2005 FJR Question

[cjb600]

Hello, I am new to the forum. I currently have a 1994 VMax and am finding out it lacks some things for touring. I would like better suspension, more fuel range, and some type of storage-bags, etc. There is a 2005 FJR for sale locally that caught my attention. I rode it yesterday and liked it a lot. My right hand was numb after about 10 minutes, but I think I can fix that. The seller wants $3000 or best offer. The bike has 36,000 miles and is in very good condition. Anything I should look out for before I make an offer?

 

[infrared]

cbj,

The Gen1 FJRs may need a new Cam Chain Tensioner (CCT).  Look for a blue-dot or green-dot CCT; no dot means you need a new CCT.  You can do the job yourself, if you follow the good  tech write-ups, or have it done by a shop. 

The Gen1s also had heat issues, as in cooking your calves, but there are some fixes for that, also.  Good boots and/or leg armor will help with that.  Take a long test drive, and decide for yourself. 

There was a long-ago issue with bad valve guides, a fairly rare but real issue, which Yamaha mostly fixed, but there may be some noisy ones still out there.   We called them "tickers."  If the head was Yamaha-repaired, it will be fine.  Do not ignore weird-noisy valves; just find another bike. 

At that mileage, the valve clearances should have been check/shimmed already, but it's a pricey job, if it has not been done yet.  I would want to see the maintenance records, for those head issues. 

FWIW, that is low mileage on an FJR, just barely broken in.

.

 

[Bluestreek]

If its an abs bike make sure its working. 

I put almost 100000 miles on mine. I still had the same cct and valve guides that came from the factory.  The bike ran just as strong as the day I got it.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Hello, I am new to the forum. I currently have a 1994 VMax and am finding out it lacks some things for touring. I would like better suspension, more fuel range, and some type of storage-bags, etc. There is a 2005 FJR for sale locally that caught my attention. I rode it yesterday and liked it a lot. My right hand was numb after about 10 minutes, but I think I can fix that. The seller wants $3000 or best offer. The bike has 36,000 miles and is in very good condition. Anything I should look out for before I make an offer?

There's a 2013 with just a hair more mileage than that 2005 for only $2800 more on the For Sale section.  That '05 is barely broken in and will run a long time. However, If it was me and I had the extra cash, I'd go for the '13.