.

First up would be the story the seller tells you. I he the original owner? If not, then suspect that mileage immediately. It would be likely that the tires are OEM, original fitment, but a fastidious owner might have changed them at 5 years.

Everything about that bike, under the dust, should be almost factory-fresh. All the labels should be present and clean. The underseat area would be almost spotless and every fairing fastener should be present, with few if any signs that any panels have ever been removed.

There may be issues with rubber parts hardening, and seals drying out.

Genuine bikes like this do exist, and they aren't all that rare, but check everything and running a VIN check would be money well spent.

Good luck ... if it is genuine, and the price is good, it would make a fine ride at a fraction of the new price.

 

[garyahouse]

I bought my 05 with 3800 miles back in the summer of 2010. I had one little issue: cracking in the outer headlight lenses. I guess several that year had issues. They look a little funny, but work fine. Not that I care, they're worthless compared to my Clearwater Kristas. Also had some VERY blue pipes. My guess: too much starting and idling rather than actual riding... owner wanted to get it running once in a while, but didn't ride it much. Didn't hurt the bike as far as I could tell, but the pipes were almost purple (just in front of the cans). I cleaned em up with Barkeepers Friend and they're fine now. Other than that, I've had zero problems with the engine or the bike.

What to ask: factory recalls been done? If you want to double check, just talk to a dealership and tell them the VIN #. They can answer your question as the factory keeps records of recalls done.

Maintenance records:

Antifreeze?

Brake and clutch hydraulic fluid?

Rear end?

The dreaded ticking typically doesn't show up at 5k miles. But it's really rare. Chances are VERY slim that you'll ever encounter a "ticker."

It's not a deal breaker if the fluids haven't been done. No biggie. Change them all out when ya get the bike. This forum has "how to's for all this stuff. That's the greatest part about an FJR. No shortage of info or advice around here (or sarcastic insulting advice as well HOHOHO)

Original tires were Metzlers. Or: front brake pads will last about 40-50 k miles. Give em a quick check to verify mileage.

Gary

darksider #44

 

[DezzertRider]

Thanks for the sanity check guys. I've been without a bike for a while and I'm kind of anxious. This bike is at a dealer that sells bikes that were traded in at car dealerships, so I can't speak with the original owner. The VIN check at a minimum would be required. There are also some wear marks on the top of the tank and for a bike with only 4800 those shouldn't be there.

There were also a lot of scuff marks on the bags and the underside of the left bag had what looked like a lot of road grime. I think I'll pass on this one and look elsewhere. Thanks for the restraint and bringing me back to earth.

John

DezzertRider

 

[Geezer]

Well, even if the mileage is not accurate, it might be a good bike for the right price. Assume it has 75k miles on it, how much would you pay?

Regarding how the mileage might be changed, I believe the odometer data is stored in the instrument cluster, so, a replacement instrument cluster would show the mileage for the bike the cluster came off of. Or, if the windscreen was melted, then maybe the cluster was also, and then changed for a new or low mileage used one.

 

[DezzertRider]

Hi Geezer,

The bike is $6600 so it's not exactly at a fire sale price. With all the signs that the mileage might not be genuine, I think I'll keep looking. It "could" still be a good bike, but I'd rather have better background info before pulling the trigger on this one. There will be another one ...

John

DezzertRider

 

[Twigg]

Hi Geezer,
The bike is $6600 so it's not exactly at a fire sale price. With all the signs that the mileage might not be genuine, I think I'll keep looking. It "could" still be a good bike, but I'd rather have better background info before pulling the trigger on this one. There will be another one ...

John

DezzertRider

True ... But try an offer of around $5000. If that is close to what the bike owes the dealer, you may be on for a deal ... and that mileage might still be genuine.

Worst he can say is "No" ... and you wouldn't get my '05 off me for less than $4500, and it has 88000 miles on it.

 

[Warpdrv]

I met a guy that rides the same as me 2005 back when I bought the bike.....

He was married w/ kids and rarely rode the thing, a few weeks ago he stopped by my shop (Gas Station, Car Wash, Service Station). He recently got divorced, and he was on his bike that had less then 5000 miles on it.... Its not impossible that people own a bike and just don't get the time for one reason or another to get on it and ride.

Its a great bike...... what tires are on the bike..... that is telling about what come from the factory as I'm pretty sure you can't get them any more....

Good Luck with the hunt

 

[Geezer]

Hi Geezer,
The bike is $6600 so it's not exactly at a fire sale price. With all the signs that the mileage might not be genuine, I think I'll keep looking. It "could" still be a good bike, but I'd rather have better background info before pulling the trigger on this one. There will be another one ...

John

DezzertRider

At that price, I agree, no way. That is more than I'd pay for a nice '05 from a trustworthy seller. I would not even pay half that price for an unknown.

Take a look at the for sale section on this forum. There are usually a few for sale at reasonable prices, and sometimes very good prices.

 

[SkooterG]

Hey John. Just came across this thread. Don't know if you would be interested, but I have a pristine 2004 ABS FJR with 4340 miles I might be willing to part with. I am down in Maricopa. Just left town for 6 weeks on the road so unfortunately am unavailable for a little while. Let me know if are interested.

 

[Twigg]

Hey John. Just came across this thread. Don't know if you would be interested, but I have a pristine 2004 ABS FJR with 4340 miles I might be willing to part with. I am down in Maricopa. Just left town for 6 weeks on the road so unfortunately am unavailable for a little while. Let me know if are interested.

I don't think he means 4000 miles on the Trip Meter, Skooter

 

[SoCalFJR1300]

I'd buy Scooters...at least you can talk with the original owner and he can lie.......er......I mean he can answer your questions.

 

[DezzertRider]

Hey John. Just came across this thread. Don't know if you would be interested, but I have a pristine 2004 ABS FJR with 4340 miles I might be willing to part with. I am down in Maricopa. Just left town for 6 weeks on the road so unfortunately am unavailable for a little while. Let me know if are interested.

Well, you ask for a low mileage FJR and look what comes along: The 'Virgin' - 2004 ABS - 4344 miles, a garage queen

I think I might be interested in that.

John

DezzertRider